Honda owners tend to be of the opinion that their bikes are worth top dollar even though there is little-to-no difference between the look and performance of 'race-ready' japanese sportbikes. If you want something different then look at BMW, Buell, Aprillia, Triumph, Ducati, etc.As to the original question. Hondas are the most expensive out of the 3 but good reliable bikes. Yamaha is also more expensive than a Suzuki. Suzuki's have been number 1 in every class (600, 750, 1000) until this year (if i recall correctly) when the 06 R6's came out. Suzuki is cheap, I bought a brand new 2005 gsxr 600 for $7,000 out the door, where my friend bought a 2005 CBR600RR USED with 4500 miles on it for $7500.
These bikes are so fairly similar in performance so it all comes down to personal preference. Go to a dealer and sit on the bikes and see how you like them. As for me I'm a Suzuki guy, but I am lovin the 06 R6's..
The reason that Suzuki's are so prevalent on the pro/am racing circuit is that they are cheap, perform well and (most importantly) parts are widely and readily available. None of that should matter for your first bike, though. It should be a beater/learner until you figure out what kind of bike you like.
Example: going on looks alone, when I was looking for my first bike I thought that I wanted to eventually upgrade to an SV650s... but after getting to ride a bunch of bikes belonging to friends or on test rides (VFR, Superhawk, GSXR, Katana, FZR600, SV650, Duc 999), I quickly changed my mind. Especially about the '97 GSXR I rode... that thing was a fat pig.
Yeah, well *some* experience only qualifies you for a weak 600cc like a Katana 600. Bear in mind that falling down or sticking your leg out on a street bike is not an option if you want to stay healthy.Originally Posted by scabtastic
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