[347stroker]

I would love to get a bike, it wont be for a little while but in the near future. I really like the GSXR600 or the ZX6. Im a smaller guy about 160-170 so a 1000cc would be a bit much, plus I used to ride dirtbikes every now and then so I dont have much experience. I want a used one so if I did lay it down it would hurt the check book as much lol. You guys have any suggestions for what to look for when buying one or which bike would be better/easier to learn. Thanks alot guys.

[silver99gt]

ive had both actually. i have the kawasaki right now though. so i can give you a little info on both. the suzuki sits a little wider and has a better seat, the kawasaki is like ridin on a 2x4. My kawasaki has a lot more power and it flat out stomped an 02 gsxr 600 awhile back. My suzuki got better gas mileage by about 5-7 mpg. I really like how my zx6 handles compared to the gsxr, it just feels a lot more precise. Out of those two bikes id definetely go with a zx6r.

[HBK_2007]

lol, ive seen like 100 threads about this. i have a 250R and im 5'6", 150lbs. the best advise i can give you is go to a dealer and ask if u can sit on a few bikes to see how they feel and how they fit u and go from there

[347stroker]

Originally Posted by silver99gt ive had both actually. i have the kawasaki right now though. so i can give you a little info on both. the suzuki sits a little wider and has a better seat, the kawasaki is like ridin on a 2x4. My kawasaki has a lot more power and it flat out stomped an 02 gsxr 600 awhile back. My suzuki got better gas mileage by about 5-7 mpg. I really like how my zx6 handles compared to the gsxr, it just feels a lot more precise. Out of those two bikes id definetely go with a zx6r.

Ive sat on both, and I do like the gsxr600, however I thought it was fasster than the zx6. Thats why I was wondering if it would be better to get the ninja with less power. Guess I was wrong lol. I love the feel and the looks of the suzuki so thats def my first choice. Just didnt know if its hard to control the power of it, sounds gay but I dont have a death wish.

[347stroker]

Originally Posted by HBK_2007 lol, ive seen like 100 threads about this. i have a 250R and im 5'6", 150lbs. the best advise i can give you is go to a dealer and ask if u can sit on a few bikes to see how they feel and how they fit u and go from there

I know there have been a ton of threads on this, and Ive sat on both. Liked the suzuki better but though it had more power, guess I was wrong. The ninja dealer told me that the ninja was an easier bike to learn on, but they will say anything to sell a bike so I didnt know how much truth there was to that.

[ReverendDexter]

Every time I've seen this question asked, the answer always comes back Ninja 250. A lot of guys balk at the small displacement, but everything I've heard is that there's no better bike to learn on. Plus, resale is really good on 'em, because everyone wants one for that very reason. You could always learn on a pocket bike : )

[HBK_2007]

well if u like the way the suzuki, buy the suzuki. its ur crotch that has to ride it

[~C~]

Go with a 600. That will be fine. You will not be tired of it either. Especially the ZX6 or even a CBR600R. The R6 is nice and more ergonomical (sp?). Go sit on a few different ones a the dealer. See which one feels the most comfortable. Then buy USED!!!! If you are worried about laying it down, get a used one first. I had two used bikes and they both are perfect. I dont think I could buy new.

When buying used, there are a bunch of things to look for. Here is a good beginning list to get you started:

1. Ask for the maintenance records. Make sure they were all done on time.

2. Ask about upgrades. Some are good and some are bad.

3. Look at the sprocket. The teeth should be sharp and pointed, but not like a sharks tooth, they should be a nice shape almost like a triangle with a little curve up in it, and make sure they are not rounded off.

4. Look and inspect the chain. Make sure it isnt completely grimy and nasty. It should be lubed, clean, and free of dirt and oil. You will know if it is real greasy and has a lot of used dirty sticky oil sludge on it, time for a new one. Inspect all the links to make sure they are in tact.

5. Inspect the lights and the blinkers. Make sure they all work properly.

6. Check the horn.

7. Look at all the plastics. None of them should be scuffed or scratched (of course minus the occasional key scratch). Ensure there are no road rash signs on it.

8. Look at the headlight/front cowl connection. There is a little bar that connects the tripplestack or the frame to the front cowl assembly. If this is cracked or broken or hairline fractured, the bike was used for wheelies.

9. Look at both the front and rear tires. There should be no "chicken strips" on it. If it was ridden on the highway mostly, there will be some good chicken strips. If it was used for twisties, then the road use (which you can see) will be about 1/8-1/4 inch from the edge of the tire. If the tire looks like it has scuffed up and rubber shreds peeling up near the edges, then it was used on the track.

10. Inspect the engine including the exhaust and the case covers and make sure no scratches or damages.

11. Feel the engine to make sure it is cold. Have them start the bike. Let it warm up to operating temp. Look at the oil level in the sight glass. It should be at normal. Once it is warmed up, give it some throttle and make sure it responds for every little increment you turn it. Make sure there is no backfires or smoke coming out the back. It should sound smooth. It should have also started up very quickly.

12. Inspect the brakes and the rotors. They should be full and the rotors should not be worn down. Brakes should operate perfectly, especially the front one.

13. Take it for a test drive/ride. Make sure nothing is loose or rattling. Make sure it sounds good and there is a clean response to the throttle. Make sure the power band is strong all the way through the rpm range. You obviously wont be able to test the full rpm range in all gears...you would be doing roughly 160+.

Thats about it for starters. If you check thos things, you are probably getting a good bike. There is/are a ton of things that can be inspected and checked as well, but if you need to, PM the links or the info on the bikes you are thinking about and I will help you out.

Check out KBB for pricing before you go to look at it so you know what you want to buy it for and what is reasonable. If it is to good to be true, it is. Hope this helped!

[MSO]

^i think a 600 might be a bit much

[Modified88Dreamer]

Originally Posted by MSO ^i think a 600 might be a bit much

Nah, the biggest thing to remember is to respect the power and that was my 1st choice. I'm happy with it. I'm still here and dont have to worry about paying more money out of the pocket (when it would have ever come time for a 2nd bike)

[MSO]

i would never recommend a beginner biker anything over 500

when u get experienced, you forget how much u didnt know when u first started riding

imagine giving a 16yo, who never drove a car before, a 2,000hp drag car.. and sayin, go do a couple spins around the block

[347stroker]

Is it anything like a dirtbike mso? And thanks alot C, I printed that out for future reference, thats exactly what I was looking for. My sisters husband has a 954 and he told me a 600 shouldnt be a problem when I start learning. He told me to stay off the streets and go to parking lots and just ride around and get comfortable. Does that sound pretty good. I kinda agree with that.

[Modified88Dreamer]

Originally Posted by 347stroker My sisters husband has a 954 and he told me a 600 shouldnt be a problem when I start learning. He told me to stay off the streets and go to parking lots and just ride around and get comfortable. Does that sound pretty good. I kinda agree with that.

Exactly what I did.

[347stroker]

Ok cool deal thanks alot for the help.

[HBK_2007]

thats what ive been doing, just riding around in circles, practising stoping and corners

[Modified88Dreamer]

Just keep in mind you may rack your sack stalling the bike on takeoff. I did twice and face turned red like a Coke-Cola cup. Heart felt like it was in my throat. Dont worry about the turn signals, until your comfortable riding. Its just a distraction

[347stroker]

LOL, how close is it to a dirtbike, I was decent at riding those, I realize its a ton more power but Im taliking shifting and the clutch and what not.

[Drick]

If you've riddin dirt bikes alot before a Ninja or GCXR 600 would be perfect. Dont listen to what the other say saying it would be to big. My friend never rode before and bought a R6 4 weeks ago and he loves it

[Modified88Dreamer]

I've never ridden a dirt bike, its all the same though. Brakes located on the right, clutch stuff on the left. 1st gear you press the foot clutch down and depending on weither the bike has 5 or 6 gears you then hit the foot shifter upward. To down shift back into 1st you just keep hitting down on the shifter. N is between 1st and 2nd

[347stroker]

Originally Posted by 8t6gt If you've riddin dirt bikes alot before a Ninja or GCXR 600 would be perfect. Dont listen to what the other say saying it would be to big. My friend never rode before and bought a R6 4 weeks ago and he loves it

Yea im not going below a 600, its pointless IMO. I wasnt great by far, but I rode every now and then.