SECRET AP1

Just a few questions for you gurus.

A friend of mine just purchased a 2001 GSXR600. I've gotten a chance to ride it a bit, and as a beginner, I had no problem adjusting from the MSF course 125CC bike that I learned on. How are the other 600s in comparison to the GSXR? From what I've read so far, Suzukis are generally more "forgiving" than other bikes. Would an 600RR or an R6 be a little beyond reason for me?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Rich

integrate

A 600RR and R6 really isn't THAT far ahead of the GSXR 600. The new 600RR and R6 are slightly faster, but you (beginner) wouldn't even feel the difference. All the 600s are too close to call in terms of performance.

Suzukis are some of the least forgiving bikes out there. Try riding an F4i and you'll see why.

If anything, the 600RR should be the most forgiving because of the tighter steering and the unit-link suspension, but these devices only go so far in helping you not fall/fly.

p.s. Anyone can go putt-putt around on a 600cc sportbike, but it's those emergency situations that get you.

Honda Racer

i also just recently baught a gsxr 600. they are really great bikes. not twitchy at all, it comes with a steering damper. very fast and very very strable. i love this bike more than i thought i would. an r6 is known to be less forgiving and very twitchy at high speeds. i havnt heard much but praise for the 600RR other than its lack of character...but there are alot of honda haters out there. i wont judge a bike until i ride it. for a beginner though, i would try to get you on an f4i at most. i road an sv650s for a over year and have been on dirtbikes that will go to 60 faster than my gixxer and this thing surprised the shit out of me when i really opened it up in the back roads. i was smiling all day.

SECRET AP1

[QUOTE]Originally posted by integrate
[B]p.s.

integrate

I LOVE it.

If you do get a sportbike, definitely sign up for a track day and get as many pointers as possible from experienced riders. I learned so much from my first ever trackday.

dyoung333

comfort wise the F4i is better than the RR, you can't ride too long on an RR without having your wrists hurt a little. performance wise the RR is better hands down. i haven't ridden an R6 or an GSXR but i heard the R6 is fast. also i heard the new kawasaki 600s are nice.

Honda Racer

and the gsxr 600 just roasted all the new models in FIM supersport by 7 seconds

RiceBurnerTX

The Hondas are actually the most street-friendly bikes. The new 600RR may be a little different, but in the past, the F4is and earlier have a more upright seating position and it is the most stable out of the 600s. The GSXR is pretty stable, I ride my buddie's GSXR 750 sometimes and it is definently more stable then my R6. The R6 is a great track bike, but not as great on the street although just fine if you know how to ride. All these bikes though can get you in tons of trouble so just be safe and realize that what you have to prepare for is those emergency situations in which n00b riders have trouble reacting too. I'd recomend getting a used bike regardless of what you get because of the high probablity that you will go down and also for the resale value.

Nick

dyoung333

i agree, i bought a new bike for my first and although i never dropped it, i wish i had a used one so i wouldn't be worrying about laying it down all the time. get a little "crazier" with it you know? concentrate more on riding and not on the pretty new bike. i think yamahas and suzukis have great "older" bikes, you could get one as old as a '98 and still have the better styling.