CBR600 for a beginner?

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camthepyro · Mon Mar 13, 2006 10:39 am

Ok, so I know as a general rule, a 600cc sport bike is too much, but I will be taking the MSF beginner's training class. Now, normally I would just buy a less powerful bike (which would normally be cheaper) but I have someone offering to trade his '99 CBR600, for a '88 Chevy Cavalier I have (but currently can't use, as I don't have a car license). Anyway, so I'd hate to pass up this deal... so I want to know if it's a mistake to get this bike, even with the training course. Thanks ahead of time.

kabob983 · #2 Unread post by **kabob983** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 11:29 am

No matter how you word the question the answer you'll get here will be the same...

NO 600cc sportbike is a good starter bike...even with the MSF course. The MSF course is a great tool in learning to ride, but it's not going to make you a master of the road in 16 hours of riding...only experience on a bike will do that.

The only thing I would consider is getting this bike and then trying to either sell it or trade it off...

#3 Unread post by **Jamers!** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 11:31 am

not a starter bike. to quick and to much HP. If you have good self control you could get it and just not use it while you gain exp on a lesser bike. It is a good trade so if you can get it and not ride and afford a junker learner bike then id say do that, but dont get this as a first bike.

JWF

Mon Mar 13, 2006 11:43 am

Trade the car for the bike. Then either trade/sell it or keep it until you can ride better. Trading an 88 cavalier for anything is a good idea. Get rid of that as soon as you can

camthepyro · Mon Mar 13, 2006 11:58 am

Yeah, that's about what I figured, but I might just trade and sell, as was suggested, and use the money to buy a smaller bike and still have a little left over

. So if I were to sell the CBR, and use the money to buy something smaller, like a GS500E (I found a '98 in my area for $1750), would that be good for a beginner with the MSF?

J.R. Bob Dobbs · Mon Mar 13, 2006 11:58 am

As long as the CBR isn't trashed it's an outstanding deal. But as many have said, the CBR won't be easy to ride. Park the CBR and buy a learner bike, after several thousand miles sell the learner and ride the CBR.

Or,

1)Trade your Cavalier for the CBR
2)Trade your CBR for my Rebel 250

How do you manage to have a Cavalier but not a drivers license? If you're under 16 then don't get the CBR. If you've lost your license, then don't get the CBR.

J.R. Bob Dobbs · Mon Mar 13, 2006 12:06 pm

You must have posted while I was typing

Yes, a GS500E has a reputation as an easy bike to ride but is powerful enough that you won't outgrow it too quickly. The deal you found on the GS sounds good to me as long as the bike is in good shape.

camthepyro · Mon Mar 13, 2006 12:37 pm

I have the Cavalier, because it was my sister's and she gave it to me when she car a new car, but I dropped out of school, and so I can't get a driver's license for a car.

As far as I know, the CBR is in good condition (that's what the guy told me, I haven't seen it yet), but if I traded, I would be giving him some money in addition to the car, but if the bike's in good condition then it's value would probably be significantly more then that of the car and money I would be giving him. Anyway, I'll see what happens with CBR, and hopefully I will get it, and just turn around and sell, but I don't want to just keep in the driveway, because I wouldn't be able to stay away.

As far as the GS500E goes, I believe it's in good condition, he says there's a 'ding' on the tank, which i'm hoping isn't too bad, but that's it. The picture looks good.[/img]

swatter555 · Mon Mar 13, 2006 12:43 pm

First, you dont want a motorcycle as your main transportation, keep that in mind. If the bike wont be your main transportation, then maybe you should trade. Also, you must make sure the bike isnt trashed if you do desire to trade.

As far as learning on a 99 CBR600, sure there are better bikes to learn on. At the same time, it isnt a scary fast bike. If the bike is in good shape and its something you want to do, then make the trade. After that, see if your comfortable with the CBR. If not, then you should put if in the garage for awhile.

A couple of further points:

-A safe attitude is the most important aspect to learning.

-You say you dont have a drivers license, but you have a car. Sounds like you lost your license, please correct me if Im wrong. If you did lose you license, you have no busniness on a motorcycle.

kabob983 · #10 Unread post by **kabob983** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 1:02 pm

And if you don't want that GS500 lemme know, I've been trying to find a good starter bike of my own for months

Had to ride other people's whenever I can (which is quite rarely)