First bike

[lasermatt]

Very common question I'm sure so apologies but need a bit of unbiased advice. Recently passed my DAS and picked up leathers, helmet, boots and gloves at the NEC but don't yet have a bike.

I'm pretty sure I want a 600 sports bike (All my mates have these) and initially thought I'd go for a 2006 CBR RR but having sat on the 2007 model at the NEC found it too small (I'm 6'3". I did however really fall in love with the Triumph 675 Daytona - Just a bit different and looks like a good quality bike.

So my questions are - For a first bike should I consider the Triumph or stick with Japanese (Either a GSX-R or a ZX6-R)and am I being foolish considering a brand new bike as my first?

Your advice would be appreciated.

Matt

[Steve_T]

Watch the Triumph - major problems with excessive oil usage reported in the MCN. In general the older 600s were more roomy than their modern counterparts, so you might get a better fit from an older bike. If you saved your cash on the bike there would then be some spare to pay for say a bespoke suspension setup. Indeed you may be able to find a secondhand bike with aftermarket dampers fitted and just have it fettled for you. I would say this would actually give a nicer machine to ride than a brand new 600 for less money.

Steve.

[sjtscott]

lasermatt said:

Very common question I'm sure so apologies but need a bit of unbiased advice. Recently passed my DAS and picked up leathers, helmet, boots and gloves at the NEC but don't yet have a bike.

I'm pretty sure I want a 600 sports bike (All my mates have these) and initially thought I'd go for a 2006 CBR RR but having sat on the 2007 model at the NEC found it too small (I'm 6'3". I did however really fall in love with the Triumph 675 Daytona - Just a bit different and looks like a good quality bike.

So my questions are - For a first bike should I consider the Triumph or stick with Japanese (Either a GSX-R or a ZX6-R)and am I being foolish considering a brand new bike as my first?

Your advice would be appreciated.

Matt

How about a CBR600F? No doubt its not sporty enough for some though but its a sports 600 but had lots of room! Fairly upright riding position compared to the RR and lower footpegs too both of which will help. Only other problem is that I think its discontinued now so you wouldn't get anything newer than 2005.
A mate has one and I've ridden it a few of times and there's nowt wrong with the way it goes or handles.

[anonymous-user]

Congratulations on passing your DAS and welcome to the fold! It's a great feeling deciding on your first bike, but also a puzzler unless you really know what you want. My advice is to get as many test rides as you can - it's the only way to decide what's right for you. You are also the only one who truly knows how you are likely to behave on a bike so the size and power of the bike you decide on also needs to be your own choice. When I passed my test I had no idea what I wanted other than thinking I'd like a Ducati Monster. I tried a medium-sized traillie (fine but dull and I knew I'd be bored in months), retro street bike (OK, but didn't float my boat), then agreed to try a TL1000S which I know sounds crazy. Within 100 metres I was grinning like an idiot and knew it was for me! OK, I was 37 years old with much more sense than I would have had 15 or 20 years ago, but for me it was perfect. I short-shifted it for weeks while I increased my confidence and eventually kept it for 4 years. Go out there and try examples of different types of bikes, different sized engines and configurations (in-line 4, V-twin), etc. and hopefully you'll soon realise what's right for you. Happy hunting and good luck! Take it easy out there, eh!