GSXR 600 or 750 first bike?

[Lucky13GSXR]

I am stuck in the middle of what I want or what I should get. My friends are no help they just want me to get the fastest bike I can afford but I just want to get the fastest bike I can handle and not die on my first week having it.

Someone I know started out with an 03 R1 and he still rides it to this day only having dropped it once in his garage late one night when he came home and bumped into it after getting off. So yeah anyways he learned to ride by taking it slow like many of you have suggested I do. He didnt take the safety course though like I plan on doing within the next couple weeks and before I go actually look at bikes which everyone says will help.

My question is would a 750 be too much for my first bike? I have been set on a 600 up until this week when I have started to realize there isnt much price difference between the 2 and I can afford a 750. And just for info I plan on financing the bike over a couple years so yes I would be keeping it for a long time if not until it dies which is what a lot of you would probably ask. Should I look for a 750 to grow into or a 600 to learn on? I just dont want to get tired of the 600 after the first year or so because I want to keep the bike for many years to come. I have been on plenty of fast quads/dirt bikes recently and I can handle those fine so is there that much a difference between getting used to those and a sportbike? I know you will laugh to that question saying there is but I have never been on one so I would not know thats why I am asking. I am just trying to stay alive by asking so many questions and all the ones I can think of you know?

I am looking at a used 01+. The 600 has like 95-100hp and the 750 has like around 130hp right? So it doesnt sound like that big of a jump not like it would be from a 600 to a 1000.

I know cars are nothing like bikes but my first car was a Stang with about 300hp to the wheels which I got in high school and I drove that for 2+ years without one ticket or accident (that was my fault) so I am just pointing out I dont drive like a dumbass so I wont ride like one either thats why I want to take the safety course first and am asking all these questions. Also at first I thought it was the fastest thing in the world but a couple months after having it I got used to the power and just thought it wasnt as fast as I wanted it to be. Will it be the same way if I get a 600? Will I just get used to a 750 after a while and get tired of a 600 once I learn to ride? I want a bike with room to grow/mod and thats why I have been thinking of a 750 more because there seems to be alot more you can do with a 750 and a lot more the 750 can handle - as in internal engine mods. So yeah let me know I am so confused about what is safe or within reason for me. People just keep saying different things and I keep on reading different views on what people have done. Just wouldnt hurt to get a couple more thoughts from you guys.

so let me know thanks everyone take it easy

[zx7rou812]

I'd say if you can afford both go for the 750. You may want to check the insurance costs for each first though.

Here's the way I look at...

My bike can go from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds, or 0 to 60 in 3.5 MINUTES. It all depends on how YOU ride.

You asked no stupid questions. The only stupidity is those who THINK they know, therefore ask NO questions.

The major differences between a sportbike and a dirtbike is about 3 times the weight and 4 times the horsepower. You know that nice feeling when the "powerband" kicks in on a dirtbike? Multiply times 10 and you'll get the rush of a sportbike. You'll NEVER get the feeling for more power to go away. You'll ALWAYS want more !!! LOL

Either bike is great. Either bike will also kill your ass if you don't respect it and act like "Ricky Road Racer" with no skills. Trust me, a late model sportbike, ANY MODEL, will give YOU more than you can handle and want more. Know what I mean?

Pick the one you like the most and ride it, get used to it, and respect it.

Also, how big are you? If you're 5' 0" and weigh 105 pounds EITHER will be big for you. If you're 6'8" and weigh 250, EITHER will be small for you...I know, some help...LOL

[Lucky13GSXR]

Thanks for saying I didnt ask any stupid questions I am really just trying to learn and stay alive at the same time like everyone wants too but lots of people dont end up doing. I dont need to be the next 21 year old that ends up hitting a tree or another car and dying lol.

Yeah like I said I will be taking it real freaking slow probably just riding it to and from work the first couple weeks and over to friends houses or on late night weekend cruise with my friends Stangs but nothing big. No racing or trying stupid shit you know? Yeah the powerband feel is nice on a dirtbike it feels a lot different than a car so I kind of know a little of what to expect if I even half throttle a Gix so we will see but thats what safety courses are for right?

I am about 5'11 and 140/45lbs now? Lost at least 10lbs since I started working crazy amounts of hours and then hitting the gym as much as possible too but yeah just saying that because most people look at me and ask me if I think I am big enough, weight wise to deal with a bike and I just say I will do fine and if not I will just eat constantly and become a fat fuck so I can lol. I have been on two ninjas a 01 9R and a 00 6R and both of those felt pretty good and not too heavy when I leaned them and everything so we will see how the Gix 600 or 750 feels. But again thanks for making me not sound stupid about asking so many ?'s.

Oh yeah and where do most people go for insurance on their bikes so I can get some quotes this week when I have time thanks again.

[zx7rou812]

The GSXR's will feel considerably lighter than the 9R and about even with the 6R.

I ride a 98 ZX-7R...Talk about a friggen TANK ! LOL

As for insurance, talk to your auto insurer. The only BAD thing is neither Progressive or Gieko is NOT available in the Republic of Mattachusetts yet. Tell your insurance company that you WILL be getting quotes from other insurers as well. Pick up a phone book and look under "auto insurance." Call around too. You'll be suprised at how different the price quotes will be. Go for the cheapest company. Insurance is insurance is insurance...

BTW, you sound pretty smart for a 21 year old, '''I don't need to be the next 21 year old that ends up hitting a tree or another car and dying", so you should be ok. If you started out by saying that you NEVER rode a bike and wanted to get the most BAD-ASS bike there is, I would have told to get the 04 ZX-10R, run it to 12,500 RPM in first gear and let nature take it's course and remove you from the gene pool. LOL. REAL power on sportbikes doesn't usually kick in until around 9000 RPM's

As a reminder : Ask questions, keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut and you'll learn VOLUMES in life.


P.S. : "Boston area"? Where you from/live ?

[Lucky13GSXR]

That part about telling me to get a ZX-10R if I was stupid like some kids was funny

Thanks for the smart compliment though. My first car a 92 Stang got destoyed by some old lady that didnt have her lights on at night so I realized how dangerous things can be. It knocked a lot of sense into me because my girlfriend was supposed to be in the car with me that day where I was but was sick so she stayed home and if she was in the car she would not be here today so yeah I try to be smarter about crap even if the accident wasnt my fault it was a good learning experience even though really stupid at the same time but w/e we are both here now so thats all I care about.

I live in Newton right now and would be up in Maine and down in North Carolina for the whole summer but just got a new job so that wont be happening thats why I want a new toy if I am going to be stuck around here the whole summer haha. I was about to move out with a boy of mine but my rents leave from June-September so right now there is no reason too Just saying that if you were going to or planning on cracking a joke about still living at home lol. I was about to get a 03 Cobra also but dont want to spend that much on a car and all my friends have Mustangs anyways so if I want to drive one I will just take someones out you know? Just want a change and thats why I am here about a Gixxer. And thanks for the insurance info I will be calling places as soon as I get the chance. Take it easy ttyl

[Lucky13GSXR]

Forgot to ask. By saying you think I should be ok does that refer to the 750? Just wondering because if I am going to be financing a bike for years to come I wont mind spending a little more to get a 750. If the 750 is that much nicer and if I will like it more in the long run I would rather get one ya know? It also seems like you can do alot more with it parts wise and it can handle a lot more if you start modding it heavy.

I was told by a friend that I should be looking at paying/putting aside $125 a month for 4 years on used 750 with $1000 down (if needed) since I dont have much credit being so young and all. That sound like a good estimate? He took a guess that I would find a 01 or 02 with around 5k miles and would pay somewhere in the upper 6xxx's for it. Tell me what you think

[zx7rou812]

Either or.

600 or 750.

I prefer the 750. A 750 will be a steeper learning curve, but will have alot more power in excess for reserve.

I suggest planning on being able to afford no LESS than $ 325.00 to $ 350.00 total. That will cover bike payment, insurance, fuel, and the miscellaneous expenses that WILL arise. Don't forget, you're going to need to buy the gear necessary to ride as well! Better start pricing out a good jacket, gloves and a helmet. Just ask around what's good and what's junk.

[Lucky13GSXR]

Yeah that much money wont be a problem thanks for the info. I plan on putting aside at least $100 a week for everything even if I dont spend that much I will be saving on the side too for mods down the line so that extra money will go in with that. I plan on throwing down $1000 to make my monthly less and also putting some money in it right away just for basic visual stuff and also like you said for gear.

Some dealerships seem to be including some gear when you get the bike mostly for new bikes but I can still try who knows we will see. Oh yeah and about the parts and gear I already have a list of mods of what I want when I get used to the bike. Been doing my research

Just wondering how old you were just to get an idea of the age of people on here

[KevinB]

I'd go with the 600, being your age, size,weight and budget. You'll save some money on the bike and insurance. Its seems most people turn bikes over for the latest and greatest all the time, and I'm sure you will be no different. Both bikes have no problem breaking the speed limit, the 750 just pulls harder.

Kevin

[Suf Daddy]

The insurance cut off is 700 cc for below/above (heavy).
The classification and costs are higher above 700 cc.

The 600 should save you some cash but quote both, and tell us what you pay, maybe we'll find your coverage is cheaper and switch?
-Suf Daddy

[busa413]

If you have a good head on your shoulders and can make smart decisions then get what you like the most. If you get the 750 you won't be wanting to trade it in as quick as the 600. Remember that having other people around you will make you want to show off more. You can say you won't do it until your blue in the face, but your first bike you will see what I am saying and I am sure that others on here will agree. You seem pretty smart and you know that you aren't going to be riding wheelies in a month so I would say go with the 750.

[double agent]

I have a 01 600 gsxr and have no complaints about it. just look at it this way , there is a one sec. differ from the 600 to 1000 on the track . its all about useable power, how much do you need for the street.

[busa413]

Originally posted by double agent
I have a 01 600 gsxr and have no complaints about it. just look at it this way , there is a one sec. differ from the 600 to 1000 on the track . its all about useable power, how much do you need for the street.

here is another way you can look at things too. MSRP difference between the too bikes is about $1500.00. If you went with the 600 you would save money on insurance and for $1500.00 you could put a bunch of aftermarket parts on that 600 to make it faster than the 750, when you are ready for the extra power. I didn't even think about that until double agent posted this.

[Lucky13GSXR]

Suf Daddy thanks for the info on the insurance that will help alot and explain why the 750 will come back so much more when I ask for a quote lol. And yeah I will let you all know what I end up paying or what I get quoted at least.

On to the next part. If I am getting defense for some no reason then I will say sorry and all that I just want to make a point... I have been getting jumped all over because I am 21 and wanting a GSXR 750 for a first bike or am even considering one. Its not like I am going to be some stupid squid cutting people off and flying down the highway at 150mph every chance I get.

Kevin you sound like some angry older guy. Whats up with that? If this response to your comment sounds angry I dont mean it to honestly because I am not it just sounds like you have not read what I have said so I will respond to your comment with what I posted before.

You say "Its seems most people turn bikes over for the latest and greatest all the time, and I'm sure you will be no different." Sounds like you are angry that people do that. For your info I was going to buy a 02 Gix 6 in 2001 when I graduated but a good deal on the Mustang I wanted came through so whatever I couldnt afford both then and I dont get what your assuming things about me is for when I was only asking a question. And also the new 03 GSXR1000 front/headlight look is freaking ugly and any GSXR that looks like that I wont buy even if the 600+750 start looking like that I will stick with the style I like now so no I wont get rid of it when something new comes along thats why I want a used bike because I like the 01-03 600/750's and plus if you read I said I would be financing this bike for 4 years.

Also what does my age have to do with it? I thought I already established that I was taking the safety course and maybe others after that and also will be taking it easy. Like I said before I know someone that got an R1 when they were 19 (who is less responsible about this kind of stuff than I try to be) for his first bike and both him and the bike are still fine.

My size? There is only a couple lbs difference between the 600/750 if I am not mistaken right like 5lbs? And my budget isnt an issue like I said I can afford either one that is why I am leaning towards the 750 because it will have the extra power later on when I get used to it. zx7rou said before that the Ninja 6r will be about equal to the GSXR's and those are not to big for me.

So I dont know what to say I am getting defensive yes but just trying to make a point about what you didnt seem to read which may make you think a 750 would be ok for me if you did because thats all I am really trying to figure out is can I grow/learn into a 750 with courses and help from friends who ride. Anyways take it easy no big deal just trying to make you see what I typed before lol I love that banana haha

[busa413]

Lucky13GSXR I think you are taking Kevin's comments a little to hard. He is just going off what happens with most people. I don't think he came off as harsh as you are making it sound. You are going to get alot of flak from people, because some people think that even a 600 is too much for a first bike. Like I told you before if you have a good head on your shoulders get what you want.

Read what I had written about the difference in price though. You will most likely end up modding your bike, most people do. For the difference in price between the 600 and 750 you can put alot of good mods on the the 600 and pay 600 insurance.

Good luck and let me knwo what you do.

[Lucky13GSXR]

Busa thanks for comment and yeah I wont have the balls to try anything season alone nevermind right when I get the bike haha so here hoping for no spills.

I am going to load up on gear before I buy any mods thats what I have money aside for now. What do you guys do when it gets to be like 90+ outside? You cant wear full leathers that would be nuts! I mean what kind of things do you wear in that crappy humid weather? so I can start looking for what I need for hot days.

I hear what you guys are saying about the insurance and all so maybe you think the 600 is a good idea? Can I really make it as fast as the 750 and if so with what mods?

My mods list for performance parts is pretty short and as follows for the 600 and if you can add anything I will look into it

Full Race Yosh RS3, Dynojet PC III or ?IIIR?, Vortex rearsets, Ohlins damper, DID chain, sprockets by maybe vortex?, barnett clutch after I fuck the first one up lol, plugs etc etc.

I have just been on dozens of sites for engines alone and it seems that more places have head work/t-body's and stuff like that so whatever let me know what I can do and about the gear you guys use in the summer

[Ken]

Lucky,

You DO sound like a reasonable, responsable young guy. Read this:
http://www.beginnerbikes.com/editori...lsfunction.htm

Still want's a GSXR for a FIRST bike? Go for it. Be safe. Just realize that it's not the things that you plan to do on a ride, but the unplanned things that happen to you that'll kill you or hurt you. It's certainly your choice and i wish you the best in your riding either way. The GIXERs WILL be there next year.

FWIW: A good friend of mine rode the SNOT out of a Ninja 500 for FIVE YEARS before he bought a ZX-9r (from me). He could keep up with me or any one else on bigger bikes just fine, except on Highway straights, but those bursts only last a minuit or two and your buddies have to wait for you any way (nad if you'r NOT the slow one you'll be waiting for some one else). He's a MUCH BETTER rider than i am and I moved up prety quickly when I started. I'm moving back down again. I want to learn how to ride faster, not how to ride a faster bike.

Sory to rant but I'm a paramedic and hate doing biker down calls. I also watched a guy in my development scratch up his ONE DAY OLD ZX-6 last week. I feel bad for him. Oh, I did it too. I felt worse for me.

ken

[Lucky13GSXR]

Busa yeah I hear you about the post with Kevin. Sorry I was already worked up about some else before I read his comment so I will say sorry in advance so he doesnt get mad at me. It just didnt sound like he read what I had typed before he posted about my age and stuff w/e though no big deal you have all been a big help today so thanks again. I realize I am going to get a lot of shit for even considering these bikes as a first but the same thing happened with my Stang and I proved them all wrong with that too and that I could handle it so maybe I can again with this.

I didnt know about the insurance difference so yeah the 600 sounds like it back in for now. Either way I am going to keep looking at parts/mods for both until I figure out just how much more the 750 will be for insurance. And yeah about the mods list I posted it a minute ago its only the performance mods not the visual stuff which isnt really important for now but if anyone can think of anything it would be a great help also take it easy

Thanks Ken will read it now

[busa413]

Best advice I can give you on your mods would be to join a GSXR specific website. I did this with my Hayabusa and let me tell you there are people out there that know sooooooooo much about your bike that they can lead you in the right direction. Also a GSXR specific website is an awesome place to get used parts. Almost every mod on my Busa is used. I got an $1100 exhaust for $600. A $400 PCIIIr for $200. And more.... This will be your best resource. You will also learn what exhaust will get YOUR bike the most power. Something that gets the most power on a CBR600 might be the worst for your bike. Yoshimura exhausts are popular but not always the most powerful. There are also mods you can do like modify the airbox, fuel injection mapping (surprising numbers), gearing, just little things here and there. If I would have to say the first mod, performance wise, that I would do it woudl be the Power Commander, because this will make everymod you do easy to match the fuel injection. But this is all stuff you will learn on the GSXR forums.

As for gear, in the summer I use a mesh jacket with built in armor, it won't hold up in a wreck like leather, but it's better than T-shirt and shorts.

[Lucky13GSXR]

Oh and dont worry thats not a rant thats good stuff for someone like me to hear. I like to hear the bad stuff makes me realize what I do and dont need in a bike. And what I want to keep myself out of, like a hospital. Worse comes to worse I can finance a 600 and then trade it in for something else like a 750/1000 after I get used to riding for a year or two or even sell it and pay of the rest of the balance and get something else so maybe a 750 with mods isnt the best for a first bike even if I am being smart because I just read something else about someone who had a been riding his cbr9rr for half a year and that got all messed up because he accidently hit the gas too much and lost control and he took courses and that stuff I want too and the 9rr has only 10hp more than a gix 750. So yeah lol doesnt make me feel good about a 750 haha. Good read by the way about the 600 being too much for beginner bike lol. You can talk me down from a 750 maybe but I am going to be stubborn on this one for now and stick with at least a 600. Thanks though for that

[Lucky13GSXR]

Also forgot to add that I dont mean internal engine parts when I asked for mods that I could do. I know you can always go crazy and deck out an engine with cam/head work/t-body/pistons etc but I am just asking about mods that I can do like the ones I listed that wont require a complete engine overhaul and beefed up tranny to hold the mods to be as fast a 750. I plan on buying them all at once probably over this winter (even though yes that is a long time away I like to plan ahead) and then having them all installed at the same time so I dont know if there will really be a first mod that I do more just like all the mods at once so I can get it all done and over with you know? I mean why not if I am used to the bike by then and have enough money too right?

But like you said I have to get into gsxr specific sites and then see there is plenty of time for that stuff later I dont even have the bike yet or even know if its gonna be a 600 or 750 really haha

[KevinB]

Not angry, just know what time it is. By the way I'm 33. You don't want to buy a 600 cause you'll out grow it, . Most people I've ridden with are lucky if they are using 50% of the bikes capability. I ride a SV650 with a whole 65hp at the wheel and I'm lucky if I have the ability get 75% out of it and thats at the track, as I'm passing some dude on an 03 R1. Its not the bike its the rider. A 750 will just make you feel cooler, and cost you more. Coolness never comes cheap. And for mods, just a slipon and PC, and thats still just for posing posing points. Lets see a top speeds for a stock 600 are close to 155-160 and 1000 are 165-175. I don't really see the need for motor work unless you were going to the track. There aren't too many cars that will touch you on the street.
Now lets talk dollars and cents, for a 600
$1000 DP
1100 Ins
300 jacket
300 helmet
50 gloves
200 school


Theres a couple review links below.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/19april00gsxr2.html

http://www.2wf.com/articles/bike_tes...22D4A2B46B.asp

[KevinB]

Originally posted by KevinB
Its seems most people turn bikes over for the latest and greatest all the time, and I'm sure you will be no different.

Kevin

I guess i could have of written that beginner bike article.

I wouldn't buy no Ninja 250 though, moped with gears. SVs a great bike but doesn't have the coolness factor of a supersport.

[Lucky13GSXR]

Thanks Kevin good points I hear what you mean about the coolness factor and all I just love the 01+ gixxer look I wouldnt care if it was a 250 or whatever I just like the look so thats what I have always wanted. You will never hear me say I want a busa or r1 or anything like that have always been a loyal gsxr fan even though some r1's/ninja's/cbr's can look nice just like any bike can with the right amount of time and money but w/e like I said thanks points especially the money facts. I wonder if they will make me pay the full amount down for my insurance? They tried to with my car until I told them I was going somewhere else even though they were the cheapest. Good articles too I will finish reading the the 2nd one tomorrow. Till then ttyl

I forgot to add that I work for a life insurance agency and I have yet to get any paperwork to go over or calls about a policy being claimed or money being awarded because of a bike death this year around here but once I do I will let everyone know the news and details and all that good stuff just hope there isnt any anything soon. Just thought it would be interesting to add that w/e sorry haha

[Kham]

just want to remind some of you.

me: "hey y'all im looking to get a litre bike. i'v been riding this long, got a good head on my shoulder, will not do stupid things even though i crash twice, blah blah blah..."

y'all: "you're a noob.. you dont know what you're doing.. you're gonna die.. blah blah blah.."

on the other hand, Lucky here is young, been riding dirtbike but never on sportbike or take any class, been driving 300hp+ mustang, but sure he'll be fine on 750.


y'al bunch of "chicken fuck" like Scott said.