A 600 - or a step too far?

[24xtreme]

Hi Guys,

Got a nice lil RS125 09 2 smoker. Goes like a cut cat round town and impressive handling. Done my defensive driving and I get my full on thursday (fingers crossed i pass)

Ive been looking at getting a Daytona 675 or an R6. Im 19, will it be a step too far or will it be an easy adjustment.

Ive been in trouble with the law for speeding. Yes it is possible to do 160kmh on a 125 and have since slowed down and watched my speed.

Main thing i want is to carry the mrs and a few friends around and be part of the supersports club (and smoke any riced up boy racer)

[Smifffy]

Keep the 125 until you forget the bit in parentheses.

[24xtreme]

Yeh thought someone would comment on that...

[sil3nt]

Your going to do it anyway so just do it.

[Wannabiker]

well if the price of the bike doesn't put you off....the cost of insuring it certainly will.
Is a 600 a step too far....well I went from a 250 to a 900 OK.

Smoking off boy racers will most certainly end up with a spell as a pedestrian :yes:

and 675 or R6 probably not the most comfortable bike for the girlfriend to be perched on the back of while you are learning to ride a big boys bike, and learning to pillion at the same time.

Just my 5 cents worth

[SMOKEU]

Some people aren't even capable of safely riding a GN250, whilst other people are safe on a Hayabusa, so it all really depends on your skills and how much you trust your own judgement.

I plan on buying a 170BHP+ litre bike as soon as I get my 6F.

[24xtreme]

Thats a very valid point SMOKEU. Ive seen people drive scooters out of the showroom and crash them so yeh it depends on skill and ability.

Insurance is very cheap here compared to Ireland but i guess ill do some more research on the costs involved.

[motor_mayhem]

If you care about the comfort of your pillion, get a cruiser, if you care about looks and lighter handling, get a sports bike. I went the sports way as seldom have a pillion and and when I do, on a short ride they notice the discomfort less and the speed more :msn-wink:

[Slyer]

Just so you know, there are plenty of 600 riders who would LOVE an RS125.

[Rych]

Hey mate I just recently made this move although with a year gap from when I sold my ZXR250. I was also looking at the 675 / R6 and ended up with a 06 R6 which I am loving and think was a very decent step up but not too much if you can ride responsibly and control that right hand. Through the first week of riding I never even hit max power 14-15k and slowly eased myself into it.

Well it's only been about three weeks now and I can comfortably open it up shifting on the light around 16k rpm, hanging off it around the corners and feeling comfortable, still just riding it within what I feel safe, I don't like to push a bike to a point I don't feel like I have complete control with what I'm doing or a bit shakey etc.. That pushing the limits will wait till I can get it on a track day and really learn what it can do, not worth it on the streets.

The R6 is a tough little machine and I hear it's one of the harder to handle but it tips from side to side very easily, it's quite a stiff ride and you've got to be careful when you hit the bumps.

edit: The other benifit I see with a 600 over a thou when you're stepping up from a small bike is you have to ride in the high rpm and thrash it to really get the full power, you can burn around at 6-11k rpm with decent pull but not stupidly fast speeds..

[Gibbo89]

what about a sports bike that is 400cc? it might be a good step up from the 125, learn to master a 400 sports and the jump from that to a 600 might not be too bad at all. some good points mentioned so far.

a 400 might be quite a lot cheaper to insure (due to the age of the 400 sports bikes), just don't shag the fairings on those 400cc sports bikes. i bet they are not cheap

[scracha]

Hi Guys,

Got a nice lil RS125 09 2 smoker. Goes like a cut cat round town and impressive handling. Done my defensive driving and I get my full on thursday (fingers crossed i pass)

Ive been looking at getting a Daytona 675 or an R6. Im 19, will it be a step too far or will it be an easy adjustment.

Ive been in trouble with the law for speeding. Yes it is possible to do 160kmh on a 125 and have since slowed down and watched my speed.

Main thing i want is to carry the mrs and a few friends around and be part of the supersports club (and smoke any riced up boy racer)

This is a troll yes?

[Lurch]

Some people aren't even capable of safely riding a GN250, whilst other people are safe on a Hayabusa, so it all really depends on your skills and how much you trust your own judgement.

I plan on buying a 170BHP+ litre bike as soon as I get my 6F.

SMOKEU sounds like a prime example of the former.

But many people handle the transition to a 100 hp+ bike without issues. Just don't go looking for the bike's limits in the first few weeks(maybe months) of riding it. Chances are that it's limits are well beyond yours.

SMOKEU will you be selling tickets to your first ride on your new steed?

[davereid]

Ive seen people drive scooters out of the showroom and crash them so yeh it depends on skill and ability.

The most important bit is attitude.

If you have the very small amount of skill required to ride around a corner at moderate speed, and brake without falling off then you have all the skill and ability you need to ride accident free your entire life.

That is if you have the right attitude.

On the other hand, if you have all the skill in the world, but you just can't control your throttle hand you will suffer.


I ride with a wide range of ages and skill levels. I put up with ATGATT lectures from kids with super bikes as I dont wear the latest helmet and leathers.

Then I watch them pass when they don't have room, run wide on corners as they go too fast and brag later about how they dragged their knee as the passed their mate.

Bet you I am still riding, sans ATGATT in my half face helmet when they are chatting to their mates by blinking.

Blink once if you agree.

[SMOKEU]

SMOKEU will you be selling tickets to your first ride on your new steed?

Now that's a good idea. Where shall we start the bidding?

[Grasshopperus]

Now that's a good idea. Where shall we start the bidding?

I'll go and reserve a youtube clip title called "Hitler Youth Noob Crashes On First Ride"

You go sell some advertising, I was thinking "Craig's Coffins" or an NZ Police "The faster you go, the bigger the mess" ad.

[Edbear]

The 675 and R6 would be about the worst pillion bikes around! Compared to your RS125, the 600 sports bikes will feel like you've strapped a Saturn Rocket to your backside and you will kill yourself very quickly indeed!

An older 600, like the GSX-F would be a better start into bigger bikes, more sport-tourer than pure sports and better for your poor long-suffering pillion as well. My old '89 600F had "only" 80hp compared to the modern sports 600's with 110-120hp yet would accelerate at a pace that saw me stabbing at the gearlever to keep up with the revs and top out at 220km/h. Compared to what I'd had, it was fast, (I went on a ride with a Hyabusa and two SV1000's and they were very impressed!), good handling and good brakes. Tyres and servicing was much cheaper, too.

Cheap to buy and run and bullet-proof engines, one of these would be a good step up. Not so expensive to insure and repair either.

[Banditbandit]

The 675 and R6 would be about the worst pillion bikes around! Compared to your RS125, the 600 sports bikes will feel like you've strapped a Saturn Rocket to your backside and you will kill yourself very quickly indeed!

An older 600, like the GSX-F would be a better start into bigger bikes, more sport-tourer than pure sports and better for your poor long-suffering pillion as well. My old '89 600F had "only" 80hp compared to the modern sports 600's with 110-120hp yet would accelerate at a pace that saw me stabbing at the gearlever to keep up with the revs and top out at 220km/h. Compared to what I'd had, it was fast, (I went on a ride with a Hyabusa and two SV1000's and they were very impressed!), good handling and good brakes. Tyres and servicing was much cheaper, too.

Cheap to buy and run and bullet-proof engines, one of these would be a good step up. Not so expensive to insure and repair either.

Yeah .. I'd recommend you have a look at the 600/650 Bandits ... pretty quick without being lethal .. and you'll learn to ride a lot better than on a crotch rocket ...

A trademe search shows heaps for sale - from around $5,000 to $7,500 ...

[SMOKEU]

I'll go and reserve a youtube clip title called "Hitler Youth Noob Crashes On First Ride"

You go sell some advertising, I was thinking "Craig's Coffins" or an NZ Police "The faster you go, the bigger the mess" ad.

Have you got any other bright ideas?

[Swoop]

Perhaps something that will not put you into the top acc tax bracket (if you even bother to pay this)?
The insurance cost coupled with this and the purchase price may dent your wallet.

[javawocky]

Na, not too far.

I went RG150 > SV1000 > GSXR600

The Thou requires lots more respect with the right hand. Never slam the throttle on unless you want to die! You also have to be extra careful in the rain, short shifting and feathering the clutch lots.

600 - less so, requires more intent on your part to get it going. Has enough go for normal riding but requires some rpm before it transforms into something quick. Less chance of a high side off corners.

I think you will do what you want anyway, but if you are seriously worried about your attitude then I suggest getting something like a Hyo 650 or SV 650 which will be more forgiving and good value for a step up. CBF600? CB600F? Whatever it is was also a good bike which I had on lone once, would be a good step up.

Ask yourself, are you feeling luck? punk! :facepalm:

[v8s&2wheels]

I had a zxr250 and went to a zx6r 3 months after getting my restricted. I was iimpressed at first but then very quickly found the limits of the bike in all ways - suspension, braking, tyres, power. And so 3 months later i went and bought a gsxr1000.

Ive had this thing for about 16 months now and have only had my full since july, and it still impresses me every time i ride it. I cant get to the limits of this bike AT ALL. And thats what makes me happy about my bike.

Depending on what sort of rider you are. A 600 could kill you - or be boring within a few months. A supersports is not a huge step up. But a good learning curve, and you must always remember to respect the bike.

[AllanB]

Lets face it - you'll shit yourself on the 600 or a thou the first time you whack the throttle wide open in a low gear.

See if you can find a bike shop dumb/keen enough on letting you test ride something and feel the power between your own legs ..........

[mikeey01]

Ive been looking at getting a Daytona 675 or an R6. Im 19, will it be a step too far or will it be an easy adjustment.


Do it...... 125 to a 600 no worries, hard learning curve but you'll love it.
On here you'll hear all sorts of bollocks, nothing wrong with what your doing though me thinks.

Be cautious the first few times you crack open the taps, at least till you get a feel for it.

I say go for it!

[jellywrestler]

Ive seen people drive scooters out of the showroom and crash them so yeh it depends on skill and ability.

what you've written spells out that you're not ready for a bigger bike yet.
You don't Drive a motorcycle, you ride them.
till you learn that basic concept then stick with doing some more miles on the bike you have.
As for a 600/675 if you want to take passengers there are loads more bikes that are more suitable and safer for the rider and the passenger

[SMOKEU]

See if you can find a bike shop dumb/keen enough on letting you test ride something and feel the power between your own legs ..........

I don't see the problem if you look respectable and have a 6F.

[Hans]

The most important bit is attitude.

If you have the very small amount of skill required to ride around a corner at moderate speed, and brake without falling off then you have all the skill and ability you need to ride accident free your entire life.

That is if you have the right attitude.

On the other hand, if you have all the skill in the world, but you just can't control your throttle hand you will suffer.


I ride with a wide range of ages and skill levels. I put up with ATGATT lectures from kids with super bikes as I dont wear the latest helmet and leathers.

Then I watch them pass when they don't have room, run wide on corners as they go too fast and brag later about how they dragged their knee as the passed their mate.

Bet you I am still riding, sans ATGATT in my half face helmet when they are chatting to their mates by blinking.

Blink once if you agree.


Blink. 10char.

[Brett]

I went from a ZXR250c to a 600cc just fine, though I did a fair few trackdays before the 600 and after which helped. Just treat it with respect, 600's are pretty safe, you have to want to go fast for them to do something out of ordinary like spin the rear wheel, wheelie etc.
Agree, most thou's are just that one step too far from a 250cc, especially in the wet as they love to spin the rear wheel if given a tad too much gas (which is often sweet FA.)

Why bother buying one to dice boyracers though? Who gives a shit what the pumped up little rice heads think. Just a reason to get hassled by the cops IMO.

[kave]

I went from 33hp to 149hp. Still alive. A bike only goes as fast as you tell it to. If you are an idiot and/or unlucky a 250 can kill you just as easily as a thou. Just remember that it does require adjustments to your riding when you jump on a more powerful bike.

[javawocky]

Lets face it - you'll shit yourself on the 600 or a thou the first time you whack the throttle wide open in a low gear.

Lets face it, if you whack the throttle wide open on a propa thou...
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[Will the ninja]

(and smoke any riced up boy racer)

When you know your bike can beat almost all the cages on the roads, whats the point? Get any bike that makes you happy and enjoy it. Either way your sitting your full to get a bigger bike.

You've heard it in Spiderman, "With more power comes more responsibility". I think a change in attitude towards speed/bikes/motorists would benefit a lot of youth today.

[SMOKEU]

I think a change in attitude towards speed/bikes/motorists would benefit a lot of youth today.

Ever since cars and motorbikes were first invented, young people wanted to go fast on them. That adrenaline rush is not just some passing fad that will become a distant memory.

[Smifffy]

Ever since cars and motorbikes were first invented, young people wanted to go fast on them. That adrenaline rush is not just some passing fad that will become a distant memory.

... and unfortunately, neither will the carnage nor the increased levies for the rest of us.

I don't care how swish a fancy european 125 2 stroker is, anyone in their teens going from that to an R6 with the express intention of racing riced up boy racers with a pillion on the back is asking for an ambulance ride.

[Will the ninja]

Ever since cars and motorbikes were first invented, young people wanted to go fast on them. That adrenaline rush is not just some passing fad that will become a distant memory.

'Attitude' was probably the wrong word. I think 'behaviour' fits better. I love speed too, but I believe being responsible is something a lot of youth lack. Go to a track if you want to race and push your bike. The guy already admitted to speeding in the past. I don't see how a bigger bike will encourage him to slow down.

And if its the Aprilia I see going down Victoria St most days, it's not the first time I've seen him speed to get through the yellow light.

[SMOKEU]

I don't care how swish a fancy european 125 2 stroker is, anyone in their teens going from that to an R6 with the express intention of racing riced up boy racers with a pillion on the back is asking for an ambulance ride.

I know plenty of people who have managed to phuck themselves up by doing stupid stuff on 250cc bikes because they didn't exercise self restraint. I'm sure that anyone with a few thousand kms of riding experience can safely ride even a litre bike IF they ride it sensibly and don't try to ride it hard until they have the experience to control it.

[Smifffy]

I know plenty of people who have managed to phuck themselves up by doing stupid stuff on 250cc bikes because they didn't exercise self restraint. I'm sure that anyone with a few thousand kms of riding experience can safely ride even a litre bike IF they ride it sensibly and don't try to ride it hard until they have the experience to control it.

Yes, and as you said in the post that I had quoted, young people will go looking for that adrenaline rush through speed.

With all of the experience in the world, how would one "ride an R6 hard" on the road/street, without breaking the law?

Which of your definitions of riding sensibly includes trying to waste boy racers in their ricers?

[SMOKEU]

Which of your definitions of riding sensibly includes trying to waste boy racers in their ricers?

Even my CBR250 is quicker than most turbo Legacys and Skylines, as long as they're not running lots of boost. You wouldn't have to try all that hard to beat most petrol turbo cars on a decent 600, so it's not really that dangerous.

[javawocky]

Google returned this result while searching for "new zealand penalty for racing"....

http://www.police.govt.nz/service/road/boyracerdetails.html

Just one interesting quote...

You must not operate a motor vehicle in a race or in an unnecessary exhibition of speed or acceleration on a road (unless authorised by law).

[avgas]

have fun on small bikes before your told to grow up and get a big bike.
that's my excuse.
600cc isn't a step 2 far.....but I found that tripling horsepower is.
e.g. 20hp -> 100hp........your fucked
I would recommend 400 IL4 or something like a 4-600 twin/single.....will get you up to same speeds, but just with a bit more omph! They are all roughly around the 50hp mark.......so what is twice that figure????
Guess what the next bike after that should be????

[ducatilover]

But wouldn't racing a boy racer make you a boy racer? :innocent:

[SMOKEU]

But wouldn't racing a boy racer make you a boy racer? :innocent:

Maybe more of a 'man racer'.

[ducatilover]

Maybe more of a 'man racer'.

I see. I'll stick to the whole "let's go around corners and slay white women" thing for now. :innocent::facepalm:

[Dare]

With all of the experience in the world, how would one "ride an R6 hard" on the road/street, without breaking the law?

I think that depends on your definition of 'riding hard'
Personally I find this far more impressive than watching this same bike break 300kmh
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I think as long as you aren't going to be retarded (get it started) about it a 600 could be fine. The problems start when you get bored with a bike that can do so much more, whether you take it to a track or crash it into an oncoming car when you find out the bike is much better than you is purely your decision, however.

There is alot to be said for riding a bad handling bike before a good one, having a chassis that flexes teaches you what to look for and where the limits are when riding a super sharp bike with 0.1% flex before throwing you off. Same can be said for brakes, tyres,etc etc etc.

Personally I want a motard and an endless supply of rear tyres but maybe that's just me..

[scracha]

I had a zxr250 and went to a zx6r 3 months after getting my restricted. I was iimpressed at first but then very quickly found the limits of the bike in all ways - suspension, braking, tyres, power


Damn you must be a riding god. I've been riding 17 years and haven't came anywhere near the limits of my 600.

[Gremlin]

I think the biggest issue with jumping too far is that your brain simply cannot think fast enough in the early stages of having the big bike. You might like to think you can, but really, you can't. Couple that with a lack of skills to manage the bike (riding a 250 fast doesn't count), and it can be a dangerous mix.

[Hans]

I think the biggest issue with jumping too far is that your brain simply cannot think fast enough in the early stages of having the big bike. You might like to think you can, but really, you can't. Couple that with a lack of skills to manage the bike (riding a 250 fast doesn't count), and it can be a dangerous mix.

+1. It takes a while until you are able to process info fast enough. Usually manifests itself in finding out that you're approaching that corner wayy too fast.

[R-Soul]

Another problem is dealing with the ego that comes with having absolute power.

Instead of overtaking cars one by one,- the safe way- you decide "fuck it, I will overtake three at a a time, because I CAN, hee hee", and end up hitting the next left turn over a blind rise after the cars going 60kph faster than you can expect or handle, drifting over the white line into the line of oncoming traffic, and creating lots of paperwork for the local coroner.

When you want to show off all that power, you better have planned bloody well for all the possibilities...