I am thinking of purchasing a 1988 kawasaki ninja 600R. Everyone i have talked to says that it is way to much bike and i agree. However, it is cheaper and available in my pittsburgh area (read no cheap sportbikes). assuming i am responsible is this a bad decision?
I would prefer a 250R or a 500R but none have been available for four months. What I am trying to ask is if I ride the speed limit for the first x number of miles at the strict speed limit am I going to wreck because of the bike? When someone says "to much bike for a first timer" is that assuming that you ride it like a wuss or that your redlining every gear?

Also, how important is textile/leather riding gear with and without armor assuming no speeds higher than 60 miles per hour? Does it make a big difference?

Thank you in advance

 

Enzo,

I thought the same way and started out on a Ninja 500. I rode it for 2 seasons and then HAD to upgrade to the Ninja 6R. The 500 is an alright bike and a good starter, but you will outgrow it and look for more. I had never ridin a bike before. I think you could start on a 600 though. As long as you take it easy for your first few hundred miles. Have you rode a motorcycle before? If not, maybe buy the 600 and take some lessons on a smaller bike first. It's only "too much bike" if you ride it foolishly, or don't know how to handle it.

 

i started out on a 250. that lasted about 3 months. only get the 250 if you have never been anything with 2 wheels. i upgraded to a 99 500. nice bike, fun to ride. i would recomend this to you if you want a nice kaw to ride. if you want fun and preformace you will find it in the 600 class. i dont think kaw makes a bad sport bike, so basiclly get what you feel comfortable with. i doesent matter what you get, just get a kaw and start riding. im also in the pittsburgh area!! monroville

 

if you have self control and learn the bike before the bike learns you, you will do fine on the 6.. I think that if you start on a 250 you will get bord of it fast. the 600 will keep you satisfied longer...

 

I would have to agree just start out with a 600 and milk it until you get used to it then when you are more comfortable with the bike then you could open it up a little.......but yes if you could practice a little before you purchase the bike that will help out alot......considering that my first bike is a 2005 zx6r and I have been real easy on it since....but its not like I can go over 4000rpm anyways so you figure.......but I practiced on boys 2003 r6 prior to buying my 636.....

 

well, I was being told the same thng by everybody, start small don't buy a new bike cause you'll do this or someone will do that.....did I listen.....NO!!!, do I regret it.....NO!!! I you have the decipline to know your limits and trust your abilities, get the bike that you want and fit. Hence I got my dream bike, the 2005 ZX-6R 636!!! My break-in period is over and my grins have yet to stop. This bike has yet to do something that I did not want it to do nor has it ever been unpredictable in any situation. I feel that I have control of the bike and not the other way around. If you are responsible and respect this bike, it will give you years of enjoyment, in the same sense, if you ride like you don't care, this bike will kill you.

Only you will know how your going to be on any motorcycle. If you are responsible and can be honest with your abilities, get want you want.

 

remo your done with your break in..........someone has been doing so serious traveling lol.........lucky....dude.......

 

I rode everyday at least 20 miles at a time, then when my first service was done and I could take it to 6k rpms I started to ride to work. That trip is 41 miles each way!! Needless to say, I don't care to drive my 4-runner anymore.

 

just curious to know how fast are you going in 6th gear at 6000rpm.......im assuming about 75mph if your able to go on the freeway....

 

at 4k it's 50mph and at 6k its 70 moh. I got passed, but it doesn't bother me one bit cause I'm not one of those that think "just because I'm on a motorcycle, no one can pass me!"