600 cc starter

[gumby1220]

my current bike is a 600cc bike also was my first bike. i still consider myself to be in the "newbie" catagory to riding but for the past few months i've had the bike i've had a grate deal of experience riding an average of 80-90 miles a day yes thats just about everyday only day i don't ride is sunday due to being my off day from work. i am not saying that 600cc is ok for a starter from my experiences. if i would have had someone to tell me that it wasn't such a good idea i probably would have gone with a 250 or a 500. because when i started out i had a few scares still have yet to lay her down and hopefully won't but did have my scares. all i'm saying here is it is ok to start with a 600cc but you do have to be extra careful and you are putting yourself more at risk. be safe have fun

[RACER X]

and your also talking about 15-16 y.o. 2nd tier 600 bike, not an '07 SS bike.

MSF ?

[sbfuller]

and your also talking about 15-16 y.o. 2nd tier 600 bike, not an '07 SS bike.

MSF ?

i was thinking the same thing... my first "real" street bike was a 1987 ninja 600.

[maskale]

the difference between that and a new 600 is the difference between a 600 and 1K, handling will be different also. But yes all those that started on a 600+ will agree with you.

[gumby1220]

and your also talking about 15-16 y.o. 2nd tier 600 bike, not an '07 SS bike.

MSF ?

yeah that plays a big part also since the throttle isn't near as sensitive you really need to crank it to get some rpms.

[txgsxrbob]

i was thinking the same thing... my first "real" street bike was a 1987 ninja 600.

I had an 86 red White & blue ^^^^

[sbfuller]

I had an 86 red White & blue ^^^^

tom cruise had an 86, red and gray one in the movie top gun :nod:

[gumby1220]

tom cruise had an 86, red and gray one in the movie top gun :nod:

fastest production bike that year wasn't it?

[sbfuller]

fastest production bike that year wasn't it?

i really doubt that...

[Cherub]

tom cruise had an 86, red and gray one in the movie top gun :nod:

+1 to being safe on the street.

and ive always wanted to do the scene in top gun

[gumby1220]

really bc i've read from searching trying to find out what bike he actually had in that movie and it says the bike he had was the fastest production bike at that time. don't think it was a 600 though

[sbfuller]

really bc i've read from searching trying to find out what bike he actually had in that movie and it says the bike he had was the fastest production bike at that time. don't think it was a 600 though

i don't think they made that year model in a 1000... but even if they did, honda was still making the V65 at that time and that bike i KNOW is faster... my dad has one and we raced

[RACER X]

yeah that plays a big part also since the throttle isn't near as sensitive you really need to crank it to get some rpms.

and other then cars merging into you, have you had any real emergancy's?

MSF ?

[gumby1220]

i don't think they made that year model in a 1000... but even if they did, honda was still making the V65 at that time and that bike i KNOW is faster... my dad has one and we raced

you're probably right bc where i read that wasn't really a big website. so they may have had some false info themselfs. wish i knew the website

[gumby1220]

and other then cars merging into you, have you had any real emergancy's?

MSF ?
no i didn't taken msf want to just haven't had the time to take off from work.

and i have run into a couple emergancy's. one of the biggest ones that i had was pot holes learned real fast on how to handle those and also avoid them as much as possible since i do live downtown where the road conditions are not to shabby :banghead:. also rideing in the rain the first couple times i did i had a hard time adjusting to the traction differences but i think that just comes with experiance.

edit: just wanted to add that i also ride in the wheel groves of cars to avoid not only oil but possible objects on the road

[RACER X]

how many miles have you ridden?

what times of the day?

alot of factors play into you staying safe. and it may not be the norm for everybody.

[gumby1220]

i've ridden just bit over 4000 miles in the past 4 months. and most of it has been in rush hour traffic alot on 610, 59, and 288 .

i know that is not the norm for the average rider out there but for me until i get enough bread to get another car that will be the norm for me

[RACER X]

"all i'm saying here is it is ok to start with a 600cc but you do have to be extra careful and you are putting yourself more at risk. "

4000mi/60mph = ~67hrs of riding, so about 1 work week and a half. would you tell people at your job after that time frame how to do their jobs? and lets add it's a dangerous job.


ask your ins. agent if your the norm. ? insurance rates on 600SS bikes will tell you, your not the norm.

[jus10]

really bc i've read from searching trying to find out what bike he actually had in that movie and it says the bike he had was the fastest production bike at that time. don't think it was a 600 though

It was a ninja 900, or GPz900R.

[gumby1220]

here are a few quotes from my previose post
"my current bike is a 600cc bike also was my first bike. i still consider myself to be in the "newbie" catagory"

and i am not saying this is how to do things just simply stating my experience i also said this "if i would have had someone to tell me that it wasn't such a good idea i probably would have gone with a 250 or a 500"

so lay off cool down and chill i was saying my experience not yours back off.

and for the records i stated in my previous post that i was not considered in the norm i've only been riding for for months and putting over 4000 miles on in that short of time yeah i would say i do have more experience than the average newb.

[RACER X]

you also said

"all i'm saying here is it is ok to start with a 600cc "

and all my points have to "expose" how little you really do know about riding and all that it entails. and how new riders shouldn't be giving out bad advice based on their experience or lack of it.

glad you've made it so far. but odds are ? newbs on 600SS bikes are gonna crash or not ?

[CLETUS]

I think a lot of us saw Tom pulling that as kids and we had bikes burned into our minds. The coolest guy in the world driving a moto and flying jets.
Top Gun Rocked!!!

"Where'd who go!!"

[gumby1220]

It was a ninja 900, or GPz900R.

ahh yes it was the gpz 900r thank you.

[Fight The Chaos]

for what you do (commuting) its not bad to start on a 600 but if you're afraid of that throttle, its not such a good idea after all to start on a 600. If you know how to countersteer, swerve, brake in emergencies, and a few other important basics, then msf is something you don't really need. However, its never too late to get back into MSF...you'll learn things you never knew or simply forgot.

People kept telling me to keep the 250 for at least 1 year that seemed too long as i felt ready to step up. I decided to sell it within 6 months of daily driving and within a few weeks i was fully adjusted to the 636. In the end do whats wise for yourself. If all of humanity learned at the same pace, I can merit telling you exactly what you SHOULD do. But alas, some of us learn faster and therefore earn experience faster than the "norm".

[gumby1220]

for what you do (commuting) its not bad to start on a 600 but if you're afraid of that throttle, its not such a good idea after all to start on a 600. If you know how to countersteer, swerve, brake in emergencies, and a few other important basics, then msf is something you don't really need. However, its never too late to get back into MSF...you'll learn things you never knew or simply forgot.

People kept telling me to keep the 250 for at least 1 year that seemed too long as i felt ready to step up. I decided to sell it within 6 months of daily driving and within a few weeks i was fully adjusted to the 636. In the end do whats wise for yourself. If all of humanity learned at the same pace, I can merit telling you exactly what you SHOULD do. But alas, some of us learn faster and therefore earn experience faster than the "norm".

thank you. some close minded people don't get this concept though. but yeah i want to get a 600ss soon probably will be a gixxer 600

[Romeo36]

ok the most IMPORTANT thing about riding a motorcycle other than wearing your gear is to KEEP REALLLLY GOOD TIRES ON YOUR BIKE. other than that just be really SMOOTH on the gas off the gas on the brakes and off the brakes

[CLETUS]

thank you. some close minded people don't get this concept though. but yeah i want to get a 600ss soon probably will be a gixxer 600

Gixxer sixxa FTMFW!!!

[Street Ninja]

I Started on a ninja 750 That was 3 years back I have changed bikes like underwear in that time. I will say the 750 was just right for me, BUT "I raced Dirt Bikes from the time I was 5" so here again it all depends on the person. *KNOCK *KNOCK ON WOOD*I have yet to go down. MANY ASS PUCKERING CLOSE CALLS, most were LADIE CAGERS IN THE A.M. Putting on her FACE just SWINGIN lanes whith their head in their ass! Nothing to the ladies just stating my exp.

*DISCLAMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I DONT RECOMEND YOU FOLLOW SUIT MAKE SMART CHOICES!!!!

*2nd Disclamer!!!

I ment NO pun towards the ladies, if you took it the wrong way IM SORRY!

[gumby1220]

wish i could change bikes like underwear must be nice. how did you like the 750 b/c i'm think of going to a gixxer 600 or 750 not sure just yet

[HoustonGixxer]

i took msf and was practicing on their 250, and my first bike is a gsxr 600. its all personal preference and whether or not your up to the challenge to be able to control a 600. PERSONALLY a 250 just wasnt enough for my tastes, but then again i am 280 pounds lol, 600 for me is just enough power to do the kind of riding i want to do, and i know my limits on my bike as well.

[gumby1220]

i took msf and was practicing on their 250, and my first bike is a gsxr 600. its all personal preference and whether or not your up to the challenge to be able to control a 600. PERSONALLY a 250 just wasnt enough for my tastes, but then again i am 280 pounds lol, 600 for me is just enough power to do the kind of riding i want to do, and i know my limits on my bike as well.

i agree with you on that and yeah if you don't know your limits and let your ego take over i can see how people get themselfs into trouble

[HoustonGixxer]

id say if you think you are ready for the responsiblity of riding a bigger, faster bike then go for it!!! i certainly did, Knock wood, nothing has happened yet, plus msf did go a long way as far as preparing me for the road on a motorcycle, a looooooooooong way. lol I plan on taking the erc in a couple of months just to increase my stills and awarness for the road.

[gumby1220]

yeah as soon as i get a chance to i would like to take the msf course as soon as i can get a couple days off from work which won't be till after the new year

[Street Ninja]

Dont get a 750!! Too much too soon! I am 5'6 190 I am not a fattie and the 750 was all i will ever need I liked it better than my R1. Will go back to a 750 next. Trick to swappin bikes. Buy low sell hi!

[slo_rdr]

Started w/ an older ('99) 600 F4. I do so much researching into my decisions and decided trading out a 250 or 500 in a year would just be frustrating. (One thing I did find - I think a 500 GS(f) would make anyone a great 1st.) Good thing about the older bikes = much more forgiving when set up stock. I've learned a great deal, made (or had them made) some minor changes to gearing, front suspension,master cycleder..blah blah... and was able to "grow into" my bike safely. It really depends on the mindset and responsibility of the individual. I'm having a blast and can't wait to get a dedicated track bike next!

[johnpatrick87]

i'm 6'5 and 230 pounds and started on a Ninja 500. After a year of riding, following my friends on 600s I decided to upgrade. I learned a lot from having a smaller bike first. I know plenty of people who started on 600s. Lots of them crashed or scared themselves and don't ride anymore. The thing is if you really love to ride, it will not matter what you start on. If you're worried everybody goings to make fun of you for riding a 250/500, and then buy a 600+. I don't think you should even be riding if it's just an "image" thing. Just my opinion though as I couldn't afford a 600+ till now...

[Chris24]

ill add this:

i started on a '86 VFR700. (it wasnt a great starter bike.)

ive owned after that:

1990 FZR 1000
1997 GSXR 600
1994 GS500

while ive gone the fastest on the FZR, and leaned the furthest on the 600, its honestly been the GS thats taught me the most about perfecting technique.

only now after years of riding am i really getting into leaning the rider more than the bike all the time. learning to finish all braking and make proper gearing changes before a turn, and accelerating through a turn instead of coasting through which can get you killed.

its one of the reasons i plan on keeping this GS forever. i love teaching friends how to ride if they want to learn and this is the perfect bike for it!

[cashtown]

It was a ninja 900, or GPz900R.

yep.

didn't Kawi also make a 750 turbo around the same time?

[cashtown]

i really doubt that...

gpz 900r was touted as the fastest proddy bike in '86.

[gumby1220]

gpz 900r was touted as the fastest proddy bike in '86.

i knew i read that somewhere. good to hear that some confirmation that i wasn't pulling sh!t from my ass

[Whorenet]

yup first street bike i ever owned was my 92 cbr 600....still have it, and yeah so what if ive been riding dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, and what have you for a while.....its all a learned skill....like driving a boat....

everyone is different, but if you ahvent taken the msf, do it!