So you want to learn how to ride and want to buy a super sport? Read this

[Homeslice]

Originally Posted by Trip

I honestly think new 600s are more forgiving than 650s. 650s are like on and off switches. At low power/low speeds, like you would be in normal traffic, you have a very twitchy bike on a 650, add to that shitty suspension. This is not the best way to learn.

On a modern 600, low speed/low power, the bike is very slow to rev up and go in comparison to the 650. It's not til you hit the high up powerband that it becomes a racer. It's harder for newbies to keep it in the powerband. Plus, you got a much better suspension/brakes. If you get a Honda, don't know if other manufacturers do this yet or not, but you can get ABS and steering damper stock.

I don't see the point to bash 600s, but give passes to 650s.

I would disagree, I owned an SV650 as my first real bike, and the throttle was milquetoast in terms of response. I don't see how you think it would be twitchy.

The reason 600's are bad is because the high redline and the high torque curve is like a drug, it encourages guys to see if they can reach it, and by the time they've reached it, they're going 90-100 mph, and can't brake in time to avoid hitting something.

The other reason 600's are bad is because the riding position forces newbies to waste time figuring out how to use their muscles to brace themselves and stay comfortable, rather than relaxing and learning how to ride.