First ROAD bike

[Cront]

OK I know you've all heard it before, the quintessential question on the New Rider Forums. What should I buy for my first road bike. Just to clarify though I've been riding Trials for 10 years (currently on a 260cc Montesa) and I've ridden a myriad of trail and motocross bikes ranging from 80cc (my first bike) to 600cc for the past 15 years.

I've got my heart pretty much set on a 2000 model ZZR600 (ZX-6 in the USA I think) or a 2004-5 FZ6N. I've also looked at the new ER6N however I've read some less than convincing reviews of this bike. I have to say I prefer the ZZR however I'd like some input and I'm not just here to hear someone justify my decision.

As an added not I'll be taking a course or two offer but HART Rider Training http://www.hartridertraining.com.au/ and hiring a CB600 Hornet from them.

Any input would be welcome

Thanks

[Ivan_markII]

I think people who have been riding dirtbikes for 15 years get the special privilege of riding any bike they please.

ZZR has better, more adjustable suspension. FZ6 is less sporty but still pretty damned sporty.

I'd get the FZ6 because it has less fairings, uses FI which is less troublesome that carbs (cleaning carbs is no fun), and its engine is very peaky.

[Fargin_Bastige]

Originally Posted by Cront

OK I know you've all heard it before, the quintessential question on the New Rider Forums. What should I buy for my first road bike. Just to clarify though I've been riding Trials for 10 years (currently on a 260cc Montesa) and I've ridden a myriad of trail and motocross bikes ranging from 80cc (my first bike) to 600cc for the past 15 years.

I've got my heart pretty much set on a 2000 model ZZR600 (ZX-6 in the USA I think) or a 2004-5 FZ6N. I've also looked at the new ER6N however I've read some less than convincing reviews of this bike. I have to say I prefer the ZZR however I'd like some input and I'm not just here to hear someone justify my decision.

As an added not I'll be taking a course or two offer but HART Rider Training http://www.hartridertraining.com.au/ and hiring a CB600 Hornet from them.

Any input would be welcome

Thanks

I would still start small. There are things on the street that you will never run into on a the street, like traffic. You've also been riding singles and not multis. Multis are a way different style of riding as well.

Give yourself some seat time on a smaller bike and practice your safety skills. You do not get a special dispensation on the street from traffic hazards and realistically you are a new rider other than control operation.

Street and dirt are totally different styles. Some of you Aussies who've been riding dirt for a while went to smaller bikes first, like Gobert, Corser, Bayliss and a few others.

[Cront]

I've been thinking that myself since I posted that and looking around some more.

I've been looking at 400cc models, especially the RFV400. They look like enough of a weapon to have fun on but far more forgiving for what will be a new surface and style of riding.

I was a bit apprehensive about a 600 not even looking an SS and I think this will be a lot better for my confidence and let me learn quicker. I figure when I finally get over the bike it'll be a nice one for my girlfriend to start on too.

Anyway thanks for the input, keep it coming, I know you guys from the USA didn't get many of the 400s but if anyone has any experience with them, I'm all ears.

[Fargin_Bastige]

Originally Posted by Cront

I've been thinking that myself since I posted that and looking around some more.

I've been looking at 400cc models, especially the RFV400. They look like enough of a weapon to have fun on but far more forgiving for what will be a new surface and style of riding.

I was a bit apprehensive about a 600 not even looking an SS and I think this will be a lot better for my confidence and let me learn quicker. I figure when I finally get over the bike it'll be a nice one for my girlfriend to start on too.

Anyway thanks for the input, keep it coming, I know you guys from the USA didn't get many of the 400s but if anyone has any experience with them, I'm all ears.

Actually, my first street bike was an FZR400. We don't get them in the states, but I wish we did.

The RVF is a nice bike. We have a collector in our shop who brought in an NC30 and it's very nice.

Also, if you're ever in Ipswich and feel like bowling, my uncle owns Ipswich Superbowl. Just thought I'd throw it out there.