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.
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