Thread: what to look for in a sport bike

im a new rider and I have been looking at a cbr 600 (a little too big for me)
and a r6, i think im gunna end up getting the r6

get a R6 and if its not enough get a R1 .. Most dealerships that i know of will not let you test ride a brand new bike . So finding a feel for what you like is like walking into a lambo dealer pulling up in a toyota camry . you will sit in it but wont get to drive it . I suggest make a list of bikes you interested in , Find the newest or certain years of the bike your interested in . Locate them on your local craigslist . Take a check for the amount of the bike< not endorsed of course> and test out other ppls bikes in the process if they are willing to but atleast you will get an opprotunity to take it for a spin , see if its comfortable , and has the power your looking for .. Not doing 0-60 starts and popping wheelies <lol> just get a feel for the balance, power, stopping, handling,shifting u get the point .. and see which one feels best to you .JUST REMEMBER , YOU BREAK IT YOU BUY IT .. Most todays newer style 600's have a more aggressive rider stance but once you get some seat time in you will gel in with the bike or get a corbin gel seat , adjust the suspension and what not it never ends with bikes . Most will suggest that you get a 250cc bike but I can promise you even though you will never outride it like its meant to be ridden <not on a street atleast> and you will be kicking yourself why you didnt atleast get a 600 , given your statement that you have modded cars before <power wise> im guessing, I can guarentee you will not be happy . Some here can afford the luxuries of owning multiple bikes and some can only afford 1 bike at a time be it money,time,space ..ect. so every rider will have a diff experience and knowledge . In the end its personal preference , a 250 will not make you a better rider then a 600 , you might be able to turn quicker coming into a turn but coming out of the turn you will be lagging like a clk350 < no offense to anyone with a clk> compared to lets say a clk black series . Again this bike will be a street bike and meant to be ridden on a street you wont ride it like your on the race track I. Riding/street- Racing/track <~ remember that when riding and it will help you stay alive longer and have less chance for wreck. Why settle for less your an adult , you know your limits , you will respect its power just like you would your modded car even though the car is alot more forgiving . Now if you were a total NOOB that didnt know where to put the key into the ignition then yea i would say get a 250 cuz you got alot to learn but I dont think thats the case here . honestly IMHO the only benefit 250 will have over higher cc bikes is MPG . Can sit here and debate why a 250cc would be better then a higher cc engine type bucks buts its endless from both side. Now if you dont feel comfortable buying a brand new bike as it will be you first then if getting used try to keep it 1 owner , lowest mileage possible would be best clean title a must .. this is my personal opinion and somwhat personal experience but by no means meant to steer you in a direct direction just giving you my thoughts .. Goodluck whatever you decide .!!!

Originally Posted by MSRT8:Nik

What else did you buy with it?

Nothing yet I'm not gonna put any money into mods for it as I'm not sure if I'm gonna keep it or flip it at this point. It's a FZ1-N so it doesn't have the stupid fairing on the front. It was just in too nice of shape and too cheap to pass up.

I've been riding it around with just my bv2s helmet and my mx gloves which feels really dumb to me considering whats in between my legs I think it's manageable and doesnt feel like its gonna rip my arms off at low rpms but still scares the hell out of me. Without a doubt anybody without any dirt/going fast experience that doesnt have a tremendous amount of respect for a bike like this would probly end up very very bad. I'm gonna get something smaller really soon maybe a fz6 as I like he feel of this bike but I'm gonna probly get too confident at some point and kill myself on this one.

I'll post some pics when I get my camera back.

pics!
i hate that headlight fairing on those bikes, i told myself if I bought one I'd rip it off and put on a streetfighter headlight, that would be bad ass.

One tip I have, if your look at one around 15k miles make sure it has proof of a service or dont buy it. That service can be very expensive. Mine is looking at $450(including front brakes though), at a dealer this would have been probably $1000+ easy.

Any of the jap 600s are great. Just dont ever cheap out on tires, get the expensive street/track day tires from Dunlop or pirelli IMO

Originally Posted by ShortHillsAudi

pics!
i hate that headlight fairing on those bikes, i told myself if I bought one I'd rip it off and put on a streetfighter headlight, that would be bad ass.

Thats what it had on there when I bought it.

I may have missed something because I just skimmed all the posts. But if your gonna go with a Buell I recomend a 1200. dont bother with the 900. My first bike was a 900 Firebolt and it was not even close to being as peppy as a 600. the 1200's are close. I think the Honda CBR600RR is the most comfortable and most forgiving 600 on the market. the R6 is very fast for a 600 the GSXR has a very race feel to it and the kaw is a COW! lol
I went from a buell to a 07 1000RR and loved it so I'm a Honda guy for sure!
Good Luck and be safe on whatever you get!