First superbike advice please

[GreatDane]

Howsit everyone,

I'm considering getting my first superbike and since this is my favourite forum, I thought I would ask the advice of the members here before going onto a forum like TB.

I am currently looking at the R6 or CBR600, and have a few questions.

First of all a bit of background information about me, I am not a small guy, 185 cm and I weigh in on the heavier side. I also have been riding off road motorbikes since I was 7, raced motocross for a few years and still ride my off road bikes up till today (I'm 25 now). Although I understand that an on road superbike is an ENTIRELY different and new league, I do have some experience of riding a two-wheeled bike.The above are my reasons for looking at a 600 cc instead of something smaller.

I only plan on using the bike on weekends and maybe once or twice during the week to visit a friend or so. I hope to attend track days to better my riding but I don't plan on racing at all.

My questions are:
1. Am I looking at the correct bike to start on? A friend of mine lent his 1200GS for a week and although the power was nice, I didn't like the up right cruiser style so I am set on a superbike.
2. What other recommendations do you have in the same league as an R6 or CBR600? I would like to go sit on the all the bikes possible beforehand.
3. I would probably buy the bike secondhand, but I am sceptical about the way it's been maintained in the past. Am I being paranoid about this? What can I look out for?
4. What year models should I look at? My budget is probably around 60K.
5. Being quite a big guy, will I not soon want more from the R6 or equivalent?

It goes without a saying that full kit will be worn always and I will get the correct licence.

Thanks for the advice and help in advance :ty:

My ears are all open for any suggestions you may have :rollsmile:

 

[husain333]

Hey bud.

Here's my 2c.

I'm currently riding a R6. I love it. Not the easiest of superbikes to ride but have become very comfortable with it.
The CBR is a easier ride than the R6 but the R6 cornering in my opinion is a lot better.
Go to a place like cayenne motors in kyalami if you from Jhb. They have a variety. Sit on them. See which kinda provides you with the seating position you comfortable with.
About outgrowing the bike I don't think would happen very soon in the sense of the 600's.
I think the more experienced riders will be able to correct me if I'm wrong but if you plan on riding track a lot the 600 is perfect. Besides there's always the small upgrades you can do to get a little more power out of them.
I remember coming across a few 600's at cayenne with the R60k price tags when I was there recently. They sell with a warranty.

Gear like you said you will wear, THAT IS A MUST. NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

[131GAV]

Hi bud,

Well my take on it is, that you have some experience and it all depends on your purpose for the bike. Riding with a group of guys with 1000's means that you will quickly realize that you dont have enough steam to keep up.
But again this all depends on your purpose and riding style.

I agree about the gear above. Dont compromise on that.

I am currently 1.89 meters tall and trust me, the seating postion is not always great. I have ridden a R 6 as well but an older model which mean a chunkier bike.

I currently have a GSXR 750 for sale and in my mind it was the perfect combination of power vs agility. Check it out if you are interested.

The riding is very similar to yours. The one thing I shy away from is using the bike to commute and that my personal decision based on the traffic and driving conditions here in SA.

At that price you should be able to pick up an 06 to 07 model bike but you should look into one with a good history, like I said you can't compromise on this.

Good luck man.

 

[bmsportzn135i]

My opinion. I miss my CBR 600 plenty. You get to throw them around nicely. 600s are also screamers. So be prepared to work the throttle.

Now im 181cm and weigh in at a little over 100kgs. And i found the change from a 600 to a 1000 a lot more comfortable. I almost felt like the 600 was a waste. A 1000 is a totally different animal all together. And a little riding experience can go a long way.

My advice. Look for a CBR. Theyre easy to ride. Make sure you have a learners licence and a helmet when you go look at bikes. The sales man should let you test ride the bikes. Buy with your head,not your heart.

 

[MikeR]

:coolShake: some great advice for you already - IMO the 600 is a good choice, 1000 can catch you off guard very quick.

All the 600's are great bikes these days - you best try them all out first its like a woman you must be comfortable with it.

ATGAT as the guys mentioned is a must (All The Gear All the Time) make no mistake it is dangerous out there during rush hour traffic.

 

[GreatDane]

Wow! So many replies already, thank you very much guys!

@husain, I'm from jhb so I will definitely check out cayenne motors. Will they be able to offer me good advice aswell? I don't want them convincing me to buy a bike because it's a good sale for them but not necessarily the best bike for me?

@ gav, I've checked your bike out already and I would definitely be keen on something like that. Actually the first time I saw it was in your detailing thread and already it caught my eye, but because of it being a 750 I didn't really check it out as a bike I would buy, maybe that has changed though? I will send you a pm about it.

One of my most important factors is to be comfortable on the bike, my dad is looking at getting a bike along the lines of the BMW GS or K series, so the odd ride out to Clarence and those sorts will be expected.

@ bmsport, what 1000 did you upgrade to? I would love to just buy a 1000 from the start as I know that's probably where I'll land up one day, but for now I need to start on something smaller and build my confidence up.

@ MikeR, I'm definitely planning on trying as many out as possible, I think I will go visit cayenne motors or equivalent so I can try different bikes in a short span of each other.

In terms of gear, how much should I budget for approximately? I would like the full kit and to do it properly from the start. In terms of the helmet I'll probably go for Arai, I've ridden with one all my life and there have been a few serious crashes and knocks to my helmet and each time I'm so thankful for a good helmet.

So I know the helmet is going to be expensive, but what can I expect to pay for leathers, gloves and boots? is there anything else equipment wise I should also consider?

Thanks again for all the advice so far guys, I really appreciate it :ty:

 

[Pho3niX90]

One thing I can say about the R6 is that they are brilliant bikes, but they donhave a big common issue, and that is cracked sleeves.

Gear will set you back a lot. Proper gloves will be around 500, jacket with proper armour around 1500, boots can be super expensive as well ranging from 1000 up. Go to a bike shop and have a look at gear as well.

 

[131GAV]

Gear is very relative man and again it depends on what you using the bike for. I wouldn't compromise as in each time I get on the bike for a breakfast ride.

Full suit on ± 8k depending on brand make etc... Personally I have spent more on this.

Helmet ± 4 k for a good decent helmet

Gloves ± 1000

And lastly Boots ± 3 k


I think this is the minimal kit for me personally. And my experience is that it really boosts your confidence when riding.

 

[graan13]

Just my 2c's worth.
A few years ago I had mates that road 1000's and did the breakfast runs and a few trips to Katse dam etc. Myself and a mate decided to join the ranks and went to Dirk du Plooys superbike school - that was invaluable - the 2 of us had never riden bikes before and we were 35yrs old! Through the course we had a gentleman called Jim give us the training and instruction (he was close to 70 yrs old). We asked him about getting a 600 and getting familiar with it and building confidence etc and moving to a 1000. His advice was - if you going to want to go to a 1000, rather just get the 1000 and learn with it as opposed to becoming confident with a 600 and getting on to a 1000 thinking you will be able to ride. his words "you will have an accident - sooner than later" because according to him they are two very different beast to man handle. Don't think you can jump onto a 1000 and ride it like a 600.
With that advice we both went and purchased new CBR 1000 Fireblades. They were great bikes, very easy to ride and more forgiving than the R1's and Suzuki 1000's of the time. We learnt to ride them and respect them and did track days etc. If you are sceptical of a 1000 and prefer the smaller capacity bikes I would recommend the two you are looking at, and think the CBR 600 is probably easier to ride than the R6 - but a very good bike all round is the Suzuki 750 - has the extra torque and slightly more power than the other two but not as much as the 1000's obviously. My advice would be to go to Cayenne as mentioned and ask to test a couple of different bikes - they generally have them all, and see which one you are most comfortable with.

Good luck with your purchase and safe riding when you do, with all the gear!

 

[hoosain]

i agree with graan
it looks like you have some experience with bikes
if you have ideas of buying a 1000 later rather buy it now and you grow with the bike the 1000 are similar sized to the 600's only differance is power delivery the 1000's are more agressive but remember you are in control of the throttle if you want to ride the 1000 the like a 600 no problem the throttle goes both ways
as for buying from cayenne remember most of their bikes are grey stock
this sometimes poses a problem when you want to sell the bike
i always buy a local bike so if there are any recalls you dont have a problem
cayenne gives you a cayenne warranty not a manufacturers warranty

 

[Nick]

For your size i wouldn't go anything less than a 1000cc.

Taller dudes are more cumfy on adventures but for weekends im sure an R1 or S1000RR would be just fine.

 

[BeamerMan]

My first bike was and still is the CBR 600 RR.
Purely because it is comfy, has the power and handles like a dream. The seating position is mode suited to taller people than the other 600 which was my main concern as I ride with people with a variation from superbikes to harley.

 

[335i MTX]

Look at the ninja zx6r as well. The Honda may be the most comfortable and is the only one that comes with a petrol gauge. I rode the r6 and the zx6r before going with the ninja. It was quicker and smoother in my opinion.

 

[GreatDane]

Thanks again guys, so much advice being given here!

I definitely won't skimp on kit as I know and have felt the benefits of riding in full kit.

I'm looking at the superbike school at the moment, but they say you need 9 months of regular riding before going to that school. Are there any other recommended superbike schools that I can go for a few lessons at?

In terms of the bikes, I think i'm heading more towards a 750 and maybe even a 1000 based on the advice given here, my size and a bit of biking history that lets me know that the throttle does have intermediate settings.

So going forward from here, I'm going to look at some bikes and kit and then attend some riding lessons/schools.

 

[Kimeran]

Honestly, I think Gav's bike is perfect for your size, budget and to learn on.
Its an extremely light bike to bend in the corners and has enough power to keep up with the 1000s (if you brave enough in the corners).
Also, if you get a 600, you'll probably sell it after 8 months or so and get a 1000 because for your size, you need that extra grunt.
With the GSXR750, you'll probably keep it for atleast a year before the need for a 1000.
Plus his bike has a changed sprocket so it's quicker than your regular GSXR750 :rollsmile:

Honestly, go check it out. That would be my first option for you

 

[GreatDane]

I've been chatting to Gav on pm, and will probably go check the bike out soon. My only problem is that I want to do lots of research and testing before buying a bike so I'm not going to buy just yet.

What is the maximum mileage I should be looking at when buying a second hand bike? I know it's budget dependent but should I rather buy a 2009 model with say 30K kms or a 2007 model with 20K kms?

 

[gumpertapolloss]

My recommendation would be a K8 and higher GSXR 600.

Go check a few reviews on the internet. Rated best bike all round! The handeling on it is amazing and the power throughout the rev range is smooth!

I have a friend that owns a 2008 Gsxr 600. My dad used to have a 2010 R1. Tbh, I loved riding my friends bike. The gsxr feels so comfortable and it gives you that confidance to ride the bike like it should be ridden.

Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk

 

[Kimeran]

I've been chatting to Gav on pm, and will probably go check the bike out soon. My only problem is that I want to do lots of research and testing before buying a bike so I'm not going to buy just yet.

What is the maximum mileage I should be looking at when buying a second hand bike? I know it's budget dependent but should I rather buy a 2009 model with say 30K kms or a 2007 model with 20K kms?

I personally would opt for the lower mileage option

 

[R0ACH]

Hey Great Dane.

Sorry only getting in on this now.
A 600 is an awesome machine. U gonna need to really work the twist grip tho. This might sound stupid but you can actually ride slow on a big bike but you cant ride faster on a small one... :=)::=)::=):

Lets lay down the cards... compared to a 600, A 1000 is not your friend, that thing wants to hurt you, it doesn't care how nicely you treat it, if you make a mistake, it will punish you in a bad way. Now that Ive scared the shit outta you, a 1000 is not a difficult bike to live with if you get used to it (put in some serious saddle time) and OPEN BOTH EYES when you riding.
You say u been riding off roads for long so u got the basics done and with your height, i think a 1000 will be ergonomically better suited for you. My experience on the R6 is that its a much more track focused tool, loves to be revved and has a much more aggressive riding stance than its stable mates. (you lean more over on the bars)

Of the 1000's, imo, the blade is easiest to ride fast with the R1 close on its heels. The Kwaker and the Gixxer are just completely insane.
The former two, everything happens gradually (which sounds weird coz it still happens prrrretty fast) whereas with the latter two, everything happens a lot quicker. Its like being given a bag of fire crackers and a bag of dynamite... they both gonna make a pretty noise but one of them is gonna break stuff... If u gonna go track, then a 600 (anyone of them) is by far the easiest to learn on, they more forgiving and they dont snap at you when u over at full tilt and whack the thottle open...

Hope all this helps, seems like Ive written you a novel bud, sorry for the long post. I just dont want you to waste unnecessary money on the wrong type of bike for you.

 

[GreatDane]

My recommendation would be a K8 and higher GSXR 600.

Go check a few reviews on the internet. Rated best bike all round! The handeling on it is amazing and the power throughout the rev range is smooth!

I have a friend that owns a 2008 Gsxr 600. My dad used to have a 2010 R1. Tbh, I loved riding my friends bike. The gsxr feels so comfortable and it gives you that confidance to ride the bike like it should be ridden.

Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk

Thanks for the advice, any reason why the K8 and newer model? Is there reason not to look at a K7 if the mileage is good?

Hey Great Dane.

Sorry only getting in on this now.
A 600 is an awesome machine. U gonna need to really work the twist grip tho. This might sound stupid but you can actually ride slow on a big bike but you cant ride faster on a small one... :=)::=)::=):

Lets lay down the cards... compared to a 600, A 1000 is not your friend, that thing wants to hurt you, it doesn't care how nicely you treat it, if you make a mistake, it will punish you in a bad way. Now that Ive scared the shit outta you, a 1000 is not a difficult bike to live with if you get used to it (put in some serious saddle time) and OPEN BOTH EYES when you riding.
You say u been riding off roads for long so u got the basics done and with your height, i think a 1000 will be ergonomically better suited for you. My experience on the R6 is that its a much more track focused tool, loves to be revved and has a much more aggressive riding stance than its stable mates. (you lean more over on the bars)

Of the 1000's, imo, the blade is easiest to ride fast with the R1 close on its heels. The Kwaker and the Gixxer are just completely insane.
The former two, everything happens gradually (which sounds weird coz it still happens prrrretty fast) whereas with the latter two, everything happens a lot quicker. Its like being given a bag of fire crackers and a bag of dynamite... they both gonna make a pretty noise but one of them is gonna break stuff... If u gonna go track, then a 600 (anyone of them) is by far the easiest to learn on, they more forgiving and they dont snap at you when u over at full tilt and whack the thottle open...

Hope all this helps, seems like Ive written you a novel bud, sorry for the long post. I just dont want you to waste unnecessary money on the wrong type of bike for you.

Thanks for the novel, I really appreciate it when people are prepared to take the time to write up their advice no matter how short or long. The more information I can get the better.

I think I've kind of narrowed my options down to a 750 or 1000. I will be going to see some different bikes in the next few weeks and will also need to do my full licence, I had my learners but I let it expire :hammerhead:

I had the talk to my Fiance and mother today and they both okay with me getting a bike (yes I do still have to ask my mother about things like this). So that's probably the hardest part done. Now just gonna put in the time finding the correct bike and learning as much as I can along the way :tiptoe: