OK, this is not for me but a friend of mine.
He is taking his DAS after last riding a bike 23 years ago and he is asking about what 1st big bike he should get.
I have suggested an SV650 or Hornet but his eye is being turned by CBR 600 RR or GSXR 600.
So, could the LB collective add their thoughts and opinions to this so I can print this thread out and show him a broad opinion of ‘bikers’ opinions on 1st bikes.
Thanks.
I was always told bike is only as fast as you want it to go. But they do seem like big bikes to be starting out on. But people will have started on bigger bike i suppose.
I’ve only been riding a year my 1st bike is a 10’ GSX650F and that is fine to learn the trade on. looking at upgrading to a Sprint ST in the next year now though
tell him to forget getting a 600RR and to get a 600F for his first year. The performance difference is almost nothing on the road, yet the insurance premium is miles apart. The f is also more forgiving, comfier and cheaper to buy. He will also be less scared of dropping it etc.
I bought an FS2, with 26k miles from a dealer for £3k, a standard F can be got for £2.5k upwards in great nick and its got the legendary CBR600 engine that is bulletproof.
He clearly has a hankering for something sporty, and this is the next best thing other than getting ripped off for your first years insurance.
I really fancy a 600F as a everyday bike. Not sure on the new one though what year looks the best?
RR will be well heavy on insurance F better for a first bike
from 2001-2007 they all look the same however colour schemes change. I much prefer the colour scheme’s of the F Sport which is why I got one, but it’s no better bike really
low mileage nice looking F for little money
That one says sold mate! I will keep my eyes open for one now. Got me all interested! You ever had pillion on yours?
This has got me all excited too. I’m making plans to do my tests this year, and besides, who doesn’t like looking at potential bikes?
I had 2 CBR600Fs and loved them! Very stable bike, easy to get the feel of
i’m still on my first bike, a Honda Bros 400 (had it for a year).
im restricted to 33bhp on my licence, but really dont feel the need for much more atm.
ok, it will take a while to go from 0-ban, but upto 80ish its fine.
if i had done a DAS, and could therefore have any bike i certainly would not say a full on sports 600.
if i could have afforded it, id have got something like a GSX650F, new style Diversion F, bandit, hornet etc…
another vote for the CBR600f, still love it
yeah only recently, took a lady to the south wales trip - 600+ miles in a weekend. Few clicks on the front and rear compression and that was it, bike lapped it up. Also got soft luggage and planning a 2500+ mile trip in August as well as track days in between. They really are the do it all sports bike, the thing I have been most impressed with is how much confidence it gives you.
new exhaust + power commander and it’s as lively as a RR too 
GSXR1000
Also remind him that tyres have come on a long way in the last 20 years and if he pins the throttle at the apex he’ll be rewarded with seemless drive.
Another vote for the CBR F 1999-2000 onwards. Probably get a decent one for £2000 for the FY/FX model.
In pursuit of badgers, right Pete? 
