any good motorcycle websites for info + reviews?

[NanoAug]

I'm planning to purchase a motorcycle(im a newbie) soon and I want to read some good comparisons and info. I bought a motorcyle magazine called cycle world and I read comparisons of various 600cc classs sportsbikes and I think im interested in one of those for now. I really have no clue what they are talking about in the reviews when they get all technical; I honestly think reading a novel in spanish would be easier for me :cool: I really couldnt find anything decent over the net as far as info and reviews.. for reviews all I could find were those paragraph long reviews posted by people who bought whatever, not that that's bad, but i'd rather have more in depth reviews by experienced people. As far as insurance goes.. they wont be too hard on somebody 18 years old with a 600cc class bike would they?

So if you can help a newbie in anyway, please do so. :) thanks

[Richthofen]

Ugh... at 18 you'll probably kill yourself, but if you're set on getting one, here's some advice:

First read these two books:

A Twist of the Wrist: The Motorcycle Road Racers Handbook
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0965045013/qid=1112545184/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/104-2636616-2579968?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

A Twist of the Wrist 2: The Basics of High-Performance Motorcycle Riding
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0965045021/qid=1112545184/sr=8-2/ref=pd_csp_2/104-2636616-2579968?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Ridding a motorcycle isn't like riding a bicycle. If you're not an experienced rider and don't know what counter steering, survival reactions or high-siding is you need to read the books above before getting a bike.

Ok... if it's you're first bike, the reviews won't mean much.

What you need to know is how far you're planning to ride the bike(commute?) and that will tell you how aggressive you can be on your seating position.

Traditionally the Honda CBR 600 series has a mild seating position and great handling. It's good for a daily driver. I had CBR 600 F2. It was a great bike. Well engineered.

You really need to go a dealer and test each one out. See how comfortable it is to sit upright on the bike. It is isn't comfortable for you'r height and weight you're back will be killing you in no time.

Hope that helped.

Don't get caught up in the reviews and which one is "the best". All the bikes these days are very competitive and it's more about preference and looks. At your experience level you won't be able to tell most of the differences they're talking about anyhow. Get something that is comfortable and easy to ride. If it look great, bonus.

[NanoAug]

thanks for the help.

[Bradic]

I would say go with a Suzuki GSX-R 600 or a Kawasaki 636. Both are really nice bikes. I have a GSX-R 750 myself and I love it.

If it is your first bike you should really get someone you really know and trust to teach you how to ride first or at least go take one of those licensing classes.