any suggestions folks?

[cstmp8r]

I will be in the market for a bike here in the next few weeks (hopefully) And I want to get a sport bike. Now my question is this. What would be a good choice for me being I am fairly tall at 6'3 and about 210 lbs. I would really rather not go and test drive a bike until I am fully ready and just sitting on bikes seems a bit silly to me. Anyways, I have ridden an older katana and loved the way it fealt however, I have heard that they are not the best bikes being air cooled etc. Also, I would like to keep it under a 750 for insurance reasons and well, this will be my first "real" bike..lol.. So any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and I am looking to be in the 4k range which I know kind of limits my options. Thanks everyone.

[Dino]

A vfr sounds like your best choice!

[lotsamtbottls]

going to sit on bikes is not silly at all. it gives you a chance to see which bikes feel comfortable to you... as similar as all the sportbikes seem, their seating positions are all very, very different. any of the 600's would be a good starter bike for someone your size. if you liked the katana's, you might check out the Honda 600 F4i, its a similar bike to the katana, but much better. plus you can probably pick one of those up for a pretty decent price... and the insurance will be cheaper on that than a cbr 600rr or equivalent. good luck with your hunt! :thumbup:

[Xusia]

I say all the time I think a 600 is bit much for a starter bike, but if you have already talked yourself into it, +1 on the F4i. And I'm fairly certain even older Katana's were not air cooled, though I have heard they aren't the most reliable.

[Jane Honda]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/spiritcreekmountain/16.jpg

[Skipbo]

I myself would vote for a Kawasaki ZZR600.

$7299.00 retail price for a 07' model and one heck of a great deal.
You probably can find a model a few years older close to your price range.

I have a Goldwing and have considered this Kawi as a 2nd bike for
a pocket rocket. It has all the goodies needed for a sportbike with a solid reliable motor and tranny. It won't win a 600 supersport race but it doesn't need to...

This is a great bike!

Here's what it looks like:
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k154/scootermannn/07-zzr600.jpg

[knowmad]

on your budget find a f3 or f4i. Comfy enough ergos for a dude your size.

[cstmp8r]

Thanks for all the great input guys. I am not set on a 600 but being my old interceptor 500 was a bit small I just thought that moving up to the six would be a better option for me. And I too thought about the zzr. Man I am sooooo indecisive I swear..lol.. By the time I figure out what I want it will be winter again! Although I guess I should be happy that I narrowed it down from three types of bikes so I guess there is hope for me yet.

[TwIsT]

Sounds like you're a Honda guy, so you should stick with a Honda.
I've owned an Interceptor as well as an F1, ('88 Hurricane) and they are comfortable and very manageable for first time or upgrades.
Or you could just get a Ducati!!!!:thumbup:


Good Luck

TwIsT

[Xusia]

Thanks for all the great input guys. I am not set on a 600 but being my old interceptor 500 was a bit small I just thought that moving up to the six would be a better option for me. And I too thought about the zzr. Man I am sooooo indecisive I swear..lol.. By the time I figure out what I want it will be winter again! Although I guess I should be happy that I narrowed it down from three types of bikes so I guess there is hope for me yet.

BTW, the ZZR600 is the same bike as the 01-02 ZX-6R, so you can probably find one used. And the other poster is right, that IS a great bike. A buddy had one and I've ridden it (I'm 6'2", btw). Supremely comfortable and smooth.

[Skinny]

I'll throw in my :2cents: for the F4i. I was recently in the market for a bike myself and found quite a few great deals on the F4i. Great bike, great ergonomics, great engine (IMHO). Good luck and let us know what you get!!

[Rev. Fatty Bulger]

Another vote for the ZZR or the F4i. I'd go out and cop a sit on some stuff. Find what fits you best.

["b"]

i agree that getting out there and sittting on different bikes is the bet was to see how they fit. either of the two bikes listed would be great.

[cstmp8r]

I guess I will be goiing and doing some sitting this weekend...lol.. For some reason I always fealt like a spank sitting on them in the showroom.... I dont know maybe its just me though...:yes:

[lotsamtbottls]

I guess I will be goiing and doing some sitting this weekend...lol.. For some reason I always fealt like a spank sitting on them in the showroom.... I dont know maybe its just me though...:yes:
must be just you lol... every bike shop i go into, i have this overwhelming urge to sit on all the sportbikes and pick out which ones i'd take home if i suddenly became rich :laughing:

[eezz]

Because of your price range and your size and weight and you say this will be your first stab at a sport bike, I would recommend that you seriously consider the Honda Superhawk. If any of you remember my friend Dodge who has recently relocated to N. Cali, he could fly on that bike which proves it is much more capable than people give it credit for.

The Superhawk is a 100 Vtwin which makes very good low end power, has a very forgiving powerband and will haul ass when you learn to ride it well. Ergonomically, it will fit a tall rider better than many other sport-bikes and would be a good bike to learn on.

My friend Dodge turned 1:18's at PIR on his and that was only during his first year doing track days at PIR. I think he may still have it, and I know he was thinking about selling it.

If you are interested let me know. I know another guy who has one who would probably let you sit on it, and although Dodge now lives in Cali, he still makes trips here, and would likely come up to sell the bike if you wanted it.

[cstmp8r]

eezz... thanks for the input. But after checking on a few 1000 cc bikes my ins. seemed to almost double from a 600 so I am looking for one not so high for insurance. Though I did go and sit on a few and I love the busa and zx14's.... but way too much bike for me..lol. I did however have a liking for the suzuki gs500f. Does anyone know anything about this bike? I think it would be a good starter bike and at 5100 its kind of in the ballpark as far as pricing goes plus not to mention I am sure ins. for it would be pretty reasonable too. Any comments on the zuk would be greatly appreciated! Here is a link to scan over it you are not familiar with the bike. I am sure it is no speed demon but like I said, it seems like a good first ride. Thanks!!!http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GS500FK7/Default.aspx

[lotsamtbottls]

eezz... thanks for the input. But after checking on a few 1000 cc bikes my ins. seemed to almost double from a 600 so I am looking for one not so high for insurance. Though I did go and sit on a few and I love the busa and zx14's.... but way too much bike for me..lol. I did however have a liking for the suzuki gs500f. Does anyone know anything about this bike? I think it would be a good starter bike and at 5100 its kind of in the ballpark as far as pricing goes plus not to mention I am sure ins. for it would be pretty reasonable too. Any comments on the zuk would be greatly appreciated! Here is a link to scan over it you are not familiar with the bike. I am sure it is no speed demon but like I said, it seems like a good first ride. Thanks!!!http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GS500FK7/Default.aspx
the suzuki 500 is a good bike, but lacks the power of the kawi 500... in a head to head comparison that i read in a magazine, they unanimously voted the ninja 500 as the winner over the gs 500 in every catagory except the styling... might check into that. the kawi is a good bike, even though its not the prettiest girl on the block

[eezz]

Oh yeah, I forgot you said liter bikes were out because of insurance. What about 750, Or does it change after 600? Well in that case, I would look at the Kawi 636. I'm guessing you should be able to find quite a few used ones for sale. I really think a 500 is underpowered for a guy your size.

Here's a 750 and a SV650 to look at:

http://www.sportbikes.ws/showthread.php?t=91874 (http://www.sportbikes.ws/showthread.php?t=91874)

http://www.sportbikes.ws/showthread.php?t=70678 (http://www.sportbikes.ws/showthread.php?t=70678)

[MarineHawk]

The Superhawk is an odd literbike though. I pay $40/month for full coverage. I was going to say the same damn things as eezz, but he already said it all. So yeah. My two cents has become one cent.

[kneedragger26]

Since we seem to have a few different answers, I would suggest 2 things.

First suggestion. Stay 600cc or above and think about how you like to ride. IE. More straight up or with a stretch. You probably will not have any problem considering the height but the legroom might be an issue.

Second suggestion. Get what you want. Used? Check online about issues. New? Any bike is awesome these days. There aint no slowpokes anymore.:whip:

Opinions are like....well, you know what I mean.

You gotta feel it before you ride it! Now go buy a bike dang it!:yes:

[Bones]

I have a SV 650 naked for my first bike it is a good starter and it is even better as you learn how to ride

[eezz]

Here is one to look at if you're still looking.

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/mcy/345011690.html

[scout18]

SV650 is a nice starter bike I hear. Seriously look at a used VFR though I like mine alot. And I can keep up with most sportbike riders except the crazy ones.