F4i or R6

So I completed my MSF basic rider course today and am shopping for a bike. Right now there are 2 bikes I'm strongly considering...

1. 2006 Honda CBR F4i for $7374, plus a $300 store credit for gear and a $200 refund on basic rider course.

2. 2001 Yamaha R6 with 13,500 for $5000 with 2 sets of jackets, gloves, and cover. The seller said the bike has been maintained and is ready to ride. Also included are 2 helmets, but I'm going to buy my own.

What do you guys think? I'm open to any suggestions and advice.

depending on your actual riding experience etc either may be a lil too big to start, but my vote is for the F4I...congrats on the course completion!

First bike? Get something smaller and crappier... :2cents:

1. 2006 Honda CBR F4i for $7374

2. 2001 Yamaha R6 with 13,500 for $5000



For your first bike look for a good used bike in the 2k-4k range with minimum plastic.

First bike? Get something smaller and crappier... :2cents:
Maybe something older. Newer 600's are 90 percent race track bikes. Plenty of power, but it's way up in the RPM band. The older 600's were 50-50 street and track bikes. An early-mid 90's CBR F2 or F3 would be a good all-around bike.

If you're dead set on one of those two, get the F4i. bulletproof machine and it'll take every bit of abuse you throw at it, or throw it at, and keep going. but ideally, I'm with NW, get an older F2/F3 series CBR, they're just as tough, but a lot more user friendly for new riders.

the R6 is pretty much a track bike, but with headlights and signals on it. its built with racing in mind, and is an aggressive machine built for experienced riders, not the novice.

I've messed around with a Honda Rebel and though I pretty much showed it who was boss, felt that 250cc wasn't enough. "Newbie bikes" that I like more are the buell blast and ninja 650r. However, deep down I want to get a 600cc bike. I don't intend on doing anything stupid and will take the time to explore the bike's limits and practice with it. I saw 2 of my friends wreck their brand new crotch rockets and refuse to repeat history again.

I've messed around with a Honda Rebel and though I pretty much showed it who was boss, felt that 250cc wasn't enough. "Newbie bikes" that I like more are the buell blast and ninja 650r. However, deep down I want to get a 600cc bike. I don't intend on doing anything stupid and will take the time to explore the bike's limits and practice with it. I saw 2 of my friends wreck their brand new crotch rockets and refuse to repeat history again.

That bike will explore your limits well before you will explore its limits... Check out the 500 Ninja... Fast enough to be fun and kill you, but not so wicked fast that it's not forgiving... Or check out the SV650... Either way, stay away from a new bike... You'll probably dump it and who wants to do that with a shiney polished up gem?

I know this sounds dumb, but I don't really like the look of the sv's or the smaller/older ninjas. The older cbr f3's look alright and I'm going to search for some online. I also found a 2006 buell blast with 600 miles on craiglist for $3900. What do you guys think about them and how's the price?
BTW onesickpsycho, your noob?starthere link is really helpful.

I know this sounds dumb, but I don't really like the look of the sv's or the smaller/older ninjas. The older cbr f3's look alright and I'm going to search for some online. I also found a 2006 buell blast with 600 miles on craiglist for $3900. What do you guys think about them and how's the price?
BTW onesickpsycho, your noob?starthere link is really helpful.

Blasts are decent, but you can get a brand spankin' new one for that money... If I were going after a Blast I'd get one that's a couple years old for like $2k. Those bikes are DIRT CHEAP... They perform round abouts a 250 cause they are a thumper (single cylinder)...

I wouldn't buy a bike based on looks until you get some experience under your belt... The sweetest looking machines also happen to be the ones that are the least noob friendly... As stated already in this thread, 'race bikes with lights'... You could always get a Ninja 500 and cut the ass end off it and put a different tail on it like these guys... they kick major ass:
http://www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,1979.0.html
http://www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,1390.0.html

The bottom line is, you can pick these bikes up dirt cheap, have a hell of a lot of fun on them while learning a ton of necessary skills needed to get anything out of a true supersport, and turn around and sell them 10k miles later for probably as much as you paid for it... IMHO, these 'beginner' bikes are a no brainer... Yeah sure they don't look all wicked crazy cool like the new GSZXR6CBRwhatever... but the chicks don't seem to notice...:wink:

The idea for that link began with the man who started that thread... I wish more TWF'ers would put it in their sig... :tt:

Buells are pretty good bikes for the money. they're more of a handling machine than speed though, particularly the XB 9/12R series.

I would also recommend the EX500, and you can make a custom streetfighter from it that looks cool and suits your needs, whatever they may be. the big selling point in a 500R is that they're cheap bikes to fix and parts are insanely easy to get. plus 94-07 bikes are pretty much the same, and not a whole lot has changed between them, so a LOT of stuff will swap right in.

Buells are pretty good bikes for the money. they're more of a handling machine than speed though, particularly the XB 9/12R series.

I would also recommend the EX500, and you can make a custom streetfighter from it that looks cool and suits your needs, whatever they may be. the big selling point in a 500R is that they're cheap bikes to fix and parts are insanely easy to get. plus 94-07 bikes are pretty much the same, and not a whole lot has changed between them, so a LOT of stuff will swap right in.

Not that Bob was saying you should, but YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET A BUELL other than the Blast... Everything I have read, seen, and understand... They are NOT for beginners...

:hijack:

Bob, you gotta put a different tail on that new bike of yours... Tell me you don't think those from the EX500 forum don't make that bike pop off...

Well Hondahokie; looks to me like you have you mind already set on one of the 2 bikes you posted and are simply looking for external validation from us to justify buying the bike to yourself.

I certainly DO NOT recommend an XB9/12 for a beginner. V twin, upwards of literbikes, and INSANE torque, + new rider=bad stuff happnin.

OSP, yeah, I'm actually thinking about doing SOMETHING to make my bikes back end look better. gotta do a 2:1 exhaust, and definately a better tail, possibly a 636 or Z1000 tail would be good for my liking.

I certainly DO NOT recommend an XB9/12 for a beginner. V twin, upwards of literbikes, and INSANE torque, + new rider=bad stuff happnin.

OSP, yeah, I'm actually thinking about doing SOMETHING to make my bikes back end look better. gotta do a 2:1 exhaust, and definately a better tail, possibly a 636 or Z1000 tail would be good for my liking.

I dunno about you Bob, but I think the combo of the Z1k backend and a 2:1:2 straight pipes, high mount, would look ( . Y . )

well, the older 636 setup, with a 2:1 header would work out for me too. ANYTHING would look better than the ugly stock cans.

So I looked into what you guys recommended and found a stock 2002 sv659 with 6500 miles for $3400 and a 1996 honda f3 with 16000 miles for $2250. The honda's speedo/tacho don't work and need repairs, and the owner said it "bogs down because of lack of working speedo, or may need carbs cleaned." How much would these repairs cost and which of these 2 would you pick if you were in my shoes?

I wouldn't purchase any bike that requires work and it's going to be my first bike!

I wouldn't purchase any bike that requires work and it's going to be my first bike!

:iagree:

Plus the speedo not working also means the odo doesn't work so you have no idea how many miles are on that thing... Spend the same money and get a bike that works right and is a better fit for you... Or buy a nice 600 supersport and part it out on here when you wad it up...

Just buy my bike if your gettin a 600. I'll kick those prices azzes.
With alot lower miles.

Get the F4i definately

I went to the dealer a few days ago, the last f4i was sold last friday. However, I heard about a dealer in West Virginia who gave pretty good deals on bikes. I called them, telling them I was a new rider. He offered a '07 zzr600 for $6500 OTD. I forgot to ask him about a sv650s, but the guy who referred me to them said most of their bikes are $1000 under msrp OTD since they're primarily an atv dealer. Up to this point I was starting to lean towards getting a slower, used bike, but the pricing for the new bikes are a little tempting.

zzr600 is not a bad choice for a first bike.

I'd still go used tho. it won't feel as bad when you drop it (and you will).

I went to the dealer a few days ago, the last f4i was sold last friday. However, I heard about a dealer in West Virginia who gave pretty good deals on bikes. I called them, telling them I was a new rider. He offered a '07 zzr600 for $6500 OTD. I forgot to ask him about a sv650s, but the guy who referred me to them said most of their bikes are $1000 under msrp OTD since they're primarily an atv dealer. Up to this point I was starting to lean towards getting a slower, used bike, but the pricing for the new bikes are a little tempting.

The reason we are all suggesting an old used bike in the 2-3k range is because the chances of you dropping the bike at low speeds is high. Hence when you drop the bike at low speeds it won’t do any serious damage. It will however scuff up your plastics which are kind of expensive to replace.

So the choice is really for you to make if you think you will be fine with scratching up a new bike then go right ahead. Then again you may never drop the bike so there is always that possibility. But probability states that you chances of dropping the bike as a new rider are a really high.

zzr600 is not a bad choice for a first bike.

I'd still go used tho. it won't feel as bad when you drop it (and you will).


Yes you will. Get used for that first bike and brake it in to your liking. It will be dropped some how and most likely within that first riding season you have. It happens to everyone.

Mine happened at the end of the season when I was parking it for the winter. Front tire went up over the speed bump and then the back up and slide out from me on the snow or ice. Layed it down and didnt do to much but it happened and happens to everyone.

I dont know why everyone says when you drop it and you will. I've never dropped a bike. I've had two over the past 4 years. Never just fell over on my bike.

You dont always have to get a crap bike for your first bike.
The f4i sounds like the better deal milage and price wise. but i would stay at about a 600 for a first bike. Might as well get the bike ya want. i dont see the point of getting a crap bike then turn around 6 months later. to buy another. Just be responsible and respect your bike you will do fine.
p.s. get frame sliders they will help give some protection to the body work and what not.

So I completed my MSF basic rider course today and am shopping for a bike. Right now there are 2 bikes I'm strongly considering...

1. 2006 Honda CBR F4i for $7374, plus a $300 store credit for gear and a $200 refund on basic rider course.

2. 2001 Yamaha R6 with 13,500 for $5000 with 2 sets of jackets, gloves, and cover. The seller said the bike has been maintained and is ready to ride. Also included are 2 helmets, but I'm going to buy my own.

What do you guys think? I'm open to any suggestions and advice.

neither. dude my buddy just sold his 05 CBR 600RR for 6k and another guy i know sold his 05 GSXR 750 for 6500.

2001 R6 I think 5k is high. I've seen clean F4i's go for 3500-4k and I think that is a better choice for a first bike. if you are going to buy your own helmets then he should take more $$ off.

So I finally settled on a '07 kawasaki zzr600 in ebony, paid $6450 out-the-door. Took it around the neighborhood tonight and put 12 miles on it. My heart skipped when I almost dropped the bike while parking it. Going to wake up bright and early tomorrow so that I can ride while less cars or on the road.

So I finally settled on a '07 kawasaki zzr600 in ebony, paid $6450 out-the-door. Took it around the neighborhood tonight and put 12 miles on it. My heart skipped when I almost dropped the bike while parking it. Going to wake up bright and early tomorrow so that I can ride while less cars or on the road.

Congratulations! Ride safe and make sure to wear you GEAR at all times. Enjoy your new bike and don't do anything you are not comfortable doing.


O and one more thing :nopicsbs: