new bike GSX-R 600

hi everyone im 17 yrs old and i cant wait until i get my first motorcycle. i read the whole "new riders" article in the message board and i plan to take a MSF riding course. i was thinking about getting a 05' or 06' GSX-R 600, and i was wondering what ur opinions were.  I saw that in the article that the suzuki SV650 was a good choice for a first ride and i was wondering if there were any major differences besides price. thx.  

Ummmm.  Yes, there are lots of differences.

V-twin vs inline-4
70 hp vs 107 hp
135 mph vs 160 mph
1st gear wheelies vs 1st gear wheelies  
fun below 100 mph vs fun over 100 mph
low rpm torque vs high rpm torque
I could go on.....

Buy good gear.  Check on insurance before you buy.  In Cali, you are probably going to get raped trying to insure the GSXR600 at your age.


Chris  

The GSXR is a race replica, which is basically a competitive racing bike with turn signals.  It’s designed primarily for the track, any street capabilities come as an afterthought.  Its ergos are very aggressive and its motor is tuned to develop its power at high rpms.  This translates silky high-speed performance but makes it a little challenging to handle in low speed traffic even for experienced riders.

The SV is just a good all around street bike.  Although no slouch on the track, it won’t keep up with the GSXR.  It’s also much easier to handle in traffic, less expensive to own and probably a lot more fun to ride for someone just starting out.