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I'm not really looking at a new bike right now, but you know how it goes, browsing through craigslist "just to see what's out there". I keep running across older, nice looking sportbikes real cheap. Old ZX-6's and FZR's and whatnot. I've always had a real affinity for sportbikes.

I've read posts on this site along the lines of "old sportbikes aren't nearly as fast as new ones are". I'm just wondering if an older (maybe mid-late 90s) 600cc sportbike is too much for a semi-novice rider? Not trying to rehash the whole 600cc sportbike for newbs conversation, just wondering if the older ones qualify as part of that discussion?

Hate to answer a question with a question but... perhaps if you would define "semi-novice rider"?

Many of the older mid/late `90s 600cc sportbikes still kick out about 90 - 100 horsepower. A modern 600cc supersport has about 110 - 120+. The older bikes will be heavier and not have the latest brakes and gizmos (slipper clutches, more sophisticated suspension, etc.) but they aren't that far behind.

imho, If you have gained proficiency in motorcycle operation and street skills/strategies, perhaps it would make for a good 2nd bike.

No problem .

I've got about 1000 miles under my belt on my GZ250. I've been fixing up a 92 Seca 2, and it's really been whetting my appetite for sportier bikes.

I would love to get my hands on an old FZR. They got the looks man!
Dual headlights kick "O Ring".

Yeah. I saw this guy's and thought it was awesome. He got it for $250! Wouldn't mind finding a deal like that .

So basically older sportbikes are still going to have a real twitchy throttle and touchy brakes?

roncg41677 wrote:No problem .

I've got about 1000 miles under my belt on my GZ250. I've been fixing up a 92 Seca 2, and it's really been whetting my appetite for sportier bikes.

Hmmm, reminds me of a popcorn star... Back before plastic became the norm.

I've got over 5000 miles behind me and I'm upgrading to the B-King. I still have questions and I'm going to learn the bike the way I learned with my Ninja 250.

Fortunately, the B-King has a low-power mode that I can use - brings it down to about 114 hp - and the fact that it is big and heavy will bring it under current 600cc hp.

But experience is different for everyone. I get my bike tomorrow. It is going to be about 26 degrees high tomorrow - and although the roads are mostly dry - I probably won't ride it - or maybe a quick short ride in the development - I don't know.

I think it is probably do-able for you. I just wish we could have better or have any test rides in some cases. Only when you ride it will you know any significant information about the bike.

I was taking a serious look at some Katanas - which would have been new (2007 left over) but I couldn't see where the price would have given me much of a break compared to the bike I did get.

RhadamYgg

roncg41677 wrote: So basically older sportbikes are still going to have a real twitchy throttle and touchy brakes?

I just picked up a '94 FZR600R. Having not ever been on a 'modern' sportbike, I really don't know the difference. I, too, have heard people say that the older ones just aren't the same, but I can tell you that the older ones still have plenty of pick up and go.

**Warning: I've only put about 800 miles on this bike, so these are more of initial impressions. Everyone is welcome to dispute my take on this, of course.**

The throttle on mine isn't super sensitive (you won't be falling off the back if you accidentally give it a little too much... just a little), but it doesn't take much at all to really get her going. Brakes = wonderful. Smooth, yet effective.

I'm very happy with mine and am glad I spent less money on a great bike than a ton of money on one that I might not like so much.

You're experienced anyway, so I would think you wouldn't have trouble on either one. I initially wished I'd started out smaller, but the one I got is great, and age of the bike may definitely be a contributing factor here.

Of course, I guess it could be different among various bikes. *shrug*

roncg41677 wrote:Yeah. I saw this guy's and thought it was awesome. He got it for $250! Wouldn't mind finding a deal like that .

So basically older sportbikes are still going to have a real twitchy throttle and touchy brakes?

This depends on the bike and also the rider. Some models have more abrupt throttle response than others and a ride who hasn't developer the finer throttle control motor skills will exacerbate it. Same goes for the brakes.