Confused by "New Riders Please Read This" Post...

I have been reading everything I could get my hands on and talked with countless experienced riders about purchasing my first bike.  I am getting some pretty consistant, but I am getting more mixed answers than anything.

It seems that the "1st Post/Tpoic" talks about why not to get a "Sports Bike", from what I understand all of the bikes he says to avoid are "SUPER Sports Bikes".

i.e. I am looking at a yamaha FZ-6, which is a standard and has a 599cc engine, it is actually the same engine in the R6.  But even though FZ-6 might have the same engine as the R6 it has been remapped and retuned to deliver a MUCH different power curve.  So is this ok for a beginner?  It does fall under the "Standard/Naked" catagory...

But a Suzuki S650 with a 650cc engine is acceptable or "but will be a handful"???

So here is my question, would a Triumph Street Triple be ok for newbie but fall under the "but will be a handful" catagory?
The reviews say it has a lot of the same things as the Daytone 675 including the same engine, but it has more remapped for more bottom end and mid range tourqe.

Ultimately I think there needs to be some addition to what is being said, there are a lot of bikes that are crossing lines and making confusion... or maybe its just me.  But I did read the Idiots Guide 2 while flying and took the MSF course, and believe I have a very solid foundation, but I know, I know I need more road time more than anything right now. So please help me understand....  


One other quick question, why do they make all the small bikes ugly looking??  Why are only the bigger ones the cooler looking ones (my sole opion).

Thank you anyone who takes the time to read this rambling and responding.  I do appreciate feedback, good    or bad    

The New Rider sticky is mostly aimed at addressing the most common questions and pitfalls that newbs encounter. This is why it only addresses "supersport" bikes such as the Suzuki GSX-R/Yamaha R/Honda CBR/Kawasaki ZX-R series, not lay out specific ground rules on every single bike out there. This is where browsing through sections like this and reading through various threads and posts (using the search function) helps even more, because you'll most likely come upon the same questions you have. Yes, it requires some patience and footwork to read through the threads, but it's basically the same as reading through other research materials.

Regarding the Triumph Street Triple, it would be fine for a new rider as long as you can reach the ground comfortably while sitting on it, and you can afford the $8000 sticker price.

The Yamaha FZ6 would be fine as well, provided that the previous two areas listed above can be met.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, just as you stated. Why do you feel the "bigger ones" are "cooler looking"?  

I pretty much thought that the post was aimed at the "Super Sport" models like you said.  But a lot of current models utilize the same engine and suspension parts.

From what I understand my height is not really the issue, I am 6'3".  But my weight at 210lbs might be a bit much for the rear suspension and would be wise to look at upgrading it to the Daytona shock.

I am actually looking at buying used, I figure I might get a nice first bike but I am sure as the night is black not going to pay for a new one.

Why do I think they look cooler?  Because they have a more modern design, not a dated late 80's early 90's look about them i.e. the Ninja 500R.  

Most of those "current models" you're referring to use the older generation engines and/or are-- as you stated in your first post-- "re-tuned" to provide more accessible power down low instead of cramming it up top as with the supersport models. And the vast majority of the suspension parts are not the same as the supersport model, not that it matters that much (it's the engine and its power characteristics that can affect the new rider most).

We wouldn't worry about the Daytona shock, especially for a new rider. You can easily crank up the spring preload to support your weight.

Did you look at the Yamaha FZ6R (not the FZ6)? It is a near-clean-sheet modern design expressly tailored for the newer rider.