Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Infinite thanks to all those who have helped me out with informative replies thus far. After reading through tons of information and still narrowing my field I keep running across the same few suggestions for GOOD FIRST BIKES.

Of the recurring suggestions, Honda's CBR600 F4i is the most appealing to me at 6'1, 240lbs. Taking into account my size, very limited riding experience (do have the MSF safety course though), and location (traffic-ridden NYC but do have many outlets to escape to more open rider-friendly roads) would anyone still see that much a problem with this bike?

Again, I know the GS500 and Ninja 500 are higher up on the 1st bike ranking but I've just narrowed my field and am now questioning my preferred 1st bike suggestion.

Also, would the year of this particular bike play a significant factor?



Looking for the green light here...Thanks in advance for all helpful responses.

you wont be comfortable on the F4i. Im only 5'10" and im cramped on the F4i

to be truthful the GS500 and ninja 500 will be less cramped than the CBR.

If you want a 600 look into the Katana 600. Its has a bit larger frame than most 600s and the power level is much more managable. I threw a leg over a kat and found it to be rather comfy and roomy. The bike will also be considerably more beginner friendly than the CBR and easier to ride in traffic

jmillheiser wrote:you wont be comfortable on the F4i. Im only 5'10" and im cramped on the F4i

to be truthful the GS500 and ninja 500 will be less cramped than the CBR.

Yeah, exactly.

If I may make a suggestion - Get a smaller bike (Like a gs500f) for the city. It gets great gas mileage, is forgiving to learn on, and has a comfortable seating position. Oh yeah, and it looks super sporty.

Then, once you've learned what you need to learn, get your supersport bike. I'd be willing to be that you'll want to keep the smaller bike for the city anyway.

One last thing that just occored to me. Supersports are hell to ride over potholes and the like. I live in Naples, Italy, (potholes and cobblestones central) and most everyone has a motorcycle or scooter here. The most popular choice of motorcycle by far (In the city) is the enduro or dirt-style bike. They are excellent on gas, hella practical, and very comfortable for city commuting. These people rely on their bikes and the choices they make for the city show their practicality. Of course all of the guys who love to go sport riding have their sport bikes ... but they usually don't use them in the city

The GS500f bridges the gap nicely between bike styles, because while it looks sporty, it has the upright seating position, and a more pothole-friendly setup. Just something to consider.

I have to disagree with the F4i being cramped. I am 6'2 and weigh 230, the F4i is the most comfortable stock sportbike I have sat on. Its comfortable according to sportbike standards, though standard motorcycles with certainly be more comfy. If someone is into sportbikes and being somewhat comfortable, the F4i is a great bike.

Having said that, the F4i isnt the best choice for a first bike. The performance will be intimidating at first and you would be constantly worried about dropping it. If I could get a first bike over again, it would have been a cheap bike, one that I would mind dropping and a bike that isnt financed.

swatter555 wrote:I have to disagree with the F4i being cramped. I am 6'2 and weigh 230, the F4i is the most comfortable stock sportbike I have sat on. Its comfortable according to sportbike standards, though standard motorcycles with certainly be more comfy. If someone is into sportbikes and being somewhat comfortable, the F4i is a great bike.

Having said that, the F4i isnt the best choice for a first bike. The performance will be intimidating at first and you would be constantly worried about dropping it. If I could get a first bike over again, it would have been a cheap bike, one that I would mind dropping and a bike that isnt financed.

That's good advice, especially for a city bike where you are more likely to drop it at slow speed.

1st off, note that i'm NOT planning on getting a CBR anytime soon, but this is just for future refrences.

ok, i'm 5'10" and around 150 pounds.......does that mean i won't ever be able to comfortably ride it? is there a way to adjust the seat height?

You will fit it fine. Go to a dealership and sit on one and find out first hand.

You don't NEED to flat foot a bike with both feet to ride it. You need to be able to get one foot down, and from there learn how to make sure the bike always transfers it's weight to that side when you stop. I still have problems with that once in a while.

Regardless, I'm 5'8" and I can flat foot both a CBR, and my bike the 599 with both feet.

Sevulturus wrote: Regardless, I'm 5'8" and I can flat foot both a CBR, and my bike the 599 with both feet.

awesome