uhg... i know, i know "another damn 1st beginner bike thread"

[OreoGaborio]

lookin for a bike for my buddy... preferrs to spend less than 3500 bucks.... he likes (in order):
1 - YZF 600r (he's done some Mag reading on that & really likes what he sees... but we all know about mags... they even make Katana's look good )
2 - tie between the CBR F2/F3, zx6r (pre-636... ie '98-'02), Honda Hawk GT NT650,
3 - SV650

any other suggestions? i know alot about the sv & obviously my zx6r... and a good amount about the F2, but the rest i'm not QUITE as knowledgable about... any help? little quirks about each?

and don't worry... i'm gonna force him to take the MSF course

[02SuperHawkRdr]

The YZF600R is a great bike; I used to have one ('00). I also used to own a ZX6R ('98)...also a great bike. The ZX6R had more power, and was considerably lighter; but the YZF is a much better sport-tourer as it has a better seat (even for 2-up), and has more relaxed ergos. The brakes were better on the YZF as well.

The SV650 isn't bad either, but has a crap suspension compared to the previously mentioned bikes and has considrably less top-end...not that that matters much to a beginner I guess.

[KrackerJack]

The cat is all looks if you ask me, I don't like the bike at all, and its way to heavy must be why they are priced reasonably.

[02SuperHawkRdr]

Originally posted by KrackerJack
The cat is all looks if you ask me, I don't like the bike at all, and its way to heavy must be why they are priced reasonably.

Have you ever ridden one? It is a great bike for the money and one of the most overlooked bikes out there.

[OreoGaborio]

what cat?

[KrackerJack]

I rode a 96, thing was damn near brand new, I change my opinion I guess, its a decent bike I s'pose now that I think about it, but zixx6r is a better bike methinks.

ps: I'll bet it feels as heavy as its big brother the 1000 though.

[02SuperHawkRdr]

Actually the weight practically disappears once you get moving.

Oh, and the YZF600Rs that you'd want to look at are the 1997-on models.