Is a Yamaha srx 600 to big to learn on?

[sdsgibb]

Hey there,

Ok so Ive just moved to Australia and looking to get my learners here. It seems more like america here in that as a learner you can ride silly sized bikes while learning...

Do I want one of those silly sized bikes?

The reason I am looking at the srx 600 is that Im living in Darwin were there isnt a huge selection of bikes, and many of them are over priced... A nice, clean srx 600 has come up for sale.

I like the cafe racer style so am drawn to it but I wonder if its going to be to big to learn on. People obviously do it both here and in the states - but I thought I would ask the thoughts of the kiwi rationally minded riders who start on a 250...

Cheers
Sam

[baptist]

Single banger with around 40 odd horse power? Would be a good starter bike imho... good motor. I guess you know how easy it will be to get parts for it where you are.

[Subike]

That would be a good bike to learn on,
Parts are easy to get as the engine is the same as the 600 trail bike of the same year.
They have a good turn of speed, and are fun to ride,
But they are not a hard out performer, so you will not get into trouble from a hidden "power band"

[Ender EnZed]

It'll be fine. The peak power is no higher than a 4 cylinder 250 and it doesn't weigh any more than most 250s.

[jim.cox]

It would be a sweet unit

So long as you're comfortable balancing the weight of it with your feet on the ground

And I'd also caution that they not exactly new - so I'd want it to be in good condition - especially the brakes

[SMOKEU]

That would be an ideal learner bike. The tame power delivery would probably make it even better for a n00b than a high revving, 4 cylinder 250.

[Madness]

How big are you?

[Andy67]

How big are you?

Good question :2thumbsup

[HenryDorsetCase]

Hey there,

Ok so Ive just moved to Australia and looking to get my learners here. It seems more like america here in that as a learner you can ride silly sized bikes while learning...

Do I want one of those silly sized bikes?

The reason I am looking at the srx 600 is that Im living in Darwin were there isnt a huge selection of bikes, and many of them are over priced... A nice, clean srx 600 has come up for sale.

I like the cafe racer style so am drawn to it but I wonder if its going to be to big to learn on. People obviously do it both here and in the states - but I thought I would ask the thoughts of the kiwi rationally minded riders who start on a 250...

Cheers
Sam

I owned one. It was my "re-entry" ride after a few years of no bike (I call that "the dark times") due to stupid university, no money, first house DIY bullshit.

I say grab it especially if you are over 5 ft 6 tall. They're fun, light nimble and good handling. Not so much power that you'll get into trouble (from memory ~40hp brand spankers) and theyre quick enough to go on the open road.

They are kick start only, and they can be a bit of a bitch to start: hot is fine (one kick) cold is fine (full choke, two kicks) but if you ride it round town and its kind of warm but not quite it can be a bitch to get going: easy to flood blahdeblah.

the more desirable in my view s the last one with the three spoke cast wheels, single disc and monoshock: but you'll do fine with the twinshock one.

[GrayWolf]

had a 660 45hp motor, would think its a great bike to learn on if you fit it and are OK with the riding position.... nice low revving thumper, good torque, probably 160kph and a bit top speed, but I would say far easier to ride than most 250's due to the power delivery and torque...

Go for it, if you like it.

[SMOKEU]

How big are you?

Big enough to keep the ladies happy.

[Fast Eddie]

I'v owned an srx600 here in nz last year eh, they are a fun and easy bike to ride, they vibrate like hell - if your doing open road/highway missions for more than an hour or so you might get numb hands from the vibrations.

The worst bit about them is kick start only, and sometimes if (when) they don't wanna start your gonna get a tired leg eh.

They don't have much power but its useable and easy to access. I'd say its ok for a learner..

Still got enough low down grunt to have fun/get in trouble tho, the back wheel can lock quite easily when changing down gears too vigirously/decelerating. Little things like that but you'll get used to it. Cool bikes I liked mine.

[GrayWolf]

Quote Originally Posted by Madness
How big are you?


small enough to keep the ladies giggling for ages.

there fixed it for ya

[sdsgibb]

How big are you?

6 foot 75 kgs....

[sdsgibb]

Ok been looking around Darwin for other options.... Theres not a lot

One I did find is this
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cafe-Racer-ACE-125cc-SkyTeam-learner-legal-motorcycle-/130679175659?pt=AU_Motorcycles&hash=item1e6d15f9eb

$2400 new

Its 600 cheaper and new so not alot to worry about mech wise, also a lot less power so a lot less trouble/fun.

Its chinese, maybe a bit small, and under powered

I still like it though and would be a fun around town crusier.

Thoughts???

[Madness]

Thoughts???

Don't do it. Buy the Yamahaha, it's Japanese and will still be running years after the Chinese bike has given up.

[Tigadee]

Ok been looking around Darwin for other options.... Theres not a lot

Its chinese, maybe a bit small, and under powered???

Seriously underpowered. Don't even think about it, especially not for a first bike...

[Subike]

Don't do it. Buy the Triumph, it's British and will still be running years after the Japanese bike has given up.


There fixed it for you.

The same was said in the 70's

[Ender EnZed]

Thoughts???

I have no idea what that is. It might be fine but it'd be a gamble on what sort of cheese they decided to make it out of.

[F5 Dave]

There fixed it for you.

The same was said in the 70's

Except the Japanese were striving for a superior product to dominate the market. The idealogy of the Chinese manufacturers that aren't heavily influenced by outside brands (hard due to Chinese policy on foriegn ownership of course) is to make a quick buck & after that -Fluck you.

The Japanese hit back at problems with research & engineering solutions.

[GrayWolf]

Except the Japanese were striving for a superior product to dominate the market. The idealogy of the Chinese manufacturers that aren't heavily influenced by outside brands (hard due to Chinese policy on foriegn ownership of course) is to make a quick buck & after that -Fluck you.

The Japanese hit back at problems with research & engineering solutions.

I remember the comments then about shit alloy, crap chroming, piss poor wiring, rust away in 5 yrs etc etc about the japanese bikes and cars. I will agree the chinese can and do make some very inferior products. Those of us 50 and over will remember the 'made in Hong Kong' era of the 1960's.
On the other side the chinese can and DO manufacture goods at a very high level. Often the factories are producing 'OEM' stuff for named European and American brands. HiFi is a good example of this. Those same companies produce high quality equipment at about 1/3-50% of the 'named brands' that is just as well made and has just as good components used. Some of the chinese bikes use japanese designed engines (yamaha/honda twins) Suzuki use china for the GN250.. it has been said the overall finish isnt as good, but the motors seem as robust as the original japanese manufactured ones.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Its like Korea and cars. I would totally buy a Hyundai (or at least put it on the shortlist). If they used to be shit, they arent any more.

but with the chinese made bikes available here, we're at the wrong part of the time/quality bellcurve, IMO.

And, to the OP, looking at the riding position of that (its a ripoff of the Honda Dream 50) it would be anything BUT a cruiser.