600cc starter bike or smaller?

Question

I am 23 and just getting into sport bikes... I have been looking around and talking to people about a good starter bike while looking at gear. I have had about 50-50 results regarding where I should start. I'm a big guy and I have people tell me I might as well go ahead and get something 600cc if that's eventually where I'm going to go (which it is)... whereas others have told me I should start with the 492cc Buell Blast or something similar since that's what they use in the MSF course in town (which I will definitely be taking). The people who have said just go with a 600cc used CBR or something similar because after about a month on the Blast I'll wanna get something bigger real quick... keep in mind I have never ridden a motorcycle in my life :-P What do you suggest? Thanks!

Answer 1

People don't understand how much power a sportbike has. You go to any "sportbike" forum and they will suggest Ninja 250 or ninja EX500. Especially if you have NEVER ridden before. People always say R6, GSXR 600 or 750 for a first bike. Alot of people get hurt on the full on sportbikes cause they think they can handle all that power and they get in over their head. Maybe if you had some experience, then the Buell Blast or the SV 650 would be sufficient, but I wouldn't advise it. I have a ninja 250, yes of course it's slower than all the other sportbikes, but you're just learning. In a 1/4 mile the 250 will run like 14.3 seconds, the Yamaha FZ6, which is what my husband has will run 11 seconds in the 1/4 mile. Yeah it's 3 seconds slower, but you're talking about a bike that has less than half the power of the FZ6. You can always get a bigger bike, you need technique before you can move on to that much power. P.S. Don't get a dirt bike....not the same

Answer 2

Unless you are a rarity you will not have the discipline to hold back a 600cc sportbike at 23 years old. I rode a 250 ninja for a starter bike before I bought a CBR600 at 21 years old. I couldn't even count the times the CBR nearly killed me because of the acceleration. It is difficult to learn to adjust the throttle in a turn when you ride a bike that will pull really hard with a tiny change of throttle input. Take the advice of people that have been riding for more years than you have been alive, they survived on a bikes that long because they learned to ride on something small. Most of the people that will tell you a 600 sport bike is a good starter bike either don't ride, or never learned how to ride well.

Answer 3

I started with a cbr600 and I think it's a great choice. You'll get tired of the power and size of the Buell in 3 weeks.
Remember, You can get yourself hurt whether your on a 50cc moped or a GSXR 1000... It's all about riding safely and responsible. Take an MSF course. Ride cautiously. If you thing you are responsible enough to weild the power of a 600cc sport bike, then go for it. The bike will only be as fast as you want it to be.

Answer 4

Since you said you rode dirt bikes, than a 600 may be about right. If you have never ridden a bike before, I would have suggested starting with something smaller, like a 250. But that would be more like the dirt bikes you are already familiar with. Remember it is 440 pounds, so can be a lot to balance if stopped, fallen, or needing to back up.

Answer 5

First, take a course to learn to ride... That was my first step. Then I rode a relative's 500 for a summer. This year, I decided to buy my own bike, an 800. But to start with, power/size isn't really an issue. It's learing to ride! I'd say a 600 would be okay. But if you found a 500 to be more affordable, I wouldn't hesitate to pick it up. You won't lose a ton of money if you buy it used and take care of it for a year or two. And you also won't be out lots of money in case you do make a mistake and dump it.

Answer 6

Since you have never riden before I would suggest getting a dirt bike first. You learn how the bike works and when you crash (and you will) it will not have too much damage to you or the bike. Riding on the streets is not as much about the bike as it is maneuvering around cars that pull out in front of you and sand on the road among countless other things.

I have riden for 30 years, started on dirt and moved to street. They are not the same thing but the skills you learn are the skills you will use on a street bike, ie. leaning, braking, power, etc....

Answer 7

I recommend a mid-range cc bike for most beginners (regardless of sex and stature). It's true that you'll outgrow the smaller bike fast.

That said... part of riding is walking the fine line of fear. You want to be afraid enough of the machine so that you don't pull crazy stunts, yet not so afraid that you never take it out of the garage. This fear factor varies from person to person.

My suggestion is to wait to buy until after the MSF class. Not only will you experience the MSF bikes, but you might be able to ride the bikes of fellow students (who already bought one). Also, the instructor will be able to make a better judgment of your comfort level than any of us on YA. That's the person to whom you should really ask this question.

Good luck and welcome!!!


PS: Keep your MSF receipt. Most motorcycle insurance carriers offer a discount for customers who have taken the course.

Answer 8

I am currently riding a Suzuki GS500F. Great bike to learn street riding on. Nice acceleration and stable, good riding position. I will be purchasing GSXR600 in the next couple of months as my riding has improved and I am more confident to handle more power. I have been riding dirt bikes since I was a kid. Riding a street bike is a totally different experience. What ever you do be safe and enjoy biking.

Answer 9

if you only buy 1 and r sticking with it get at least 750 but if yiu just wana start w/ something used 600 is not bad