Any streetbike guys?

bigmackloud

Active Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Location
Raleigh, NC
Hey,

I'm toying with the idea of getting a motorcycle. Probably something used, like a CBR600 or GSXR600 from the late '90s.

Any general advice as to if one 600 bike is particularly better than another 600 bike?

Also, is there an online/mail-order place that i can start browsing helmets, jackets, etc? Also, any recommendations on what to look for in riding gear?

Also, where can i find some info about taking a motorcycle safety class, getting a permit, etc?

Thanks,
bigmac
 
msf-usa.org I believe is the motorcycle safety foundation website. There's always a wait list for the basic course.

I like newenough.com for their specials..

You can't go wrong with a CBR600 for an all-around bike you can ride for a full day. There's also the Yamaha YZF600R (NOT the R6), pretty comfy, too.

That outta get you started...
 
Call your local CC, get on the list for a motorcycle safety course, once that's done, have fun bike shopping. Plenty of good used bikes for the beginner rider. cyclegear.com is a good place to browse also. And there's a local store in Raleigh.
 
Call Johston Community COllege, Wake Tech, or Durham Tech, My dad teaches the MSF class at Wake Tech but he is soon moving to Durham Tech.

Zack
 
I'm biased but I loved my SV-650. Fuel injection (03 and later), V-twin torque, and not too agressive of a riding posture. Easy to ride, easy to learn on, fun as can be, and not too expensive. Slap some frame sliders on it, wrap up in some good gear, take the MSF course and have fun.

You can download the motorcycle manual from the NC DMV website and take the written test at just about any license office. You can do that while you wait to take the safety course. Then get serious with shopping, you're on the right track.

Oh, and don't skimp out on riding gear. Just asked the guy that laid down my flawless SV the day he bought it. :( Talk about road rash! I probably wouldn't have had a scratch on me with my fieldshear jacket & pants. Random people would make comments that it looked like I was ready for war, and my response was always, "No but I'm ready for pavement!"
 
Hey,

thanks for the responses guys.

when it comes to picking out good gear, what kind of things should i look for? like, what makes one jacket better than another? the same for helmets and gloves??

also, how important is that i find a bike with fuel injection? and what year ranges should i be looking for to get FI?

what are the steps to get a motorcycle license?

thanks,
bigmac
 
bigmackloud said:
Hey,
thanks for the responses guys.
when it comes to picking out good gear, what kind of things should i look for? like, what makes one jacket better than another? the same for helmets and gloves??
also, how important is that i find a bike with fuel injection? and what year ranges should i be looking for to get FI?
what are the steps to get a motorcycle license?
thanks,
bigmac
Click to expand...


As far as gear.... I run a HJC Helmet... and Joe Rocket Jacket and Pants... I have SetUp boots and some Yamaha cabon knuckle gloves... Do some searches on moto gear reviews... you will find some good info that way...

In NC you have to get a permit (just taking the writen test will get you this) and take a driving test, or go to a CC and take the MSF...then you can present your passing certificate to get your endorsment...

Good Luck with it all!!!


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aphoto.silasswaim.com_albums_myDucati_duc_2006_001.sized.jpg
 
Not too hard on getting a license, I have mine and I don't even have a bike. There are two ways to get your license. If you don't take the MSF class, you go to the DMV take the written test and then you have to pass a riding test with your own bike. If you do take the MSF class, there will be a written exam and a riding exam at MSF(a bike will be provided for you) then you go to the DMV office and take their written test and thats it.

As for gear, don't skimp on anything, my parents had a really bad wreck three years ago and their riding gear saved their lives. Get a full face helmet, not a "brain-bucket" that is DOT approved. Make sure it fits nice, not to loose or to tight. Get a good pair of leather gloves that fit your hand, never ride with out gloves. For a Jacket, anything leather or by Joe Rocket will work. My dad and mom have JR summer riding jackets and they work really well. Usually they wear jeans too, if it gets cold, leather chaps. Get a good pair of boots that cover your ankle. Like Seeing Red said, you will need good gear. Happy riding:beer:

Zack
 
Make sure your helmet is Snell aproved not just DOT. I have seen a few helmets DOT approved that split, but the Snell approved helmets are far superior to DOT only.

Dan
 
dankeenan said:
Make sure your helmet is Snell aproved not just DOT. I have seen a few helmets DOT approved that split, but the Snell approved helmets are far superior to DOT only.
Dan
Click to expand...

eeeehhh, the jury is still out on that one.. some will argue that a since the snell helmet deforms less, it is transferring more energy into your squash...
 
I used to have several bikes:

Hurricane 600....

Katana 600...

Kawi 900...

HD Fatboy...


I hate to admit but the most fun was the Kawi 900.....

I always wanted one of those H1 2 strokes....

Good luck in your purchase!
 
Bike week was last week, boss.
 
Hey,

Uroplatus - great pics of your bike. i love the look of a "naked" bike.

How does the performance of something like a '99 Ducati Monster 750 compare to your CBR/GSXR600 type bikes? Not that i'd be using any bike to its full potential for a while, but eventually pushing the bike would be inevitable and i wouldn't want to get whipped up on by buddies on 600s.

Also, who are you guys using for insurance and what's a reasonable rate to expect?

Thanks,
bigmac
 
I've owned both a 2004 cbr600rr and an 2003 R6 and an 2002 zx6 ninjaand they are fun bikes. They were all fuel injected except for the ninja. I love a fuel injected bike and couldn't imagine going back. I saw a few people advise you away from the R6 and said to get the YZF600r and all I can say is think hard before you do something like that. Sure right now your a newb on the bike but you will learn with your bike and grow to appreciate the features that an R6 can offer you. The r6 was my favorite bike of the three btw. And I would say stay away from the GSXR mainly because earlier models look hideous!
 
i would stay away from bikes under 2002, mainly because each year they upgrade bikes with better componets. Im actually selling my yamaha r6 in the vehicles for sale page. and im not trying to diss anyone on here, but dont let people tell you waht bike is comfortable, every one is different. go down to a dealership and sit on most bikes, and find which one you like the best.

As for gear,Helmet is a must. gloves and jacket is a great thing to have. they make a summer jacket, and a winter jacket, just dont get a winter jacket during the summer, or you will hate it. Most likely no matter how good of a rider you are, you will drop the bike atleast once in your riding time.

No matter how good of a rider you may become, DO NOT get cocky, thats when you will go down.
 
bigmackloud said:
How does the performance of something like a '99 Ducati Monster 750 compare to your CBR/GSXR600 type bikes?
Click to expand...

ramrock4x4 said:
I saw a few people advise you away from the R6 and said to get the YZF600r and all I can say is think hard before you do something like that. Sure right now your a newb on the bike but you will learn with your bike and grow to appreciate the features that an R6 can offer you.
Click to expand...

Ramrock has (EDIT: APPARENTLY) never been around anyone who is really a fast rider. A guy I know who is a former amateur racer (WERA & CCS) rides a YZF600R on the street and unless the road is nothing but straight, he will be in front no matter what anyone else is riding. Motorcycling is 70% rider, it really is.

That said, a 750 monster is the older air-cooled engine IIRC, and doesn't make much power, about SV650 levels. But the chassis, suspension, and brakes are all excellent in typical Italian fashion, and you'll become a better rider on a bike with less power.

But that's just my view.. I tend to get rather "in" to things and want to be the best I can at it. In the end, it's all about what *you* want to do, and if your desires aren't to be the best corner-carver around, then you might not be pleased with the Duc and its maintenance requirements.
 
Rich said:
Ramrock has never been around anyone who is really a fast rider. In fact, a guy I know who is a former amateur racer rides a YZF600R on the street and unless the road is nothing but straight, he will be in front not matter what anyone else is riding. Motorcycling is 70% rider, it really is.
Click to expand...

Please keep your comments of things you know nothing about to yourself. You have never ridden with me, with the people I ride with, and do not know me so please do not tell me what I have done.
 
the BEST helmet for the money..... scorpion exo700, with the chin flap added on...cheap, GREAT test reviews, GREAT fit, decently light, and the biggest problem (wind noise) is EASILY fixed with the $5 chin flap.

you can also gind great gear pricing on www.newenough.com my friends have bought a LOT of stuff from them, each time has been a flawless transaction.


btw, i'm signing up for the MSF soon....along with a lot of friends. i can't wait
 
bigmackloud said:
Hey,
Uroplatus - great pics of your bike. i love the look of a "naked" bike.
How does the performance of something like a '99 Ducati Monster 750 compare to your CBR/GSXR600 type bikes? Not that i'd be using any bike to its full potential for a while, but eventually pushing the bike would be inevitable and i wouldn't want to get whipped up on by buddies on 600s.
Also, who are you guys using for insurance and what's a reasonable rate to expect?
Thanks,
bigmac
Click to expand...


Thanks...

I have lots of buds that have (for not too much money) opted out for superbike parts for their Monsters... 748 front shocks and such. The bike is nice in the turns... but a 750-800 Ducati isn't going to hang with the CBR600 and R6s...

It will corner with the best of them though!!! and is light... my bike is just under 400 lbs wet.... granted most of the big 4 600 are under 380 now days...

My insurance payment is like 58 a month full coverate... with Alstate...
 
Ive owned 3 EX 500's, and an RF900, ridden a BMW K11RS and K12RS and GSXR 1100/1216 regularly (all dad's). My favorite is by far the EX500. They are great for a first bike because they are cheap, and they hold their value well. Its not a big deal when you drop your $1700 motorcycle in the parking lot. Doesn't even affect the resale value.

As far as what bike you need, it does depend on what/where you are riding, but the reality is, even a 250cc motorcycle is probably more than you "need". I think it is foolish to start on any bike equal to or greater than a 600cc sportbike. I have never had anyone pass me in the turns on the street on my 500, and the only time people pass me at the track is on the straightaways. Personal preference I suppose, but it takes absolutely no skill to go fast in a straight line.
 
ramrock4x4 said:
Please keep your comments of things you know nothing about to yourself. You have never ridden with me, with the people I ride with, and do not know me so please do not tell me what I have done.
Click to expand...

:rolleyes: I edited it..

the BEST helmet for the money..... scorpion exo700, with the chin flap added on...cheap, GREAT test reviews, GREAT fit, decently light, and the biggest problem (wind noise) is EASILY fixed with the $5 chin flap.
Click to expand...

I agree 100%, I came from an Arai Quantum to the EXO, as I couldn't stomach another $500+ helmet. The interior rivals the Arai, and really the only downside is that it's heavy. The OEM shield is truly fog-free as well.. my glasses still fog though.. :lol:
Really nice lid for the money, and I won't cry if it falls off the bike.
 
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