I did the course in several states (military) and they are lots of fun and very informative. Relax, enjoy and learn. You'll be just fine.

This. My ZX6R is my first bike. I never riden a motorbike (besides being a passenger) before my course. Then it was just over 2 years after my course that i bought my bike. I took alot of time learning it and respecting it, knowing that it could get me into trouble. Never dumped it, never got into a situation that i couldnt handle.

+1 to everything above.

I would look for a used 600 rather than buying new. The CBR600RR has been fuel injected since 2003, and a clean one with low miles can be found for 4k easily. Pretty much same story with the other 600s, plus or minus a few years. All of the japanese 600 supersports are solid, just find one that doesn't have too many miles and hasn't been laid down.

As for 600s being bad starter bikes, as long as you have the self control to avoid the upper half of the rpm range while you learn, it should be fine. You can still move pretty quick without going over 8k rpm.

I don't think the problem is lack of self control, but more so what happens in a panic situation.

A 600cc superbike engine has vastly different characteristics than a 600cc in a cruiser.

Honda CBR600 or Suzuki gsx-r600 I was debating back n forth on these 2.

Sure, the engines are different, but not necessarily in a more dangerous way. Supersports have lower torque at normal cruising rpms, so if your "panic situation" involves twisting the throttle, you wouldn't be any worse off than you would be on a cruiser.

The more dangerous (and more likely) aspect of a panic situation would be grabbing the front brake, as sport bikes have much more powerful front brakes than cruisers. A more user-friendly bike would give you more room for doing something stupid like grabbing the brake in the middle of a turn. But in truth, any bike will put you on the ground for doing that.

i passed mine 1 point off the written test... 0 on the riding

These days they are so similar you're better off getting what looks/feels better to you (and what you can get a good deal on). But if you're into magazine comparisons and whatnot, the gsxr has been winning that comparison for the past couple years, but the cbr was winning year after year before that. Also, the gsxr's ergonomics make for a slightly better track bike (adjustable rearsets, for example) while the cbr is a little more comfortable (after the 2007 redesign anyway). Go get on some forums and start searching!

Can't wait to join another forum! I really like the white gsx-r600 but they stop makin them I heard? If no white is available I hope they have one in black!

I took the msc almost 8 years before I bought a bike.
On getting your first bike I'd def look into a used 600cc bike. Just take it easy till you get comfortable
Or you could buy my Buell xb9r....lol
It's a 984 v-twin but rides like a sport bike and is about as fast as a 600. But they make power much lower down so I think it's easier to ride than the Japanese bikes...
Even though I'm really looking to go to a cbr1000 or a zx10r.....lol
But yea the msc is a great course. My buddy teaches them over here in IL
But I think the bikes you use are 250s. You won't ever see 3rd gear....

The only guy I know that failed the motorcycle safety test is Jeremy Clarkson....repeatedly........in North Vietnam.........on a Vespa :)

Dont know how tall you are in looking for a bike, but the GSXR also has the lowest seat height out of all the 600 sport bikes. For me that was a huge factor since im only 5'7 and a high seat makes flat footing while sitting on the bike almost impossible without lowering the bike. Which by the way do not do on a sport bike as it ruins the cornering performance of the suspension

I am 5'9. I'll join the Gsx-r forum and do some research. But first hopefully I'll pass my test :)

Good luck on the course.

One thing not mentioned is invest in worthwhile gear. Ask yourself, what your head is worth. Then do that for the rest of your body. I've seen folks ride with mechanics gloves and after a nice low side the result is hamburger for a hand.

Good point! Also, realize that jeans will do absolutely nothing for you in a crash. If you go down at 35 mph for example, your jeans will last for about 5 feet of your slide. Gear up!