Forgiving 600cc bike for novice rider?

xgunnerx · 09-30-2005, 01:22 PM

I've had my 250 for several years now and i've gotten the go ahead from the wife to get a 600. My reasons are that my 250 is dying on me and ive always wanted something with better acceleration. But im still wary of stepping into this class. I test drove a R6, ZX6, and a 600RR. The R6 wasnt very forgiving and neither was the zx6 when it came to breaking. The 600RR felt ok.

I hear the gsxr is a good transitional bike for where I am at. All the bikes feel comfortable to me when sitting on them.

Any suggestions?

AirForceTeacher · 09-30-2005, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xgunnerx

I've had my 250 for several years now and i've gotten the go ahead from the wife to get a 600. My reasons are that my 250 is dying on me and ive always wanted something with better acceleration. But im still wary of stepping into this class. I test drove a R6, ZX6, and a 600RR. The R6 wasnt very forgiving and neither was the zx6 when it came to breaking. The 600RR felt ok.

I hear the gsxr is a good transitional bike for where I am at. All the bikes feel comfortable to me when sitting on them.

Any suggestions?

Might not be the look your going for, but the FZ6 is very forgiving up to 7500 rpm ... then it's a different animal.

Much more info can be found in the FZ6 forum here.

Chinygyal · 09-30-2005, 01:25 PM

I put 6000 miles on my Ninja 250, sold it and got a 2004 Honda CBR600 F4I. The transition was very smooth

RACER X · 09-30-2005, 01:53 PM

yzf600
sv<------my recommendation, though the throttle is twitchy
fz-6
new ninja 650

BooRidesSB · 09-30-2005, 01:57 PM

None of the bikes you mentioned will forgive a novice.
But, you are not a novice. You have some experience.

None of the bikes you mentioned will forgive you, either, but you can move up to the one you feel the best on with care and attention to what is different - power, throttle response, brakes, etc. Take it easy and give yourself many miles to progressively get acquainted with the bike.

If the 600rr felt the best then get it. Except for the hard seat, it's a cool bike.

And, grow an iron butt.

Of course, JMHO

IMPerfection · 09-30-2005, 02:01 PM

Yamaha YZF600R or Honda CBR600F4i.

dreesemonkey · 09-30-2005, 04:14 PM

Are you going to be a hard-core sport rider guy? If not, the SS bikes will be a waste. I used to have a Katana and it was definitely a good sport-cruiser. The only complaint I had was the weight. Being my first bike, it was way quicker than I needed, but it was very comfertable at the same time. Nice, upright position. If the extra weight doesn't bother you it would be a good choice.

If you want to do more sport riding the SV would probably be one of the better choices.

captaincranky · 09-30-2005, 04:16 PM

Take a look at the Kawasaki ZZR600
http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/2005/146_05_kaw_zzr600/

poulsen · 09-30-2005, 04:17 PM

Going from a ninja 250 to a gixxer 600 is exactly what I did. So if you're looking for a hardcore 600 cc sportbike, I'd recommend the gixxer. If you want a 600 but something a bit less agressive and more forgiving, the f4i is the way to go.

AlxandrtheGr8 · 09-30-2005, 04:26 PM

sorry im partial to the 600RR. But if you plan on doing any stunts its not the bike for that. very well balanced for the road or track.

Rocket67 · 09-30-2005, 04:30 PM

Busa...don't be a puss.

Seriously though..I am a novice and the FZ6 was fine. Like they say, past 7K and you really need to hold on but you won't have to do it long...his 100 somewhere in 3rd and I am out of the throttle before that.

lemosley01 · 09-30-2005, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocket67

Busa...don't be a puss.

Seriously though..I am a novice and the FZ6 was fine. Like they say, past 7K and you really need to hold on but you won't have to do it long...his 100 somewhere in 3rd and I am out of the throttle before that.

Busa? Why? Get the new ZX-14.

Seriously though, how about the SV-650S? A guy I went to Mid-Ohio with dyno'd his and it put down around 70 HP. Also had nice torque. You could also look at the late 90s 600s. They are more tame, than the newer ones, but they will still give ya whiplash.

levels1069 · 09-30-2005, 05:32 PM

i'd agree that a full fledged supersport would not be a good transition from the 250...
me personally, i went from a ninja 250 (rode that for 2500 miles) and then bought my Yamaha FZR600.

If i had to recommend a transition bike, my FZR would be it. Not as technically advanced as new supersports, but still VERY capable with the right rider. It's very light and nimble, definately flickable and potent. On the flipside it is tame enough that if you make a slight mistake you wont be eating pavement, power is very linear and its got GREAT brakes.

Next in my opinion list would be a YZF600, an SV650, an F4i, or an older Ninja ZX6 (99-02 style)

when you find the right bike, you'll know it...youre making the right choice though by staying away from SS bikes.

crx81 · 09-30-2005, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chinygyal

I put 6000 miles on my Ninja 250, sold it and got a 2004 Honda CBR600 F4I. The transition was very smooth

I did the same thing... 6 months and 6,000 miles on a 250, then got the FZ6. Transition was a non-issue. You may want to look into the FZ, or a bike similar to it instead of an RR bike.

Fargin_Bastige · 09-30-2005, 05:38 PM

I'd have to say the absolute most forgiving is a Katana 600 or the YZF600.

Between the 2, the Katana has the easiest demeanor to live with and is comfortable.

I own a 600RR and it's a bear on the ass and the wrists.