CLTECH

Currently looking into getting a crotch rocket sometime this summer...I'm looking into a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-9R (900cc). Anyone with any knowledge in motorcycles? Brand new on this subject, so I need as much help as possible: reliability, comfort, engine...oh and fast. Any suggestions on other bikes to look into? Price range available: probably less than $8000 (used)

thanks in advance!

RidinLow

You definitely do NOT want anything remotely close to a 900 for your first bike! Even if you don't kill yourself, you won't pick up riding skills like you would on a smaller bike.

www.sportbikes.net

Check the newbie forum there!

All bikes are fast... even a little 25hp Ninja 250 would pull on your CL and a 500 would blow it away!

CLTECH

thanks!

haiduc

900 is way overkill. not the first bike to get. they can get away from you quick, and they are heavy.

start out on a smaller ninja, or a CBR F3 if you want something more up to date.

stay away from Yamaha and Suzuki. they are awesome bikes, but unforgiving and the riding position is uncomfortable.
also stay away from the exotics as insurance will rape you because of the cost of fixing the bike when you down it.

there are plenty of CBR's you can get for 6k. spend the rest on good riding gear and insurance.

STLUSMCH

yeah def dont get a 900 for your first bike i would just get a 600 but hey i dont want a bike but anywho check out this site for badass stunting www.streetfighterz.com

RidinLow

Oh yeah, and take this course before you hop on a bike.

www.msf-usa.org

Something like 90% of riders involved in accidents did not take that course. I'll be taking it in April.

haiduc

heh... im camping out for that course.

CLTECH

thanks for all the suggestions guys....i'm definitely going to plan on taking that msf course before even thinking about purchasing my bike. i've been reading a lot at the www.sportbikes.net and finding that i could possibly go up to a 600 and still be ok....so i'm thinking the nija zx-6r...i can find a whole bunch of those around this area i'm sure for pretty cheap. again, thanks for all the suggestions! pray i dont kill myself on that thing!

dulux

I had a 2001 yamaha r-6 for my first bike now I have an r-1.
(The r-6 was stolen... dont ask) The 600 cc bikes and 1000cc bikes are very similar in speed unless your on the highway going 80 and you let both bikes loose then the 1000's will pull away. 600's are better handling and lighter and a lot more forgiving, GET THE 600 is what Im saying hehe. Riding position on any sportbike is kinda back aching when its your first time, but you get used to it. The r-6 is not bad unless you ride for over an hour then it kinda gets uncomfy but I suspect that would be true with any superbike. The suzuki gsx-750 is a really nice bike also if you can find one use. Good thinking to take that course, I took a motorcycle riding course in my state of florida and I have yet to lay down any of my bikes or get in any accidents in 3 yrs of riding!

joeshmoe

I always tell everyone who wants to get into riding that your first bike should be either a Yamaha FZR or YZF 600. There light, good mid-high power, as reliable as bikes can be (which isn't that important anyway), comfortable and reasonably priced. Another benefit of this bike is that it's easy to learn to ride from and it'll still have enough power for you to keep it for a while until you master riding, meaning you won't get tired of it not having enough power. Especially with the mods you can do to it.

KC CL 1785

So how much do these bikes go for?

Acura3.0CL

Im lookin to gettin a 2001 YZF R6...That year in 2001 Yamaha got a new style of stickers, new rear farring (new taillights) AND the Deltabox 2 (or maybe 3..i forgot)

I'd say the 2001 R6 with adv. miles will go for around $6,000

KC CL 1785

Oh, and does anyone know if there is a place that does motorcycle reviews and statistics? You know, like www.edmunds.com

Melanie

What do you guys recommend for a beginner non-sport bike? I like the Harley looking bikes more than the sport bikes. I'm taking that class too as soon as the weather gets better (if it ever stops frickin' snowing around here!!) I've got about $3,000 saved up. Thanks

dulux

2001 r's have the delta-box 2 frame. After haggling with a local dealer I got my bike for $7,500 brand new out the door.

joeshmoe

Most of the Yamaha's and Honda's are lighter than the Harley's and European manufacturers. Even though I think Harely's are one of the greatest bikes ever made, there nt really for beginners with no riding experience. I'd go with a lightest bike possible for a beginner. Whatever kind of bike you like. Anything around 600cc's it fine.

RidinLow

www.beginnerbikes.com

30CLstyle

Im sellin my 1st bike right now, it was a suzuki katana 600, very comfortable and cheep on insureance and all that, its a great 1st bike, Im now movin up to a bigger bike, but im glad I had the Katana for a 1st bike, handled nice and very comfortable, Ive ridin many bikes and I found the katana most comfortable, good luck, and keep it between the ditches