Andy, as I think has already been mentioned a VFR750 should be ideal.

Euan (on here) has, or had, one.

The size diference from a 600 sportsbike to a 1000 sportsbike is minimal.

My R1 is not much bigger than a 600.

 

If you want something completely different, and bearing in mind it is a ong time since I've ridden a motor bike

A colleague of mine has an Aprillia Tuono as his road bike (and he loves it - he claims it is a doddle to ride), he also has a Ducati 998RS as his track bike which he says is somewhat more tricky...

 

Did they not stop making the VFR in 1997 though ???

I didn't really want a 13 year old bike.

Andy

 

Sorry to repeat the picture but I think these things are stunning.

If you think that is cramped, however, you (don't) want to try my modded RGV250 which looks like a push bike next to my ZX9R!

jm

 

An 800 then. . . .

 

Now that does look nice

 

They are lovely - probably the best and easiest bike to ride I have ever had .... but ... those panels still cost loads to replace if dropped - something like an older Fazer 600 won't cost anywhere near as much and only has half or no fairing.

I started on a Fazer .... but moved onto a Honda Blackbird 1100 after 9 months without any issues. Those 9 months on the Fazer were worth their weight in gold though.

I currently have a Honda Hornet 900 which is slightly bigger than the 600. Whilst the Hornet 600 is an ideal starter bike I think you may find it too short (length) and short (height) to be comfortable for your height. Whatever you get it is vital you feel comfy so you can relax. An uncomfy, tense rider is more likely to have an 'off' than one who feels comfy .... IMO of course.

Just as a thought - no one I think has mentioned BMW's ... GS 650 or 1100 ?? 1200 is too new. BMW's are costly but may be better for height for you ? Both are easy to ride ...

 

DAS is aimed at getting you through the test, not at instructing you in how to read the road, so advanced training is the best investment you will make.

As for the bike I would stay clear of anything too performance focussed. The handling on these bikes such as the 600RR could be too sharp for a novice.

Best idea is to ride a few bikes before buying one, and then buy secondhand on the basis that you will most probably chop it in for something you want longer term within the first year.

As for which bike you will also need to check out the insurance cost - you may find that the premium on a supersport bike such as a 600RR is too high.

 

I guess the question is, what kind of riding will you be doing most of?

Is it for Sundays out with your mates before the rest of the world wakes up or for the commute?

The CBR600RR has a very linear power delivery but is very "sports" focussed. i.e. You'll arrive with aching wrists and back.

Will you be doing trackdays on it?

For me, I'd be looking at the Hornet or similar these days. Sports bikes were great when there was loads less traffic on the roads but these days, a Hornet, Tuono or similar would be at the top of my list.

The Priller has a great V-Twin engine that's just brilliant for the road.

Don't dismiss the sit up and beg types as being "too slow". It's all about how you ride them at the end of the day.

 

Philip makes a good point. I had quotes of approx £700 for an R6 when I passed my DAS and only £400 for the (admittedly slightly older) CBR600F.