I am looking at getting a new GSX-R 600. This would be my first bike. Is this a wise choice for a first bike. A friend of mine with at Gixxer 750 says yes, and another said it would be fine (hes getting a 1000). I'm excited to get it, but I am gonna take all the precautions and stuff. What do you think?

nope...

No way...

I always tell everyone the same thing -- get something small (like an EX500) for at least a year before you even think about an inline4/vtwin superbike. And that includes 600s...

really bad choice !!!

Read this Clicky, Clicky ! (http://www.gixxer.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB3&Number=247029&page=0& view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1)

read the above <font color="red"> Stickies </font> "Why not a Sports Bike for a first bike?". It seems to be a common thought that a 600 is "Just a 600". In the case of a Gixxer or any other semi-modern sports bike, it "just" a light as bike with +/- 100 hp. The other concerns being braking and handling, not good to learn on. Get a SV or something, in the sport/touring range, you will still have a blast, while learning safely. Not to genralize or point fingers but this subject often ends in the person writing back and stating why they think they would be different. I think most of us are tierd of it. Not saying this is what you will do. Do a search and you will see, profit from these guys/gals great experience, as I still consider myself a newbie compared to them. Good Luck!

trust these people they are giving GOOD advice!!! not to discourage but to make sure you learn to ride and have fun. You will benefit in long run from this advice, your friends are just not giving you all the info.. you'll do what you want to do and if you ask this question enough times you'll get the answer you WANT to justify what ever your final decision is, don't be a sheep do the research plenty of questions just like yours on this board and lots of advice read it over sign up for an MSF course BEFORE you get the bike and talk to the instructors and people at the local dealerships not the sales dept but ask guys at the parts and service department ask the service guys how many crash bikes they get in from newbie's that thought they could "handle" the sport bike and how many crash bikes they get in from newbie's that took the above advice and bought say a SV650 or EX500 ect. get informed ask the questions better to ask the "stupid questions" before you buy than learn from the "stupid questions" you didn't ask after you buy when you are getting a repair bill in the thousands from a "minor" crash or worse. You will also find a lot of people that said they started on a 600 sportbike and they were fine, but they don't seem to follow up with how long they have been riding and what there skill level is, kinda funny.

Listen to these guys. I know its not what you want to hear.


1 year ago, I bought my first sport bike. Now, I had extensive experience on dirtbikes 250cc and up. I thought "Oh yeah, I am more than able to handle this bike."
Bought a new 2k2 750. 700 miles later, I slow speed dumped her because someone pulled out in front of me and I grabbed way too much front and she went down like a little bitch. Scratched the shit out of my right side fairing, nose fairing, and exhaust can.

1000+ in damages.

Trust me, these bikes are so HIGH PERFORMANCE in every way you need to start low and work your way up. This isn't a sport you learn in a day, and its not one you give up in a day either. If its for you, you will ride the rest of your life, so take is slow and enjoy yourself.Of course a GSX-R 600 is cooler and an EX, but be smart. A GSX-R 600 will kill you just as fast as a 1000 if you are not smart.

Thanks guys for the input. I will definently consider it. but i know it might be an ignorant thing to say, but I wanna bike that i can have for a while and not get sick of, you know. When i first get it, im just gonna ride around the drive way, occasional ride around the block. practicing throttle control, turning, braking etc.. after i get comfortable, the farthest i would ride would be 5 miles to my MSF class. driving slooow the whole way, respecting what the bike could do. do you think a month of small practice in my old high school parking lot would be fit, then in july take those MSF classes? I dont wanna get cocky, but I know i can handle waiting.

On an older 600cc I say go for it but as for a new one...I wouldn't mess with that machine as a newbie.

you can get a used ex500 or sv650 very cheep and sell in a year if you don't like it for very close to what you paid. I know that the Gixxer LOOKS cool but the class is way more important plus with the money you save you can get great gear and some experiance lots of guys start out racing ex500's and sv's you can take track day with money you save also this will make you look cool on ANY bike, once you get the experiance on one of these you'll be riding better on that than any of your buddies on there sport bikes and how cool would you be having them wonder how an ex or sv got through the twisties faster than there sport bikes!!! It can and does happen more than you know. 90% rider 10% bike in 80% of the cases. It's a lot easier to get good pushing a low horse power bike to the limits than getting good on a big horse power bike not letting the bike push you to the limits, ie. riding it slow.

FurstGixxer said:

Thanks guys for the input. I will definently consider it. but i know it might be an ignorant thing to say, but I wanna bike that i can have for a while and not get sick of, you know. When i first get it, im just gonna ride around the drive way, occasional ride around the block. practicing throttle control, turning, braking etc.. after i get comfortable, the farthest i would ride would be 5 miles to my MSF class. driving slooow the whole way, respecting what the bike could do. do you think a month of small practice in my old high school parking lot would be fit, then in july take those MSF classes? I dont wanna get cocky, but I know i can handle waiting.



Sorry man, but yes, its an incredible ignorant, and arrogent thing to say.

You see a GSXR600 is a race bike, thinly disguised by adding lights and a licence plate.

For starters you have no experience, you are not taking a training course for four months, yet you intend to buy (or have you already bought ?) a GSXR600.

Only a total dick would contemplate it after reading - really reading, reading and undertanding our concerns.

We are not GSXR haters - we all love them - I've had a bunch of the bastards, and we are all passionate about motorcycling too - 57,000 miles in four years on my current GSXR.

But the GSXR 600 is an "expert only" machine.

Riding a motorcycle is not as easy as driving a car, its massively involving, physically and mentally, unlike a car. Every movement you make is aplified on a bike, and a sports bike will amplify it further.

No-one thinks that they are going to crash, no-one thinks that they are going to die on their bike, but with no experience, and a GSXR you re HIGHLY LIKELY to do so.

Your priority should be....

1) MSF course
2) Gear - fuckiing loads of it - spend $2000
3) A learner friendly machine for 20,000 miles
4) A GSXR 600 as a target for the future.

Unless you are a dumb wanker, that just wants to pose of course....

Remember "real bikers are impressed with skills, not hardware"

I wouldn't, but I did and I learned the hard way. I started w/a cbr600 and dropped it twice, once my fault. If I could do it all over again I would start w/something smaller. But if you feel that you have to start w/a 600 do yourself a favor and get a used bike, it will save you money in the long run.
Take into consideration what the others have said and check out a sv650, or an ex500. Good Luck in your decision.

oh yeah, I forgot my background 11+ year of ridding, have had 3 zx7's 1 ninja 600r harley davidson fatboy, new GSXR750.
Started off on a 89 ninja 600R it had no more than 80hp 1st hour had it did a U turn into a parked car low speed, cost $500 in repairs. (you are talking about a bike with 25% more horsepower than this and a bike that is very much more of a non-forgiving bike in the hands of a beginner) took a course right after this.
over the last 11 years 2 years I rode a bike more than car due to car was a pile of crap bike ran car didn't. have not owned a bike I didn't put 20K+ miles on. exept the GSXR750 just bought it and only had 1 month have over 1000 miles on it.
took a Keith Code school, read his books and this improved my skills a great deal even after 9+ years of riding.
This is not to brag, just to let you know I was there too and made the mistake and luckly learn from it and have been able to ride safe for a long time, just triing to give better advice than was given to me.

Its wierd how alot of people say to get some weakass bike for their first bike. My first was a gsxr750 and I had no problems or difficulties, only what was as expected. I think if you want to do some racing, stunting, cruising, transportation, or whatever get the bike that was made to due what you want. If you want a gsxr get it and take it easy till you become more confident. Don't blame the bike. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
edited to add do what you want cuz you will get sick of the bike if its not what you want and it doesn't matter how long you have been riding what matters is how good you are.

i agree with aresenal--------- buy what the hell u want just as long as ur not stupid on it u will learn. now if u have never even ridden a dirtbike then i suggest u at least do that or take ur msf class first to actually get a feel for a bike and clutch controls etc. if u have some experience, then i say get the 600. BUT- if u do not have any experience-u should at least get a used 600.like a 98'-00' or maybe even an 01'. do not watse $8k for ur very first bike that u will probabaly fuck up sooner or later. but what everyone seems to be missing is that fuck ups r ok- thats y u get a used bike. everyone talks about these highly technical skills needed to ride and all kinds of crap like posted a few messages above- ur not learning to fly a NASA Space shuttle. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/piss.gifany1 w/ a brain and common sense can learn how to ride a late model sportbike . jusat use ur head and dont be a dumb shit while ur learning thinking u can do wheelies and crap after a few weeks and ride down the freeway at 120 mph.. if u start slow and practice practice practice especially at low speeds then u should be good to go.

buy hey thats just my opinion.

good luck.

I bought me a 97 GSXR 750 for my first sportbike but i have a few years experience riding dirtbikes and only a few hundred on a Honda f2 and ZX7Rs. But dirtbikes and sportbikes positively do not go together its a whole new ball game there. I did take the MSF class before buying it really helps out alot to let you get basic functions down for a street bike. I would suggest not riding your motorcycle to the MSF class (unless your gonna use your own bike) but all the MSF classes usually supply a moto for ppl to use. Why you ask? because thats just the smartest thing to do, your taking that class because you may only have little or no knowledge of a motorcycle or street riding. I don't mean to rag on you but its just plain common sense right? http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/bash.gif

Me personally I don't care if you get it or not because its not my money. But if you were set on getting the GSXR600 anyway why bother asking ppl for they're opinion if your gonna get it anyway. You asked if this was a "wise choice" and some experienced riders say no and you get it anyway its just gonna be your own fault if you get injured (god forbid). Yes I know if you get hurt who cares its your body blah blah blah but you were warned.

Like I said in the beginning my first bike was a 97 GSXR750 I love this baby but what happened to JMMarich happened to me also I grabbed too much front and basically i dunno what happened all I knew was that a 400 pound bike was on my right leg and a big truck was behind me and all I cared about was saving my ass who cares about a bike. Good thing i was only goin' 15mph after the greenlight.

Just be smart and be safe if your gonna ride it. Crotch Rockets are no joke.

Goodluck http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/squid.gif

ArsenalRyde said:

Its wierd how alot of people say to get some weakass bike for their first bike. My first was a gsxr750 and I had no problems or difficulties, only what was as expected. I think if you want to do some racing, stunting, cruising, transportation, or whatever get the bike that was made to due what you want. If you want a gsxr get it and take it easy till you become more confident. Don't blame the bike. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
edited to add do what you want cuz you will get sick of the bike if its not what you want and it doesn't matter how long you have been riding what matters is how good you are.



yeah now you get to hear what you want to hear http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My first bike, '98 Gsx-r 600 is in my opinion perfect for me to start with.
#1. Power to get out of a hairy situation (truck coming at you from the side)
#2. Low Cost (big factor, but replacement parts are NOT cheap http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif)
#3. Handling (when i go into turns too hot, i remind myself 'its a sportbike' and lean it over a little farther)
#4. Poser Factor (Impresses my friends and any hot girl who i talk to)
#5. I wont personally get sick of the bike, because it seemingly has no limits to its performance.

As far as safety, Fraggle is right, you wanna start out with something a little bit smaller, but honestly, you're not gonna want any sissy POC. I think the 600 is cool, its a bit more forgiving than the 750 (you wont loose the rear because of too much throttle) and still a buttload of fun, when you get better, away from http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/squid.gif status, you can still hang with guys who ride the "bigger" bikes. happy riding! and yes, buy and wear LOTS of gear, it is definitely worth it no matter what objections you have. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

oh by the way, i just re-read your first post, i reccomend NOT getting a new gix.
get a used one, I'd have to reccomend an SRAD. You dont wanna drop a new bike, you will http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif all the way to the bank. oh, and put frame sliders on your bike, i cannot stress how important that will be to saving you $$$. Every bike i will own will have frame sliders. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/punk.gif

I just bought a '01 gsxr 750 for my 1st bike but I do have some experience w/ sport bikes. I have a friend that has 2 bikes (GSXR 1000 &amp; CBR 600F4I) and he was kind enough to let me use the CBR for the past year. I did not have any experience w/ motorcycles until I rode his CBR and I thought it was a great bike to learn on. But after a year I found myself wanting more power so I bought myself the 750. The 750 is the perfect bike for me, I love riding this bike. Whatever you decide on, just be careful and respect what the bike can do because if you dont it will bite you. Take the MSF class and practice, practice, practice.

Later...

600 is a good bike to start with ,you can start with any bike it really all depends on the rider. just be careful until you get used to the speed and response of your bike....

welcome http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

I just bought my 1st bike.. a gixxer 600. i was a little apprehensive at first, because the way people made it out was there was all this freakin power right off the bat. a little common sense and a little know-how about these engines will help you understand why that is not the case.

these bikes scream at high rpms. if you have throttle control then you are fine. if you have control at all, you are fine. if you are buying a bike simply because it is fast, then get a different bike. this bike will put you in situations you dont want to be in if that is the case.

if you have the time to be patient and learn and be open with the bike then go for it. if ur an ass and just want to go fast ( http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/squid.gif) then look somewhere else for a bike.

once agian I repeat: lot of these guys that are telling you what you wanna hear do not post there experiance level and years of riding I am willing to bet that the ones that tell you "what you wanna hear" have less than 2 years experiance and are under the age of 22 the age of high levels of testosterone and the age that we all think we are invincable, I know when I was under the age of 24 I did a lot of stupid things and gave a lot of advice I shouldn't have because I was RIGHT and nothing would happen to me, I knew best. Think about that one for a sec.

And before I get a lot of angry posts and sh*t I am not saying that everybody with a different opinion than me is wrong and that you are imature just because you are under a certain age because I know a lot of you are mature and responsible, however I think it is human nature to be more likely that under these ages we as humans are less mature than we will be in 5-10 years beond this age.

bbgixsix01 said:

600 is a good bike to start with ,you can start with any bike it really all depends on the rider. just be careful until you get used to the speed and response of your bike....



I'll have to disagree with this statment...and the reason I do is..not ALL riders are the same..Sure, some have natural talent, and these riders seem to have aknack for riding and do alright, BUT...not everyone does...You can start on 600, 750, and yes even a liter....but WHY...Most new riders already have the jitters, why make it worse..? And if you happen to read, investgate, most all pro riders started on very small bikes...some of the training camps for pro racers use bikes as small as 100cc dirt bikes for roadracers...ever wonder why they use small bikes..? Mainly it's beacuse they are much more user friendly, riders feel more comfy on em, read, you ride better relaxed, not all tensed up..your better able to Focus on learning, not Surviving. If you make a mistake on a smaller bike, the damages are usually less significant...meaning..less $$$ and ache and pains...Plus, I'm pretty safe in saying, that the pro's who take these camps, prolly ride much better than you, or I do..

Another point.......starting on any sportbike, is possible, as I've mentioned..BUT, if you make an error, it's much more maginfied on a high powered bike...it's the varibles that can bite ya..i.e....ever hear of a rider that got in a tight bind, and meant to grab the front brake..only to grab the throttle instead...??? It happens, and often..Also starting on a bike that can propel you to 150 mph, in a matter of seconds...can sometimes make it seam as though you aren't travleing as fast as you think you are...that can cause problems..How many stories have you heard about the rider that was suckered into doing a stunt..ect..by peer pressure, and wound up hurt badly, or Dead..? I've heard, and seen ti way to many times..maybe after you've been around a few years, you'll see things in different light....The idea of ridng to survive sucks, instead of riding to learn, and enjoy yourself...Your chances of wrecking ona sportbike are far greater than wrecking a 250cc, or a 500cc bike...the stats are out there, and I've witnessed it also......And just to touch on another related subject...when new racers ask the vets, what size bike should I start racing on...10 times out of 10, they will say..sv650, or a 600.....not a 750, or a 1000...the reasoning is, you'll learn to use your skillz, and not rely on the power of the bike to get results..Remember, it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than to ride a fast bike slow....A smaller bike will do noting but speed up the learning curve, in the long run, you'll be a much better rider, having learned on a smaller bike..If you doubt any of this, do a track day, and when some guy/gal comes FLYIN by ya on 125 on the outside of a turn, while your on your 600, or 750...then you'll understand, it's the rider, not the bike that makes the difference once you get good, and a small bike is the best way to get good faster... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

I agree with ta2drvn,

I'm older than the "twentysomething" crowd and I thought I knew it all back then (but on MX bikes), and did some stupid sh*t that I paid for later cuz of being "Mr. Know It All". Well, it didn't work out...now I realize it and I'm almost glad I'm getting into the street/sport bike scene now because I'm more responsible. I can enjoy the bike and respect it...otherwise I wouldn't have back in my early 20's. Doesn't mean that's the case for everyone, but I was just agreeing with ta2drvn because you definitely have to respect these (actually any) bikes.
http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/applause.gif

I can certainly appreciate your thinking but do you really think that you would be able to go slow all the time. I see 150+ mph trips down your driveway in the near future. Sounds like you already made up your mind though so be careful. Just hope you dont dump it.

No matter what you get, ride safe, and maturely.

Hammer-that was a really good writeup. i think that should have been the write up for why not to gte a sportbike for a first bike. damn thats the first time i have read something where someone says why not to get a sportbike that i agreed with.

but i like to think im one of those people with a somewhat natural talent and i know that there are people who get super freaked out and nervous and who probably should start out on a small bike.

i took my MSF this past weekend and those little honda's SUCKED! i could never ride anything smaller than a 600 now.

i also will probabaly ride this bike till the wheels fall off now cause i finally realized that getting a 750,etc. will just slow down my learning process and wont allow me to really learn those twisties like i want to.

gixxer600 said:

Hammer-that was a really good writeup. i think that should have been the write up for why not to gte a sportbike for a first bike. damn thats the first time i have read something where someone says why not to get a sportbike that i agreed with.

but i like to think im one of those people with a somewhat natural talent and i know that there are people who get super freaked out and nervous and who probably should start out on a small bike.

i took my MSF this past weekend and those little honda's SUCKED! i could never ride anything smaller than a 600 now.

i also will probabaly ride this bike till the wheels fall off now cause i finally realized that getting a 750,etc. will just slow down my learning process and wont allow me to really learn those twisties like i want to.





Thanks....... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

I have a question for ya....please don't get offenseive..I'm just curious..K ? You said that the little Honda's sucked...and that you could "never" ride anything smaller than a 600...correct.?

My question is, have you ever riden a SV 650..? and are you comfy with your 600 at speed..? I realize, your still learning..and you didn't say how long you've had the 600...Also, when you think your gettin pretty fast, or good at riding.....go do a track day...Once again, please don't be offended by my questions, or comments.. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Hammer 4 said:






Thanks....... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

I have a question for ya....please don't get offenseive..I'm just curious..K ? You said that the little Honda's sucked...and that you could "never" ride anything smaller than a 600...correct.?

My question is, have you ever riden a SV 650..? and are you comfy with your 600 at speed..? I realize, your still learning..and you didn't say how long you've had the 600...Also, when you think your gettin pretty fast, or good at riding.....go do a track day...Once again, please don't be offended by my questions, or comments.. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/QUOTE]


im not offended- i understand what u r talkin about-but i have a few things to add.
correct on part one and no i have not ridden an sv650. but is that less than 600CC's. i wouldn't think so by the name of it. and i didnt mean anything smalller or other than a GIXXER 600 , i meant any bike under 600 cc cause i feel really comfortable on my bike but thenagain ive only been riding for about 5 months w/ 3000 mi. of riding. but i feel pretty good with it at speed and in windy roads. but i know i would suck at a track but thats a whole different issue. i think the majority of people who get streetbikes dont plan on taking it to the track. i know guys on small bikes would blow by me on the track blah blah blah but what i was reffering to is the fact that some people say get a EX250 and crappy little bikes like that. i think a bike like that would suck and i wouldnt ride 1 after riding my 600.

First I am in the twenty something crowd. 23, I had a Katana 600 for 2 months and got my MSF course before I got that, I put 3000 mi on it in two months and then got a good deal on a Busa and that is what I have always wanted (I want to drag race) so I bought it 8 months ago and have not had a problem on it and I ride it everyday (except for the past 3 weeks, I am adding things to it). It is all about knowing your boundries and not trying to pass them. I say that you should get it if you want it but deffinatley take the course and practice alot on a deserted road of big parking lot before you just hop into traffic, and as was already said buy lots of safety gear. I think that it is different for each person so if you are planning on riding mature and not trying to "keep up with the others" then get the bike and be very careful.

gixxer600 said:


Hammer 4 said:






Thanks....... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

I have a question for ya....please don't get offenseive..I'm just curious..K ? You said that the little Honda's sucked...and that you could "never" ride anything smaller than a 600...correct.?

My question is, have you ever riden a SV 650..? and are you comfy with your 600 at speed..? I realize, your still learning..and you didn't say how long you've had the 600...Also, when you think your gettin pretty fast, or good at riding.....go do a track day...Once again, please don't be offended by my questions, or comments.. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif




im not offended- i understand what u r talkin about-but i have a few things to add.
correct on part one and no i have not ridden an sv650. but is that less than 600CC's. i wouldn't think so by the name of it. and i didnt mean anything smalller or other than a GIXXER 600 , i meant any bike under 600 cc cause i feel really comfortable on my bike but thenagain ive only been riding for about 5 months w/ 3000 mi. of riding. but i feel pretty good with it at speed and in windy roads. but i know i would suck at a track but thats a whole different issue. i think the majority of people who get streetbikes dont plan on taking it to the track. i know guys on small bikes would blow by me on the track blah blah blah but what i was reffering to is the fact that some people say get a EX250 and crappy little bikes like that. i think a bike like that would suck and i wouldnt ride 1 after riding my 600.



[/QUOTE]

The sv has a bout 30-40 hp less than the 600 has...My point was, gonna be, that had you learned to ride on a bike with less power...would your skill level have improved over the 5 months that you've been riding, compared to that of the 600 you now ride. My mention about the track wasn't to say you are slow, on the contray...it is merly to show what a skilled rider can do on a smaller bike..not to belittle anyone..The idea is that you learn how to really ride! As your idea of knowing how to ride, and my idea on how to ride may differ..and it's not just about going fast...although riding fast on the track is pretty good guage on how skilled you are.. All I'm trying to say is, you have to learn to walk, before you can run...both in terms of skill, and survival... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

does a SV650 have a 645cc V-Twin... so i guess you could ride one because its not smaller than 600cc http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

houseofmoo said:

does a SV650 have a 645cc V-Twin... so i guess you could ride one because its not smaller than 600cc http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif



It is larger in displacment, but..lower on power...... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif