[THErook]

I’m narrowing down my choices on my first bike and would really appreciate some input. I understand there’s tons of other posts just like this one on this site but isn’t that what we’re all here for?!

Anyway… I am 5’10” 165lbs and am a beginner meaning I have NO prior experience on a bike but am taking the BRT course next month.

My choices include:

Suzuki GS 500
Suzuki SV650
Honda CBR 600 F4I

Pros? Cons? Thoughts?

GO! Go! gO!

[briderdt]

Of the 3, the GS500 is going to me the most beginner friendly. You might wait until after the class to decide.

[Clay Dowling]

voids some life-insurance policies. It’s a beautiful bike, but Honda makes their sport bikes for racing, not for beginners to look cool. Get some serious mileage on a bike before you grab a Honda sport. I have a couple thousand miles under me at this point and don’t really consider myself ready.

[Wes]

Honestly, I kind of like the SV650s. Buuut I also lean towards the GS 500.

[eternal05]

No CBR. No way. 0-60 in under 4 seconds might sound like fun, but that only happens if you can keep the front wheel on the ground. Which you won’t. And no, they’re not called wheelies when they’re unintentional and result in crashes. I don’t mean to be harsh, but EVERY sport bike fan here at BBM wanted to get a 600 or 1000 out of the gate, and every one of us was an idiot to think that was a good idea. Learn sooner rather than later.

The SV650 is still no joke. Again, a really good rider would get to 60mph in under 4 seconds. It’s going to be more tractable as a result of being a V-Twin instead of a four, but that said, it’s a lot of bike for the first time out.

I’d go with the GS500 if that’s the only other bike you’re willing to consider.

[THErook]

I appreciate the input. After a bit more reading I’m learning the CBR is a bad beginners bike although I’ve had some recommend it to me. To be clear they were suggesting the F NOT the RR. Either way. The GS500 seems to be the one that stands out as the best beginner friendly bike. I know that the Ninja 250 is the unanimous decision as the best beginner bike although I’ve heard it isn’t the best if you plan on being on the freeway at some point and as a commuter I do plan to be on the highway quite a bit. Any other input is appreciated but great work so far.

[Clay Dowling]

That bike is just too much for a beginner. Get something cheap and used for now, and when you’ve put in a few thousand miles on that, get the CBR. When you think you’re ready to make the switch, I recommend going to a race school and getting some training there with your old bike. Then go buy the new fast bike.

[THErook]

I’m taking the BRT through team Oregon shortly. I do plan to take the intermediate and advanced eventually as well as the racing school they offer so as far as instruction I should be a regular walking manual in a few seasons. It’s just making the decision on a first bike has proved to be tougher than I had origionally thought but from the input I’ll put the CBR on the wait list along with my dream R6

[bigguybbr]

taken from twowheelforum.com

“Y’all are nuts… The F4i is not a starter bike…Mine puts 100 HP at the rear wheel, does sub 12 second 1/4 miles and will run 140+ MPH…”

[eternal05]

Originally the CBR600 F4/F4i WAS what is today the CBR600RR. The RR was introduced in ’03, and for three years the two models ran side-by-side until they pulled the F4i.

Sounds like you’re making a good decision with the GS500 though. Let us know when you make your move

[THErook]

I really appreciate the input from everyone and take my BRT in two weeks! I’m so ready to get my endorsement so I can get to riding. Not to throw a wrench into the works on anything but I was talking with a few guys who have been riding for a while and one of them suggested the Yamaha FZ-6 as a good starting point as well. Any thoughts on that one?

[bigguybbr]

FZ6R is a good starter bike (it’s actually what I ride).

The FZ6 is a entirely different bike, not just a naked version of the fz6r (FYI the naked FZ6R is the XJ6 Diversion and isn’t sold in the US). The FZ6 has a completely different motor, and really has too much horse power to be considered beginner friendly.

[THErook]

There’s the rook-ness showing through. I definately meant the FZ6R not the FZ6

[Author]

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