A 600 - or a step too far?

[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!

[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...