What is the best 600cc motorcycle to get for a first bike?

If your statement, “I am the type of rider that is more about riding safe than riding fast and pushing my limits” is honest then you do not need anything more than a 250 (the popular Ninja will easily go past any national speed limits). The “bored within a month” responders are not doing it right. There is nothing wrong with trading it in after a year a secondhand machine will keep its value unless you damage it because there is a demand.

ANY 600cc bike other than a sports bike. As you said yourself, youhave no riding skills right now. Get something to learn how to ride, not just be qualified to ride after a two day course. You are extremely inexperienced right now, and need to apply an engineering control on your first ride to make sure you live long enough to see a second. that means steering away from something that can easily kill you off of one mistake. I started on a 500cc bike in March, and am just a hair over 17,000 miles on it this year. The nonsense about wanting to trade it in on something bigger is just that nonsense. There is no need to trade it in for something else unless you see something else you just have to have.

Don't worry about the trade-up problem. It's better to work your way up. The current trend for people to pass then get a 600 sports bike is relatively recent. I know that's not what you propose to do, but it is relevant. If you work up through levels of bike then you will acquire a greater range of skills, and be more likely to survive. Before the era of 100bhp 600cc bikes riders would go through a series like 125 - 250 - 400/500 - 650/750 - 1000. Enjoy the bike you have, change it when you stop enjoying it or need something else. If you want a specific recommendation for a mid-range bike then the Honda Deauville series has much to recommend it. Practical, quick enough, though not a sports bike. I'm led to believe that they're good for long haul touring.

Good idea not going to the underpowered 250 class. Honda 600CBR is a great bike but maybe a bit much for a first timer. A Kawasaki Ninja 650R is my suggestion, as it is more a 'sport standard' than a true sport bike, having a more tractable vertical twin engine, and a more upright riding posture that will be easy to maneuver in parking lots, and easier on the back, shoulders, and arms of a new rider.

This may not be exactly what you wanted to hear, but my advice would be to start with a 650cc (or 250cc) dual sport. Learn to ride on loose surfaces. Crashproof your bike (easy with a DS) so tipovers are not expensive. A 650 like a KLR or DR has enough power for the freeways, and to tour. It will be in its element on anything you can call a road. You will become a better rider than anybody who only rides pavement, and once you learn to ride yor bike will keep up with any sport bike in the twisties.

A 250 Ninja is a GREAT motorcycle, and it's going on to something that you aren't prepared for that is a serious danger to you and everyone else. Just go with a bike that matches your experience.

as others have said, don't judge performance on engine displacement alone. an FZ6 isn't a terrible beginner bike, but it's still got quite a bit of power to get you in trouble. if your ego won't let you buy a 250 or a 500, go with a 650 twin (EX650 or SV650). Both are fantastic bikes you could ride forever, and never need anything more. 600's are designed to be raced, so buying one for the streets is kind of silly...

600cc best bike to start? Try a BMW R60/2 classic-30hp- or R69/2 high compression model-40hp-. A R60/5 or6 has about 45hp and electric start. BMW classic won't temp you to be a complete idiot and most other idiots will leave you alone.

I learned on a Kawasaki 250 and for my first bike i bought a Suzuki gsx-r 600... If you plan to drive safely, then i would recommend a gsx-r 600. It's a great bike, just be careful...