A 1000 and a 600 weigh pretty close, the problem will really be accidentally applying throttle. A 600 will send you rushing forward, a 1000 will buck and launch.
Generally it's smart to start small.
I know people that started on 900's and just took it easy. When they did wipe out it wasn't because the bike was too big, but because they were doing stupid shit. No one can predict what will happen, you can just make it easier on yourself with smaller bikes.
Just take a look at this :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9zNUPDmnz4
If he was on a 600 he might have saved himself the embarrassment. (point is : it doesn't take much)
Also, most bikes will be traction limited anywhere from 0 to (pick your speed limit).
If you're gonna stay legal - bigger only means more torque and a more cruiser-type-ride with less gear changing.
If you're gonna go well over reckless - the 1000 will definitely leave a 600 behind.
If you want to track, then the popular choice is a 600.
I personally bought a 750. I like that they are more rare. It's not the first motorcycle I've ridden, but by no means can I handle it in every possible manner.
Used is the way to go. I actually prefer a bike that's a little tore up. That way when you drop it you don't have to feel bad.
If I had to get one again, I think I'd go with the new (albeit bought used) zx6r (monster energy graphics are soooo sexy) or the recent r6 (white with red).
Plus the zx6r shed a lot of weight. I'm small so I really want the lightest thing possible.
-scheherazade
p.s. I won't go out without leather all around. (or knee pads + shin guards under my jeans).
People really will try to kill you. I read something like 75% of all moto accidents result from a car not seeing the bike.
People will pull out in front of you. And they will stop right on top of you at a light.
On the street I have one finger on the head-light-flasher at all times, and I tap it approaching every intersecting stopped car.
Also, tap the brakes when you're stopped until someone else stops behind you.
People tell me that it's good to stay in a part of the lane that gives you the most opportunity to escape.
Fortunately, you can fit in side a single lane next to a car, so when they change lanes into you, you have a little more time to decide what to do.
Also, used prices lag the seasons.
late summer, fall, early winter = expensive
late winter, spring, early summer = cheap
best time is late spring and early summer.
The market gets *flooded* with used bike listings.
All the people who were trying to sell over winter have lost faith and their prices have bottomed out.
So it's a buyer's market.
And there aren't that many buyers in early summer. You see the bikes getting sold fast later in summer.
Also, whoever didn't manage to sell in summer doesn't want to drop their price in half just a couple months later. It takes a while for them to lose patience and drop prices. And after winter, it takes a while for prices to climb, even though the weather is warmer. You can't post your bike for double when everyone else still has their low prices. So everyone needs time to slowly creep up in cost all-together.
I was in the market for 2 years... trying to hawk the killer deals. In 08', A soldier posted his 07' gsxr 1000 with 3k miles for $5500, because he had to deploy. It was sold within the hour (not to me...).
My 07' 750 cost me 5.2k, with 9k miles on the clock. Came with helmet, extra exhaust, solo cowl.
-scheherazade
