looking at getting a new bike

[blackFbird_98]

looking for opinions from those who already have crotch rockets i am thinking of getting a Katana 600 or a Ninja 600 which is better and who do you have you insurance through especially TealV6

[Matt G]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

whats your price range?

[TealV6]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

I'll let this one stand here. Your still looking.. when you get one.. you post these in "Other rides" for me to poke at :D

Of the 2, I would go Ninja. I would still go Yamaha because if you look at service schedules, most other vendors require valve lashing at every 15K or something crazy.. Yammie requires it at 45K which is FINE by me!

Any Yammie is good too.. I just like the style of the YZF600. I would get an R6, but I don't want to kill myself and ins is WAY higher on that bike. They do make like the FZ6 (nekkid bike) or if you want to pony up.. the FJR1300 tour bike. If you need some more info... just drop me an email.

Steve

[Greg94Red392]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

Is it your first bike? Both of those are decent choices for a beginner. The Katanta is more toward the sport-touring side so I'd say you'll get more performance out of the Ninja 600. Btw, are you talking about the Ninja that just came out this year? It's a gorgeous bike and a great price as well.

If its ur first bike, try not to listen to the guys on here that tell you to get a Hayabusa or Gixxer 750, CBR 1000 or something. Messing around on those things not really knowing what you're doing will get you killed very quickly. I started on a little Ninja 250 and I learned tons from it and I dont regret it a bit.

TealV6 has a YZF600 which is a good entry level sportbike. IMO, the new Ninja looks better, and the YZF is more expensive too. You may want to look into the SV650S. The S means Sport and it looks tons better than the regular version. You can also purchase a full fairing from the dealer to make it look even more like a full-fleged crotch rocket. It's about $200 more than the Ninja but it's a little nicer. For one it has a digital speedo and for 2, 50 more CC's of beginner friendly power.

That being said, if it is your first bike I would not buy a brand new bike. There is a good chance you are going to drop it, especially a heavy bike. It will hurt less on an old bike. Just remember your first bike doesnt have to be your last bike...happy hunting.

[TealV6]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

What he said... first bike, BUY USED!!! This one is my first sport bike and I still have not changed out the plastics for fear I "might" go down, but I've gone 3 seasons now without.

I would also not spend more than $2500 on one.. cause if you trash it, you'll be crying.

I might also suggest lurking on some of those boards... see what some of the newbs have to say on each. I know what the guys on the YZF board will say, so I'll spare you :D

[S Coffey]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

First of all, since this is my first post on here, I should probably start off by saying hello. My name is Scott and I have a 2002 Firebird.

Now for your question about motorcycles. I have had 20 years expeirence riding motorcycles, ranging from a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide to a Triumph Daytona 1200. I don't say this to brag, just to let you know where my opinion is coming from. Of course, it might not be worth two cents but here goes anyways. :D

Both of the bikes you mentioned are good motorcyles. Like has been already mentioned, the Katana is a little softer focused than the Kawasaki, but unless you are the second coming of Valantino Rossi you will not notice the difference between the two except the Ninja will be a little bit quicker. I would also echo the advice previously given about buying used first. 600's do depreciate rather quickly and you can get a relatively new one for quite a bit cheaper than buying brand new.

If you do buy used, there are things I would look for on a sportbike, especially 600's since they are the bikes most young riders buy. First, look the bodywork over good. Check for any cracks, particularly on the edges or where fasteners are. Look at the engines covers for any scrapes or touch up paint. These are all signs that the bike has been on it's side. Check the frame up by the steering head and look closely for any cracks. If you see any sign that the bike was pitched down the road, walk away. I don't care if the guy selling it to you says it was just dropped over in the garage, walk away. Same thing for bikes where the seller goes on and on about all the mods he has done. Personally, I have found that most of these guys just throw crap on a bike without thinking about how they work together and end up just making a worse running and handling motorcycle. This includes engine and suspension.

If you are new to riding on the street, and I can't emphasize this enough, TAKE A MSF BEGGINERS COURSE!!!!! I have taken it with friends who have just started riding and I still pick up things even after 20 years of riding myself. Don't let the throttle open faster than your brain either. Crashing hurts, trust me. Good luck, I hope you find a bike you are happy with, because as much as I like my car, there is nothing like riding a motorcycle.

[TealV6]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

Man.. I like this guy already.. first post and ALREADY good advise! :rock:

[S Coffey]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

Man.. I like this guy already.. first post and ALREADY good advise! :rock:

Thank you TealV6. I love motorcycles and I like to see people get involved in the sport. I also would like their first shot at it to be a good experience.

[TealV6]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

Thank you TealV6. I love motorcycles and I like to see people get involved in the sport. I also would like their first shot at it to be a good experience.

Can't agree with you more!! You need to post up what you have in the "Other Rides" forum so we can see what you ride and talk more instead of hi-jacking this young mans thread :D

[CoreyCamaro]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

Man.. I like this guy already.. first post and ALREADY good advise! :rock:

I like him too. Your full name is Sanka Coffey right? Cool Runnings is one of my favoritest movies ever.

Anyways, on to bikes. I owned a katana (I think I've said that a million times on this board now) and it ran like a champ. I got it for $1500 with 40 thousand on the odo and I put on 10 thou more. It was my daily driver for about 8 months and I never had one major problem with it. It ran slightly rich so I had to clean the plugs every other month but that took like 20 minutes. It's heavy and slightly ugly from the front but that means you won't feel bad if you drop it. Now in comparing the two the kawi will be a better sport bike. What years are you looking at, and how much do you want to spend? I wouldn't go with something newer than a 95. They can be had for 2g or less.

If you have anymore specific questions just ask us. We're all pretty competent when it comes to bikes, except Matt. He likes Honda.

[S Coffey]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

I like him too. Your full name is Sanka Coffey right? Cool Runnings is one of my favoritest movies ever.

Close man :D , it's actually Scott. I posted pics in the Other Rides forum's "who's ready for riding season" thread. Sorry for kind of hijacking the thread blackFbird_98. Let us know how you make out.

[blackFbird_98]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

hey dont worry about it guys i am just looking for as much info as i can since i am new to this whole bike thing

[CoreyCamaro]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

You're well off. It's sorta a figure-it-out-as-you-go thing anyways. Those are good bikes you have lined up, just get one.

Any other questions you have can be answered by this video.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-hUVvK-l0...bike%20crashes

[TealV6]

Re: looking at getting a new bike

You're well off. It's sorta a figure-it-out-as-you-go thing anyways. Those are good bikes you have lined up, just get one.

Any other questions you have can be answered by this video.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-hUVvK-l0...bike%20crashes

All I can say about that video is... GET GOOD GEAR!

I can't say I "hate" guys on one wheel, but I don't ride with guys that do that. We might find the throttle a bit more, but putting a 2 wheel'd vehicle on one of those wheels by its self.... crazy IMHO.

Get the best gear you can afford... and by that, I mean put more than just 100.00 bucks in for a jacket or 20 for gloves. Remember, this is going to save your hide by getting good cow hide!