Sportbikes, suggestions for a beginner Options

[airfron]

I have recently decided to get rid of my sixth gen and get a bike instead for personal reasons. I have narrowed down my choices and feel that i have a few different options for a first bike.

CBR 600 F4i(108BHP), Kawasaki Ninja 650R(73BHP), Suzuki GS500F(44BHP) or if i can find one in my price range an R6(120BHP) but i'm pretty sure that'd be a bit too much power.

Seeing as i am a newcomer to sportbikes I want a bike that is pretty easy to learn all the basics on and then even improve upon. I've already scheduled my motorcycle safety course and have been studying the handbook from the DMV to take my test in the following week.

On another forum called sportbikes.net they seem to think that the 2008 Ninja 250R(23BHP) is a great bike for any beginner and that it is pretty much the be all end all of beginner bikes. I've sat on the 250r at a local dealership and its pretty fricking small. Also not to mention these bikes are as expensive as the other options and harder to find. I'm not a huge guy but i'm 6'1" and 225 lbs. A few of the 600's feel kind of small to me too, but not as bad as the 250.

My question is, Is there anyone on this forum that is rougly the same size as me who does ride streetbikes? If so, what did you start out on and how easy was it to improve your skills? Any helpful input is welcome.

Also. Are there any motorcycle forums that you post on where i could find information as easily as 6gc.net or that have a nice community?

[SlickRick]

R6 is a bit too much, but it feels like a 250 at anything below 8k rpms. u really gotta wind those out. If you get a 250 your gonna be bored in about 6 months if u ride a lot. Whatever u get, throw some frame sliders on be prepared to drop it and crash it. And always wear a lid and proper gear. And socal-sportbikes.net is cool they give good info and dont flame newbs or squids too much. Good luck and be safe man!!! oh and dont get the 08 ninja 250 is expensive and u will want a 600 in a few months get a used bike first then after 6-12 month upgrade, trust me! i am a honda red level, Harley PhD, and K-Tech motorcycle technician, and i have been riding street for 6 years. Dont give in to getting a new shinny bike right off the bat.

This post has been edited by SlickRick: Aug 13, 2008 - 9:21 PM