Which bike to buy?

mitsiboy · Mar 3, 2006

Hello, I am new to sportbikes. I am looking to by a bike. I want something in the 600cc range. I have been looking at the Ninja 650r, the Katana 600, and the YZF600r. I am not sure which one will fit my needs best. I have very little 2 wheel expirience, I have driven 4 wheelers and 3 wheels, and I own a minibike. I want something that is easy to handle, looks good, realitively inexpensive on both insurance, and initial cost. I am planning on taking a MSF course as soon as I can.
So, which bike fits those critiera? Is there another bike that you would suggest? Thanks

ne1469 · Mar 3, 2006

:welcome: :cheers: Im a new rider aswell with only a few thousand miles logged in. I've got a YZF 600r myself....most any experience rider will tell ya to go with 600cc or lower for a first bike.:cheers: Good luck with the hunt:dthumb: & dont foreget about the gear:dthumb:

Gas Man · Mar 3, 2006

:welcome: All of those bikes would be great for a newbie.

Do a search on TWF for each on of those... especially the new 650R... it seems to be getting great reviews...

R1up0n1 · Mar 3, 2006

Gas Man said:
:welcome: All of those bikes would be great for a newbie.

Do a search on TWF for each on of those... especially the new 650R... it seems to be getting great reviews...

:iagree:

ne1469 said:
:welcome: :cheers: ....most any experience rider will tell ya to go with 600cc or lower for a first bike.:cheers: Good luck with the hunt:dthumb: & dont foreget about the gear:dthumb:

:iagree:

mitsiboy · Mar 3, 2006

ne1469, if you don't mine me asking, is the insurance reasonable? I was loooking on geico's site and got quote of $2500 for a year.

DLIT · Mar 3, 2006

The 650r is fairly nexpensive too. Not as fast as the I4's but definately a good beginner's bike that you could hold on to for a while. Yeah, I wouldn't go above 600cc's.

Back _Marker · Mar 3, 2006

mitsiboy said:
Hello, I am new to sportbikes. I am looking to by a bike. I want something in the 600cc range. I have been looking at the Ninja 650r, the Katana 600, and the YZF600r.

Go for the looks. That ninja 650r with the mini muffler looks impressive.

-a|ex

ne1469 · Mar 3, 2006

mitsiboy said:
ne1469, if you don't mine me asking, is the insurance reasonable? I was loooking on geico's site and got quote of $2500 for a year.

Insurance for newbies is ridiculously expensive....thats sounds about what I was quoted for full coverage with most of the MC insurance companies.

DLIT · Mar 3, 2006

Back _Marker said:
Go for the looks. That ninja 650r with the mini muffler looks impressive.

-a|ex

Gotta agree on that one.

R1up0n1 · Mar 3, 2006

mitsiboy said:
ne1469, if you don't mine me asking, is the insurance reasonable? I was loooking on geico's site and got quote of $2500 for a year.

:yikes: that's like the quotes I was getting for the R1....but I got it down to $705 a year.

Back _Marker · Mar 3, 2006

mitsiboy said:
ne1469, if you don't mine me asking, is the insurance reasonable? I was loooking on geico's site and got quote of $2500 for a year.

oh shiot!! so you gota finance the insurance also?
for me, $400 full coverage. no MSF/AMA discount in Florida.
This is for a '05 gsxr 750 with progressive.
There were better discounts when I lived in Ohio. but i get the old married guy discount and multi vehicle.
Maybe you should title it under your dad for lower insurance?

-a|ex

mitsiboy · Mar 3, 2006

They quoted the Ninja for $850 a year. I couldn't beleive the difference.
I have not called my insurance yet. I don't think that, being 30, that my Dad would let me add it to his insurance

Wockman · Mar 3, 2006

:welcome:

:iagree: I agree with everything above.

We can't pick your bike. All the bikes you listed would make good beginner bikes. But there are differences between them (size, seating position, weight ect...). The best thing I can say is research, research, research. Then go to the dealer or somewhere else that has bikes and sit on each of them and not just for a minute, sit on them for a half hour or more. Some bikes just fit different. Maybe one has more leg room, maybe one makes you lean forward at an angle that is uncomfortable for you. Eventually one will stand out.

Definately shop around for insurance...

Don't forget to buy good protective gear too...

:dthumb: On the MSF class.:dthumb:

DLIT · Mar 3, 2006

Those quotes aren't bad. It sucks out here in Vegas insurance wise. :cursin:

Gas Man · Mar 3, 2006

Let's all just thank that we don't live in New Jersey!

jeeps84 · Mar 3, 2006

:welcome: to TWF

Have you considered the GS500F or Ninja?

fnfalman · Mar 3, 2006

The Katana had been around a long time so it's a well proven vehicle. But it is on the hefty side.

Go ask for a test ride. If they want to sell you a vehicle badly enough, they'll let you test ride. I never buy anything without a test ride.

But if you ask for my opinion then I say go with the Ninja 650R. Why? First of all, I'm a V-twin fan and V-twin power delivery is very easy and linear. Great for a beginner to learn throttle control on. The 650R also has very comfortable seating position even though the other two aren't too shabby either. But I tell you what, an upright seat position with a slight cant forward like the Ninja really helps you control your bike too, especially at low speed. Your seating position is natural and not all stretched out or contorted.

Lastly, V-twins may not have the sheer power of an inline four but they sound so sweet! Slap an aftermarket pipe on it and enjoy the throbbing exhaust that we twin owners find so endearing.

jeeps84 · Mar 3, 2006

fnfalman said:
The Katana had been around a long time so it's a well proven vehicle. But it is on the hefty side.

Go ask for a test ride. If they want to sell you a vehicle badly enough, they'll let you test ride. I never buy anything without a test ride.

But if you ask for my opinion then I say go with the Ninja 650R. Why? First of all, I'm a V-twin fan and V-twin power delivery is very easy and linear. Great for a beginner to learn throttle control on. The 650R also has very comfortable seating position even though the other two aren't too shabby either. But I tell you what, an upright seat position with a slight cant forward like the Ninja really helps you control your bike too, especially at low speed. Your seating position is natural and not all stretched out or contorted.

Lastly, V-twins may not have the sheer power of an inline four but they sound so sweet! Slap an aftermarket pipe on it and enjoy the throbbing exhaust that we twin owners find so endearing.

:iagree: and don't forget about the Ducati Monster. You can find them pretty cheap and are excellent for beginners. Little pricey for a new on though.

DLIT · Mar 3, 2006

650r is a parralell twin right?

jeeps84 · Mar 3, 2006

DLITALIEN said:
650r is a parralell twin right?

Not sure if its a 90, 80 or what but its not a true V.

Which bike to buy?

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