First Motorcycle

[Astra]

I'm looking for input on which motorcycle to get as my first. I do own a '76 Honda CB550F but it's taking longer than I thought it would to procure the parts necessary to get it road worthy. So, I've decided to work on the Honda as a Winter project and buy a new motorcycle that I can ride immediately.

As I know we have several riders in the Missouri chapters, I thougt I'd get your input. I've narrowed my choices down to two but feel free to offer up other suggestions. Keep in mind that cost of the bike and cost of insurance are factors which is why I've narrowed my list to entry level(ish) bikes.

If you select "other" as an option, please post a response as to what the other suggestion is and why you think it should be considered above the other two.

Thanks all, I really appreciated your input.

[centralsciontc]

honda cbr 600 f4i.

great starter bike, honda is one of the best bikes in terms of reliability, and you can get a used 2000-2004 for relatively cheap. The bikes are fuel injected, have a great response, and are light enough to be able to maneuver for a beginner rider.

you only need to get comprehensive insurance, and mine only cost me 29 a month for my cbr.

[ptrt2001]

Cbr 600

[Astra]

CBR 600 seems like a lot of HP for a beginner.

[centralsciontc]

my first bike was a 600f4. it was carb'd so it wasnt as responsive as the f4i, but i could easily handle it. plus, with the other bikes, once you get used to them, you will want more power and its just not worth selling and getting a new one.

[Astra]

Well, my brother, who's owned and worked on bikes for years, seems to agree with you Brandon. I guess I might start looking for a CBR 600 F4i. Thanks for the info dude!

[centralsciontc]

I know way too many people that get 500's for their first bike (i know you weren't going to) but they think it is a great starter bike and it is just too slow, not responsive and they grow out/tired of it too quick.

if you don't have your license, go ride the course a few times with someone who does have it and get use to the bike. the course is actually kind of hard because you need to turn sharp and start and stop rapidly. I passed it on a gsxr 600, but just barely. I had never ridden that bike either.

[Astra]

I see what you are saying. It makes sense to go ahead and grow into the CBR 600 than to get something else that I'll want to flop in a year or so.

I have my MO endorsement so I don't need to take the test. Plus, I took a MSF safety course two weekends ago.

[E-Dub]

Cbr!!!!

[centralsciontc]

good call on the MSF course. I will be taking it. I never did and kept wanting to sign up and it fills up. I was always busy during the weekends, but now that I am open I am going to go take it this spring.