New Rider - Bike Choice?

[Mike Bell]

So I'm going to go with a sport bike. I've ridden my bro's R6 aroudn a bit, and rode dirt bikes for a few years in my teens. That wraps up my experience. I am debating on either a '06 Honda Interceptor or an '06 YZF-R6. I wan't the interceptor at first, but came across a review that had the R6 higher in every category, including safety (I guess because it's more nimble with weight? not sure!). I'm 5'10, 180. Bike will be used once or twice a week, just for a change on my work commute. Which bike would you guys recommend?

I appreciate it!

Mike

[totalmotorcycle]

Hi Mike,

It sounds like you have some riding experience under your belt.

Is your heart set on a supersport 600 then? Or are you open to other models/classes as well?

If you are, why not a GS500E/F, Ninja 500R, FZ6, SV650 or the new Ninja 650R? If you REALLY have to have a supersport 600 I might consider the ZZR-600, although it IS NOT a beginners bike at all and should be your 2nd or 3rd bike. All the above motorcycles are much more commuter friendly for a "newer" rider than a supersport 600. Supersports are not the most comfortable in slow (lower than highway) speed conditions or in stop and go traffic.

There are also a lot of good comfortable cruisers out there as well.

Welcome to the community!

Mike.

[V4underme]

That zzr600 is one nice bike! Would be easier on the insurance, too.

[Aggroton]

That zzr600 is one nice bike! Would be easier on the insurance, too.

is this really a beginers bike?...not tryin to give you guff but my older brother is thinkin about getting one...i tiold him id steal if he bought...but hed probaly kill himself on anything he road hes an idiot, so i was just curious.

[CNF2002]

It seems like everyone wants expensive sportsbikes as their first bike .

Since you're basically a new rider the general suggestion here is to take an MSF, buy a cheap low-powered bike to learn on, and move up in a few years when you are ready.

95% chance you'll scoff at that, because thats not cool and you want your dream bike right away (patience is a lost virtue in a generation thats used to getting anything it wants right away).

I dont know why Im so bitter this morning. Anyway talk to Vermillion, he started on an R6 and could probably give you an opinion on that bike. Good luck.

[totalmotorcycle]

That zzr600 is one nice bike! Would be easier on the insurance, too.

is this really a beginers bike?...not tryin to give you guff but my older brother is thinkin about getting one...i tiold him id steal if he bought...but hed probaly kill himself on anything he road hes an idiot, so i was just curious.

You are 100% correct, the ZZR-600 isn't a beginners bike at all. I hope he doesn't really want a supersport in truth. The ZZR-600 is most "friendly" one out of the 600 crop, but still a big handful for a newer rider. I really would not recommend that bike to anyone starting out at all, but he did mention "...and rode dirt bikes for a few years in my teens" but then I'm only guessing he has experience and that wasn't 20 years ago. If that is the case, a ZZR-600 is definately OUT.

Good for you in telling your brother that, you might just save his life or have him enjoy riding more because he started off on a smaller bike.

Mike.

[V4underme]

That zzr600 is one nice bike! Would be easier on the insurance, too.

is this really a beginers bike?...not tryin to give you guff but my older brother is thinkin about getting one...i tiold him id steal if he bought...but hed probaly kill himself on anything he road hes an idiot, so i was just curious.

No, I wouldn't say it is a beginner's bike at all. I was going off our leader's suggestions in the first reply. I also wouldn't say the individual is a 100% novice beginner, either, based on what they said. I probably should have added some weight to the other suggestions, too. Kaw's new 650 might fit the bill perfectly.

[Mike Bell]

I don't really care how fast it is. I'm not a hot rodder. I would however, prefer the looks of the supersports I actually like the cosmetics better on the Interceptor. I'm not dead set on a 600 either. I got the drift the R6 was easier to ride..... than the VFR

[VermilionX]

I dont know why Im so bitter this morning. Anyway talk to Vermillion, he started on an R6 and could probably give you an opinion on that bike. Good luck.

eh? i started on a gixxer1000... never ridden a motorbike before. never had an R6.

i was doing great learning the basics on it.

i crashed last weekend but it's bec i was trying more advanced stuff in the canyons and i wasn't prepared for the combination of road hazard + a decreasing radius turn.

so basically, i rode above my skill and preparation level so that's why i failed.

if you just take it easy like what i did when i was very new to my bike, it'll be alright. just resist the temptation to blast off.

[totalmotorcycle]

I don't really care how fast it is. I'm not a hot rodder. I would however, prefer the looks of the supersports I actually like the cosmetics better on the Interceptor. I'm not dead set on a 600 either. I got the drift the R6 was easier to ride..... than the VFR

You will find each bike has it's pros and cons of riding it as well as how it is mainly used.

Generally commuting is done in traffic so you'll find a lighter, smaller, more comfortable and less powerful bike is more ideal than a supersport. Sure, you'll look really cool like you are "fresh off off the track" on a supersport in traffic, but wait a few minutes when its hard on your wrists, the engine is too revvy for 2 mph stop and go traffic and pumps out a lot of heat on you in the summer sitting there... blah!

I'm glad to hear you are open to other bikes and not just going for speed (which you'll really never use) or just looks.

For me, I find a small bike like a 500cc or less works good in city traffic as it has enough power to get you out of someones way or to scoop into a spot. Even a Ninja 250R will easily beat any car off the line and travel at high highway speeds.

The next thing is your height as many small bikes don't fit tall riders.

Mike.