New Yamaha FZ6R - Climbing The Ladder

That's right, seven large is all the FZ6R will set you back and it's available in four colors: Team Yamaha Blue/White, Cadmium Yellow, Raven, and a Pearl White which is aimed directly at you female riders—a segment that's rapidly getting off the passenger seat and jumping at the controls. And while buying a brand new machine is generally not a good idea for a first bike, if you absolutely must then it's hard to overlook the Yamaha. It does everything an entry-level motorcycle should; it's unintimidating, has low-end power that's easily manageable and also has enough in reserve to keep the ride interesting as the miles—and experience—rack up. It's impressive, no doubt, but we'll have to wait and see how it stacks up against Kawasaki's Ninja 650R and Suzuki's new Gladius before we can really call it a winner.

Let the beginner-bike wars begin!