first time bike buyer

[blacksatin]

im a female looking to buy a bike but not sure what sort to purchase. i passed my test in feb 2002 which enabled me to ride a bike upto 250cc. financially i haven't been able to purchase a bike so havent been on a bike for 1 year. i believe that because two years has lapse since passing my test i can now ride a bike above 250CC. I like the japanese bikes and have an interested in the familiar names such as Honda, suzuki, yamaha and kawasaki, and thought of purchasing a bike between 400-600cc. For a first time buyer can you suggest what model of bike I should go.

[Harley]

You need to decide what you want from the bike. All out speed on a sports bike, comfortable touring on a cruiser or something inbetween like a sports tourer.Post your answer and i can post a few ideas.

[Dagman]

Get out there and buy a second hand sportscar like an MGF. I've given up my bike coz there are too many clowns on the road. And you'll look real foxy in one! 

[blacksatin]

Thank you for your advice Harley. I am interested in sports bikes, and also would like a few suggestions on sports tourers.

[ICEMANSAV]

Bit of a late answer sorry but I had a Kawasaki Ninja Z6 which was comfortable for long distance ( went all the way to Nuremberg on it!) and also very fast if you want to go for it! I had mine modded so it took some of the comfort away by re routing the exhaust but when it was standard it had the best of both worlds and I ttried the Yamaha R6 and CBR 6 and the Kawasaki just felt better. Happy riding

[slimjim]

If you want a sports-tourer, try and hunt down a good Yam XJ600. Solid motors but a bit dull. A used ZZR600 would be a sportier alternative. The Honda CB500 is an excellent starter bike and the S version comes with a fairing and would make a good sports-tourer.

I can't really recommend a full-on sports 600 with your experience (not being patronising, honest!). How about a 400 sports bike? Grey importers always have these. Great bikes for learning how to handle sports bikes.

Welcome to the real world and the only way of travelling. Leave things like MGFs to bimbos!