New Sportbike?

[700 sportsman]

So, as you guys may have guessed I am "outgrowing" my KLR 250 already. I went riding the other day with my dad and another buddy and going 70-75 she was really screaming. And even when we got back my dad even said "You ready for something bigger" So I'd like a harley but other than an 883 or 1200 sportster most are out of the cheapish price range. And seeing how I'm only 17 I think a sportbike may be the way to go. So I've been looking and I'm looking in the 600 class. Thinking a GSXR, CBR, YZ, etc. But I found a very sharp looking 07 GSXR with some mods for about $5k.
http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2007-Suzuki-GSX-R600-98539004

But, I'm looking for opinions on a more comfortable bike that would still be reasonable for cruising with my dad and buddies on rides. I've heard the GSXR's are pretty decent, and I see alot of CBR's as well so I assume they aren't bad either. I have a buddy at work that has a CBR 600 and I'm gunna try to ride that this week some time and get a feel for the whole sportbike style of riding.

Just looking for input and options from the peanut gallery

 

[nubuilder]

Personally I can't stand the sportbike riding position. Having weight on my wrists just makes them go numb fast. Just my opinion.

I think Kawasaki came out with a 600cc Ninja that has a more relaxed riding position like my Honda (see sig). Honda has one too, but I can't remember the model.


I don't know of the older model names, but these are the new ones.

Here's the Honda. This one has optional baggage on it I think.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki again


I guess I'd just go to your local dealers and sit on some in the showroom, then take some for a spin.

 

[OPGMC]

My nephew has a 07 (I think) 600rr. He loves it and rides the piss out of it. Not sure where a 600rr ranks with others because I don't care.

 

[tleach17]

I had a 600 Katana. I hated it. I will never have another sports bike. It was wicked uncomfortable. I was using it to commute to work 63 miles one way. 1/2 hour into my 1 1/2 ride my hands were numb and my back was hurting. Another thing to consider is that insurance will be through the roof IF you can get it on a sports bike. I would recommend a metric cruiser or 80's "sport" style bike like Matts nighthawk.

 

[nubuilder]

Another thing to consider is that insurance will be through the roof IF you can get it on a sports bike.

My buddy is my age (20) and his insurance is a pretty penny for his Ninja 600.

 

[buRRp]

I had an 05 CBR 600RR. Other then the seat it isn't to bad of a ride. The newer bikes don't have you leaned over as far.

 

[Z71 Kris]

reliability = honda

/thread

ask anybody from the scene and thats what they will tell you(unless they are a blatant fanboy)
Gixxers are great all around sport bikes, highly reliable, very power full, and very moddable..
YZRs have gotten better with reliability, but some people I rode with always complained of the bike wanting to "fall" into the corner instead of being steered into the corner never rode one cant say for sure...
Kawis.. nobody rode one with us....as long as it dosnt have the digi tach I would look into it...

 

[Boilerup15]

Another thing to consider is that insurance will be through the roof IF you can get it on a sports bike.

My buddy is my age (20) and his insurance is a pretty penny for his Ninja 600.

I'm 24 and was quoted $1200.00 a year for full coverage on a sport bike.

 

[Nick The Great]

I'm not a sport bike guy either. Maybe it's because I'm 6'5" but they're just REALLY uncomfortable for me.

 

[Z71 Kris]

Ugg as much as it pains me to say this check state farm, they almost always had the best bike insurance, another reasonable one was progressive...