Originally Posted by Skelly_GSR

I dont mean to be a dick, but do you know what 600's are capable of? They are soooo incredibly fast its sick. Its just with a bike that caliber, as soon as you lose respect for it, you will be on the ground. A really really good friend of mine just wrecked really bad on his r6 2 days ago. He still hasent came out of a coma yet .

Originally Posted by Pete

He only pays like $460 a year. He's a beginner too and he's never dropped it. You just need to be careful. The people that drop thier bikes are the ones that get cocky and think they know how to ride.

Originally Posted by Nightshade

I would definitley reccomend a 600 as a starter bike and I personally don't even look at anything over the 600 - 650cc range, and I have been riding for some time now.

I wouldn't however reccomend the R6 as a first bike but do as you wish.

The bikes you listed are all good bikes but I would stay away from the Buell and the Triumph just for reliability factor. I also suggest you look at used bikes over new, because you are going to drop it (everyone does) and its easier to walk off a used bike being dropped than a new one

Originally Posted by Tankard

I pay around 550 a year for full coverage on my 2002 Yamaha YZF R1. This is one of the biggest cc motors made, and it's not that expensive. No accidents, tickets, or DUI's on my record though, and i'm over 26. I think that's the age when it drops a little. And i also have other vehicles insured through the same company, which takes off a little also. Also, you should be able to pick up a nice used 600 cc sport bike for around 5 grand. Any of the Japanese 600cc sport bikes are nice. Also, depending on your age, and what you want the bike for, is helpful in determining what kind you want. If you want something that will haul ass and don't mind being slouched down to reach the bars, get a 600cc Japanese sport bike. If you just want an inexpensive cruiser, get a Nighthawk, Shadow, 750 or something like that. If it's your firts bike, be sure to get a used one, because it will more than likely get dropped or wrecked. Also, insurance is not really expensive at all if you just have liablity. That's the only thing i had when i had less expensive bikes. Now that i've got a bike worth over 7 grand(actually over 10 grand new), i'd be extremely irritated if i wrecked it badly or it got stolen, and did'nt have it fully insured.

Originally Posted by goon54

my 1st bike was a 2003 R6. paid $370 for insurance a year and im 27. loved it man. but be careful, u hafta slowly get use to its power. 1st gear wheelie will happen on accident. u cant go wrong with a honda cbr or suzuki gixxer. just stay with a 600cc and swap out the stock pipe for a louder one so peeps can hear u in there blind spots

Originally Posted by :exnbp:

Yeah right self control on a 600cc bike for a beginner lol Get a used bike though

Originally Posted by :exnbp:

You really are Agent Smifffff O_o What are you trying to kill the boy

Originally Posted by goon54

just get a vespa....
actually there are scooters with 600cc motors

Originally Posted by goon54

a lot of 01 and 02 r6 are pretty cheap due to the 03-05 that came out with a different design. but with $5k, u shouldnt have any issues finding a nice used bike

Originally Posted by honda_pilot

Actually I'd rather spend the least amount I can. That way I don't have to worry about collision/comprehensive insurance coverage.

What do you think of the Kawasaki EX500?

Originally Posted by Master Yodub

Also, make sure you have good health insurance...