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So I've finally decided to begin saving for a street bike. I've always wanted one and in a few months it will be possible.

Since I don't have much experience with street bikes, I figured I would ask you guys to help give me some pointers on what to look for in a new/used bike, and which bikes would be best for a novice rider.

My experience is limited to dirt bikes only. I've ridden my dad's old dual-shock yamaha 360, pit bikes, kawasaki 110 etc several souped-up honda 50's but never anything as big as a sport bike.

So right now I'm looking into a Honda CBR600rr or maybe a Kawasaki. I was told those would be the more mild bikes to check out and that a GSXR or an R6 might be a little to aggressive for me. A brand new bike is a possibility, but I'd rather keep the cost below $6k

What do you guys think?

I think you're not going to find a new street bike in the $6k range over 250cc.
Seriously, for your first bike check out someting used, but in good condition (i.e. not beat or stunted, adult ridden).

I always advice to not do a full 600 sport bike for the first street bike. It is too tempting and easy to ride over your head and look like a squid. So you are wise to stay away from the GSXR and R6 to start with. You can get a good used starter bike that will hold its value for $3500. Then you got money left over for quality safety gear. A Ninja 500 or ex500 or a Suzuki 500 E or F look like a sport bike but are a little tamer. If you are worried about the power then look for a 600 or 650 where they've lowered the power band down in 6000 RPM range. Something like the Versys is new and fun.

The mother of my son's friend bought her son a used R6 for his 18th birthday and two days after he got is M endorsement he did a slow speed lowside by locking up the rear. He walked away but it cost him $800 in parts. HH brake pads and a very twitchy throttle with a newbie is a dangerous combination.

Enjoy your new purchase! The next two months is the best time to get a good deal. Motorcycling is a truly fun hobby.

Thanks for the info. I'm definitely not one to abuse a vehicle's power, especially when it can spit me off the back and onto the pavement.

My choice to go with a 600 is simply to avoid having to go looking for a new bike when I get bored with a 250.

I'm currently drooling over a 2006 Kawi ZX-6R for $5k. But realistically I'd rather get an '02 model for $3300, then spend good money on an ARAI helmet and some quality leathers like Lurch said