[pcw1205]

Whats up everyone? I am new to all this so hang in there with me. I am looking to buy a bike, and since I dont know much about all of it, any help would be nice. I realize that not all of these bikes are the perfect fit for a beginner, but it is what is availible around me, since I dont want to buy a new one to learn to ride on.

I was checking my local ads and i saw a 98 gsx r 750 for 2400, says "adult riden, mint condition, low miles". What do you think? I know 99% of you are going to say a 750 is to big for a beginner, but I would rather drop a 2000 dollar 750 than a brand new 8000 bike.

I am also looking at the following bikes in my area:

1995 HONDA CBR600F3,
full Yosh exh, Dynojet stage 1 jet kit, K&N filter, new tires, recent brakes, chain and sprockets, APE tensioner, valves checked, some cosmetic damage, needs carbs cleaned/checked, $2200.

1997 KAWASAKI NINJA ZX6E,
dark green, rides strong, brand new clutch/friction plates, minor scratches on body, asking $2500 OBO.

1998 SUZUKI GSXR750 SRAD,
Runs Great, New Tires, Aftermarket Exhaust, 13K Miles, $3500 or best offer

1998 SUZUKI GSXR750 SRAD,
Runs Great, New Tires, Aftermarket Exhaust, 13K Miles, $3500 or best offer

2001 SUZUKI GSXR 600,
white & blue, 3500 mi, needs little work, $2950

Do any of these bikes sound good? I know that I have to see them in person, but price wise and reliablity wise, are they ok? I like the looks of the newer bikes like the 01 gsxr 600, but 2950 seems a bit on the cheap side. something is probably really messed up on it.
let me know what you all think.

 

[jeeps84]

:welcome: pcw

First, Its not the price of the bike as much as the price of you hide and or life.

Even the old SHRAD is too fast and aggressive for a beginner.
The F3 would be the best choice from your list and don't forget about the SV. You should be able to find one at a good price. The SVS model is the one with 1/2 fairing stock and you can get the lowers also if that is a must.

 

[Marsolais]

What's up man and welcome.

First thing you need to do is take a MSF course, it will save your life. Don't ask me how I know this, it is a long story. Check the MSF link.

http://www.msf-usa.org/

Second, don't mind everyone telling you not to start on a 600cc bike, they are just looking out for your well being.

Third, That being said I started on a brand new 2004 ZX-6R 636.

Fourth, I dropped it within a week of having it.

Fifth, buy your gear first then get your bike. If you can't afford gear then you sure as hell can't afford a skin graph.

I would not start out on anything larger then a 600. That F3 is the way I would go unless your heart is set on a new bike. Those 750's will get you in trouble real real fast. Take the MSF course, get your license, get your gear, get an insurance quote on the bike you want and then if everything fits get the bike. But ride within your limits the MSF course will teach you what your limits are.

Good luck.

 

[No Worries]

Here's how to read motorcycle ads:
Needs carbs cleaned/checked- if the owner can find them and the wife hasn't thrown them away.
Some cosmetic damage- All the parts are spread out on the garage floor.
Needs little work- All the parts are spread out on the garage floor, but many are missing, and the wife drove the SUV on the others.
Brand new clutch- I put a new clutch in, but didn't use the manual.
Minor scratches on body- Only slid 1/4 mile down the highway.

Of the bikes you mention, the Kawasaki is probably the best of the bunch for a beginner.

 

[Gas Man]

First :welcome: stick around TWF... we'll help you the best we can. We have tried on many newbies and most don't listen... then they come back and complaign about their problems.... so listen up... there is alot of great knowledge and expierence floating around here!

Second... NW, while funny, is right on. The needs carb cleaned/checked... mean to me... it don't run right and I don't know what is wrong... I'll just blame the carbs!

Take the MSF, get the gear, and then take somebody else that knows more about bikes with you when you go to look at a used bike.

Use NADA to get the used value on those bikes... it is what the dealers use and we all know that they are the ones that really set the market!

 

[ne1469]

What's up man and welcome.

First thing you need to do is take a MSF course, it will save your life. Don't ask me how I know this, it is a long story. Check the MSF link.

http://www.msf-usa.org/

Second, don't mind everyone telling you not to start on a 600cc bike, they are just looking out for your well being.

Third, That being said I started on a brand new 2004 ZX-6R 636.

Fourth, I dropped it within a week of having it.

Fifth, buy your gear first then get your bike. If you can't afford gear then you sure as hell can't afford a skin graph.

I would not start out on anything larger then a 600. That F3 is the way I would go unless your heart is set on a new bike. Those 750's will get you in trouble real real fast. Take the MSF course, get your license, get your gear, get an insurance quote on the bike you want and then if everything fits get the bike. But ride within your limits the MSF course will teach you what your limits are.

Good luck.

:iagree:

 

[twisty]

And if u live near michigan I can get you a good deal on a gsxr...

 

[Monster231]

I am new to the forum as well, I posted this exact same thread a couple of months ago. Here is what learned.... Dont buy anything that has an " R " in it. At least thats what the stats say.... ALso check out Gixxer.com and go in the begginer section there is a great thread about GSXRs as a first bike. With all that said I still went out and bought a Gsxr 750 :drool: I love it, but i know its way too much bike for me, it will be way too much bike for me for a while. I rode it daily while I could, and managed not to get in any trouble. I have bought as many books as I can, and am taking MSF course and I have even signed up for a couple of track days. If I wasnt as arrogant as I am, I would have bought a Ducati monster, or something similar that is not as aggresive, then upgraded.

 

[jeeps84]

Some of the Monsters can be very aggressive. Like the S4R. Most likely my next bike.
I do recommend the tamer versions as first bike if you can find a deal on a good used one.

 

[pcw1205]

Ok, so I will try to stay away from the 750s, but what about the 01 gsx r600? that one seems good, but kinda cheap for the year....????

Or this one:

1996 YAMAHA YZF 600R,
runs good, looks good, has a 99' motor with approx 7K miles, Stage 1 jet kit, 100 miles on new back tire, needs new brake pads and it's low on brake fluid, Last owner painted it blue and white, $1500.

the price is right on that one. There are some 250s in the local ads, but the way everyone talks crap about 250s, so I am not really looking.
I doubt it matters but I am gonna say it anyway b/c the other guy mentioned his height and weight in a question to buy a bike, so here it is I am 6' 180 lbs.

 

[marko138]

There is some great advice so far. Hopefully you listen to what we are telling you and take it seriously. WEAR GEAR!!!! everytime you ride.

 

[bumblebee]

When you get to your first MSF class...Ask them why they are using the bikes they have there...Learn your MSF slow speed drills and practice the daily...circles and figure 8's in the parking lot will save your life on the street...

 

[snadamo]

so far there is not one bad peice of advice so far. These guys know what they are talking about. It sounds like you are willing to listen, and youre mindset is pretty much there.


as for buying bikes, DONT BUY A SALVAGE BIKE (or in other words, I highly highly dont recommend purchasing a salvage bike). It usually means it needs some repair and then a state inspection is in order to get your plate and tags. Trust me, Thats a red flag for TOO MUCH HASSLE. usually when a bike is painted, its been laid down. always see the bike before you buy it if possible. There are some great threads about buying used bikes. Check the For sale and Wanted section on the forum page.

:welcome:

 

[pcw1205]

Thanks for all the great advice!!! I looked up the information about the learning coarse and found that it is the same one that i have been thinking about taking for 3 years but never did. This spring I am going to take it. I am currently deployed with the US Army so now is not possible. I am going home on leave for Xmas so I was thinking about buying the bike then, so I have it when I get home.
So far it looks like that honda cbr600f3 is the one everyone likes of my list. I am going to take a look at it when i get home.
Thanks everyone

 

[marko138]

Make sure you take a buddy along with you who knows bikes when you look at it and possibly test ride it if the owner will allow it. Have him look it really close. Good luck and post pics.... :luck:

 

[Gas Man]

Make sure you take a buddy along with you who knows bikes when you look at it and possibly test ride it if the owner will allow it. Have him look it really close. Good luck and post pics.... :luck:

:iagree: like I said before... otherwise you don't know...

 

[marko138]

:iagree: like I said before... otherwise you don't know...

True that GM! (just re-stating for the rooks.)