Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Thank you for that! I'm slightly worried about getting a used bike becuase of my lack of experience with motorcycles. I work in the automotive field so I won't miss leaks and other obvious things but the more subtle and hidden problems unique to motorcycles could get past me.

Since looking for a 500r is leading me no where, I've decided to expand my search to other bikes. I know the new 600cc sport bikes are a bit much to learn on, but how about mid to late 90's models? What are your opinions of a Katana, late 90's seem to be in my price range and look pretty sharp in my opinion.

If it is a 4cyl 600cc, just look the other way. The reason the ninja 250 and 500r are much better choices are because they are parallel twin engines.

They dont have the crazy power in the high RPM's like the 4 bangers do. I would definitely make an effort to stay away from 600cc sport bikes to start. The last thing you want to do is ahve to worry about being able to control your bike while you are learning... There is really no reason to have a bike that does 100mph in 2nd gear for normal street riding. Just think of the first time you will accidently let the clutch out too fast, or mis-shift, and throw yourself from the bike...
You will be a better rider if you can learn how to ride without having to worry about such a touchy difference between shiny side up, and laid up in a ditch.
Besides, it's a lot more fun to ride a slow bike fast, then a fast bike slow (sorry to whoever I stole that from).

See if you can find a suzuki gs500f.

Point well taken, and appreciated. I just was not sure if the older inline-4 cyl bikes had the same unnecessary power that the new ones do. I'll just have to be patient and find the bike I want.

the katana is a tamer version of a SS but even still is a damn fast bike. just doesn't quite have what a CBR would have. i can't say myself that a 250 or 500r would be better since i started on a 03 katana 600.

One thing you ought to keep in mind is that bikes don't lose value like cars do. If you get a good deal on a bike one year you can probably sell for around what you paid for it if not more, IF you keep it in good condition. So unless you are inept at all things mechanical, which it sounds as though you might not be, dont be too afraid to get into early 90's s since you can sell it later. Then you dont have to be so concerned about getting just the right bike. It's just a starter.

Shawn