Taking the IL motorcycle course this weekend. I want a bike for the hell of it and to use when my S4 is up on jackstands in the garage (about 30% of the year).

Something reliable is a must, something in the <$5.5k range would be nice, and something that won't at least immediately murder me would be a plus. No modding, or at least very minimal - the S4 has wasted enough of my time, money, blood, and tears. Thanks guys.

you can get a used one pretty cheap. Put a yoshi exhaust and you'll be in love.

buy another machine way beyond your abilities..lolol..
Good luck and ride safe

that I'd like my S4 as much as I do if I didn't find myself checking it out as I walk away from it. Sure, it's powerful as fvck, holds it's own on the track, and is nicely finished inside....but I also like that it looks "cool" and I certainly don't mind when others think the same. My guess is you feel similarly about that Ducati in your sig.

I'm not buying a bike because of a lack of self-confidence. I want one because I'm curious about riding and about motorcycles and admittedly because I think sport-bikes are sexy. With all that said, what makes the SV650 good for a beginner and will I really get myself into more trouble with a 600 cc bike that I find more aesthetically appealing? Furthermore, I would much prefer to buy a bike and keep it until I move (~2 years) rather than buy a noob bike and then another once I'm comfortable on that.....at least if that's a safe and reasonable possibility.

Thanks for your input guys, and thanks for bearing with a lowly squid =)

no regrets and i love the bike...not by its looks, but the way it rides. It's a good bike for a short person like me (5'6").

If i were to get a new 600 now, honda CBR600RR is my top choice.

i was in the same situation...i didn't want to learn and upgrade later. I know it's better to learn on a smaller bike, but i think i have self control and i did. Besides, i got it cuz i was a poser. Now i basically only ride track.

There were admittedly times that I scared myself completely ****less within the first month or two of owning that bike. For riding around the city, a 600 will keep you entertained for a year or two (power wise), at least. I still remember the first time I opened the bike up in 1st gear... I was speechless with an ear to ear grin on my face for the rest of the week. I rode the bike for 3-4 weeks before fully opening it up though. If you can't control yourself with the new found power of a 600, Darwinism will come into play. Make your choice wisely!

when I first learned, I'd want to replace the plastics; and let me tell you, plastics ain't cheap...it's worse than german maintenance. With used, who cares if things are a bit scratched up. Then when comfortable riding on the streets (as in you aren't likely to make a dumb mistake), sell the used bike and buy the bike you really want. You should be able to sell the used bike at a price close to what you bought it at.

I'd say that a good majority of new riders end up dropping the bike very early on. That's why most ppl will tell you to go used for a beginner and then get the bike you want. You can be the most careful person out there, but that first time you head out on the streets...it's worse than that day you drove around with your drivers license. In a car, you can get into a little fender bender and it won't harm you in any way. On a bike, no such thing; heck, even something like a patch of sand can get you in trouble.

good resale value if buying used.

Ride it for a year, learn motorcycle dynamics and sell it for almost what you paid for it.

<ul><li><a href="http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/sportbike/1125r/index.asp">You'll **** a chicken.</a></li></ul>