I've been looking to get a bike for about 2 years. I'm in the market to purchase one. I've hoped on a couple at the bike shop I've ridden around a bit on my friends bike as well. I am a beginning rider, but I'm not an idiot.

My question is should I start out with a 600cc bike or a 1000cc bike. I understand that a 1000cc bike is a monster and not a beginner bike, but it can be driven safely around town at moderate speeds until I gradually begin to get a feel for it's manners under the throttle. The reason I'm thinking of a 1000cc bike, is a friend of mine has a GSXR 1000, and I fit perfectly on the bike and I can reach the shifter comfortably with my feet. I've riden the bike around a bit, and it has excellent street manners and is quite a pussy cat off the throttle. Off course, since it's not my bike I have never opened the throttle up.

I've also hoped on a 600cc, but the bike felt quite small and cramped. It wasn't bad, but was nothing like sitting on a 1000cc bike, which is a bit bigger.

I'm taking the riders class in the next couple of weeks to be able to legally ride a bike on the streets. I just want to get some input on which size bike I should shoot for. I understand many of you are going to point me to the 600cc, for beginner reasons, but I'm not the type of person that's going to get a 1000cc and try to rip it unexperienced the first day I get it. I plan to be a smart defensive rider. Under these circumstances, what do you guys thing would be the best bike for me?

 

Heres my 2 cents.one of the biggest things i feel that builds confidence on a motorcycle is comfort.you must feel comfortable.if the bike fits,ride it.the rest is up to competence,confidence and good old fashioned common sense!!! good luck brother,Anthony