NEWBIE

Hey man, first of all welcome.
The first step in getting a bike is researching and getting information as far as I'm concerned, so it looks like you're on the right track. Be prepared to hear completely opposing opinions...some will say to not even think about getting a 600 before you've logged a lot of time and miles on a smaller bike, while others (though probably not as many) will say to go for it as long as you're careful and responsible. If you didn't notice, I'm trying to remain objective and unbiased . That being said here's my thoughts.

quote:I am pretty intermediate level when it comes to knowledge on bikes.

Click to expand...

I felt the same way when I first got a bike. I had done tons of research and reading, and felt I had a really good grasp on bike dynamics and how bikes handled and responded. The problem is that was on paper, and it just doesn't translate to the real world. You really don't get the feel for it - or how bikes react in general - until you're on one and you just try it. It's all about trial and error. And that is the problem. Making an error on a 600 supersport is dangerous, expensive, and happens very quickly. There is a much smaller margin for error than say on a ninja 250 or 500.

16 is pretty young. I'm 24 and have been riding for a little over a year. Looking back on when I was 16 I remember feeling much more invincible than I do now...(a few knee surgeries will do that to you <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> heheh). And in high school there were lots of friends & girls to try to impress. Lemme break down what I'm getting at here;

Feeling invincible + trying to impress people + sport bike = Chuck Norris spin-kick to the mouth. In other words: bad, bad stuff.

My advice to you if you decide to get a new 600 is;
Start out slow. And I mean slow. Just get used to the weight of the bike by riding around your block or your immediate neighborhood for a week or so before getting out into traffic. I almost dropped my bike once or twice in the first week when I wasn't even moving.

Maybe the best advice I can give is to always be honest with yourself about your ability...and remind yourself of that constantly. It's easy to get in over your head when you can go 0-100 faster than most cars can get to 60. Don't know if you read it, but I think it was Andy offered a good rule...only ride within 75% of your ability. You'll still have plenty of fun, but will likely avoid lots of situations that could turn ugly by pushing beyond your limits. You can't control cagers doing stupid things and driving like idiots, but you CAN control the chances/risks you'll take and minimize the errors you'll make by consciously riding safely and responsibly.

Anyway good luck and be safe!
(sorry this was so long everyone.....been a really slow day at work <img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>)


'01 yellow zx-6r
pics & projects:
www.harbordive.com/josh/zx6r.htm

Hmmmm...just realized I might not have answered your question. For your first bike you probably SHOULD buy used, though I didn't take my own advice and went out and got a new '01 6R. I haven't dropped it or had any accidents, but like Dave mentioned, most people do. I actually almost did drop it once or twice in the first week just from not being used to the weight. I wasn't even moving. I actually had to jump off the bike to catch it before it went all the way over <img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>. It was close but didn't actually hit.

If you're sure that you're not going to drop the bike, then definitely buy a used one 'cause you're just being cocky and you most likely will. If you know that you might drop a new bike and it will be very expensive to fix, and you accept that risk, then get a new one. I won't tell you not to cause that's what I did.

'01 yellow zx-6r
pics & projects:
www.harbordive.com/josh/zx6r.htm

if you are definately getting a 6R, go 1998 or newer if you are buying used, (which i recommend buying used). the body style from 1997 to 1998 took a dramatic turn for the best when speaking of the ZX-6R, the 1997 and before is a much more boxxy, fat looking bike. (heavy too). actually, the 1998 from gas tank to tail is nearly the same bike as the 2002. the big differences on the newer ones is of course the redesigned upper fairing, engine enhancements and all that good stuff, and they are not as heavy as the 98-99's.

if you definately want a supersport bike, the 6R will be the best price that you find used as well. R6's and GSXR-600's will go for a lot more then a 6R with the same miles/same model year. You could probably find a honda F3 for a decent price, but honestly the 6R's will be the cheapest used. AND THEY ARE AN AWESOME BIKE!!!

always be careful on a bike too since you are a new rider. you will honestly be 150% dumbfounded and amazed the first time you really get on the throttle. supersport bikes are sooo fast and so powerful. remember that these bikes that we ride can easily smoke ferrari's and stuff like that. it was good to hear you say that you are going to buy all the equipment too. i see people all the time riding where i live in shorts and t-shirts. leathers make a world of difference if you would happen to fall off going anywhere over 15mph.

good luck, keep us updated with what you buy. and if you want to see a pic of a 1998, check out my bike in the "members pictures forum" (billym99's bike). peace.




billy m.
1998 ZX6R
WTF is a Gixxer?

Hello,

I would recommend getting a used bike. I have seen way too many nice bikes up for sale with low miles and great prices. Example girl trading a 2000 ZX6R less than 2500 miles about ~$5500. Many bikes on ebay as well. If you have plenty of money, great, get a new bike, pay in full, get liability coverage. That's what I did and I'm 24 now. But the insurance is going to rip you big time for being young! I also ridden MX bikes growing up, the ZX6R was first street bike. Close call laying it down by not having kickstand in full position. Take your time to get used to it, during break in period. Also depends on your physical size and such? I also recommend ZX6E model. I think anything below you'll outgrow soon like a 250, but they go well with the lady riders. Another thing, is to have common sense and good time.

hi,

In my experience - I really think you SHOULD NOT get a
new OR used ZX6R if you are 16 years old.

In Australia it is MANDATORY that you ride a 250cc or less
for a period of 1 year. I am certain this has saved many
young persons lives.

I hated this idea of getting a 250 when I was starting
(I am 27 years old and have driven my high performance
car for 3 years before getting a bike so I know how to
drive [not ride] fast) but after having done it and
having some close shaves on the 250 I think now it is
good that I learnt my skills on something less powerful.
They are great fun too!

If you really are the wise teenager you say you are then
you should be looking at the Ninja 250 to learn your skills
before you buy a 600 death machine.

The 600's are SERIOUSLY fast.. you read stories of them
wasting Ferrari's and Corvette's.. do you really think
you will be riding it slow? of course not.. no matter how
mature you think you are.

Learn your bike skills and road awareness FIRST then get
your fast bike.

In fact, I would suggest driving a car to get some cage
protected road awareness (for 6 months) before you get a
250.

Dan.


---
'01 ZX6R Blue

^
|

he's got a good point. i look back and i am very happy i never had a bike when i was that age. i consider myself a very mature person now, but most chances i get i'm pushing my bike 130-140 down the freeway so.....




billy m.
1998 ZX6R
WTF is a Gixxer?