Urgent info experienced riders

Hi im a newb and i dont own a bike as of now but i am interested in buying a new 07 or 08 cbr 600rr. I just wanted to know from a few experience riders should i buy a bike brand new i dont want the hassle of buying a used one and having to fix it alot. I have some experience on riding a bike i actually took a MSF course in august of 2007 i passed and got my m endorsement and im going to get a bike in may. I do know the basics and safety of riding. Is this enough for me to survive on the streets? I will def be a responsible rider just not sure if im making a big mistake by buying a new bike. Also i would like to know whats the difference between the 07/08 cbr 600rr. I hear its just different colors and i also heard that the 08 weighs more than the 07 i dont know what's true does anyone out there have some input and good advice on this?

Well, get ready for everybodies opinions on this topic. 99% are going to tell you not to get it.
 
But as for the differences between 07 and 08 is just the colors. No weight difference AT ALL. One was just weighed at wet weight, and one at dry weight. Same bike.
 
Good Luck.

2007 rake was 23.7*. 2008 rake is 23.55. it's sharper... means it takes more control and rider know how to handle one properly.

No, don't get it. don't get any supersport for that matter. a sport bike is fine, but what you eventually want is a supersport it sounds. start with something else... like an SV650, EX250/500/650. those are great first bikes.

here's my opinion of the MSF... all it gives you is the tools you need to develop into a good rider. just because you aced the MSF does not mean you are a hard core awesome rider. couldn't be further from the truth. wheat makes a good rider a good rider is practice practice practice. practice what the MSF teaches you until it becomes second nature. and i mean no rookie mistakes. this takes a while. sometimes it doesn't. it really depends on the learning curve of the individual rider. no one is alike. i can't tell you when you're ready for a more refined machine. don't let anyone tell you motor size is most important. that couldn't be further from the truth.

    you would be suprised at how well these bikes actually hold up.

a used bike would really be more appropriate.  even the older f4i would be a good choice. (not the one with the banana seat)

and just keep in mind that statistically it will be dropped at some point in time

+1 !!!!

quote:

ORIGINAL: knightslugger

2007 rake was 23.7*. 2008 rake is 23.55. it's sharper... means it takes more control and rider know how to handle one properly.

No, don't get it. don't get any supersport for that matter. a sport bike is fine, but what you eventually want is a supersport it sounds. start with something else... like an SV650, EX250/500/650. those are great first bikes.

here's my opinion of the MSF... all it gives you is the tools you need to develop into a good rider. just because you aced the MSF does not mean you are a hard core awesome rider. couldn't be further from the truth. wheat makes a good rider a good rider is practice practice practice. practice what the MSF teaches you until it becomes second nature. and i mean no rookie mistakes. this takes a while. sometimes it doesn't. it really depends on the learning curve of the individual rider. no one is alike. i can't tell you when you're ready for a more refined machine. don't let anyone tell you motor size is most important. that couldn't be further from the truth.

quote:

ORIGINAL: knightslugger

2007 rake was 23.7*. 2008 rake is 23.55. it's sharper... means it takes more control and rider know how to handle one properly.

No, don't get it. don't get any supersport for that matter. a sport bike is fine, but what you eventually want is a supersport it sounds. start with something else... like an SV650, EX250/500/650. those are great first bikes.

here's my opinion of the MSF... all it gives you is the tools you need to develop into a good rider. just because you aced the MSF does not mean you are a hard core awesome rider. couldn't be further from the truth. wheat makes a good rider a good rider is practice practice practice. practice what the MSF teaches you until it becomes second nature. and i mean no rookie mistakes. this takes a while. sometimes it doesn't. it really depends on the learning curve of the individual rider. no one is alike. i can't tell you when you're ready for a more refined machine. don't let anyone tell you motor size is most important. that couldn't be further from the truth.

 
Or a 2001 Katana 600! Oh wait I have one of those for sale!!! LOL! Thats what I started with and it was probably the best move I ever made, you can do what you want on it and really learn how to ride. It has the get up and go without the power of leaving you on your back. If you have limited experience on a bike I really think a new RR is going to be a bad move, nobody wants to lay down their new bike during a stupid moment or even worse cuz they cant handle it... just my .02

ive suggested to alot of people for their 1st bike either get an older hurricane or fzr 600,  or an sc650. mostly the sv650 because of the lack of bodywork your going to have to repair. my father always told me that there are 2 kinds of riders.  ones that have been down, and ones that are going to go down.

+1 on taking the MSF
 
Stay away from the new bikes. Nothing worst then seeing your 8k + toy sliding down the road.
 
Pick up a nice used F4i for a good price and INVEST the rest of your money into GEAR (Quality Gear) (Riding pants, boots, gloves, jacket, back brace, helmet, stablizer(sp), frame sliders, swing arm spools, front axle protectors, case covers, and bar ends). These bikes are very durable. Just be picky and take your time, shop around and find one that hasn't been laid over and the servicings have been done properly.

if i could do it again i'd buy a 600cc if that's what you wanted but get a used one.  i'm sure you could find one that still runs and rides well.  going this route will save you  tons of money.  plus, you'll prob be more comfortable on it.  and, for me anyway, after i took the course (about 6-7 yrs ago), i still remember, the parking lot is nothing like the real streets w/ real traffic.  you might ride safe and not get in any accidents for a good long while, but somehow, maybe your moving it, don't put the kickstand all the way down, you're turning into a hill from a stop, etc. it will be dropped.  everything i mentioned happened to me at least once during the first year.  there are prob a lot of things you haven't considered.  like, the day i was brining my brand new 04 600rr home, i was at a red light and trying to make a right turn from a stop, and it was a steep hill i was turning into, and my foot couldn't plant well because of the angle of the road and the deep gutter and i fell over.  fortunately these drops don't cause too much damage usu, but in my opionion it would of been good to learn these little ins and outs on an older bike.  my 2 cents.  go w/ the size you want,ie 600cc, but go w/ a used one.

    if you really want a new one look at the new kawi zzr600

its based on the old zx6r. looks like a "normal" sportbike and is msrp of 7K.
cheaper, less hp, and lots of parts available

^^^^ Since we're on the subject, those bikes look to be suited for smaller riders, is this true?

SV650 is the way to go.  It's light, it's cheap, decent handling, and the lack of bodywork means if you drop it you won't need to buy new fairings. Oh yeah, and they have fuel injection so you don't have to mess around with that.

quote:

ORIGINAL: baxsom

    if you really want a new one look at the new kawi zzr600

its based on the old zx6r. looks like a "normal" sportbike and is msrp of 7K.
cheaper, less hp, and lots of parts available

+1 to that. My friend bought the zzr600 because they wouldn't finance him for the zx-10. It's a great sport bike to learn on. It has more of an upright riding position and is lower than the rr. My friend has had the bike mistaken for a zx-14 many times by people who don't know better, so it has decent looks. Plus, it has a bit less power than the rr, but it has enough to keep up for the most part. It will even pull up the front wheel in first if you want to. Great learning bike imo.

Just get the 07 RR if thats what you like. Just ride responsible. The power is only there when you make it.

I've only bought one new bike and even that one had 750 miles on it (demo).  IMO motorcycles these days are reliable enough that you don't need a brand new one to get a reliable bike.  If your new to riding, your going to drop the bike and you definitely don't NEED the fastest/most race ready 600 on the market. 

I think its important for new riders to start on small bikes.  Starting on a newer 600 supersport bike will just teach you panic management (the hard way).  With a smaller/slower bike, your limits as a new rider will be closer to those of the motorcycle so you learn a lot more about actually riding a motorcycle properly rather than just holding on for dear life and hoping the bike doesn't throw you off when you make a mistake.  I'm with f3racer, SV650s are great, as are little ninjas/GS500s and older Honda 600s (F4i or earlier F series).  I'd suggest buying a dirt cheap 250 or 500 to ride for a while.  I bought a 92 GS500 for $600 a year ago just for the hell of it and I could easily sell it in the Spring for $900.  I think fairly new 250s are running like $1500 or so, something like that you could buy, ride for a few months and sell it, then get a 600.  just my opinion
 
edit:
I've got a friend with a ZZR600.  Its an okay bike but your paying $7,000 for a new motorcycle with carbs, wtf?  You can get a used F4i for half that price that imo is a much better bike in the long run.  If your buying a 600, most likely you'll be keeping it for a while and I would think most riders would be much happier with an F4i.  The fuel injection alone would make that an easy decision for me, I would NEVER buy a new 600 that still used carbs.  IMO the ZZR looks bulky/fat

Might as well throw in my 2 cents. 31 years riding with over 150,000 miles on bikes and no accidents...

1. Motorcycles are disposable income (luxury) purchases for over 90% of riders...meaning it's not one's sole means of transportation. That said, you should always buy what you "want." There is no "need" involved, so don't be fooled into the "rationalizing it" mentality. Being excited with your purchase decision will help eliminate any logical worries about "investment" BS. Bikes depreciate and eventually wear out (if you drive them), so they're never an investment. But they're worth every penny in terms of entertainment and as a social/lifetsyle outlet.

2. That said, there is a difference between buying smart and buying "less" smart. Bikes like cars depreciate A LOT the minute they leave the dealership. You can easily save 10, 15, 20 even 25% of the new price on a bike six months old with next to no miles. Just check out completed listing on ebay. They're not all scammers. Many dealer use it over the winter when retail traffic is near zero.

3. So if you have your heart (and mind) set on the new style 600RR, your best financial decision is to look for a clean very slightly used 07. Besides the dollar savings, a tiny scratch or two will make you less obsessed about being the first to screw it up. They get dings and scratches when you ride....a fact of riding life. If you do buy new, it's only money...and if you have it, it's your choice. All the great used bikes out there were bought new by somebody. :)

4. As mentioned earlier, buy good gear, and more importantly wear it...always. It's easy to start to feel confident quickly, so you rationalize just wearing jeans and athletic shoes. Mistake. Dress for the crash is an old adage.

5. Others may disagree, but do a track day or two. Go at your own pace. On a track you will have a singular focus and be able to get to know your bike, so you will learn things there much sooner than you may encounter them on the street. Get instruction/coaching and you will experience things that street riding for years will never present.

6. This one seems obvious, but don't drink and ride. Ever. Easy again to rationalize just a beer or two. Peer pressure is tough. But it's those first couple drinks that make you feel invincible, and attempt things you shouldn't. More than 50 percent of all cycle fatalities involve alcohol. You don't have to be going 100mph to do serious damage to yourself.

7. Last one. Assume every driver out there is out to hit you. In some cases they are. But if you drive defensively enough assuming they all are, you will see things others take for granted. A green light only gives you legal right of way. It's your job to make sure the intersection is clear. Other rules like never pass semi's on the right. etc etc. Follow them all...all the time.

Good luck and have fun. Whatever you decide, it will be the best money you ever spend.

    the only thing to add to that is dont do an open track day first thing. go to a track day where there are instructors there that sits everyone down in a classroom and actually shows you what they are talking about.

doing an open track day without a clue on how to do it is pointless. all you are doing is thinking you are riding fast.

once you get a class on position, lines, braking, etc then do a few open ones to practice

quote:

ORIGINAL: baxsom

    the only thing to add to that is dont do an open track day first thing. go to a track day where there are instructors there that sits everyone down in a classroom and actually shows you what they are talking about.

doing an open track day without a clue on how to do it is pointless. all you are doing is thinking you are riding fast.

once you get a class on position, lines, braking, etc then do a few open ones to practice

+1. Great point and better clarification. Or take a sportbike school where they provide detailed instruction and the bikes. Costs far less than the damage you could do to your bike.

Grazi and Baxsom ...  Great advice!! +1 ..lol

Throttle Control!

Its all about the wrist, specifically the right one. End of story. You can get hurt or killed in both a Kia and a Ferrari, 250 or 1098, doesnt matter. Grazi said it all. Get what you want, ride it safe, and invest in gear. Two of my favorite people to ride with are a cop and an ER nurse. They ride faster and harder then I do, and dont even warm the tires at 5mph without full gear. If you hate jackets, get an armor vest. You see someone go down ONCE, or go down yourself, you will never regret it. Another excellent piece of advice was somewhat already mentioned but im restating it for point of fact. Ride like no one can see you. There are billion grandmothers, soccer moms, and cellphone loving teenie-boppers who are just itching to overlook your shiny, obnoxiously loud, pretty little bi-wheeler... sending you teeth first into any number of painfully hard structures. Some may disagree with this, but to me is does not matter what traffic law you violate in executing this task. Ride like no one can see you, because they cant, they wont, and they have no intention of keeping you alive!!!

To answer your original question I ride an 07 CBR and its incredible. Very light, nimble, fast, dependable, etc... the list goes on but its a great bike. I highly reccomend it, just make sure you can handle it. Its like 75% track bike, keep that it mind.

i didnt ride a bike, sport or cruiser, before i bought mine last year and i got a 07 600rr.  do what you feel is best for you. im happy going the speed limit on my bike.  i love knowing that i have all that power there.  its all on how you turn your wrist.  these bikes do go slow if you want them too.  good luck on your choice.

quote:

ORIGINAL: baxsom

    you would be suprised at how well these bikes actually hold up.

a used bike would really be more appropriate.  even the older f4i would be a good choice. (not the one with the banana seat)

and just keep in mind that statistically it will be dropped at some point in time

Question what's wrong with the newer F4i (aside from the ugly seat)?

its not an 07 RR

Haha! Them's fightin' words!