Total Motorcycle Community Forums

HomerSimpson wrote:
So would the YZF-600R be considered a good beginner bike? Because I have heard that the Katana600 is barely beginner friendly and so if the YZF-600R is more powerfull then the Katana750, wouldn't it be more of a second bike type deal?

thanks

yeah, more of a 2nd bike deal.


and from silentx's post... (and i don't mean the bike)

Do any of you know of good, trustworthy websites where I can look for used bikes?(dealer or by owner) The only ones I have been recommended to was craigslist.com and cycletrader.com. Also when is the best time to buy a bike new or used, to get the best deal?

Thanks

There are no guaranteed 'good and trustworthy' places to buy anything anymore, except for (but not always) a reputable DEALER.

The key to buying from a private owner is to have access to a friend who knows bikes, or find a good shop that will give you an accurate assessment of a bike.

Best time to buy: Fall/Winter... ie, RIGHT NOW. But you'll find fewer bikes available, so its a trade off. (Fewer folks decide they're NOT gonna store that bike over one more winter than decide come spring that they want new wheels.)

I found a sweet little used bike right before Thanksgiving when I was first shopping. Had a friend who rides do the test ride for me, because I had only just taken the MSF. Then I took it to a shop for the safety inspection (with the understanding that the deal could be undone if there were SERIOUS problems).

You'll want to act fast if you see something that looks promising.

P

HomerSimpson wrote:Do any of you know of good, trustworthy websites where I can look for used bikes?(dealer or by owner) The only ones I have been recommended to was craigslist.com and cycletrader.com. Also when is the best time to buy a bike new or used, to get the best deal?
Thanks

Those are the two best sites for finding used bikes in your local area. I don't know exactly what you mean by "trustworthy". They just advertise the bikes for the sellers. Whether or not the sellers are trustworthy is a crapshoot. Just like buying any other used commodity, you have to shop carefully.

Lion Lady is right on the money. Right now is a good time to buy. Riding season is ending in many locations, so prices come down. You'll probably be able to make your best deal in the middle of January, but the pickings could be slim. Depends on what type of bike you're looking for. The fall season is a nice compromise between price and availability.

First, I would like to thank you all for your advice you have been giving me(I know i will be needing more). Second, Even though I have heard mixed reviews about the Katana600, overall it has gotten a decent rating, so I've decided to go with it for now. It something in my price range and a little easier to find then the Ninja650r. January will be perfect for me cuz that is when I am going to make the final purchase. Thanks

HomerSimpson wrote:First, I would like to thank you all for your advice you have been giving me(I know i will be needing more). Second, Even though I have heard mixed reviews about the Katana600, overall it has gotten a decent rating, so I've decided to go with it for now. It something in my price range and a little easier to find then the Ninja650r. January will be perfect for me cuz that is when I am going to make the final purchase. Thanks

congrats in advance.

Hey everyone, its been a while since my last post. I was all set to get my Katana600 in January but unfortunately a lot of things went bad and was unable to purchase one. While trying to sort everything out I thought I would use the time to check out other bikes. I have been looking at the CBR600F4i as beginner bike. I have looked all over the internet and talked to people have heard advice leaning towards it being a decent beginner, any comments? Also I have not been able to find the difference between CBR600F4i and the CBR600f4, if there is one.

Thanks in advance

HomerSimpson wrote:Hey everyone, its been a while since my last post. I was all set to get my Katana600 in January but unfortunately a lot of things went bad and was unable to purchase one. While trying to sort everything out I thought I would use the time to check out other bikes. I have been looking at the CBR600F4i as beginner bike. I have looked all over the internet and talked to people have heard advice leaning towards it being a decent beginner, any comments? Also I have not been able to find the difference between CBR600F4i and the CBR600f4, if there is one.

Thanks in advance

Have you read the stickies? Have you taken the MSF course yet? I know you've been lurking here since last fall.

I don't think a CBR is a good starter bike. Keep this in mind: 400-600cc, 40-60 horsepower (70 hp MAX), and 400-450 pounds, dry weight.

Don't get so focused on a PARTICULAR bike for this first one. Keep in mind it is your FIRST motorcycle, not your last. Consider it a 'stepping stone' to your dream machine.

If you drop your sights a bit, you should have no problem finding a decent machine to ride for 6 months... bear with me: If you use the guidelines above, a used motorcycle will cost you very little to insure and unless you wreck it, you will be able to sell it for what you paid for it when you're ready to move up.

P

I have done my reading and homework. I am just trying to gather up more info and opinion since I got more time until I buy one.

Thanks a lot