[echohead]

I have been riding for a few years and I have an '98 f3. A friend of mine just got his permit and is taking the MSF course in the next couple weeks, his only riding experience is putting around on my f3 in a empty parking lot. He is a smart guy, very saftey conscious, and is buying all the correct gear. But he has made up his mind that a new 600rr is the bike for him.

I believe that any "R" bike isn't a good beginner bike, and I was trying to steer him towards something different. Any suggestions or ideas for how I should proceed as a friend here?

PS: It has to be something at least sporty looking, and he is a lanky build and 6' 2'' tall

[ghbzorro]

NT650 or SV650

[echohead]

I have heard a few other people say sv650. I thought the fz-6 was a good one as well.

[Destructo]

Pretty much any of the non-sports 600's are probably a good bet - 600 Hornet, Bandit, Fazer. The SV650 is supposed to be a good bike too, as is the ER-6.

For taller people, the trailie style bikes might be good too - Versys, 650 V-Strom, Transalp, Tenere... OK they're not sporty but they are cool if you like that sort of look.

Probably too much choice there!

[Gr1mm4]

There's lots of fun to be had on an SV650, I had an 06 for my hire bike after a lady reversed over my YZF and it was nice to ride. The little Vtwin engine has a surprising amount of 'fun' torque and can easily 'force' you to accelerate hard to hear the induction etc, I was almost sad to see it go back to the hire company.

The front end is a bit twitchy at speed though, but that's probably down to the budget suspension and could be fixed with some tweaking.

Still, the CBR600RR would be alright, as long as he doesn't go straight out and start trying to get knee down etc.

[shakey1378]

have him buy the rr you ride that while he learns on your f3

[echohead]

Now thats a plan!
Naa, I think I am going to take the F3 off the road this winter. I have dreamed of having a track only bike for awhile.