HULK

Started on a 600 and never looked back. The 250 thing is definitely for some people but not for everyone.

Bitani

Started on my ZX6R (636). I'm really surprised at how many yes' there are vs. nos. You always hear people spouting "NO YUR GONNA DIE" whenever starting on a 600cc is even mentioned.

Bitani

Agreed. I was dead-set on getting a 250 as my first bike, but changed my mind after people repeatedly told me I'd get bored within a few months.

Vento

Only ever had 600s rode smaller bike once - didn't like it!

Got 2 600s and one 1300 obviously completely different bikes.

soloxplorer

IMO, a 250 is too small, which is why I will always suggest the "middle" beginner bikes like the EX500, Ninja 650, GS500, or SV650. If someone were to begin in something more city-like I can see a 250 having merit but most of the roads (at least out west) in this country are open and cruising speeds average well above 60mph. In a vehicle who's top speed is around 90mph, that's a lot to ask from an engine and can really wear down a rider. Any of the bikes I mentioned earlier are either just getting into the meat of the powerband at that speed or are just below it, meaning the RPMs are lower and the engine isn't trying to vibrate you to death making for a much more comfortable ride.

I still think the logic behind a beginner sport bike has merit though. Supersports are very sharp and crisp with the controls, and if you have no experience with how a motorcycle reacts there's a strong chance you can make a mistake and not understand why the motorcycle did what it did. Beginner sport bikes are softer and slower to react making them more forgiving for a complete newbie. Anyone who's ever ridden dirt bikes need not apply since they've pretty much fulfilled the learning curve on dirt.

kawizx6r743

Ive been racing motocross for 8 Years now and I started street on my 11 zx6r. All about respecting the bike and just knowing your limits

justin8790

I bought my first bike last year,an 01 zx6r with no 2nd gear and some other issues. Got it running, first time on it, almost took out my brothers neighbors mailbox lol. I definitely underestimated the clutch because I've always driven stick since my first car. Been about 8 months now and only 1 other mishap and was just being in the wrong place at the wrong time and wasnt too bad. Have to say though, I've topped this bike out and as bad as it is to say, I feel like I need to upgrade, the power doesn't even phase me anymore.

lonewolf

i was 17 just out of basic training for the army i saw a spotbike going down the highway and i thought it looked cool so i pulled in the honda shop and left with a new (at the time)1996 900rr smoking joes edition cbr . i made it 2 blocks and was shaking so bad i called a friend to come get me lol.
i put 76000 miles on it in 3 yrs and have not looked back i have had hyabusas r1 s and zx1400s i still have a few larger bikes but my zx6r is still my fav i have 2 of them and ride them way more than any other bike i own.

Power Surge

Trained on a 200cc Honda and a TVS 160cc, then trained on a BMW 650G, and finally almost getting a ZX-6R.

zx6RMark

Glad to know i wasnt the only one that bucked the trend. So many people pull a face when i say its my first bike but bollocks to em!

whilst it may not be the sensible option for commuter, its damn good fun and I havent looked back!

mark72

holy shit .....love your avatar zx6RMark
mine was identical to that....pretty bike mate

zx6RMark

Why thankyou sir. Gotta love the oldies. battling to keep her so clean at te minute though!

davidreaper

I learned to ride on a GSXR 750 that my friend owned, my first bike was a 250 though. I'm kind of in between.

Mike R A

Ninja 650R for the first year, then the ZX6R. Seemed to work out alright.

N0ob Rider

zx6r to start baby! (on the street) the only thing I might see as crazy is starting on a liter bike...that could get iffy. I thought I wanted one but after a quick ride on that cbr 600 in the video I realized that would kill myself on a 1000 of any kind and 600 was fast enoufgh for me.