B2Z - no worries!!:) One thing I would say regarding size is looking at the specs most 400's weighed more than my Gixer when it came out (600WV '97), but they are physically smaller which lends to their user friendliness.

One thing that does annoy me is people who slag Gixers as being difficult to ride. They are incredibly easy to ride as long as you know your limits, any riding on the road shouldn't really trouble the bike - it's limits are sky-high and you have to be a seriously good rider to be better than the bike! Just don't take liberties with any bike that will hit 155mph+ and 0-100 in 7secs.

One thing I would say to any prospective new rider is don't skimp on what you wear. I swear by my Dainese Foggy 1-piece, Dainese boots, Swift gloves and Arai helmet. It constantly amazes me seeing people who've bought nice shiny R1s, Fireblades & GSXR1000s etc and don't bother to buy the kit. I have friends who are only alive today cos they spent the money on the kit they wear not that shiny exhaust they thought of buying instead. (And that wasn't a pop at R1 or othert big bike riders!!).

Tiggs - that must be one tasty R1 you'be got! Ohlins - yummy!!:D:D

DP.

I bought my 996 duke as a company bike a few years ago :)

100% vat reclaimable as soon as you pay for it (unlike cars) plus can claim for all other running 'items' big bore termis etc :)

However stuff deemed as safety equipement eg lids are not vat claimable, nor is there any vat on them (or shouldnt be).

good point about the gear- i always wear a back protector and would never wearanything but an arai.

Tiggs

ps- 400's are tiny and for time bandits or girls ;) just to keep lively debate alive.

I had a GSXR400R an 1988 model and loved it..

Was great for twisty roads but mates bought 1997 GSXR600R and a ZXR600R 1997 and I couldn't keep up with regarding braking, acceleration or cornering.. previously was all over one of them on his 1996 CBR600R... could be that the bike was needing some fixing up and getting a bit tired perhaps? or my riding..
But I swapped it for a New 1998 Blade and said good bye to both of them..

I find the Blade (Still got it, now with 65,000miles) is fantastic for motorway or A roads but some very twisty B roads it only just holds its own.. I almost want a 600 for the twisties and a 1200 for the motorway.. but cannot really afford the one bike let alone two.

If you can get insured on a 600 then I'd go straight to a 600 if not then get a 400... hell of a lot of fun and cheap to run...

Get an insurance quote on a 400 and a 600 and go and test ride them both then make a decision... :)

JGM :)

Well, went to my local dealer on Saturday and took a Thundercat out for a long test ride. I thought the RB5 was quick!! Felt really comfortable and soooooo fast.

Went back on Sunday and bought a Thundercat :) plus expensive helmet, boots, gloves etc etc. Big hole in wallet!

Should pick it up on Saturday (which is a sure sign that it will be p!ssing down).

Thanks for the advice. And as for the 'sit up' mid corner, I did it just after the CBT on a 125. Getting fairly confident, went into a corner a little quick and it tightened. I'm sure that had I leaned it over further it would have gone round (the insructor reckoned so too) but the oncoming Range Rover had my advanced car training (ie the always prepare your escape route) kicking in and I headed for the grass on the other side of the road.

Of course, the best place to learn the limits is on the track, but there is no way my wife is going to let me on track to 'find the limits' given my last excursion (though it has to be said, I certainly found the limit...)

Anyone fitted a Geodesy to a bike??