What I am getting...

[ALVIN]

OK so this will be my starter bike and I know MANY if not MOST will try to discourage, but its what I want and what I think I would feel most comfortable with.

I am starting out big and with in a month or so will be owning a brand spankin new 2006 RC51. I know it's a beast of a bike, but I have been drooling over this beast for the past 3 months and am getting to the point where I will buy it.

Before I finance I will be adding a new pipe on it(under the seat dual exhaust) and the helmet, jacket, gloves, and pants. I figure I'll finance $15k before taxes.

Here is a pic for people that haven't seen the 06s yet.

[wildfire0310]

so when you wreck it and you will, can I have the bike.

[ALVIN]

Well trust me Im not much of a thrill seaker. I wont be doing wheelies or anything like that...this bike will pretty much be a cruise bike and maybe even a daily commuter bike in spring, summer, and fall. We will see though. I seriously hope I wouldn't wreck this beautiful v-twin.

[con]

since you're already bent on starting big, good luck......I would love to be the salesman raping you into financing all of that gear and aftermarket accessories!!!

[wildfire0310]

Well trust me Im not much of a thrill seaker. I wont be doing wheelies or anything like that...this bike will pretty much be a cruise bike and maybe even a daily commuter bike in spring, summer, and fall. We will see though. I seriously hope I wouldn't wreck this beautiful v-twin.

its not the thrill seaker or wheelies. I started easy and didn't try and thing really stupid on my starter bike but I still dropped it, just in a normally everyday stupid mistake.

My best adivce it pick up a cheap cheap little bike and ride it for a few months, sell it and then get your RC51. Your more like to drop or wreck once your "feel" in control. I did not feel like a could really control my ninja till after I dropped it.

[David88vert]

its not the thrill seaker or wheelies. I started easy and didn't try and thing really stupid on my starter bike but I still dropped it, just in a normally everyday stupid mistake.

My best adivce it pick up a cheap cheap little bike and ride it for a few months, sell it and then get your RC51. Your more like to drop or wreck once your "feel" in control. I did not feel like a could really control my ninja till after I dropped it.

I agree. The RC51 is not a light bike weither, and grossly underpowered compared to the newer 1 liters. It also stays around 200 degrees, and gets up to 240 degrees in traffic in the summer. Its a real toaster oven on your nuts....

[ALVIN]

even since the new ones are liquid cooled that have twin side mount radiators? it still stays that hot???

I know its not a light bike by any means...this is the reason I am getting it since I way almost 130 than the bikes "dry" weight of 450+ lbs. That is one of the reasons I am getting a bigger bike because I believe my weight is going to have a lot to do with the smaller bikes and my ability to throw those around. My weight being 320. Its also a bike that I want to keep for a while and I just like the newer RC51s.

I appreciate everyones insight though.

[fastasscrx]

Hell, why that much for a twin when you can buy mine!!

[ALVIN]

cuz it was between the 1000rr and the RC51...I dont see many RC51s so I wanted it lol. Deal is whoever gets a bike first, between my friend and I, gets punched...and since he has to get rid of two 4 wheelers its going to be me to get the bike first. I dunno I like v-twins...they just sound different...and its a 6 speed :) lol

[Tarzanman]

Lol. Dude.. you SO don't know what you're getting into. Your comment about the temperature is just yet another illustration of how little you know about motorcycles. Hmm, lets see........ Liter bike, check. V-twin, check. Brand new bike, check.

That is three mistakes you're making for a first bike already. You are going to drop that bike. Period. I will bet good-ass money on it. Since its an RC-51, the only real question is whether it will dropped in a parking lot or what object you're going to hit when you take a turn too wide (and you will... I will put money on that, too).

I'll pray for you in the hopes that the object you hit ISN'T an oncoming car in the next lane. You should pay attention to that last sentence because it is a VERY VERY f*** real and very probable possibility for a new rider on an RC-51 like YOU.

You are in over your head.

At 320 lbs, an SV-650 o Katana 600 would make excellent starter bikes. Even a GS500 would haul you around (I know this because I have ridden passengers 2-up on it plenty of times)

[GIXXERDK]

I always drooled over a Busa but I never came close to it. I had the money but went with a 600. You wont necessarily grow on a big bike. Hell, my 600 right now is TOO beasty for me in the Mountains. Wait until 250cc's pass you and make you feel like shit. I think you should let me ride it around and break it in for ya :)

[David88vert]

even since the new ones are liquid cooled that have twin side mount radiators? it still stays that hot???


The RC51s have always been liquid cooled. They are a race bike - uncomfortable if you are not in full tuck, runs hot if you are sitting in traffic (not moving), extrememly loud, etc. They were not designed to be ridden on the street. They were designed for the track. I have friends that ride themon the street and track. I would not buy one for either though.

Get a used beginner bike for now. You will drop it, hopefully you won't wreck it. My suggestion, get a GS500E, EX500, SV650, FZR600, F2, or F3. Any of these is plenty to start with. Ride it for a year or so, go to the MSF course, get your regular license, then get a bigger bike if you feel you are ready for it. When you do, don't buy the biggest, baddest bike. Buy the one that you have the most confidence on. Confidence in your abilities is what makes you fast, and keeps you alive. You want the bike to simply be predictable and give you confidence in all situations.

[ALVIN]

I've riden two bikes before. I probably came off like I havent red before because I said I was a beginner. But this will be MY first bike. And I am not getting it until I take the MSF course which will hopefully be October 27th (start date).

The bikes that I have riden are the GSX-R600 and a Buell XB9s...the buell was not liquid cooled so yes I know that gets hot but I did not know it was the same with the RC51...thanks for clearing it up. I didn't lean as much on the Buell, as I did on the Gixxer, because it was so tiny to me. The Gixxer just wasnt my style...it did not feel comfortable what so ever lol, but it did lean pretty well lol.

[StupidBikerBoy]

Another reason you should really consider a starter bike until you get some good seat time in is what to expect on the street.

The most important part (IMO) of learning to ride is not how to handle the bike. That will come anyways. Its learning what to expect on the road and how to react.

A starter bike gives you a better chance of surviving that on many different levels. A lot of the peeps that start out on bigger bikes are to busy with the bike to concentrate on thier surroundings.

I would suggest an SV650. They handle great, have plenty of power, are lightweight, parts are cheap, and very affordable. You can do anything with one. Trackdays, mountain runs, commute, or just cruising around. And they tend to keep you from getting bored of them unlike many other starter bikes.

Whatever you do, be careful and make sure you ride with atleast gloves and a jacket.

[HiPSI]

if you're not planning trackdays like mad i'd reconsider (not to mention your total lack of real seat time). the RC is not only an uncomfortable bike to ride, it's not made to putt around on.

your ass, hands, and arms will be numb within 10 minutes of riding that thing. it's like a harley with plywood for a seat.

[wannab20hatch]

dotn ever let your weight affect your bike decisions. any "sportbike" goes way faster than anyone would or should ever wanna go on the street. and dont pcik out the "coolest" looking bike. go to a delaership and sit on every model and see what your most comfortable on. for a starter i say go sv650, good power handle nicely parts galore and they hold their value so when your are ready to move up you can pretty much get back what you paid for it. ooh and one fianl thought DO NOT finance gear. go to cyclegear in in gwinnett and get some nice gear.

[GIXXERDK]

SV's are VERY popular amongst people in all skill levels. I plan to get one for the track. :)

[ALVIN]

Thanks for everyones opinion. I appreciate all of them.

[Tarzanman]

.....but.....?

[ALVIN]

No but lol...I am still going to get the RC51 just to have it and make payments to own until I am completely comfortable and used to the way a street bike and myself reacts in certain situations. I am taking the MSF course and a couple others that way I have that under my belt as well.

[Tarzanman]

If that is the case then you don't really understand what we are trying to tell you.

You're taking a big risk for no reason. You should put around on a smaller bike for 3 months and then look to upgrade.

Hopefully you wont' have to learn the hard way. Even fender-benders on bikes can be life threatening

[Tasuki_Civic]

If that is the case then you don't really understand what we are trying to tell you.

You're taking a big risk for no reason. You should put around on a smaller bike for 3 months and then look to upgrade.

Hopefully you wont' have to learn the hard way. Even fender-benders on bikes can be life threatening


agreed......

[ALVIN]

I dunno if i stated my last one correctly. I AM BUYING the RC51 but I will not be riding it until summer. Therefore, giving me the winter and spring and fall to learn on a smaller one. Even though I will not be buying the smaller one.

[GIXXERDK]

Oh well your life, we tried. lol

[Tarzanman]

I dunno if i stated my last one correctly. I AM BUYING the RC51 but I will not be riding it until summer. Therefore, giving me the winter and spring and fall to learn on a smaller one. Even though I will not be buying the smaller one.

You should have at the very LEAST 3000 miles on a motorcycle before you make the move to an RC-51. How do you expect to put that mileage on a smaller bike unless you buy one?

Also: Noone buys that "I'll buy it, but not ride it till 'XXXX'" crap. You might even believe it yourself, but everyone here with a motorcycle knows better.

Thats one of the key points that's not getting through to your brain. We know bikes and we know what the hell we are talking about. You don't know jack squat, but still think you have better judgement than us on this issue.

Get real. At least have the fortitude to admit that you're being a doofus by ignoring our advice.

[GIXXERDK]

I have a 600 with 3500 miles, and I still have the "OH SHIT" moments time to time. Its not a great feeling..

[mumbles]

i definately agree. i think a new bike is probably mot good for any novice rider. i have a good starter bike and project that will help and novice rider learn how to maintain and ride their bike

[RiceBoy]

Shit, get what you want man...Otherwise you will never be happy and keep having buyer's remorse. Eventually you will try to sell it and eat up the loss, then go back to what you originally want in the first place.

I haven't ridden a bike for like 15 yrs...I jumped on a Harley that is 900lbs dry weight...Yeah sure I dropped the bike. But I pick that shit up quickly and hope no one saw...:D..But that was not because of my lack of skillz..It was because I installed some bling bling shit on it and move the handle bar to the point where I wasn't use to it.

[Tarzanman]

Shit, get what you want man...Otherwise you will never be happy and keep having buyer's remorse. Eventually you will try to sell it and eat up the loss, then go back to what you originally want in the first place.

I haven't ridden a bike for like 15 yrs...I jumped on a Harley that is 900lbs dry weight...Yeah sure I dropped the bike. But I pick that shit up quickly and hope no one saw...:D..But that was not because of my lack of skillz..It was because I installed some bling bling shit on it and move the handle bar to the point where I wasn't use to it.

No such thing as buyer's remorse on a starter bike. They are *always* in demand. I sold mine for $100 over what I paid for it after riding it for 8 months. I also changed my mind about what I wanted in a bike after riding my starter bike and a bunch of other bikes belonging to friends.

Also, if you haven't ridden in 15 years, then you have no freakin clue about how fast 600cc sportbikes are today, much less a liter V-twin like the RC-51.

Swing your leg over one, put it throught its paces and I guarantee that you'll be singing a different tune. Your 15 yr old harley probably went about as fast as my '89 500cc GS-500

[civic95]

I can't see why anyone would finance $15K for a bike, especially their 1st one. Good luck man, be safe.

[David88vert]

I dunno if i stated my last one correctly. I AM BUYING the RC51 but I will not be riding it until summer. Therefore, giving me the winter and spring and fall to learn on a smaller one. Even though I will not be buying the smaller one.

If you buy a RC51 for your first bike, you definately will not be riding with me or any of my friends. I don't feel like scraping you up off the road....

Answer me this. Would you consider hopping in a F-16 today by yourself and attempting to fly - without ever receiving training in a Cessna? If you answer "yes", you are an idiot. And don't give me a "that's not the same thing" response. You have no idea yet what a RC51 is like and how fast you can accelerate.

Think about this - a 39hp 500cc flat-twin GS500E will easily beat a lot of sports cars. What do you think a racing superbike can do?

[David88vert]

I haven't ridden a bike for like 15 yrs...I jumped on a Harley that is 900lbs dry weight...Yeah sure I dropped the bike. But I pick that shit up quickly and hope no one saw...:D..But that was not because of my lack of skillz..It was because I installed some bling bling shit on it and move the handle bar to the point where I wasn't use to it.

You have no skillz.....:taun:

When will you be ready to come out and play? Maybe we take a cruise up to the mtns?

[HiPSI]

I dunno if i stated my last one correctly. I AM BUYING the RC51 but I will not be riding it until summer.


then what do you plan to learn on? the MSF isn't going to give you anything near enough experience to ride that bike.

you're totally blind to reality if you are truly plan on getting that as a first bike. it's totally uncomfortable to ride, it runs hotter than the surface of the sun, and has a very snappy power delivery that'll easily put you on your ass before you can say "SHIT!". hell, a late model 600 will put you on your ass quickly, it'll just let you get "SHI" out instead of just "S".

[GIXXERDK]

2005 EX500 $3600

Contact Bloke at valuecycle

[Tarzanman]

I can't see why anyone would finance $15K for a bike, especially their 1st one. Good luck man, be safe.

Only two reasons: Either he is super wealthy.... or he doesn't know anything about bikes (including their prices).

[GIXXERDK]

So i've been riding for a year on my 955i now. Then last week i got to ride my wife's EX500, which was a lot of fun. Then back on my 955i i realized how much the power of the big bike really gets in the way of learning. Then i'm reading here again about people taking the MSF, and i feel like i could really benefit from a refresher course at the least. Now i know they have the advanced rider stuff, but that's on your own bike. I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better for -me- to actually refresh on the smaller, less powerful bikes they use in the regular MSF classes. But then i also read about how the regular MSF class is really kinda boring for people who've got riding experience, and that people with experience should really go do the advanced course. But that's on your own bike. So i'm running around in a circle here with what to do. Any thoughts / suggestions? (Besides stealing my wife's bike more often...)
http://georgiasportbike.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36516
At least he has his head on straight :doh:

[RiceBoy]

You have no skillz.....:taun:

When will you be ready to come out and play? Maybe we take a cruise up to the mtns?

Shoot David..Don't make me bust a move like that Honda Goldwing up in the mountains now...Even though it has saddle bags, windshield, engine guard I can still cut corners...:D

[David88vert]

Let's take a day and shoot up there for a cruise (rather than a normal run). I can probably get a couple of the other guys to run up too.