bike reccomendation

Im 18, I live in NJ and will have been riding for a year in July.  My first bike, and the one I'm currently riding is my uncles Kawasaki Zephyr 750, I think its a '91 or '92. I'd like to buy a sport bike this summer and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions.  I read the post about beginners and sport bikes and it said a beginner shouldn't start on a 600, but since I've been riding a 750 should I still follow that rule and go down to something smaller or will I be ok on like a 600 or 750 sport bike. Thanks in advance for your input.  

Normally I would just ask my uncle about something like this because he owns a few bikes and has been riding his whole life. But I feel like I might offend him because he gave me a bike and now I don't want to come across as if I'm saying the one he gave me isn't good or something like that.  

I dont know if this is necessary info but I saw other people included it when they were asking about a bike... I'm 5'9" 225lbs, and i took the MSF class last summer  

sorry, one more thing. My budget is 3,500. I could go up to 4,000 if its really worth the extra 500 but id rather not.  

The Zephyr 750 is a good learner bike, but just because it's a 750 doesn't mean that you're ready for a 750 sportbike. The Zephyr's performance is about the same as a late '80s-era 600. You have some experience under your belt, so a good condition used 600 (say, a Honda CBR600F2-F3 or a Yamaha FZR600- not the R6) would probably be good for you and fit within your budget.  

The 750 Zephyr was a good choice as a starter bike.

But the 600 CC supersports of today will eat the 1000CC supersports of 20 years ago alive.

IMO - Really good second step would be :

600 Katana
SV 650S

Kawasaki makes a 650 parallel twin (I forgot the name).

In the last 5-8 years the 600CC have come along way.

When you start please be sure to have a mature right hand and remember the machine will only go as fast as you tell it to go.


Do some mre research on the above choices their are more than just these choices.
Please learn this and most riders with years of experience (20+ years) will verify this for you - The slower your first few bikes are, the better rider you will be in the long run (more skill, ability, and knowledge).

A great rider on a slower bike can always win over a powerful bike with a poor rider.

Good luck on your decision and keep us posted as to what you choose.
And keep the rubber on the road.


DevilDawg1