CBR600 for a beginner?

[basshole]

That's AMAAAAAZING!!!!

They assume that if you can pass the MSF riding course, you can pass their course.

Here in AL there is no riding part of the licence exam, only the written part (the only state in the US to do that). I really wish there was a riding course here as there are SO many squids riding around with no clue which is the clutch and which is the break

[camthepyro]

Alright, so the guy I was going to buy the rebel from turned out to be an "O Ring", and sold it to someone else as soon as the offered him another $100. Don't get me wrong, who wouldn't take the best price, but if you've already agreed to sell it to one person, you shouldn't turn around and sell it to someone else.

Anyway so now I'm looking at an '82 Nighthawk 450 for $1000, and a '84 VT500C Shadow for $1300-ish. I'm hoping on the nighthawk, because it's cheaper, and has some dings, so I won't be too upset when I drop it, and after I gain some experience, I can fix it up a little.

[kabob983]

There's still that GS500 too.

[camthepyro]

Yeah, but it's too expensive, my budget went down to $1400. So I'm going to be getting that nighthawk tomorrow for $900, here's some pics:

http://img128.imageshack.us/my.php?image=de15tq.jpg

http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3115fe.jpg

[Pin_Cushion]

As far as using a bike as your only form of transport, I wouldn't worry about it. Invest in decent gear, and you'll be fine. I've been riding mine everywhere since last October, and it's only on rainy days that I really regret it. It got quite cold this past winter (ooooooh, a staggering 40 degrees F!), but still nothing too bad to bear. With spring here finally you should have few problems riding everywhere you need to on a bike.

[J.R. Bob Dobbs]

I would think that Nighthawk 450 would be an excellent bike to start on, good find IMO. Make sure the tires are good (replace them if they aren't, prolly about $230 installed).

[DivideOverflow]

Good find on the nighthawk 450! That should be a fun bike. I personally can't stand the 250 version (too small for me, and a tad buzzy for my tastes), but I did really like the nighthawk 750.. I assume the 450 should be somewhere inbetween those. haha.

So did you get it?? Let us know how you like it!

[earwig]

A 600 sport bike is NOT too much to learn on, I know 2 guys, one that started on a 600 and one on a 650 and both of them are awesome riders now and haven't even dropped their bikes once. I am just curious to those that use the bike as their only transportation... do you own a house? I can't imagine not having my truck... I can't picture myself riding down the road with a propane tank on my back because my grill ran out of gas... or how about strapping a a bunch of 2x4s to the handlebars so I can frame out a new room in my basement.

[greenmountainman]

I agree a 600 isn't too much to learn on. I learned on one. What it is is a bike that will slow down the learning curve opposed to learning on a 500 and working your way up etc. I, by no means, am an excellent rider but I haven't dropped my bike and have only gotten into one situation that was "sketchy" due to the fact that I wasn't paying my full attention and the bike actually helped me out of the situation moreso than a smaller one might have. A 600 is good for the right people, but I understand the reservation from the more seasoned riders here in recommending them as starter bikes.

[camthepyro]

So I got the bike today, and I have to say it's pretty sweet. I can't ride it yet, because I haven't taken the MSF class or got a license, but it still looks nice, and until then I'll occupy myself with cleaning it and fixing a couple minor issues (use a wire brush on some rust, clean it, new battery). I'll post pictures soon.