[Chip]

I really want to get a used 2000 HONDA CBR600F4 for my first bike.

I know i don't have a lot of experience but i fail understand the difference between this sporty bike vs another 600cc bike like a CBR 600.

Aren't all 600cc about the same output wise ? Am i way out of my league??

What can i expect from this bike vs. a different more commonly used beginner bike like a ninja 500?

What noob errors might i make with the CBR600F4 and how can i prevent them??

Are their more advanced rider courses that are good??? Advanced MSF class in my area covers same things as basics but goes faster pace and i want to really improve my basic skills but don't have a practice bike yet.I'm not looking to learn how to ride on a race track but just to learn to be more safe


I also want to get a bike that will keep me satisfied power wise and think this bike will be a good one for that because i will be strapped for cash and my area isnt big biker area, so reselling is difficult.

Took a friend almost a year to sell his 07 ninja 250 and had to keep lowing his asking price while paying it off. He had it for 3 months before he got bored with it.


Thanks for the help!

 

[pintslayer]

The biggest noob mistake you can make with a 600cc sport bike is underestimating what it can do compared with what you can handle. Let me put it in perspective for you...

When Kawasaki debuted the KZ900, bike magazines claimed it was the manliest bike you could buy. You had to have nizzuts the size of coconuts to ride the thing. Cycle world said,"It'll grow hair on your chest, then part it down the middle!" The Z1 ended a lot of riding careers. It had a miserable chassis and lousy tires by today's standards, but at the time, it pretty much reigned supreme. This wondrous machine was making all of 70 horsepower on a good day.

Fast forward to now. Your average 600 is making about 95 horsepower, and is so smooth, you don't feel how fast you're going until you're in traction. The brakes on these things are phenomenal, so phenomenal in fact, that you can get yourself in trouble with the brake lever alone.

Be careful. If you start thinking right off the bat that you need to do wheelies and stuff, do this instead. Find someone with a pickup truck. Go for a ride in the bed, and jump out at about 35 MPH. This will save you a ton of money on bike plastic.

Good luck and be safe.

 

[Schneiderman]

The difference lies in the intended use, different approach in design and difference in the nature of power and handling. A 600cc sport bike is a street legal racing bike, designed for expert riders that can utilize the amazing performance. The engines are designed to run at high RPMs and at high speeds. Every aspect of the handling is intended to give the greatest advantage at the track.

Among the major and most recognizable differences is the type of engine. The Ninja 500 and similar bikes (including the Ninja 650) use a Parallel Twin engine which gives predictable, usable street power. Sport bikes use inline-four cylinder motors which make their power in the high end, having a powerband that really kicks in and can get you in a lot of trouble really fast. Furthermore, they overheat quickly at low speeds and, lacking low end torque, are tough for beginners to make normal starts from stop signs and lights.

 

[vortex_01]

Grasping the diff..

Hey Chip I went through the same thinking curve as you when I began my search fora good starter bike. Some say get a 650 or 750 as a good starter and others saying NO!!! start smaller!! Hmm and the reasons as stated by pint and schnied are pretty much what I heard. Very vallid but easy to rationalise away too. I took some advice from another off a diff board and got a book "Proficient Motorcycling" by David L. Hough. Read the first few chapters and also go to youtoube and search for motorcylce accidents. the combination will give you a perspective on the need to start slow and maybe small, the book especially. but mainly start smart and think it through and don't let your ego lead the way get what is right for you.

Another thought is to go and look on like craigslist and see how many race bikes are for sale with reconctructed titles.

 

[cb super sport]

Be careful. If you start thinking right off the bat that you need to do wheelies and stuff, do this instead. Find someone with a pickup truck. Go for a ride in the bed, and jump out at about 35 MPH. This will save you a ton of money on bike plastic.

Good luck and be safe.

well said sir i like how you put that alot and it should be told to all noobs