Figured I'd introduce myself..

My names Joe, I'm from southern New Hampshire. I just did the beginners course from the state. I've riden a couple times other than the program, on a friend's Honda Shadow 750. I'm really hoping to pick up a 600cc range bike (R6, CBR, or GSXR). What do you guys think? Also, I have an issue. Whatever bike I get, I need to fit on it. I'm only 5'3, and have issues sitting on a friends CBR 600. I figured whatever I got, could get lowering links or something to that effect. Hope to learn some stuff about bikes. : ) :cheers: -Joe

Welcome to the site! We're glad to have you here. If you've come to learn about bikes, you're in the right place! :welcome: :twfrox:

Welcome to the site! We're glad to have you here. If you've come to learn about bikes, you're in the right place! :welcome: :twfrox: :withstupi

:welcome: :welcome: :welcome:

Also, I have an issue. Whatever bike I get, I need to fit on it. I'm only 5'3, and have issues sitting on a friends CBR 600. I figured whatever I got, could get lowering links or something to that effect. First of all, :welcome:! You have found a great forum for learning stuff and meeting really nice people. I completely understand being vertically challenged! I am 5'0". Finding my first bike was tough because I didn't want a 250 (although in hindsight that is what I would have gotten)...so out of the 500cc bikes, the one that "fit" me best was the GS500. A few thoughts for you. I would recommend for your first bike ignoring what you *really* want and finding a bike that is going to be suitable for learning to ride. If you learn to ride properly and safely, you will have plenty of time in your lifetime to own that bike that you are dreaming of. The most important thing to consider is finding a bike you can sit on easily, control easily and doesn't have too much power for a beginner. The safety course is a great place to start, but having a lot of miles under your belt is what is really going to help you. Once you get comfortable with riding, you will find that bikes feel less heavy, and that being a shorter person won't affect you as much...then you can move up to that bike that you want. Think about your safety and learning curve first. The other thing to remember is, yes, you can lower a bike...but it will change the bike's geometry and handling considerably. If you can get used to riding first and find a bike that you don't have to lower, you will be much better off. Just my :2cents: Laura

:welcome: Draven :twfrox: You can lower just about any bike.

:welcome: :hug: :twfrox: :luck: picking out a bike :dthumb:

Welcome to TWF. :welcome: :twfrox:

Thanks guys. : ) SpeedWerks, I appreciate the advice. I can fit on an R6 comfortably, and I thought I would start there. Maybe the 250 or 500 route would be better though. I'll take a look around, try some things out, and let you guys know where I end up. : )

Thanks guys. : ) SpeedWerks, I appreciate the advice. I can fit on an R6 comfortably, and I thought I would start there. Maybe the 250 or 500 route would be better though. I'll take a look around, try some things out, and let you guys know where I end up. : ) :dthumb: a R6 is a great bike since its your first bike I'd recommend anything before 03.

:dthumb: a R6 is a great bike since its your first bike I'd recommend anything before 03. werent those the "twitchy" ones?

yes the 03 R6 was a twitchy issued bike...that's why I said before 03.

hey man im new to this too i just bought an f4i 2001, its fast enough for me right now. its a great learners bike. im 6'1" though so get one sit on it and see how you like it. and its not "twitchy" you can grab a handfull and it wont put you on your back......

Well, the way money is looking right now, I'm going to have to wait 'till this winter to pick something up. Prices are still pretty high, and my back account is pretty low. : / C'est la vie. Thanks for the warm welcome guys. : )

:welcome: :twfrox: Don't over look the SV's. The V twin make for a very narrow seat and less stretch to the ground.

yeah welcome here vettes r nice maby u should get into motocross www.motoxsports.com

What do you guys think... I came across an '04 ZX7R with 300 miles on it for 3k. It's legit, I'm not worried about that. What do you guys think about this as a first bike?

What do you guys think... I came across an '04 ZX7R with 300 miles on it for 3k. It's legit, I'm not worried about that. What do you guys think about this as a first bike? :yikes: Scary!

why so cheap??? was it wrecked or something??? that bike should still be worth around 6-7k i would think.

I hope its not one of those eBay or cycle trader over seas scams.

i didnt know kawasaki still made them in 04......?

they dont i think he meant 6r :dthumb:

they dont i think he meant 6r :dthumb: Mm, I dunno. The bike itself is a ZX7R, 750 Katana, of that I'm fairly certain. It's so cheap because a friend of a friend lost his job, and needs to get out from underneath the payments, so he's looking for someone to buy out the 3k balance he owes.

Mm, I dunno. The bike itself is a ZX7R, 750 Katana, of that I'm fairly certain. It's so cheap because a friend of a friend lost his job, and needs to get out from underneath the payments, so he's looking for someone to buy out the 3k balance he owes. Are you referring to a Suzuki 750 Katana? Suzuki makes the GSX (aka Katana) series bikes Kawasaki makes the ZX-"x"R series bikes I know its confusing as hell. I still sometimes have trouble with names. $3,000 for a katana 750 is a pretty good deal IMO

It's a ninja of some sort, so I'm sure its Kawasaki.

It's a ninja of some sort, so I'm sure its Kawasaki. This is an 04 ZX6R, does the bike look like this? This is the closest thing I can think of from your description of an 04 Kawi. http://www.mag-knight.com/images/Orange%20ZX6r.JPG If im not mistaken, the zx7r's last year was 2002.

or this. 04 GSX750F Katana. :whore: http://www.harleynorth.com/suzuki/images/cyc_04_katana750.jpg

Well, it's been a while since my first post, so I figured I'd come here to update! First, the other bike I mentioned was a 2001. Came to find that out later. I almost bought THAT bike for $2700, but couldn't come up with the money in time. However, I bought a '99 CBR 600 F4 today. It's red with the black Honda symbol, black wheels, rear eliminator kit, and front flushmount turn signals. Bought it from a friend for 3gs. Bike looks almost exactly like this minus the differences I mentioned: http://members.shaw.ca/ariane-red/devil_1.jpg I'll post real pics when I can. I appreciate everyones imput with bike selection.

Bike looks almost exactly like this minus the differences I mentioned: http://static.sportbikez.net/bikepics/1124423461.jpg I'll post real pics when I can. I appreciate everyones imput with bike selection. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/JRD77VET/gif/error_guys___.gif

Fixed.

Fixed. :dthumb:Nice looking ride.

dude that smiley or whatever it is is cracking me up... i'm still laughing... nice ride man! makes me wonder why I'm paying 3.5 Gs for a new ninja 250...

dude that smiley or whatever it is is cracking me up... i'm still laughing... Its one of my favorites too. I wish We had found it before the last simile update.

very nice!! I love the F4's. I thought about getting one myself till I saw the 600RR's and well, I couldn't resist. First time bike, I never recommend 600cc's (maybe older ones) but as for your height, just shave the seat. Don't use lowering links unless you plan on riding in a straight line. Links just mess to darn much with the handling. :2cents:

At least you bought a used bike...you won't feel so bad when you drop it...and :welcome:

nice ride man! makes me wonder why I'm paying 3.5 Gs for a new ninja 250... You don't have to wonder at all. You did the sensible thing. I personally would not recommend any 600-cc sport bike of recent vintage to anyone who's a beginner and who's short.