One of my friends wants to get into riding. He has access to one of these for pretty cheap. I am not sure the model number, but it has the two round headlights and a pretty square rear. 600cc. I don't know anything about it.

Good or bad? He is a level headed guy, not a stunter or moron. What would be the main differences between that bike and say a new 600cc(F4i?) (other than the fuel injection). Any comparisions.

Please excuse my complete lack of knowledge. I do not know much about the older sportbikes.

 

Probably an fzr 600 I almost got one but kawis are just too much of a value to pass up. All the ones I've seen are well taken care of and really well ridden. If your friend wont mind the lights(asthetically) then I'd give the thumbs up. Its kinda heavy for a first but not comparably for the middleweights. First guy to rape me in middleweight class was on one of those. Very healthy torque and a good riding position. I guess parts would be harder to find than an f4i but they wouldn't be more expensive.

 

Tony, you are my one stop shop for answers today You on AIM? Ninerwest is my SN.

How does it compare performance wise to the new 600cc's?

I think he told me $3K. Real low miles. Like 3500 or so.

 

You can get it cheaper. I've seen them for 3100 or so for a 95. That one was in indiana I think. I can't sleep and need new tires on my bike so I can't ride. Car's got a burnt rod bearing, can't drive.

 

Those FZR's had a really long (relative to todays 600's) stroke, good for excellent midrange. I'd say it would make an OK beginners bike...

 

The difference is that if he drops the yamaha it wouldn't be as bad as dropping a new F4i. I think its a pretty good begginers bike granted he's responsible and he takes the MSF course before he starts riding it.

 

one of the guys that rides the backroads has a fzr600. he has no problems keeping up with the literbikes in the curvy parts. i think its a good choice for a 1st timer with some basic previous riding experience

 

If memory serves, they were pretty light for 600's of the era (c 1989). A dry weight of like 395 lbs (an R6 is ~370, I think)

 

Sounds like a FZR600 for sure...I personally think it's an excellent bike for newer riders, though I'd have reservations about recommending it to someone with no riding experience whatsoever. They do make excellent track bikes as well, and have lots of aftermarket bits available.

Differences between the FZR600 and newer sportbikes:

1. 18" rear wheel - all newer sportbikes use a 17" rear wheel. There are still plenty of excellent tires out there for the 18" though.
2. Less-adjustable suspension - probably good for newer riders, but as the skill level increases he may want more adjustability. Easily sorted with aftermarket parts.
3. Just looks older - possibly less of a theft target than something new and shiny.

 

I like #3 meept. My zx6r has been getting a lot of attention lately... the wrong kind of attention. Perhaps a swap is in order?

 

Definitely an FZR. I have one and it was my first bike.

PROs: Bike is very light and easy to flick around turns. Lower ride height for the inseam challenged, and has enough hp to keep up with the "newer" 600s in the canyons but has a low enough hp to keep an inexperienced/new rider out of trouble. (friend of mine prefers his FZR600 for trackdays over his R1) Great beginner bike IMO along with the CBRF2s. 3k sounds like a good deal because of the milage. I got my 95 FZR600 for 2300 but needed some minor work to it before getting it on the road. (had 21k miles on it at the time) oh yeah... TONS of parts for it on eBay.

CON's: Not as "sporty looking" as the newer bikes, unless you are into the classic sportbike look (which can be solved with the R6/R1 airtech body conversion kit). 18" rim in the rear provides a not so great tire selection (also it is a rather skinny rear which does help in the bikes flickability), the hp powerwise, it is kind of on the weak side even after mods.

Check out http://www.FZRArchivescom for more info on the bike...

 

tell him to take the msf course.. then get a bike