Quad Master

Firstly a big big hello.

I have been reading a lot on the forums but never had sufficient knowledge to contribute , just liked reading a lot.

I am writing this with a lot of expectations from your end to help me guide me in becoming a better rider and respect the sport that gives us all a lot of excitement and fun.

I am Software Developer from Mumbai and i have been riding a Hero Honda Karizma since 2005.

About my Query :
Its my dream to one day own a Honda CBR 600RR or a Suzuki GSX R600 but from the Specs sheets and the bike videos I saw online I came to understand that handling so much power and riding these monsters is no child's game , the way the bike accelerates from slow speeds to high speeds within a blink of the eye sometimes scares me but still i want to own it and be confident enough to ride it.

Every thing about this 600's screams power , responsibility , control , rush , respect and list goes on.

I am not new to driving bikes its been 6 years of riding a 223cc it
hardly count as a sports or track ready bike , i have been riding at speeds of 80 to 100km/h comfortably and maxed out at 120 km/h on freeways.

Now i want to know if this experience is enough to handle a 600 or should I get a 250cc bike like a CBR 250R or a Kawi 250R, want to know what will be a better step towards handling the 600 and harness its true potential with confidence.

Looking forward to an answer from your end.

Keep doing the good work.

Thank You

MG

Bike Query Approved

Buy something like GT650R or the soon to be launched Ninja650. They are powerful but very manageable as compared to supersports like CBR600RR or GSX-R 600

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Guru_DTSi

More than experience, it is your confidence and your ability to respect the awesome power these bikes generate that'll help you riding these bikes safely. The GT650R is already launched Check Thread below. That should be an ideal Upgrade.

UPDATED: Hyosung GT650R(4.75lac ex )and ST7 launch (5.69)h

Quad Master

Thanks a lot for the inputs guys.

I am not much a hyousung fan , but guess will wait for Kawasaki 650R.

sooraj_vs

I think a kawazaki is what you need at this point. There are two options.

1. If you can wait, wait and get the 650 ninja.

2. Else, get the 250 ninja (not a cbr 250), and improve your confidence level and your skill to a point where you feel you are capable of using all the power in the bike, and you have good command over the bike. This will require a lot of time in race tracks.
Then, go for your dream bike.

If i were you, i would have gone with the second option. Because its rather your level of confidece that matters, and a 250 is what you can conquer your fears on.

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hitanshu

Since I dont own a SBK I cant pretend but I'd advise something basic:

I believe you're old enough to realize that more often that not, its the metal between the legs that causes crashes, but the stuff between the ears. There are folks who've crashed badly on even 100cc bikes - readiness/maturity is but a state of mind.

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harikeshpk

the logic is how much you can spend. you are already a qualified rider as 6 years riding a 223 CC bike.

please remember that more than 50% of 250 ninja buyers are first timers having less than 6 months riding experience.

if you can afford i will recommended you to buy a liter class bike which may be the bike you may not need to upgrade in the near future.

understand your new bike and go slow on the shootouts. by the time the running in period is over you will be good to go on your bike the way its to be ridden.

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Quad Master

The thing is i am a huge fan of liter class and hyper sport bikes but i would be happy with the 600 as my final bike i think that's more than all i will need.

Regarding Race tracks where can i find in Mumbai or close by, i really am clueless.

mbharat

My two-cents:
1. About 600cc. supersports
2. Owning a 600cc. supersport

1. About 600cc. supersports
-------------------------------

Instead of repeating information, here are two really good articles as to why 600cc four-cylinder bikes (or anything similar) are NOT good starter bikes. The first article is short and sweet, the second long but very good.

1. Introduction to Motorcycles
2. Why sportbikes are NOT beginner bikes - Ninja250Wiki

The articles above should give you an unbiased idea of what makes a 600cc supersport different from other bikes. Of course nothing beats getting on the bike BUT at least you have an idea of the differences.

2. Owning a 600cc. supersport
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Having understood why supersport bike is a death-machine (and hence why they rock ), you are **probably** ready to go on a 600 (since you say that you have 223cc. experience for almost 6 years).

My perspective on the ownership of a 600cc. supersport can be subdivided into two categories:bike experience and $$$. From the bike experience standpoint, I currently ride a ZX6R, I LOVE IT. However I live in the US of A with wide open CURVY roads. The roads are one of the main reasons why I still live in the USA, cause I can enjoy riding supersports. Also note that I initially rode a Ninja 250 for a year here. I am glad I did, I could have simply used my Indian experience on the Suzuki Shogun BUT I last rode the Shogun in the mid 90s. I started on the 250 a couple of years back, now its with my friend. He is happy with it .

So even if you end up getting a 600, you need a place to enjoy riding the bike (controlling a 600 in low speeds in buttloads of traffic takes a LOT of skill but it is NOT fun IMO). Your idea of getting the 600 on a race track sounds good. This brings up my final point: $$$.

To give you an idea of the amount of money, I currently spend about $7000/year (gas, accessories, insurance etc.) on the bike. This DOES not include the amount I paid for the bike ($8000). Now throw in track days: it costs about $200/session in setup+prep and $200 in track fees. Thats $400/track day. Most people here go to 4 track days/year. So that is another $1600. Since you are a new rider on a supersport, you will spend $1000 on gear. Hence the first year your bike will cost you $7000+$8000+$1600+$1000 = $17600. Note that this actually a conservative estimate, $20000 for the first year supersport ownership costs in the US is realistic. Converting this to Indian rupees (approximately 8.8 lakhs?) is a BAD idea since it is not a simple one-to-one conversion. Nevertheless, this should give you an idea of the money involved.

Bottomline: You can ride a 600 with confidence, if you can enjoy the bike and enjoyment translates to: are you willing to shell out $$$? Of course, I say you can get a 600 because of your 223cc riding experience.

Ride safe, later.

Bartman

Quad Master

Wow this has been really insightful , Thanks.