NEW RIDERS PLEASE READ THIS - updated

Much thanks mate.  I think this posting will have saved lives.  I will be that brand new rider you were talking to, with ZERO experience.  As much as I would love to say I could comfortably stap on a Hayabusa and go (sexiest thing on 2 wheels to me), I must admit my lack of knowledge and skill and move up the chain as safetly as possible.  I take the cycle safety and riding course this winter.  

I was told by dealers that 750s were geared different and were easier, that the Yamaha 600s were good and forgiving, and by friends that the Hayabusa was actually easier to learn to ride on because it was heavier/slower in the low gears and that getting a smaller CC bike to start with would quickly fade as my skill increased.  I will go with the general voice of the responders here and temper my desire to realistic levels.  Thanks again.  

<<I was told...by friends that the Hayabusa was actually easier to learn to ride on because it was heavier/slower in the low gears...>>
Re: "Hayabusa...slower in the low gears"- That is incorrect. The Hayabusa accelerates harder in second gear than literbikes do in first gear.
As far as being heavier, that's definitely true, but that's like saying a new driver should learn to drive in a Sherman tank...

Good on ya for making the sensible choice.  

I'm new to the site and somewhat new to riding... I've been learning and riding for going on two years. The Bike i was introduced to was 2006 Yamaha R6. I've had my share of drops and scary situations... I just bought my first bike, and I find myself happy with what I have (GSXR-600)...

To those who are completely new to the world i suggest you take this post seriously... The information shared here is very good and should be taken into consideration...  

Great information. I have a friend that bought a R6 for his first bike. So far he has had ankle and wrist surgery. About $2000 in bike repairs. He would make the perfect exhibit A for this article. He had the bike only 6 months. In addition he just about ran it up the rear end of a semi on our ride to the coast because he could not judge distance and speed very well. As of this writing he has become scared to death to ride.

By the way the R6, CBR600RR etc... are not that much slower then the big bikes. Check out the lap times. Any of these bikes will be up in your face in a hurry.  

Excellent info!
I am happy to know my thoughts are similar to this post and will convince my friends more confidently when comes to this discussion.  

Thanks for the info its good to know that other riders care about us new riders I will read and gather as much info as possible. I am getting a used bike from a friend its a 96 something and Im getting the engine rebuilt so I can ride. i appreciate all the info for this newbie.  

I've been going back and forth on bikes to get for the last three years, and for the exact reasons listed in the initial post, never made a purchase.  Im 22 years old, been riding on dirt since I was 16, and sadly know the consequences oh to well of what bikes can do.  Over the summer I kinda went against advice and learned basic skills on both a GSXR 600 and a Harley Sportster 1200.  Night and day difference, but received perspective and a little experience.  As I am writing this post I am in the process of buying a 2003 ZX 636.  I feel like I could handle my own riding it.  I took the MSF course, and have already begun looking to register for the MSF Experienced Riders course to hone down all my skills.  I have a riding partner who has 30 years of riding experience, and crashes.  So he has volunteered to be my mentor and teach me how to NOT make his mistakes.  That beign said, and not to sound like a hypocrite... I highly agree with the original post.  Any rider who doesnt know what they are doing will get severely injured on the smallest of sport bikes.  I pulled the clutch in at 7k over the summer, and let it right back out... and watched as my front wheel left the ground and I panicked.  The machines are deadly, but at the same time they are fun if treated right.  I won't advocate purchasing a 600 as your first bike, unless you have a little experience, maturity, common sense, and are willing to get a mentor and have your skills evaluated.  Dream bikes will be around forever...but if your not careful, YOU may not.  

What model bike would you recomend for a short female? I am 5"2 and am looking for a low seated bike, 600cc

Thanks,
Kerri  

(To HSXR) In 92 suszuki rated the gsxr 600 at 106 hp if memory serves, it was a little heavier than late models but it is still a fast bike. On the otherhand they were on the same frame as the 750 and are taller than late model bikes which is nice if you are tall. I owned a 92 gsxr 600 which served me well I think it will be a little hot to start out but would make a good bike in the long run.  
There are worse things than death cowardice is one of them.

I wish I Had listened to advise like this post back when getting my fist bike.
I did get a 600 Ninja for a first bike and locked the front wheel on the brakes the werry same day I had bought it - dropped it on it's left side - just 'cause didn't know what I was doing.  
Thinking back - learning to ride on a less powerfull and less intimidating bike would have been much faster and more fun.

I also recomend track days for new riders. In the slow group with an instructor it's a great and safe place to learn to control and ride your bike properly. No cars, no on coming trafic, + safety barriers, familiar layout of the track means no suprices with tightening cornes and so on... No distractions means you can focus on the bike and your riding and learn.
I learned more about riding/handling a motorclycle in 4 track days in one summer than prewious 6 years of street rideing before that.

These days I ride a KTM RC 8 and I'm more involwed and in love with bikes than ewer.
Looking forward to next summer for enjoying bikes and the main event of the summer - the Cannonballbikerun 2010. It'll be the 3:rd CBR in a row and absolute motorcycle heawen.  

Im New to the Bikers World and think that this is a valid message to both New and Experienced riders bc you can always benefit from refresher training. Hopefully these lessons will stick with me throughout my experiences--Id rather be safe than sorry  

...just like in the early/mid 70's... i worked at a Yamaha, Norton, Moto Guzzi, AJS and Ducati dealer and, more often than not, people would be looking at an RD350 as a 1st bike!!  RD's are NOT a 1st bike!! to much 'snap' when it comes on the pipe..but, THEY still want one, want a test ride, the whole nine yards...against my better judgement, i'd appease them and SELL them the RD..well, stories ensued, heck, one guy just made it to the street and i saw him 'screw it on', the bike went straight up[he came off the back!! lol] and into the parking lot next door and bounced off a couple cars!! point being, it WAS TO MUCH BIKE FOR HIM!!!  but it was ONLY a 350??...  

Hi guys need advices here. I alway have problem while engaging a bent/corner. From what i observe when entering a bent/corner,either i lean too much or my speed isn't enough causing me to finsh the bent/corner in an awkward position not smooth at all. I know my estimation skill suck to the core... So i wanted to ask all the expierence riders to give me some advice on how to improve my estimation or practice make perfect? Please help thanks in advance.  

Where are you located? It is much easier for someone experienced to fully understand your problems and give you advice in real time rather attempting to explain all the details in type.  

Oh sorry,i'm from singapore and nv been to track before.