OK, First off I want it to be known that Im 20, but Im not like all the teenagers that are asking if its possible to start out with a R1 or RC-51 right now... *even though the RC-51 is my dream bike* ... I have wanted a crotch rocket since day one and I want to get into it now that Im 20 and have some spare cash. I know for sure that I will soon be joining the MSF course down in Omaha, I wanted some help with the next step.

I have read a bunch of forums of people saying what would be a great beginner bike and I have found out there is about three REALLY good beginner bikes....
Kawasaki 500R
Buell Blast
Suzuki 500 (GS i think?)

I was thinking more towards the kawasaki, but I really have no idea. Help me decide guys... By the way I am 6'2" 225lbs If that helps with the bike decision.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Given your size, I don't think those bikes quite fit you.

If you like the Kawasaki, look at a mid 90's ZX6. My brother has one and although he isn't quite your size (6', 185) he finds it comfortable.

I think the Blast may be down a little on power to effectively move you around. It's a sharp handling bike too (a bit twitchy from what I hear) which isn't the best thing for a beginner.

Check out the Yamaha FZ6 and the Suzuki SV650 too, they are both great beginner bikes that you won't feel so cramped on.

 

Checked out the bikes... Like em... But kinda sketchy on the 600cc. I just dont understand it all... I mean, why dont i just get a CBR 600 or something like that? Im looking for a beginner bike that will fit me, but i can still have some fun on. I really want to get into the crotch rockets so no hogs please... thanks... gonna go look at those bikes again.

 

Almost convinced on the Yamaha FZ6. I guess i wont know if it will fit me until I sit on it. but being that im 225lbs I dont want to be too heavy for the bike... help me out guys...

 

The answer to ur question if u like Honda CBR600 F3 f4 or f4i then next year i think u might be ready for a RC just maybe but also take the MSF advanced riders course.....

 

yeah.. man.. with ur size. an f4i is a great bike to learn on.. u'll be able to throw it around like nothing... thats my first bike. and im 5'9" 130lbs. i've been on it for almost a year now... its still going great for me.

and i think those 500's would be to small for u.. u might smash them.

MSF course ->

 

Given your size, and what seems like a healthy respect for the power and responsibilities, and yoru desire to go sport oriented... you may be able to just get your dream bike, just go slowly and use respect. I would not recomend this for a smaller person. And the bikes are so chep right now... they really have not held there value very well.
PEace
Schu

 

hahah, reading what you guys just posted just made me feel like a fat ***

I'm 180 right now and planning on gaining another 20lbs to be 200.

6'2 skinny asian guy, somehow feeling fat compared to someone being 130 lbs.

Going to what I was trying to get to...Is my 2000 GSXR600 gonna be able to lug my fat *** around? LOL. jk

 

ok guys here it is, going today to go sit on all the bikes... and if i fit one like a glove then I'll get it (hopfully the CBR600f4i ) I wil let you all know what i find out. Many people have told me to go with the f4i because of my size so i'll definatly check it out. Thanks for all your help guys. Will let you know what i find out.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WildManWiles &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> ok guys here it is, going today to go sit on all the bikes... and if i fit one like a glove then I'll get it (hopfully the CBR600f4i ) I wil let you all know what i find out. Many people have told me to go with the f4i because of my size so i'll definatly check it out. Thanks for all your help guys. Will let you know what i find out. </TD></TR></TABLE>
cool. good luck

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jinya1004 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">hahah, reading what you guys just posted just made me feel like a fat ***

I'm 180 right now and planning on gaining another 20lbs to be 200.

6'2 skinny asian guy, somehow feeling fat compared to someone being 130 lbs.

Going to what I was trying to get to...Is my 2000 GSXR600 gonna be able to lug my fat *** around? LOL. jk</TD></TR></TABLE>

LMAO!!!!!!!!! ahhaha.. sorry bro.... *cough*fatass*cough* hehehe..

the gixxer 600 will be great for u.

 

oh my, please don't fall into the "i'm big so i need a bigger bike" stereotype. Most of the weight handling characteristics of motorcycles is close to 350 lbs plus the bike. yeah you may look like a retard on a 500cc bike (i know i do, i'm 6' 3" 200) but check out http://www.sportbikes.net
http://www.cycleforums.com
http://www.beginnerbikes.com

they have some great tutorials about beginner bikes and how a fast bike doesn't make a fast rider...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Wacked2882 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">oh my, please don't fall into the "i'm big so i need a bigger bike" stereotype. they have some great tutorials about beginner bikes and how a fast bike doesn't make a fast rider...</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's not a stereotype, it's the truth. And it has nothing to do with fast.

Case in point: Me and my GF vs just me on my FZR600. Not 0-60, not quarter mile, just in relation to driving around.

In short, with her on the back, it's a wheezing, sluggish pig. The extra 145lbs represents a 25% decrease in the power to weight ratio. Think that doesn't matter when pulling away from a light? How far do you think 50lb/ft of torque will get you?

My friend who weighs 250 rode my bike and hated it. Great up high, but downright sucky down low.

The reason I mentioned the FZ6 is because it is targeted at the beginning rider. It is also a retuned (for better low & midrange) version of the motor in the R6. Yes they are both 600's, but one is comfortable and is better suited for a larger rider and the other is not. Just because the FZ6 is a 600 doesn't make it a sportbike, it's closer to a standard in function but it just doesn't happen to look as plain as a standard.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Wacked2882 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">oh my, please don't fall into the "i'm big so i need a bigger bike" stereotype.</TD></TR></TABLE>


this is a styerio type? I've never heard that one... i'm so big I need a bigger bike?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MSchu &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
this is a styerio type? I've never heard that one... i'm so big I need a bigger bike?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I wouldn't say it's a stereotype, but I have heard people use it before.

To a degree it makes sense, it depends on what bike you are trying to justify though.

I'm 225 so I need a Hayapuka just doens't cut it. I'm 225 and my Ninja 250 is a bit weak for me and I need something bigger certainly is valid.

 

I can agree with the 250 statement, for instance a man on one of the forums I posted above was looking for a bike and he weighs in at a hefty 380 pounds. Now an ex500 probably isn't going to work for him, but an older early nineties ZX-7R would be fine to start out on. And yes its not a sterotype but I couldn't think of what else to call it, maybe its a common misunderstanding of the purpose of a motorcycle, a misnomer if you will.

 

I agree that weight is a big factor in the speed of a motorcycle, and that can become a very annoying problem for someone that has been riding for a couple of years, but we are talking about a beginner bike, something that needs to be forgiving when you make a mistake. The FZ-6 I think is a great bike to start out on. Personally I think newer, more technologically advanced bikes are better to start out on than early 90's bikes simply because they are lighter, the suspension is nicer and they are easier to gain confidence on. Power wise I still think a new 600cc bike is too much for a rider with under 10k miles under his/her belt. Now there are people out there that will prove me wrong and have started riding on an R6 (or something of the sort) and will say that they never hurt themselves and that they think they are great riders, but who wants to take that chance and end up being that guy in the newspaper that went splat?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Wacked2882 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I agree that weight is a big factor in the speed of a motorcycle, and that can become a very annoying problem for someone that has been riding for a couple of years, but we are talking about a beginner bike, something that needs to be forgiving when you make a mistake.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Power is also a safety issue. Avoiding a dangerous situation could involve the throttle or the brakes. If you are a heavy guy on an underpowered bike it's not going to move when you need it to.

As for a 600 being to much power, in the hands of some, yes. Luckily the power is up high and the midrange (where you ride) is just about right. There's not to much that it will put you flat on your back if you crack open the throttle to much, but just enough to save your *** if you need it. The guys who splat are not dying because there is to much power, it's to much power and a complete lack of sense and their own abilities. Exercise caution, use your head and a 600 is great to learn on.

I learned on a Yamaha Seca 650 Turbo. A heavy, stupidly fast bike that is not unforgiving and has sucky brakes. To much throttle mid corner when the turbo spools and you are in deep, deep ****. I was aware of that though, so it wasn't a problem. I rode it for about 3 months (loaned to me from a friend) and then bought my FZR600. I was still green as hell, and that bike served me well. Don't fear the 600, fear your lack of restraint. That's what keeps you alive.

And you are right, a forgiving bike is paramount. Why just last week I was taking a corner near my house at about 10mph, in a hurry to get home because it was about to start pouring and I got on the gas a little to early in my rush to accelerate down the street. The back end swung out and I rolled off the throttle a bit and it snapped back in place. Luckily, the softish suspension on my FZR (8 year old shock, thank you very much) gave quite a bit and I didn't high side. On a newer 600 with more power and a stiffer suspension and I am sure I would be telling a different story.

The older 600's (mid 90's) are certainly more forgiving and much less powerful. Mine puts down a crushing 75hp to the wheel, vs a new R6 at a little over 100. The brakes are just as good and the suspension is more forgiving. Discounting the FZR as a good learners bike just because it's a 600 is shortsighted. The same goes true for just about any 600 made mid 90's, they are all good to learn on.

In the end, you gotta be comfortable with the bike you ride. If a 600 scares you that much, stay off it. Just don't get ballsy on a 500 because you think it isn't to fast. Fear is what keeps your right hand in check.

 

i'm 6' 215lbs. and i ride a gixxer 600 with no problems. weight is not an issue on it at all. i think it all depends on what year 600 you grab. most of the nwer ones have plenty of power to get you around just fine.

 

i dont know people i am 6'3'' 275lbs and i have a f4i and i love that damn bike. i have a 1000 also and i prefer the f4i cause it is just so much more fun to ride. even with my big *** on it i can get up and go. i am geared down 2 teeth in the front but still i have fun riding it. mabey i am just so used to riding it.

 

some of you here are talking about big people on small bikes as if we have had 100hp 600cc bikes for decades.

large people rode underpowered bikes not even 20 years ago, and those bikes lugged their fat asses around just fine.

if you're in a situation where speed is what's needed to get you out of that situation, you didn't leave yourself enough "outs" and had better reconsider your confidence level before becoming a statistic. increased speed is a way out of many bad situations, but it's usually not the best.

 

well said, I completely agree with everything that you said there. As long as you respect the bike and its abilities then good luck to ya

 

Just remember you have to roll on the throttle. It's not like you just bleep the throttle on a 600 and it just goes out of control. If you have self control for speed and the bike, you should be fine with a 600 in my opinion.

 

I looked around... checked out the GS500F and the Kawasaki 500R and sat on them... WAY too small... I feel like my knees are touching my chest and i just feel crammed... Now it may be a good bike to start on and everything... But then i sat on the 02 CBR600f4i and it fit like a glove.. a small glove but still fit... I dont think really any sport bikes are much bigger then the other, meaning you still have to crouch down on the bike... But i think the CBR600 fit the best without going out of control with power (998cc+)... I think that this can go for anyone... We talk a lot about respect for the bike... but if you know that you are just starting out on a sport bike like the CBR600 then know your limits... Respect is knowing your limits and knowing that the bike can exceed all your limits at any one time..... And that one time means 'splat'.... Im sure there will be lots that will disagree with me, but Im just saying to each his own and I will let you guys know what turns out... I think it is good to be scared of your bike to a point.. that keeps you in check...

Buying the CBR600f4i here in a couple days... I'll tell me family to leave a message on here if Im dead.... Joking.. As it says down below... "FEAR NOTHING, DO EVERYTHING"

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WildManWiles &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I looked around... checked out the GS500F and the Kawasaki 500R and sat on them... WAY too small... I feel like my knees are touching my chest and i just feel crammed... Now it may be a good bike to start on and everything... But then i sat on the 02 CBR600f4i and it fit like a glove.. a small glove but still fit... I dont think really any sport bikes are much bigger then the other, meaning you still have to crouch down on the bike... But i think the CBR600 fit the best without going out of control with power (998cc+)... I think that this can go for anyone... We talk a lot about respect for the bike... but if you know that you are just starting out on a sport bike like the CBR600 then know your limits... Respect is knowing your limits and knowing that the bike can exceed all your limits at any one time..... And that one time means 'splat'.... Im sure there will be lots that will disagree with me, but Im just saying to each his own and I will let you guys know what turns out... I think it is good to be scared of your bike to a point.. that keeps you in check...

Buying the CBR600f4i here in a couple days... </TD></TR></TABLE>

u put that very well.
good luck on a good price

 

Good choice bro. You'll love the F4i.