Learn your numbers!

He's on about a thundercat guys.........

IMO still a bit much for a beginner.

My first bike was a new CBR600 ('96). My second bike was also a new CBR600 ('99) shortly followed by an ex-British SuperSport CBR600 when I went racing. The only other bike I had ever ridden was the 125 I did my test on.

I can't see a problem with buying a larger bike although the advantage with a new one is that you need to run it in which will mean you have to take it slowly at first.

Bikes of that size are big and heavy. You will drop it until you are used to balancing the bike as you get on and off, plus moving it around, etc. My first bike lasted about 15 miles before I over balanced and dropped it at zero mph.

Expensive with a fairing......

My first big bike was an old heavy Fazer 750. Proper brute of a bike. Dropped it twice. Nearly dropped it numerous times.

I thought I said that :?:

No wait I did :!:

You waffle too much, i wasnt going to read through all of your posts ! :lol: It would appear a few others didnt either

The accusation has indeed be leveled at myself on more than the odd occasion, mind you for some reason people still ask my advice :?:

Cheers Mark.

cool thanks for all the info :)

Surely he means an FZ6!?

My 2pence on the first bike front: I don't think it really matters what your first bike is - it's your attitude to riding that matters. I have had friends who have passed their tests and bought sports 600s. One has been riding for about 6 years now and never had a spill, wheras another lost it in the first 6 months trying to get his knee down.

I personally would love to trade up my SVS for a new R6 or old Ducati 748, but the insurance premiums on both those bikes would be about the cost of the bike again! (mainly from living in central london, no garage and chances of theft!) At the moment the SV gives great performance and looks vs cost + insurance.

Granted certain bikes are easier to handle, but inexperienced riders are going through the same learning curve on whatever bike they ride, and gain experience accordingly.