My first bike, which 600?

countinsheep

Was recommended to go straight to an "A" bike for s straight "A" license as I'm over 24, save me having to do 2 Practical Tests or Progressive Access Course to get full "A" license.

Was wondering which 600 bike would best suit a beginner? I was looking for a sports bike but if a naked bike would be better to learn on, I'd be open to it. Thoughts so far are around:
- SV-650
- Ninja ZX-6R
- GSX-R600
- CBR 600
- R6
- Bandit 600
- Frazer 600
- CBF 600
- anything else you can recommend

Thanks!

Wonda-Boy

Thats quite an extensive list you have there, I would leave out the CBR600, Ninja and the R6 for a start not ideal to learn on and would be expensive to get insurance on too. You would really need to go to 3-4 different dealers and sit on the bikes and you will get a feel for what you like.

Would do you want/need a bike for? Are you commuting or just for ****s and giggles.

Did you do your IBT on a test bike how did you find that??

I would personally recommend the FZ6 (Fazer 600) and the Bandit get bike to learn on.

dashcamdanny

I would recommend a big single 650.

Better to gain experience on safely.

Most people start small for a reason.

mamax

Any of these

- SV-650
- Bandit 600
- Frazer 600
- CBF 600

The ones I've omitted from your list are sports bikes and I doubt you would even get insurance on them, the 4 bikes above are easily insured and more suitable/practical for a novice rider.

scarebus03

I bought a 2006 Er-6f after the IBT last October. I passed the test a few weeks ago so it has served me well. I did the IBT using a school GSX650F and hated it. It's a good bike but my right hand would get pins and needles after 30 minutes or so. I had (and still have) limited experience with bikes but the ER was like a breath of fresh air in comparison. Not expensive a bit viby at 4k rpm but with a bit of draft excluder sandwiched in the fairings and rubberised footpegs it's massively reduced. I have done 5k miles since last October and it's rock solid. Ideal first bike for me anyway and I'm 6ft 2' and tipping 40.

oknepop

Don't mean to hijack the thread - I'm in the same position as OP. Aside from looking at the fazer and hornet, I've also been seeing lots of vfr750/800s for sale and really like the look or them and the reviews they get. Would that make an ok first bike? I'm not sure whether it would be big/heavy, and what the insurance is like. I'm just under 6'2, 85kg

COH

Was in the same dilemma this time last year and opted for the sv650... absolutely love it and will be sorry to see it go when I sell it on in a few weeks. Great all round bike... handles well around the city commute and still good craic for a blast at the weekend

smokeyjoe123

Couldn't recommend the Bandit 600 enough, was my first bike. Not the most aesthetically pleasing machine ever built but a bulletproof engine and smooth enough ride. It's relatively heavy compared to most naked street bikes, but I think it's good to get that experience of a fairly heavy bike when starting off.

I transitioned to a Blackbird after that and absolutely love it! Never thought I would be on something as big and fast for a second bike!

I actually still have the Bandit in the shed and was planning to sell it. Loads of work done on it! Give me a PM if you are interested!:)

zubair

oknepop wrote: »

Don't mean to hijack the thread - I'm in the same position as OP. Aside from looking at the fazer and hornet, I've also been seeing lots of vfr750/800s for sale and really like the look or them and the reviews they get. Would that make an ok first bike? I'm not sure whether it would be big/heavy, and what the insurance is like. I'm just under 6'2, 85kg

Great bike but not ideal to start on for a different reason to the sportsbikes, I would think it's too heavy for most beginners and the vtec (800) wouldnt be ideal for learning either, if it kicks in while leaned over I can imagine it might cause some mishaps. The insurance group is higher than the others too. Probably more second bike material. Personally I would say hornet and but many of the others here started on the fz6 and all loved it.

Lyle Lanley

Parchment wrote: »

(Even though my little Hornet could beat an R1 at lights!)

Did the guy on the R1 know the lights had changed?

Cienciano

COH wrote: »

Was in the same dilemma this time last year and opted for the sv650... absolutely love it and will be sorry to see it go when I sell it on in a few weeks. Great all round bike... handles well around the city commute and still good craic for a blast at the weekend

The SV650 would be my choice from the list.

Parchment

Lyle Lanley wrote: »

Did the guy on the R1 know the lights had changed?

He did! obviously he caught me up the road but the Hornet can move, also he was a pretty robust guy and i was a slip of a 20 year old!

Colm17RvB

Parchment wrote: »

I rode bikes all my life off road and grew up around them - yet i happily started on a Hornet 250 on the road, then progressed to a CBR600F then a Blade.

Start small to get your confidence up. If you dont think you could deal with a 250 (Even though my little Hornet could beat an R1 at lights!) get a CB1 (400cc) and see how you get on.

Start small and work up. Bigger bikes are heavier and harder to move around and you need to get used to it.

Problem with this nowadays is that people who start small get stuck on A2 licences, and you can't even do the A2 test on any 250, it has to be 395 or above! Also, the IBT is only valid for 2 years from date of issue, if you don't sit and pass your test in that time you have to go back and do it all again. If you get an A2 licence in that time frame then you have to go back and do the progression module of IBT to get your A which is more mula gone. The RSA never really thought it through that people want to have 250's to build up experience, instead they designed it so once you're 24 you go out and get a 600 and get your A licence in short order. Now that's all well and good, but what about those who are busy, haven't the time for it, or just want to take it slow and not be under pressure to perform... Anyway, that's my little rant over the death of the 250's

oknepop, as folks have said VFR's would be more of a 2nd bike, stick to the Hornet and Fazer until you get your full licence and then make the switch. I'm slightly shorter and lighter than you, just barely, and I've had my Fazer 600 for the last 4ish years with few complaints after downgraded from an R1.

countinsheep, go for whatever one you can get insured on, so basically you can drop the Ninja, CBR, Gixxer and R6! I think they are a poor choice to start out on anwyay, skill wise at least. Most importantly go whichever one you feel most comfortable on as each bike feels different.

My recommendations:
- SV 650
- Bandit 600
- GSR 600
- Fazer 600
- CBF 600
- ER-6
- F650GS
- Monster 796
- MT-07
- Z750
Hope that helps!

stewygriffin

Honda CB400 or Honda Bros or even a CB500,plenty enough for a 1st bike,will hold their value too,when you want to trade up after a year.

Wonda-Boy

Actually a CB500/CB500F is an absolute cracker of a bike.

frozenfrozen

should go for A license power though for him if he wants to do his test on it (>595cc >50kW)



SV650, bandit 600/650, fazer 6, hornet 600, etc


I would say go for the one you find the best example of and for the best price and the cheapest insurance

zubair

Only thing with the bros and 500 is they won't qualify for the A.

Great examples of suitable bikes already mentioned anyway. and going for the A straight away is the best path for even those who are unsure. Book your IBT and your instructor will ensure you're on the right bike and can advise you better. I would look at buying a bike after doing the IBT if I were you, better off looking into who the best instructor is at this stage, as it's all a pipe dream until you've been through the formality's and the necessary training.

stewygriffin

Fazer 600 then..........old model

Pretty much bullet proof machine and easy to ride at slow or fast speeds.comfy too.

Parchment

stewygriffin wrote: »

Fazer 600 then..........old model

Pretty much bullet proof machine and easy to ride at slow or fast speeds.comfy too.

But painfully ugly....

de_Selby

Colm17RvB wrote: »

Problem with this nowadays is that people who start small get stuck on A2 licences, and you can't even do the A2 test on any 250, it has to be 395 or above! Also, the IBT is only valid for 2 years from date of issue, if you don't sit and pass your test in that time you have to go back and do it all again. If you get an A2 licence in that time frame then you have to go back and do the progression module of IBT to get your A which is more mula gone. The RSA never really thought it through that people want to have 250's to build up experience, instead they designed it so once you're 24 you go out and get a 600 and get your A licence in short order. Now that's all well and good, but what about those who are busy, haven't the time for it, or just want to take it slow and not be under pressure to perform... Anyway, that's my little rant over the death of the 250's

oknepop, as folks have said VFR's would be more of a 2nd bike, stick to the Hornet and Fazer until you get your full licence and then make the switch. I'm slightly shorter and lighter than you, just barely, and I've had my Fazer 600 for the last 4ish years with few complaints after downgraded from an R1.

countinsheep, go for whatever one you can get insured on, so basically you can drop the Ninja, CBR, Gixxer and R6! I think they are a poor choice to start out on anwyay, skill wise at least. Most importantly go whichever one you feel most comfortable on as each bike feels different.

My recommendations:
- SV 650
- Bandit 600
- GSR 600
- Fazer 600
- CBF 600
- ER-6
- F650GS
- Monster 796
- MT-07
- Z750
Hope that helps!

Just note that the MT-07 + naked versions of SV650 and ER6 are too light for the full A test.

The bike needs to weigh 175kg+ dry weight.

The ER6F and SV650S are ok though, presumably the 700 Tracer is too.

Lumen

de_Selby wrote: »

Just note that the MT-07 + naked versions of SV650 and ER6 are too light for the full A test.

The bike needs to weigh 175kg+ dry weight.

The ER6F and SV650S are ok though, presumably the 700 Tracer is too.

I did the A test on my XSR700 which is an MT-07 variant. That's 186kg wet ("including full oil and fuel tank") according to the Yamaha web site.

There is no mass listed on the reg cert.

The equivalent web site stat for the MT07 is 182 kg.

edit: in case it wasn't clear, I'm wondering how the testers validate the bike if the dry weight isn't on the reg or manufacturer web site. Do they have a list?

thegreatiam

I did this list last year and settled on a CBF600N (but was looking at all, the CBF became available at the right price, right time)

Loved it. It's easy to keep running, not thirsty and very forgiving to ride.

I've done some stupid errors in this last year, mistakes any learner would make, whisky throttle in the city center, hitting corners too fast for my skill, wrong gear at the wrong time and it's not punished me for any of it. where I suspect many bikes would.

It's light enough for city riding and the throttle has lots of room under 4k revs so you won't accidentally go up the back of a lorry. When 4k rev kicks in though youre quick enough up to 70mph and it's happy to stay there.

I've never once felt that I can't just peel away from any 4 wheeled vehicle at my leisure.

I go from Dublin center to wicklow every day and it's comfortable to ride on every road. The light is a little dim at night in the country, but I upgraded the bulb and it's been fine ever since.


It's definitely a bike I would recommend for starting out. Although I fully concede that it might not be the one you keep. I've done about 4 thousand miles on it and I'm beginning to eye up other bikes.

I've heard the negatives about the bike being it's a little boring. but my thought on that is as a first bike any bike is going to be fun and it's just going to make my next bike more enjoyable.

zubair

I was thinking about this bike as a suggestion but I have no experience on it, although I have on the CBF1, if the 600 is the little brother in every sense then I would recommend it in a heartbeat. Great do it all bike. I'm sure it's very similar to the other suggestions but might be easily overlooked and so possibly under valued. Another one to consider for after the IBT

schaffer

Lumen wrote: »

I did the A test on my XSR700 which is an MT-07 variant. That's 186kg wet ("including full oil and fuel tank") according to the Yamaha web site.

There is no mass listed on the reg cert.

The equivalent web site stat for the MT07 is 182 kg.

edit: in case it wasn't clear, I'm wondering how the testers validate the bike if the dry weight isn't on the reg or manufacturer web site. Do they have a list?

I did the test on an MT-07. No problem. Checked with RSA beforehand and they said it was covered for the A test.
Not sure if the weight is really used.

Pugzilla

Anything, but a bandit.

countinsheep

Thanks to everyone who's replied and shared their opinion so far! This is great! Really helped me out to narrow my list! Thanks!

COH

countinsheep wrote: »

Thanks to everyone who's replied and shared their opinion so far! This is great! Really helped me out to narrow my list! Thanks!

You should def get an SV650...



I say this purely as a guy about to sell his SV650 :pac:

Sonics2k

Hi guys,

Sorry to hijack the post but I'm in a similar position to the OP and others.

Also looking to get back into biking and looking at up to 600cc.

My issue is that I have a bias toward the Cruiser style bike, used to drive a Suzuki Marauder and would like a similar build, eg the Keeway Superlight.

I have to admit the Suzuki Bandit caught my eye though. Anyone got a recommendation in the cruiser style?

Pugzilla

Viagra 125

Korat

A 600 for your first bike?

Why?

I'm a little bit jealous because it wasn't a possibility for me but I think you miss out on learning some technique.

My first bike was a 125, then I had a couple of CBR250s over a few years.

I think I learned a lot more about handling with a lighter bike because it was more forgiving as you pushed the limits. Not sure I'd still be here if I'd started with a 600, but I'm probably not a great example.

I think I dropped the 125 within 24hrs misjudging the entrance to my driveway.

Sonics2k

Korat wrote: »

A 600 for your first bike?

Why?

I'm a little bit jealous because it wasn't a possibility for me but I think you miss out on learning some technique.

My first bike was a 125, then I had a couple of CBR250s over a few years.

I think I learned a lot more about handling with a lighter bike because it was more forgiving as you pushed the limits. Not sure I'd still be here if I'd started with a 600, but I'm probably not a great example.

I think I dropped the 125 within 24hrs misjudging the entrance to my driveway.

Ah sorry, I should have specified. I drove a 125 and then a 250 some 17-18 years ago on a provisional licence, which has since expired.

After talking to a few different insurance companies they've all said the price of insuring a 600 compared to a 125 is essentially the same.

If you have a provisional you won't get insured on a 600cc sportsbike so maybe that will help narrow it a bit.

Bandits are brilliant to learn on.

Korat

Sonics2k wrote: »

Ah sorry, I should have specified. I drove a 125 and then a 250 some 17-18 years ago on a provisional licence, which has since expired.

After talking to a few different insurance companies they've all said the price of insuring a 600 compared to a 125 is essentially the same.

Apologies I thought you were a green horn. That experience is worth a lot though the insurance companies won't give you credit for it. And perhaps you have years of driving experience in between too. We're captive to a cartel. :rolleyes:

stewygriffin

You "drive" a car.

BUT

You "ride" a bike.;)

Sonics2k

Evie Angry Teammate wrote: »

If you have a provisional you won't get insured on a 600cc sportsbike so maybe that will help narrow it a bit.

Bandits are brilliant to learn on.

Bandits are fantastic. I've spoken to a few insurance companies who can insure me on a few 600cc bikes, but they all said to stay away from any R model which they can't insure me on.

Trying to shop around on a good cruiser bike, but from looking on Adverts and DoneDeal it seems it's either a 125cc Keeway or Suzuki for about €1200 and then jumping up to €10,000 for a Harley.

As much as I'd love a Harley, I'm fairly sure my OH with leave me.

Korat wrote: »

Apologies I thought you were a green horn. That experience is worth a lot though the insurance companies won't give you credit for it. And perhaps you have years of driving experience in between too. We're captive to a cartel. :rolleyes:

Yeah it's a bit of a joke alright. I rode a bike for 3-4 years and now I have to re-do all the lessons and the prices on the IBT are insane.

Lumen

Sonics2k wrote: »

I rode a bike for 3-4 years and now I have to re-do all the lessons and the prices on the IBT are insane.

Look at it more positively. IBT instructors often do advanced training which we all could benefit from. You have to do your hours, but if you find an instructor in a quiet period (I did) you can get the whole thing done 1-1, and spend the time learning more advanced skills.

Korat

Lumen wrote: »

Look at it more positively. IBT instructors often do advanced training which we all could benefit from. You have to do your hours, but if you find an instructor in a quiet period (I did) you can get the whole thing done 1-1, and spend the time learning more advanced skills.

This might sound a bit silly but riders should be encouraged to engage in training at regular intervals even after they gain their full licence. This is the silly bit, by passing more rigorous tests you gain 'prestiges' (I'm not 12, I just can't think of a more appropriate merit system) which should then translate to cheaper insurance and more importantly not dying.

goodlad

stewygriffin wrote: »

You "drive" a car.

BUT

You "ride" a bike.;)

Thank **** you didnt say you Pilot a bike. I would of had to drive to dublin and slap you...

Jesus christ i did inside when i see some idiot type "Sum Pilot that lads is"... STFU... he isnt a pilot!

Lumen

Korat wrote: »

This might sound a bit silly but riders should be encouraged to engage in training at regular intervals even after they gain their full licence. This is the silly bit, by passing more rigorous tests you gain 'prestiges' (I'm not 12, I just can't think of a more appropriate merit system) which should then translate to cheaper insurance and more importantly not dying.

Insurance skill assessments are actually a thing, and you can do them on your IBT.

Sonics2k

Lumen wrote: »

Look at it more positively. IBT instructors often do advanced training which we all could benefit from. You have to do your hours, but if you find an instructor in a quiet period (I did) you can get the whole thing done 1-1, and spend the time learning more advanced skills.

That's all fair stuff. I guess it's the old grouch in me that has the problem with it.

But looking back on it I did do a few courses over the years on the bike to make sure I was always doing good. I've actually gone with the instructor who gave me my lessons all those years ago.

Don't suppose anyone has some suggestions for bikes?

Pugzilla

If you want a cruiser, then you can go for a bigger engine. A 650cc cruiser is going to feel underpowered with all that excess weight.