what to do?

[bosshog]

To explain:
I recently passed my test at xmas, but have yet to get a bike. I ride motocross, and actually got my license due to french motorsport law (I'm living in France)then found out I didn't need it!. Anyhow I'm looking at getting a bike at some point but can't make my mind up as what to do/get. You see, I'll probably be the worst kind of biker - a weekender. I don't think I'll use it too much to go to work, and the fact I ride motocross might give me more confidence than road skill. So the question is what do I buy? (or just stay off the road!?)
I was looking at something like a 600 hornet, monster, or SV, but everytime I see that R6 in my local shop I go weak at the knees. Would I be a fool to get a sports bike, or should I get something like a monster/SV for a year or 2 then move on from there?
I know there's been a few 'what bike should get' threads which I read all of them, but any thoughts you have is greatly appeciated.
cheers.

[s2ooz]

if you intend to use it for pleasureable blasts round the country side, then go for the R6 then. a mid range bike (bandit etc) will soon bore you, and just be replaced in 12 months.
have a chat to your local training firm, and get some extended training (not lessons as such) in powerful bikes, it will cost you less than the devaluation on a bandit etc.

[huge_ego]

Hi Stu/all,

Bosshog isn't the only new biker here. I'm looking to get a first bike too. Everyone says "you'll get bored within a year" below a certain size/power of bike. How come? Don't you just get better at squeezing more out of your moderately powerful bike? Isn't better to ride a less powerful bike quickly, rather than just reaching sufficient skill to cope with a powerful bike? What am I missing here?

[dimmadan]

my first bike was a 600 hornet. I loved it, it was plenty fast enough for a beginner, usual honda quality and same engine as the CBR 600 (older version tried and tested)

I had the naked version, with a flyscreen, up to 100mph cruising all day no probs. Needs to be revved to get it going mind you..

got my knee down on it on more than one occasion. had to swap sliders in the end. It loves roundabouts. I also test rode an R6-superb handling I thought, CBR 600 sport-more upright than an R6 and could ride it all day, also rode a bandit 600-not for me...also the honda 'felt' better put together wise.....

I would suggest getting taking some test rides....

[dern]

I think the idea of getting bored within a year of starting biking on something like a hornet is verging on the absurd.

You may well get more used to the speed during the year but if you get any where near the limit of cornering that these bikes can achieve then I'll eat my hat.

Maybe there's your answer, these bullsh*tters are straight line racers who fill their trousers when the corners come up.

I'd go for a 2 year old hornet or similar, enjoy your first year, gain some confidence and skill and then flog it next spring and really get the best out of the r6 with the skills you learnt this year.

Imo.

Mark