question from a new rider

[scarambo16]

im a new rider and trying to figure out which bike to purchase. i have some friends and family that have been riding for a while, and each one has a different opinion. everything i read and watch says the zzr-600 isnt a bad bike to start out on considering it pretty much has the best of everything. just wondering what anyone thought. thanks for the help.

[undiscloseddisorder]

Take the course first, that will help you more than your dumb buddies.

[howfast?]

i got a 2001 zx6r which is pretty much exactly the same bike as a zzr600. it's my 2nd bike i had a vtr 250 before it and i have to say that if your going to do a lot of communiting it's gotta be one of the bests 600 sport bikes for the job, comfortable and fast and they look great. so far mine has has held up well after 20k.

[ZZRrocket]

Have you ever ridden a street bike before? Even though a ZZR600 is only a 599cc bike. With today's technology the bike has the potentail to be a beast on wheels to the un-experienced rider. I'm not trying to burst your bubble, but if this is your first street bike maybe you should consider the 250, or 500 first and then move up to something with 4 cylinders after you get some miles under your belt. Also as another member said. Don't listen to your friends. He's right, your so called friends don't know everything and that could get you killed. It's your ride. Ride your own ride, no one else can do this for you. One of the smartest things you could possibly ever do is take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Class, Sign up for the (BRC) Basic Rider Class. You will be happy that you did. It teaches the basic fundamentals of riding. Which is something you don't have if you have never ridden a street bike with crazy people driving cars. Well that's enough preaching. Good luck, Jay

http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=NY

http://www.msf-usa.org/

[bigw00dy]

Originally Posted by ZZRrocket

Have you ever ridden a street bike before? Even though a ZZR600 is only a 599cc bike. With today's technology the bike has the potentail to be a beast on wheels to the un-experienced rider. I'm not trying to burst your bubble, but if this is your first street bike maybe you should consider the 250, or 500 first and then move up to something with 4 cylinders after you get some miles under your belt. Also as another member said. Don't listen to your friends. He's right, your so called friends don't know everything and that could get you killed. It's your ride. Ride your own ride, no one else can do this for you. One of the smartest things you could possibly ever do is take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Class, Sign up for the (BRC) Basic Rider Class. You will be happy that you did. It teaches the basic fundamentals of riding. Which is something you don't have if you have never ridden a street bike with crazy people driving cars. Well that's enough preaching. Good luck, Jay

http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=NY

http://www.msf-usa.org/

Well said!! This should be a sticky

[cadi197]

I agree with taking the Beginner Riding Course. I have never sat on a bike before Sept. 2005. I took that course at that time and taught me all the fundementals on riding a bike. They showed you everything you need to know on how to operate the bike and aslo showed some basic manuvers to help in sticky situations. Once you learn those basics, experience is the key. My first bike was a 2006 ZZR600. Alot of poeple told me the same you are hearing about starting on a smaller bike. All I can say is to me, this was a great bike to start on. I have 1,600 miles on it and love the way it rides, feels, and handles. I will just say, if you start with a bike like this, be mature and dont let your friends push you past your riding abilities and always, always WEAR YOUR GEAR.....Good luck.

[qiknes]

I started on a 500 and moved to a 600 after 5 years. I loved the 500 and if I could have afforded both I would have kept the 500. It really depends on you, some poeple start out on a 600 and do fine. They are a lot of bike for a beginner in my opinion. If you have the restraint to take your time and learn the basics, a 600 could make a great first bike. Again it depends on the person. I also suggest taking the Beginners Course the MSF puts on.
Good luck!!!

[ZZRrocket]

Originally Posted by bigw00dy

Well said!! This should be a sticky

Thanks man Just trying to help out. I wouldn't want to see a new rider get in over there head.