New Bike Advice

[pgold21]

I'm looking for a new bike and I was looking for some advice. I recently sold my old '95 'saki EX500 and I want to step up to a newer 600. Something like a 98-01 YZF600 or Suzuki 600. I think an R6 will be too expensize and not friendly enough for a novice ridier like myself. Anyone know of typical probs with the Yamaha 600s that I should know about when looking at used bikes? And if you're selling let me know.

[cbrsmurf]

Originally posted by pgold21
I'm looking for a new bike and I was looking for some advice. I recently sold my old '95 'saki EX500 and I want to step up to a newer 600. Something like a 98-01 YZF600 or Suzuki 600. I think an R6 will be too expensize and not friendly enough for a novice ridier like myself. Anyone know of typical probs with the Yamaha 600s that I should know about when looking at used bikes? And if you're selling let me know.

Don't forget the Honda CBR and Kawi 6R and 7R, as they are just as good as the 600R and GSXR, assuming that's what you meant by suzuki 600. I've heard the gsxr and r6 are about the same in aggressiveness though. If you're talking about the katana, I've heard it's pretty comfortable and friendly, plus they go for very cheap.

I believe there have been complaints that 600R also has tranny issues like the R6 where the 2nd gear slips after about 15k miles.

[pgold21]

I'm looking for a new bike and I was looking for some advice. I recently sold my old '95 'saki EX500 and I want to step up to a newer 600. Something like a 98-01 YZF600 or Suzuki 600. I think an R6 will be too expensize and not friendly enough for a novice ridier like myself. Anyone know of typical probs with the Yamaha 600s that I should know about when looking at used bikes? And if you're selling let me know. Also, where can I get a motorcycle loan for a purchase from a private owner?

[pgold21]

The reason I mentioned the Yamaha and Suzuki is because of the color schemes out there. I know it sounds dumb, but I have a sweet Shoei blue/white,gray graphics helmet that I prefer matched the bike. From what I know, the ZX-6 and CBR were never made in a blue scheme, so that's my lame reason for wanting either the Yamaha or the Suzuki. I guess if I can find a bike with a nice helmet I wouldn't mind the Honda.

[TreAdidas]

Originally posted by pgold21
The reason I mentioned the Yamaha and Suzuki is because of the color schemes out there. I know it sounds dumb, but I have a sweet Shoei blue/white,gray graphics helmet that I prefer matched the bike. From what I know, the ZX-6 and CBR were never made in a blue scheme, so that's my lame reason for wanting either the Yamaha or the Suzuki. I guess if I can find a bike with a nice helmet I wouldn't mind the Honda.

Yeah not until this year :rolleyes:

[cbrsmurf]

Originally posted by pgold21
The reason I mentioned the Yamaha and Suzuki is because of the color schemes out there. I know it sounds dumb, but I have a sweet Shoei blue/white,gray graphics helmet that I prefer matched the bike. From what I know, the ZX-6 and CBR were never made in a blue scheme, so that's my lame reason for wanting either the Yamaha or the Suzuki. I guess if I can find a bike with a nice helmet I wouldn't mind the Honda.


Then you're talking about the gsxr.

If you're a new rider, the gsxr and R6 will make it hard and dangerous to learn. If you want looks, looks like the only thing that matches your criteria is the 600R. It has won national racing championships and is a pretty popular bike. Other than the tranny issue, I've heard nothing bad about it. I've sat on one before and it fits me great.

[Philo]

Originally posted by pgold21
The reason I mentioned the Yamaha and Suzuki is because of the color schemes out there. I know it sounds dumb, but I have a sweet Shoei blue/white,gray graphics helmet that I prefer matched the bike. From what I know, the ZX-6 and CBR were never made in a blue scheme, so that's my lame reason for wanting either the Yamaha or the Suzuki. I guess if I can find a bike with a nice helmet I wouldn't mind the Honda.

So you're gonna drop $3,000-$6,000 on a bike to match your $300 helmet??? There's lots of cool helmets out there. BTW, it's not the Kato memorial version RF900 is it??? If it is, then I understand. ;)

Oh yeah, SV650's are sweet. I want one. Good step between an EX500 and a race-spec 600.

[GPTECHMAN]

First off, how much are you looking to spend

secondly, if color is an issue I think that you might be limiting yourself...as Jeff stated the CBR is a great transition into an inline four.

thirdly, I think that you could always sell your lid and get one that matches, if that is an option

fourthly, have you considered the SV650? I agree with bill, That is one of the greatest bikes I think out there...not only for ease of riding but cheap too...

fifthly, what type of riding do you do, canyons...commuting...looking cool....inquiring minds want to know.

[GPTECHMAN]

sixthly, I do think that the kawi ZX6r did come in a blue, but not a yamaha blue...

[swll360]

Check out an SV650S. That's what i ride and it's a real good Novice bike. I've been riden' for 2 years and I still haven't pushed my bike to its full potential yet. I'm not that far though.:headbang: It handles real nice on the twisties and has alot of low end. Also, i've riden a YZF600R and i was impressed. Had more than enough power for me. What ever you do get, just take it easy until you get comfortable and let us know what you ended up with.

[REDR6]

I am a big fan of the SV650 myself.

[Ikazuchi]

I had a '97 YZF600R...one of the best bike's I've owned. Never had a problem with it over the 30K miles I put on it. Highly recommended!

It's comfy, yet sporty...quick but not crazy fast...

[pgold21]

Would anyone ever consider buying a used bike that has been laid down? I found a F3 that is perfect except for the fact that it has been down in a low side. The fender and fairings on the left were all repaired with fiberglass. Doesn't look great, but you would also never notice from a few feet back. The scratches on the crank case cover will always be there however. The bike rides true and is mechanically sound. So, would you ever buy a bike like this? Just wondering how much of a pain it will be for me to sell it in a few years.

[deno]

The SV650 has a cult following for a reason. It's one of the funnest and easiest bike to ride on the market. Riders ranging from Beginer to Expert Racer enjoy flogging the six fity. Honestly take a look. It grows very well with new riders. ...... and I'm done plugging the sv. haha

[redhead4u]

If you've already been riding a 500 then it should be an easy step up to a 600. How many miles did you put on it? I had my 250 for a little over a year and put 3000 miles on it. I agree with not worrying about matching your helmet with your bikes, maybe your jacket and your helmet though. =) I still wear my kawai green jacket and green helmet with me yellow/black 600 and wear my y/b gear w/ my kawai.

Elizabeth

[deathblow]

Originally posted by pgold21
Would anyone ever consider buying a used bike that has been laid down? I found a F3 that is perfect except for the fact that it has been down in a low side. The fender and fairings on the left were all repaired with fiberglass. Doesn't look great, but you would also never notice from a few feet back. The scratches on the crank case cover will always be there however. The bike rides true and is mechanically sound. So, would you ever buy a bike like this? Just wondering how much of a pain it will be for me to sell it in a few years.

I think any bike that has had the maintenance done at the right intervals will be okay to look at, laid down or not, as long as the frame/forks/swingarm are straight and true. Carefully go over the bike and maybe bring a friend who has alot of experience also to determine if the bike is worth the asking price. Besides that, anything cosmetic is really nothing to worry about. Good luck on your purchase.

[Phamous]

How much are you able to spend? IMO, you shouldn't worry about matching if you are looking for a great deal on a bike.

GPTECH is right, ZX6R did come in a blue, and in 98 (i believe) they made a pretty sweet black which had a purple pearl or something in it.

Good Luck!

[pgold21]

So today I went to check out a 2000 YZF600. I thought on paper it was the exact bike I wanted. I'm stepping up from a 92 Kawasaki EX500, and I really want a R6, but I've heard those can be tricky and it's better to get experience on the slower YZF600 first. I'm all for that, so I sit on the thing and first thing my knees hit the rear fairing mounting points. For some stupid reason, the fairings jut out and my knees always hit them when my ffet are on the ground. I put one foot on the pegs and it's all good and clear, but with both feet down it is uncomfortable. I sat on a new 04 YZF and the same thing. Is this an engineering flaw? Anyone else out there have a YZF and know of any solutions to this odd design? I sat on the R6 and it fits fine, much lighter too (obviously). Should I really worry that the R6 will be too much power for me? Won't the lighter weight make it easier to handle? Some advice please, thanks.

[Philo]

You sound smart and responsible enough to handle an R6 to me. As long as you give it much respect, you should be fine. Wouldn't normally reccomend an R6 as a first or second bike to most, but like I said, you sound smarter than most noobs. (smarter than I was):-p

[GetnJgyWitit]

I hate the sv! hehehe! :-p

The bike rocks! :rockon:

[Sentinel]

Originally posted by deno
The SV650 has a cult following for a reason

Damn, I didn't know I joined a cult when I bought the SV ;)
I just thought it was a good all-around bike and it's CHEAP too.

[deathblow]

Originally posted by Sentinel
Damn, I didn't know I joined a cult when I bought the SV ;)
I just thought it was a good all-around bike and it's CHEAP too.

I thought you were in a cult, not a bike one, :-p .

But yeah, the SV is an awesome bike. Last issues Sport Rider has a great article on racing the SV.

[Sentinel]

Originally posted by deathblow
I thought you were in a cult, not a bike one, :-p .

But you wouldn't let me join until I shave my head. ;)

[BioTek]

Past few weeks I have been seriously considering swapping out my SV for something like a Gixxer 6,but after a few killer rides recently I have had too much fun on it and will be keeping it, but doing all the usual mods. Just changed out the front brakes (lines,pads etc) and thats killer now for setting up for a turn, that and the v-twin engine braking works nicely. I will be doing the end can mod very soon and also will be looking at the 520 conversion (agree with 2 up in the back but not sure about 1 down in the front as well Jae). The suspension would probably benefit from emulators and springs but for now the heavier fork oil I have in them will do.
I have grown with the bike and I'm slowly beginning to exploit it's potential, tho theres still plenty left for me to get to grips with, I dont see me changing it any time soon now.
Buy an SV. :D

[Knightshade]

Since everybody is touting the virtues of the SV, I figured I might as well follow. I’ve had my SVS for a little over a year. We’ve been through quite a bit. A major repair, (broken teeth on the primary gear, $500 repair job) it’s been down twice, once on each side. First was a dumb parking lot incident, the other a lowside on Pally. I took her to my first trackday a couple of months ago and just recently started commuting HEAVILY with it.

I’ve realized over the past couple of weeks, that this bike is capable of doing whatever I want it to, and it’s extremely forgiving. I like it…a lot.

And Chris…I thought you were broke and couldn’t afford mods?

[Sentinel]

Originally posted by Knightshade
And Chris…I thought you were broke and couldn’t afford mods?

That's on the OTHER website. Here, he's Daddy Warbucks! :-p

[BioTek]

Extra hours at work recently mean that I have bike cash right now,so I gotta get 'em quick before it's all gone. ;)

[shegR1]

If you are still looking I happen to have a 2002 R6 for sale. PM me for details and pics

[Knightshade]

Originally posted by BioTek
Extra hours at work recently mean that I have bike cash right now,so I gotta get 'em quick before it's all gone. ;)

or the wife finds out about it!!! :guitar:

[SST_COBRA619]

think this would be perfect and it flys to.

[BioTek]

Originally posted by Knightshade
or the wife finds out about it!!! :guitar:

LMAO.She knows about the brake lines and pads,and she kinda knows about the pipe. ;)

[beej]

my opinion... go with a v-twin!

[SST_COBRA619]

go with what you know fills good to sit on

[gahonee]

Originally posted by SST_COBRA619
go with what you know fills good to sit on

man...thas f*cked up! LOL! :holymoly: :banana:
:roflmao: :yawn:

[deathblow]

Originally posted by beej
my opinion... go with a v-twin!

Yep, V-Twins are sick. SVs are great V-twins.

[kc1717]

Originally posted by deathblow
Yep, V-Twins are sick. SVs are great V-twins.

i totally love v twins, but everytime i say i love v twins, i cant help but love the I4s just as much.

the 4s are sooo smooth fast reving, ludachris top end.


twins are brutal, powerful, loud as **** (thats a good thing) and a narrow engine so help speed up transistions



I loved my sv so so much, the reason i sond it was because i didnt want to drop cash to fix the suspension for my weight at the time, and i was sucked in by the f4i, i was dissapointed because the sv had much better torque down low ive learned a lot, and the r1 is my perfect match, or any liter 4, but damn i still yern for a big twin.


oh, and sv/v is the perfect starter bike, but needs to be respected because its still fast as **** and will kill you just as quick as any other bike on the road. hell before i road my r1, the speed the sv brought was mindblowing

[Philo]

Originally posted by kc1717
oh, and sv/v is the perfect starter bike, but needs to be respected because its still fast as **** and will kill you just as quick as any other bike on the road. hell before i road my r1, the speed the sv brought was mindblowing


Exactly. I think the SV's get pawned off as slow starter bikes. An SV650 is a really, REALLY fast machine. Faster than any car most people have seen in person. I would characterize it as a perfect first SPORT bike, but not a great choice for someone who's never ridden a motorcycle.

[pgold21]

Sorry to take up space with such a dumb question, but I guess that is what the Newbie's Corner is for.

You know the helmet holder on many bikes out there, well I never had to use it and thus never gave it any thought. But the other day I thought about using it and realized I didn't really know how to fit the helmet. I have a Yama 600R BTW.

Does the lock go through the metal loops on the chinstrap? I tried that and the helmet seemed to sit really low. Also didn't really seem secure since someone can just clip them and take the helmet. In case I ever have to use the thing, what is the proper way to lock the helmet to your bike? Thanks for putting up with my stupid question.

[Jelco]

on my F4i, as do many other bikes, the metel 'D' loop goes into a a long hook under the rear seat. the rear seat locks it into place. my old cbr f2 had a helmet lock on the sub-frame. basically its the 'D' loop attached or hooked to something.

sv is an awsome bike, the cbr F2 was my first bike adn i loved it. as far as too much power from the R6, all bikes have alot of power, its not the bike, its the rider. the bike will unleash as much power as you let it. you said you rode a 500 for awhile, thats some basis, i have a buddy that learned on a 02 R6. he's picking things up quick and gaining confidence. good luck-