PLEASE VOTE: Would you recommend a 600cc sport bike?

[Psycluded]

I laid out my thoughts on the subject in NuRider's thread:

When choosing a ride, make sure to choose one on which you are comfortable assuming responsibility for your own safety.

So long as you follow that advice, I have no doubt you'll be ok. Ride safely first and foremost, and remember that reducing the risks doesn't end when you choose a bike that fits you.

[MarkyPancake]

I met another guy last night who just bought a new Victory.... The first time he's even sat on a motorcycle is when he went to the dealer to pick it up

Our motorcycle license laws are different here in the UK. You can't ride on the roads without at least passing Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and then you are limited to a certain size bike (I think it's 125cc) and when you get your full license you are still limited in size/power dependent on age.

I was at an age that allowed me to do a Direct Access course which got me a full unrestricted motorcycle license.

[Sev]

I chose "No (I have ridden one before)", but only because you added "that you don't personally know" to the end of the question.

But you have...

[ZooTech]

I chose "No (I have ridden one before)", but only because you added "that you don't personally know" to the end of the question.

But you have...

He says he can handle it...so be it. Because of the disclaimer, I have to make my recommendations on a case by case basis. The kid clearly wants a YZF600, and I think it's a fine bike to learn on. So let him get one and give him your blessing.

[Sev]

Honestly I couldn't give him my blessing to get it. I'd feel to responsible if something bad happened to him because of the bike. So, I suggest a smaller one, as I have no true indication of his abilites, aside from his assurance that he can. What is WAY to common online.

[ZooTech]

Well, here's the difference...if someone I didn't know approached me about riding and asked what they should learn on, I'd ask them a few simple questions like if they can drive a stick and if they've ever ridden a quad. Based on those answers, and their physical attributes, I'd recommend one of the following three bikes to learn on:

- Old dirt bike (4-stroke)
- Ninja 500R
- Suzuki SV650

For a female, I might recommend a used Rebel 250, but would likely steer her towards a Suzuki Savage 650.

NuRida, on the other hand, has already looked at bikes...knows he's gonna ride...and picked out one he likes. That is why, even though I don't personally know the guy, I can say, "Sure, that bike will do just fine, so long as you're not a complete idiot". If he IS a complete idiot, he'll be dead soon and I won't have to worry about him crashing into me.

Case closed.

[canuckerjay]

I was actually thinking it might be a bit small.

The performance on a lot of the 600 sports out there now are pretty impressive. However, if you're at all a heavy or tall person; or plan on doubling regularily, you might want to up to a 750.

Sorry, I just never saw the point in getting a bike that I might tire of in a few months or a year. I instead find it more logical to buy something that I can grow into as a rider, and ride it conservatively until I feel completely comfortable lighting it up.

Just because something can perform at a certain level doesn't mean you have to make it perform at that level.