Late 90s 600cc sport bikes...a good shout for my first big bike?

[r0zvad]

Hi guys.

Well this will be my first big bike after riding on a little 125 on a CBT for a year or so. Having passed my DAS on Thursday I'm looking into these. Now the insurance in my area is an absolute nightmare but I've always wanted a 600 sport. So I thought I'd look into something older with less value.

I've been looking at 97-98 CBR600F3s, 99 ZX6Rs and late 90s GSXR 600s, etc. All can be had for £1500-£2000 with around 15k-22k mileage.

Just wondering what your opinions would be on one of these as a first bike, and things to look out for.

Thanks.

 

[r0zvad]

I have a 97 CBR600F3, i love it, it's not overly quick, but if you thrash it it will surprise you how quick it is. Very revvy engine, anything below 7k revs is a bit limp but coming from a 125 like i did you'll think it's lightspeed

Haha I bet. Even the Kawasaki ER5 I did my DAS on felt like a rocketship compared to my 125.

They are all great bikes but a bike of that age will more than likely be a bit tired. plenty out there take your time and get a good example, they can be found if you look hard enough. Just look out for the obvious stuff first.

• Stick to OE colours, a custom paint job on 600s are normally done after a crash ( i know mine was )
• Look for crash damage, scuffs on crank cases, bar ends. creases in the frame (early ninjas frames bend like cheese so look carefully)
• Suspension - check front and back still have damping, if its on original shock it will be very tired if it hasnt been overhalled.
• Brakes - make sure they have been well looked after, if they havent been stripped down every 6 months then chances are they will have siezed pistons etc. check out the discs as well, make sure there not to worn.

Get a test ride before you buy, leave a deposit, passport, whatever it takes, but dont buy a bike without riding it. When you get on it, acceerlate strongly through all the gears, make sure it isnt slipping, missing gears etc. Then check brakes, make sure there in good nick and not warped.

Great post kidloco, thanks for the advice. Indeed I've been looking for a while now. There's two CBR600Fs I will be enquiring about. I'll let you know how I get on.

Go for the CBR or the ZX6. CBR will last better overall although the ZX6s have strong engines. The GSXRs will all be knackered by now as their finish wasn't great.

I'm leaning heavily towards the CBR. Can likely stretch a bit for the 99 F4, it really does look fantastic IMO.

 

[r0zvad]

Well after a couple months of searching for the perfect example, I'm finally a proud owner of a 1999 CBR600F4. The 40 mile ride back home was truly amazing.

Will get some pics up tomorrow.

 

[r0zvad]

couple of quick pics.