A begineer : R6 or a 650F?

[Badgerboy]

Hi all,

After much complaining from my father, I have finally got around to booking my CBT in preperation for my DA course. Been happily motoring for 10 years, but decided now would be a good time to get on a bike.

I've been told the Suzuki 650F is a great 600cc bike to start on. Not only that but the insurance is pretty cheap as well. (£150 TFT) However, a friend of mine has a R6 and loves it. It was his first bike, and mentioned that as long as you don't try to find the limits of traction when starting out, it's worked pretty safe for him. The R6 is appealing in some respects as it looks prettier, and has better performance.

Hopefully you guys can venture your opinions on what would be a good first bike. I'd like a sports bike. I did try sounding out some guys at the local Superbike shop, but I think they just didn't have any time for a car driver, which was a bit disapointing.

Before anyone mentions it, my father would dis-own me if I bought a 125.

I have two budgets;

One involves me getting a new car and a bike, which limits bike cost to £2k max. (Ideally would be better, don't want to spend lots of money and then stack the bike)

Keep the car for another year, and spend £5k. (Perhaps a bit foolish starting out?)

Thanks.

[randlemarcus]

There's a whole stickied thread for just your predicament at the top of Biker Banter, but it boils down to:
Second hand, as 1) you'll sell it sooner or later for stronger,faster,better and 2) you WILL drop it. Probably at embarassingly low speed, or while absolutely still. Naked bikes dont have as much plastic to repair

Have a good wander through that thread, and you'll come back with a list of bikes to have a closer look at. PS You'll find a bunch of opinions that things like the R6 arent for beginners. Maybe so, but thats more to do with the immortal who rides it, and his interpretation of an analogue throttle. Have fun.

[Rach81]

I know Im a girl so I dont count, but I dropped my bike in the first 3 weeks, CBR 600F, at a standstill! Just too high and too nervous at a juntion.

Having a sit on them both is my recommendation, mine is SOOOOO comfortable now, but only because Ive messed with him

[Hobo]

My first bike was a brand new R6 (new model). Had it delivered on 1st March, so was brand brand new.

Had it 2 years now & in that time haven't crashed it or dropped it (although someone else had the pleasure of doing so for me, StuB !!!).

Get what you want, not what someone tell you. I found the 600 sports to be ideal for me. By that I mean its pretty gutless at low revs (in bike terms - fast as f@ck in car terms), however build them up & its as quick as most things unless you're a riding god. Just use your common sense. As they say, they only go as fast as you make them, plus.... is it so bad having such a capable machine at the start ? Some of the technology on these machines may even help you (heaven forbid).

[Badgerboy]

Thanks, I'll have a good look at the R6 then. I'm not so worried about the capabilities of the bike. I used to do a lot of flying, and providing you know your limits, the machines limits, and how to minimise any problems if they occur, you should be get through okay. Risk is inherant, but you can take steps to minimise it. (Like me flat spinning it at 5000 feet. That was the least fun thing I have everdone.)

Famous last words mind, gotta take it easy!

Time to start budgeting.

Edited by Badgerboy on Sunday 6th April 21:45