Originally posted by LittleFishie:
Kawasaki Ninja 250/500
Suzuki GS500 or SV650 (naked is your best bet as a new rider)
Of course, there are the older 600s many recomend. At least go with a carb'd 600 as opposed to a newer, FI 600.



Agreed. As far as the '06 650r goes, I'd stay away. I'm not saying it's a bad bike or not right for you, just realize this. You WILL drop the bike. Everyone does, it's not a matter of if, it's when. If you're comfortable with allowing that to happen on a brand new 650R, and hoping that none of the plastics are affected, just the bracing and exposed engine parts (chain drive, exhaust, radiator, etc.), then go ahead and take it. But personally, I think it'd be a safer bet to just buy a nice used bike , around 600 cc's and first off take the MSF course. Then slowly start learning on your 600 until your comfortable then hit the road. Once you've felt that your confident and able enough to get a new bike (and deserve it, i.e., after your falls and "squid"ness is out of you) THEN go for a new bike. Good luck either way, though! Biking is a great hobby and incredibly rewarding. I'm currently on a '97 Yamaha FZR600R. Although most of my time with it is being spent working on it, it's still a blast! Let us know what you go with or if you need help finding a bike once u pick a model you like.

* Marine Officer Candidate * My Cardomain Page 1998 EO Black SVTC #3388