I'm sorry if i gave anyone the impression that im just after the fastest bike i can get, if that was true i wouldnt be asking for your advice. I have sat on all of the bikes that I have talked about and i don't personally feel comfortable on the gs500, i feel much better on the 600's possibly because of the greater reach to the handlebars or having my legs up behind me which feels more natural to me, im not sure what it is i just feel better on them. I do not know much about UJM's except my uncle's bike, its an older Honda, i got the impression that they're not that great because he uses the bike as a beater just to get to the beach and back, but i could be completely wrong. I guess what would be ideal for me is a large bike with a sport riding position but without the insane power. Anyone know of a bike like that? or should i go with a random UJM?

Try sitting on either of the V-Stroms (the 650 or the 1000). They both have flat response curves which is a good feature for a beginner bike, and if the ergos of either bike don't work for you then you're pretty much screwed.

I have read quite a few articles comparing the honda599, suzuki sv650 and yamaha fz6.

From what I have read, the fz6 is very roomy and comfortable... you should go to a dealership and sit on it and see what you think...

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2003 Honda Shadow VLX600

those bikes all look really nice to me, ive sat on the 599 and sv650 and they felt alright, but alot of people have told me that they have too much power for a beginner, what do you think?

Hard for me to say since I, myself am a motorcycle infant, and I've never riden them... All I can say is, from what I've read, and from what most people say, someone with your size, a level head and some basic riding experience should be ok...

If it is a 'first' bike and you've never riden anything before, those 3 are probably a bit much.

Hopefully, an experienced rider can give some more input... I am considering getting a bike from that class/group next year and have been reading alot of good things about the FZ6, ergonomically speaking. There is more leg room and you sit further out from the bars, which help make it more comforable on long trips, which is what I'm interested in...

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2003 Honda Shadow VLX600

If you get through your MSF course, would it not be possible for you to hire a bike or two for a day and see how you go. Test rides do not often give you enough to make a decision and it will be bad if you spend thousands on a bike that you do not like.

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I spent my therapy money an a K1200S
The therapy worked, I got a GS now
A touch of insanity crept back in the shape of an R1200R

Both have a lot of potential power, but neither have the kind of roll on power that would make them bad for a beginner of your stature. Most people will steer you towards a really weak bike to learn on, but I think a powerful yet predictable bike is just as safe.

Everyone is different but I started on a SV650. I am also 6'4" and I don't feel too big for it. I have sat on the 600's and they are all much smaller than the 650.

Don't get brainwashed into buying a 600. Go with what you think you are capable of riding.

The Honda 599 has 95 hp, thats just too much to learn on. Not only that, you are 17, you dont have alot of experience on the road.

I am in the process of becoming proficient on my SV650S, I have been riding for close to 3 months. Even on the SV, you can get yourself in alot of trouble real fast. You can get beyond 70 before you realize it, from a dead stop.

Im not saying an SV650 is not a good beginner bike, you just need the right mind set. Your lack of experience on the road makes you a little dangerous in a car, let alone a motorcycle. Make sure you take it easy, whatever bike you get.

I would recommend a SV650 to someone I knew had their head screwed on straight. If I thought someone was an irresponsible driver in a car, Id tell them to stay away from motorcycles. Respect the fact that motorcycling can be dangerous, dangerous even if careful.

If you like the SV650, here is some practical experience I learned after buying the bike: the throttle in first gear is very,very abrupt. Its not throw you off the back abrupt, but upsetting the bike abrupt. Learning how to slowly roll on/off the throttle is key. The suspension by default on the S is very cushy, you might want to find a experienced rider to help you properly adjust the suspension. I weigh 230, my suspension badly needed adjustment. If you weigh in at a more leaner weight, the suspension might be ok for ya.

Good luck whatever you chose.

theres really no reason you can't start on a 600 if your responsable, theres mixed opions on this topic, i'm a fairly new rider and some people said don't get a 600 start on something smaller blah blah blah, well i bought a gsx-r 600 and i'm very satisfied, i drive reasponsble, and i don't use it to its full potental (all the time), but i say get what you want, but be reasanable if your goning to speed and try wheelies etc.. then maybe you should hold off on a 600 or higher but if you won't ride out of your ability then get what you want. thats just my opion like i said before there are different veiws on the subject

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2004 GSX-R600