Pics from Daytona...

[Motohead]

I don't drive one. I ride one. I have an RC-51... $12k... have about another $3500 into it.

[ipeefreely]

First of all...... BUMP^

[ipeefreely]

Second.... I think i've rounded it down to two bikes that i'm pretty sure i will get. It's come down to the 2006 Honda cbr 600rr or the 2006 GSX 600R. The MSRP for both lays around 8900. I was wondering but if i were to go to a dealership, how much will i usually be able to talk down the price? The retail price according to KBB is only about 7k. Will i be able to talk them down to that or do most dealers stick with their MSRP? Secondly, of the two bikes, which bike would you guys go for? YOur advice will help, thanks!

[OrangeCrush]

IMO, I don't think you should pick either for a first bike. There's a saying among bikers.... "It's not if you go down, it's WHEN you go down"... Everyone drops their bike, whether from going into a corner too hot or just sitting at a light and your bike falls over.

Point is, it's the rider, not the bike and if I were starting today and insisted on a 600, I'd pick up a 2001-2003 CBR F4i for instance. They are excellent bikes, can be had cheaply and are fast as hell.

When I used to race, I used a F4i and when my buddies and I would go to Deal's Gap or out in the country, none of them could keep up. Though they had faster bikes on top end, I was already down 2 gears coming out of the apex of a turn and by the time they caught up, another turn was coming.

Anyway, I think buying a new bike is not a good move for a beginner rider. I suggested the SAME thing to a friend of mine (who is responsible but has no experience) He just got out of the hospital from totalling his bike.

My .02 worth, good luck and be safe.

Make sure you take an MSF class or riding classes.

Mark

[ipeefreely]

Dang that sucks to hear about your friend, hope he's ok. HOw'd he go down though?
And Yeah i'm going to try to find out if theres a used one, if there is, of course i'll buy that, it'd be cheaper anyways. But what i really wanna do is buy from a dealer so i get warranty and better financing options. But how much can you usually knock off the MSRP price tag?

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by ipeefreely

Dang that sucks to hear about your friend, hope he's ok. HOw'd he go down though?
And Yeah i'm going to try to find out if theres a used one, if there is, of course i'll buy that, it'd be cheaper anyways. But what i really wanna do is buy from a dealer so i get warranty and better financing options. But how much can you usually knock off the MSRP price tag?

My friend lowsided in a turn cause according to him "he hit some gravel"....

That's what everyone that is embarassed that lays a bike down says... it's never their fault.

I wouldn't worry too much about a warranty. I'll use Honda as an example. About the only thing that ever goes wrong on a Honda is the timing chain tensioner. It's nature of the beast... buying a later model (01+) Japanese sportbike is VERY DEPENDABLE. They all their quirks.

Every brand has their features.

Hondas tend to be the most ergonomically comfortable bike. They don't do any one thing best but probably do everything great.

Yamahas tend to be more powerful, more agile light in the front end. Certain models have had trans shifting problems but for the most part, the best description I can come up with is a street bike that can be directly taken to the track.

Kawasakis have never really been the powerbike until the last few years. It started with the new 600's and when the ZX10 came out, it was all over. The styles were updated, the power was great and the handling immensely improved. Now with the new ZX14, they're just getting bigger and badder. I personally wouldn't think twice about a new Kawasaki.

Suzukis are powerful, always have been, always will be. They are the most unergonomically comfortable bikes for street riding, the relationship between pegs, handlebars and tank is more prone for the race track. The chances of a Suzuki coming with upper race set (pegs) from the factory are much larger than the other brands. These bikes tend to be more for the track and though they are fully capable of street riding, they are more comfortable on the track.

Typically, you'll find that the squids that ride on the street will be on Suzukis... not sure why, just is.

I've ridden all of them and they are all great on the street, however I hate the way Suzukis CLUNK into gear... nowhere near as smooth shifting as a Honda.

I chose my Honda because I put 20K miles on the bike in one year and knew my legs, arms and knees would take a beating riding that many miles.... there is no way I could have done that on a Suzuki or Yamaha.

If I were to buy a bike for the first time, I'd definitely buy a used 600 Honda or Yamaha. If you insist on buying a brand new bike, I'd still start off with a 600 and would find one that fits me physically. There is no better feeling to have the balls of your feet on the pegs and your knees tucked sweetly under the indentation of tank making the bike feel like it's part of you.



HTH's,

Mark

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by ipeefreely

But how much can you usually knock off the MSRP price tag?

Typically, you can figure you can get about a grand off MSRP without too much dickering. Obviously the newer the model and depending on demand, the ability to negotiate fluctuates accordingly.

[ipeefreely]

Wow... ALL HAIL orangecrush.

That is some damn good advice. I think i will go with the cbr. I went to the dealership the other day and i did notice what you were talking about. More specifically the Honda's and how they're more comfortable than all the other bikes. I think for me, speed is not going to be a factor in my decision for a bike. I'm going to take it slow....REALLY SLOW and make sure i take all the classes cause i REALLY dont plan to fall any time soon. And i'm going to do everything i can to lower my chances of falling, lol. Anyways, with that said, the honda seems like a good choice for me because to me right now, comfort = most important. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks