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

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.

Thanks a lot for the inputs guys.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
----------------------------------

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

Wow this has been really insightful , Thanks.

Hi, I was in a similar situation like you. For me, I started riding from 2006. I learnt how to ride on 150cc. In which I eventually moved on to a Pulsar 200. Always wanted to own a proper inline 4 600. My dream came true on the 28th of Feb 2008. I had about 2 years of riding experience and had clocked about 40000kms and top speed of 124. I had a whole lot of doubts about upgrading to a 600. Firstly I was a newbie, on top of that i'm only 5-5 (height), my motorcycle control and skills was average. I didn't know anyone who had experience in big bikes who could advise and teach me stuff. But everytime i rode on my old P200 espcially on highways I always felt yes I can ride a 600. So I finally bought a K8 Suzuki GSR 600ABS (fast black).

I remember that fateful day as if it was yesterday.. the guy at the dealership calls me up at 11pm and tell me "Sir, your motorcycle has arrived" And I was in my pj's about to go to sleep. The first time I rode her home, I was way too nervous. It was 2am when I rode her home. A fresh bike with 0 on the odo. At first I thought hey it's seems easy enough... but once i gave just a teeny little right hand twist i was like no no I'm not ready yet! Yeah well after a few long distance rides you'll get the hang of it. And then you'll wish that you should have bought a 600 sooner.

Problem is $$$$ and lots of it! eg. Tyres last you about 6000 to 8000kms depending on your riding style, although mine lasted me about 11000kms (BT-014's) the weather has to be on your side when you want to ride your 600, and other small things like good roads etc etc. Most importantly you HAVE TO RESPECT THE MACHINE. Cause even 600s have insane performance, think 6th gear at 16000rpm!

So yeah, it's a thumbs up from me! You can most definately ride a 600! But keep your zma too, you'll need it for city ride. Have fun with your future 600.

Well, since you are riding Karizma since long enough, I suggest you go for a 600, despite never ridden one myself.

I have seen people riding a CBR600 in front of me, at crawling speeds, and I overtook them with my Pulsar! Remember that power (120~ bhp) is made highup the rpm ladder. Below peak rpm's it behaves more like any indian bike. Keep your confidence, coz men have handled 200 bhp and 300 kg bikes too.

The online vids are from guys who are used to the bike. Who says you have to keep the throttle pinned?

I have not ridden a Sbk yet, but I replied because you fall exactly in my league- I too have a 16-17 bhp bike, and have pushed it to the throttle stop countless times, and want to upgrade to something seriously bigger than the current bike.
Except that my bike would be a 65-70 bhp, and not 120 bhp.

Just remember- Spend a lot of time with your new bike. Just like relationships, you have to give her time & patience, and everything will be fine. Best of luck, and go ahead.

@iBerry : Thanks a lot for your inputs and will be keeping the ZMA its my first love.

Well said my friend thanks for the vote of confidence.


I still want to know, are there any race tracks in or close to mumbai where these bikes could be tested to there potential.