[Jackal]

I am 15 (will be 16 soon), 5'8", 165 lbs., and on a budget. Because they feel that motorcycling is just another way to get killed, my parents and other relatives are not likely to help me out with money too much. I'm looking for a used bike around $2000 (maybe a little less). Yes, I know, it does sound cheap - but I don't exactly have cash flowing out of my pockets.

Anyway, I have narrowed my choices down to five bikes (I have posted the name of each of the bikes, as well as something I know about it):

Kawasaki 600R - supposedly a pretty maneuverable, all-around street bike.

Honda CBR600F (Hurricane) - good all-around, especially on the street.

Suzuki Katana - heavy but stable.

Yamaha FZR 600 - lightest and best handling of the 600's; also seems to be the most expensive; by the way, can anyone tell me when this bike went into production, because most of the ones I've found are from the early 90's ('92 - '94) and are a liitle to expensive for me.

Kawasaki EX500 - less power than the others, lighter than the others, smaller than the others, its gotten good reviews.

The point of this post is to get votes from some of the more experienced riders who visit this forum. Using these votes, I wil eventually narrow down my choices to two, or maybe even just one, bike.

Thanks for your input. It was well needed.

------------------
Hayabusa ~ 0-60 in under 3 sec / top speed - approaching 200mph
F-22 Raptor ~ 0-60 in under 2 sec / top speed - Mach 2.0+

I'll take the bike.

 

[Hurricane]

Jackal-

What type of riding will you be doing? Urban commuting, lots of freeway work, or a good mix of both? That might help narrow down your choices. Good arguments can be made for or against any of the bikes you mentioned. I've owned both an '87 Hurricane 600 and a '93 FZR600. So from my personal experience, I can tell you both are capable machines, with the FZR being quicker by a bit, and the Hurricane being somewhat more comfortable.

First things first though. Go take the MSF course and get your license as soon as possible.

If it's votes you are after though- mine goes to the EX500. Easy to handle for a new rider, and decent power as well. There seems to be a lot of them out there, so parts should be easier to locate should you need them.

'cane

------------------


[This message has been edited by Hurricane (edited July 16, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Hurricane (edited July 16, 2000).]

 

[Mr.TrevorClever]

I had an 89 katana, it was comfortable, had enough power for the street, and for some reason has dual exhaust? With the weight and skinny tire on back, it was tough to pull a wheelie, but it's possible. I think that a friend of mine had a 91 FZR a long time ago. I liked it better than my katana, but I never rode the FZR. That's cool you'll be ready to get your MC endorsement as soon as you turn 16. I got my endorsement a month before I turned 17.

Trevor

------------------

 

[Xcler8er]

Jackal, don't forget to put a little money aside for safety gear. I've been riding for almost 18 years now and have been down a few times.

As far as bikes go, don't buy something that you would want to upgrade from in a few months nor something that makes you think that you have brass balls

------------------
'97 Cbr900RR Erion Racing Scheme w mods!

 

[colin409]

My first bike was the 600R, I loved it and would highly recommend it. It is fairly fast, quick handling, and comfortable. It will definately give you a feel for all aspects of motorcycling until you know exactly what you need out of a bike and upgrade.

------------------
Colin
FloridaSportbikers
My Home Page

 

[Guest]

To answer your question I'd go with the Honda just because it's a good solid bike. The bikes you're getting into are almost if not a decade old so they'll have quite a bit of mileage on them and hence may start breaking down. On a tight budget the last thing you want to have to do is constantly repair the bike especially if you have the work done in a shop.
However, I'm not really an advocate for new riders starting out on sportbikes. This article, http://207.168.125.101/index/features/Small.htm pretty much sums up why I think this way. Anyhoo have fun

------------------
Kyle S.
Got Milk?

 

[Jackal]

I've checked out that web page on the post above. Some of the bikes that it suggests are the old Interceptors, Kawi GPZ550's, and the Yamaha FJ600 (which I think looks the best). The prices on these bikes are low, which I like.

But these bikes are hard to find. And the ones that I have found usually have a good number of miles on them.

So, I've got two questions: First off, how hard is it going to be to find parts for these bikes? AND Are'nt these bikes more likely to start having problems compared to newer bikes? I mean, I don't want to have to start putting money into the bike to the point where it's just not worth the effort.

------------------
Hayabusa ~ 0-60 in under 3 sec / top speed - approaching 200mph
F-22 Raptor ~ 0-60 in under 2 sec / top speed - Mach 2.0+

I'll take the bike.

[This message has been edited by Jackal (edited July 16, 2000).]

 

[Mr.TrevorClever]

Interesting article. I can count dirtbikes and mopeds as small bikes, but now I think it would have been better to start on an older bike. I still hear wonders of the FZR400, maybe you could find one Jackal??

Trevor

------------------

 

[Jackal]

If I could find one (FZR 400), I would definately consider it. Even though its got less power than the others, I've heard nothing but good things about it. Problem is, they are very scarce.

------------------
Hayabusa ~ 0-60 in under 3 sec / top speed - approaching 200mph
F-22 Raptor ~ 0-60 in under 2 sec / top speed - Mach 2.0+

I'll take the bike.

 

[GreenNinja]

Just as Colin, my first sportbike was a 600R (1991) It was a great first bike.

When i bought it i passed on the EX500 because i KNEW id outgrow it too quickly. I riode the 600R almost everyday for 2-1/2 years and accumulated over 30,000 miles on it. I never really outgrew it, as i upgraded components as i progressed in skill. By the time i sold the 600R in 1994 i was ready to move on up, but it took over 2 years for me to honestly get there.

I will give my vote on the 600R, and a second on the EX500.

Additionally, VYPIR rode an EX500 before his R6 and im sure he will let you know that it WAS also a great first sportbike. (but i dont wanna speak for him).

Good luck, and remember to Go GREEN..

Ride hard, ride SAFE, but above all else:

------------------
Fear Green.

 

[Jackal]

Oh, and as for the type of riding I'll be doing:

Highway riding will definately NOT be prominent. Sport-touring just isn't my forte.

I'm more likely to use the bike through the twisties on the weekends, and maybe some light commuting on weekdays.

------------------
Hayabusa ~ 0-60 in under 3 sec / top speed - approaching 200mph
F-22 Raptor ~ 0-60 in under 2 sec / top speed - Mach 2.0+

I'll take the bike.

 

[GreenNinja]

Dry weight for the stock 600R from 1988-1997 (ZX600C_) was 397lbs

Stock HP for the C models was somewhere around 60-63 depending on what day of the week the bike was made.

Of course, even less weight with aftermarket exhaust, and even more power with Stage3 JetKit. The 600R has one of the absolute smoothest power curves you will ever see on a 600. (just not the most HP) The frame is all steel (non perimeter type) and the swingarm is aluminum.

The original CBR Hurricane is very much in the same class as the 600R but i feel it is a bit less exciting to ride. (i rode a friends CBR a few times back in the day and this is my opinion) but then again i am biased, so....


------------------
Fear Green.

 

[FZR400Tony]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Aril, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jackal:
If I could find one (FZR 400), I would definately consider it. Even though its got less power than the others, I've heard nothing but good things about it. Problem is, they are very scarce.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


if you want one, go to www.roadracers.com, join the fzr400 list. or try www.speedwerks.com and ask them if they know of anyone who has a street-legal fzr400 they are looking to sell. also 56-63hp is pretty much where most of the others bikes will be.

generally, street examples are hard to find, race ones are easy, just not streetable and below $2000, is harder yet. i did see a 90 selling for 1600 awhile back. but it sold quick. most go for 2500 or more.

i'd suggest the gpz550. killer bike, most kz/gpz550 and ninja 600r parts are inter-changable. plus, a guy i worked with bought one is good shape for $400. ran fine, sold for 800 to guy who wheelied it over backwards the day he bought it.

the also check out the fz600.

i don't think a katana 600 is a wise choice, and before you kat lovers start on me here's why. 2000 isn't going to get you too much katana. it's a heavy bike, not a newbie machine. it's an experienced rider's bike, a solid sport-touring platform.

the hurricane is also a great bike and it's also why 2000 isn't going to go far towards one.

fzr600, a weak owner might go down to 2 for a 90-91 era.

interceptor 550, nice choice and 2000 seems close.


------------------
Tony

the views and opinions expressed by tony (cbrf2boy) are the ramblings of a total idiot. sbw.com, it's administrators, moderators, and members don't necessarily agree with and are not responsible for anything this idiot has to say.

 

[GreenNinja]

hey ill say the interceptor 550 is a VERY cool bike, and not too common anymore (which makes it even more cool)

I believe its a V4 and if you found one itd be a fun bike to start on, (so ill add it as my third choice, after 600R and EX500)

Price is an issuee here so really i think any of these 3 would be great!

------------------
Fear Green.

 

[inanima]

how about the 89-newer Suzuki GS500? I learned on that, it's a good bike, when you start to out grow it, it'e easy to upgrade. Cheap to insure, maintain, no plastic to break.
Or the 91-92 Suzuki GSF400 Bandit- a fantastic little sportbike. I fit on it fine(6', 175lbs). An absolute blast to ride. I wish I'd never sold mine. Either one should be available for around that amount of cash.

------------------
j.------
"breaker 1-9, come on back"

 

[Guest]

A GPZ550 would be a great bike to start with if you can find one in good shape. They're so old now that you'll probably be looking at a maintenance intensive bike. (I know 'cause that's what I have) You'd be better off getting an early '90s EX500. They are plentiful and cheap, and more than enough bike to learn on.
Get a helmet and wear it always. We've had three fatalities that I know of in OKC so far this year and I would guess all three would have lived had they been wearing a lid. All were relatively low speed, low impact accidents where the riders died of head injuries.
Take the MSF class. It's worth it.

------------------

 

[Jackal]

I've decided to knock some bikes off my list. First off, the Katana. I just don't like it as much as the other bikes. Second, the older mid 80's bikes (GPZ550, Interceptor, FZ/FJ600) have to go. Despite the fact that they might be good bikes, they are scarce, old (I'm sort of worried about maintenance with these), and, in my opinion, don't quite look as good as the newer bikes. Although the prices on these bikes are tempting, I can afford something a little newer.

In no particular order, the list stands as is:

FZR-600
CBR600 (Hurricane)
Kawi 600R
Kawi EX500

One more thing: does anyone know the dry and/or wet weights of the 600R? I want to compare it with the CBR anf FZR.

Thanks again.

------------------
Hayabusa ~ 0-60 in under 3 sec / top speed - approaching 200mph
F-22 Raptor ~ 0-60 in under 2 sec / top speed - Mach 2.0+

I'll take the bike.

[This message has been edited by Jackal (edited July 17, 2000).]

 

[Ross]

My first sportbike was a 85 Ninja gpz600r, great bike, enough power but not too much.

I agree with an earlier post, that the cbr is not as fun as the kwaka.

The 600r is fairly easy to work on, I never had a single motor problem (and I really did not look after it).


Ross cbrxx

------------------
He who dies with the most toys "wins"

 

[Jackal]

One more bike has just gotten knocked off: the Honda Hurricane CBR600F1.

The New List:

Kawi 600R
Kawi EX500
Fizzer 600 (this one is also about to get knocked off)

Unless someone thinks the FZR to be a better choice, I'm trying to decide between the two Kawi's.

------------------
Hayabusa ~ 0-60 in under 3 sec / top speed - approaching 200mph
F-22 Raptor ~ 0-60 in under 2 sec / top speed - Mach 2.0+

I'll take the bike.

 

[GreenNinja]

Come on people, I am a kawi guy through and through, but i know the FZR was a great machine, so dont let it get the old TKO here.... i think the 3 bikes in this group are VERY great machines...(most bang for buck). But i love the FZR (although not as much as the 600R) the FZR has some very good qualities and i think it should be looked at closely before the axe falls... even if we all know the 600R is better!



PS: here is a link to a picture of my old 600R the day i sold it in Sept of 1994:
http://www.digitaltheater.com/azsportbike/images/mikes600r_09-94.jpg

------------------
Fear Green.

[This message has been edited by GreenNinja (edited July 18, 2000).]