[omargue]

i have riden motorcycles for over 2 years (everyday rain or shine) and just got my motorcycle license here in the USA. i want to buy me one of these bikes as my first sport bike but want to know what you experts have to say.....basically i want to know what are the pros and cons to each bike. i am looking for something cheap and older. it doesnt matter to me much 'how cool' it looks, i just want to ride.....after doin my research i here the cbr f4i is the most comfortable. and from what i see the zx7r is the cheapest.....(probably the zx6r would be cheaper but personally ive seen the zx7r cheaper)

im looking to get something from 95+

i heard the zx7r's are dinosaurs and are really heavy. and the r6 is a lighter bike.....

what would be something best for an experienced rider but 1st time sport bike rider? one thing i want to do is lower the bike a little so i have more control when stopped....(im alittle on the shorter side)

what are the pros and cons for a streetfighter? i would prefer one but doesnt really matter, i heard you really feel the wind hitting hard you because taking the fairings off there isnt any aerodynamics.....does it really make a big difference or not even......

im looking to get something for about 2000 bucks, clean title and in the winter when prices are cheaper.....

thanks in advance for any help

 

[teedubyaw]

They all make you look super cool!

 

[PhilB]

All of those are fine enough bikes, and the differences between them in real life are small. Within your stated parameters, it's more important to find one that's in good condition and has been maintained well than it is to worry about which brand you get. Look for all of them, and buy the first one in your price range that hasn't been beaten to death.

PhilB

 

[univurs]

Get the one with the lowest miles, and the most cheapest. Try to find something that hasn't been on a race track. If it has rash on the plastic don't run away. Most likely those are cheaper priced and low miles. Just as longest its in full working order.

All of those bikes are just fine for commuting and having fun on weekends.

 

[NattyDrez]

Taking the fairings off a sportbike dont make it a 'streetfighter'. Thats just considered a 'naked' bike. A streetfighter is a totally custom-tuned and fabricated sportbike. Two totally different things.

Get somethng in the 90's that is cheap, yet runs well. You will probably drop it or something of the sort so dont get anything super nice.

Whatever you get, practice. That means ride your heart out and skill and knowledge will come with mileage, experience, and sense.

 

[PhilB]

Taking the fairings off a sportbike dont make it a 'streetfighter'. Thats just considered a 'naked' bike. A streetfighter is a totally custom-tuned and fabricated sportbike. Two totally different things. ...

I disagree. A "naked bike" is one that was designed and sold without a fairing.

A "streetfighter" is indeed just a sportbike without a fairing. Genuine streetfighters did not originate as "a totally custom-tuned and fabricated sportbike"; they were indeed regular sportbikes that had been crashed and stripped, and some effort made to clean up the ugly stuff that the fairings hide. Just as choppers and bobbers started as homebuilts where parts were chopped off to lighten them for performance, not as "totally custom-tuned and fabricated" unrideable showpieces that they mostly are today.

PhilB

 

[Stick N Move]

$2,000 will get you a nice peice of crap to be honest.

As for streetfighters...

A streetfighter is a superbike that is customized by removing the fairing, and making other changes that result in an overall more aggressive look. Beyond simply removing fairings, specific changes that exemplify the streetfighter look are a pair of large, round headlights, tall, upright handlebars such as those on a motocross bike, and short, loud, lightweight mufflers. Completely custom-built one-off frames, originally intended to overcome the weakness of the tubular steel frames of the early 4-cylinder super-bikes of the 70's and 80's, also characterize the streetfighter trend. Many of these frames turned out to be "beautifully crafted pieces of metallurgical art," perhaps only unintentionally

 

[Deavastator]

$2,000 will get you a nice peice of crap to be honest.

As for streetfighters...

I disagree. You can find some pretty nice gems on ebay or craigslist if you look in the right spots. I for example, went pretty cheap, and got a pretty nice 1998 Triumph Daytona T595 with the carbon fiber high exhaust can. I ride with GSXR 600s, 750s, Yamaha R6s and a Kawi 636, and they are pretty dissapointed their 2005-2009 motorcycles can't leave a budget bike like my 11 year old Daytona. I am usually pulling away , or about ready to shove my headlights up their ass

 

[hus]

I've owned 2 CBR600s (88 and 94) and 2 ZX7s (94 and 96 7R). I don't think you could go wrong with any of the bikes you're inquiring about. You are correct about the ZX7R. The bike is heavy but man I wish I never got rid of my 96; I just always have liked the looks of them. They need some suspension help but the power-to-weight ratio was kind of confidence inspiring to me because it just wasn't like mind blowing speed...about like any mid 90's 600. Don't get me wrong, it's still a fast bike but you get what I'm saying.

The Hondas are comfortable for sure. Can't go wrong with'em in my opinion. Except for the 08 1000RR I hear...but that's another story.

Never owned a ZX6R but have ridden a few...very good all around bike if you ask me. Semi-comfort but good flickability for the twisties.

The GSXR...well, I've ridden a 97 and a 99. Great bike for the era. I think it would be hard to beat the overall package the GSXR600 offered as far as late 90's sportbikes go.

The R6. Monster bike. Light and fast. First time I ever rode a R6 was a 01 model. Felt like I was on a dirtbike with superbike capabilites.

After all that, I say find one in good working order that fits you comfortably. Good working order is important. You don't want to get yourself hurt over a poorly maintained $2000 bike. Your medical bills could be more than that. If you find one for $3000 that is in great shape and fits you good, then I say try to be patient and save the extra money. There are some really good $3000 bikes out there. Below that, just do some really good checking and take a friend with you that knows the bike. Good Luck!

Me = longwinded

 

[omargue]

thanks everyone for your help. im gonna just be patient and when searching and when checking out the bike.....what i dont want is to buy something thats gonna be a headache or a project......small minor things that need to be done arent a problem but im just gonna be patient so i can ride next season (live in NE).....also do my research on the bike before i commit to buy.....i have heard the R6 has a 2nd gear problem but is an easy fix? well ill find out all this when the time comes......like i said, it doesnt really matter which bike i get as long as i can ride next year.......thanks again