while i agree with you i do have one objection:
would you not agree that starting out small is a big help in lessening the risks? i can't advocate anyone starting out on a race replica bike, no matter how conservative they ride they can't change the fact that these bikes are NOT forgiving to the mistakes a new rider WILL make.
Who knows?
I agree that there is less chance they will be going fast when they wreck. Or less change of wrecking from quick take offs. However, I have seen plenty of people wreck on Ninja 250's. It just might not be as bad as the 600. I just think that no matter what bike you learn on, if you do not take the time to really master it as much as you can prior to getting on the bike, then you are more likely to wreck no matter what you start on. It is like this one guy in my class. He had a 1800cc Harley. It had it for 6 months and was riding it. The only problem he said he was having was going up hills with it. Well, when he got on the Buell Blast, he wreck it 3 times. This other woman had been riding bikes (Harley) for years up to about 2 years ago. She sold her bike and never rode one during that time period. She decided to get another one since her husband loves to ride. She bought a PowerGlide I think it was. Well, she dropped her Buell during the course once and almost did it again another time. The only 2 people (4 in class total) that didn't drop their bikes was myself and this other girl. Both of us were 100% new to it, never rode before. The difference was we were more serious about it because it was new. These other 2 thought they new what they were doing but couldn't handle a bike 1/4th the size/power/weight as what they were normally riding. So you can start off on a 250, get cocky because it is easy and they kill yourself on a 600 just as fast.Originally Posted by hondabuilder
I look at the whole starting on a smaller bike as a good idea in theory. In a perfect world it would help people step up to a larger bike with more ease. However, this is not a perfect world and it all depends on the individual.
I do agree to this. But as I am the impatient type I will prob get a 600 and be very responsible.
Again, I learned how to drive a 450hp Viper when I was 15....in the winter. No joke and continued through the summer. 17 i was taking it to school. I know A LOT about responsibility and how to learn/adapt quickly.
Don't worry, I am taking in EVERYTHING you guys say. From the good, to the bad. Each has their own opinion and when it comes down to it, I will remember each.
I am NOT planning on getting the bike and going straight to the hwy. Parking lots first then gradually upgrade.
-Ant.
The Carbon Fibered R6
Here is an example...
What is the number 1 way people lean their bikes??? The use their body to lean to the side they want. Well, did you also know that the number 1 reason bikers run into cars that jump front of them is because they actually turn into the car??? Yep, instead of swerving to the direction away from the car, they turn into it. Why is this?? It is because we are creatures of habit. What happens in a spilt second when you need to turn a direction?? In am emergency situation? You turn the wheel/handlebars in the direction you want to go. So what happens if your turn the handlebars in the opposite direction of the car?? You turn right into the car. This is because people do not learn that Counter Steering is the best way to lean your bike. If you practice it and use it, then in an emergency, you will use it and properly avoid the car.
This is one example why a smaller bike does not help you unless you learn the proper way to ride. The sad part is, you can talk to a lot of people that have been riding for years and they have no clue what counter steering is. lol
I won't say you are wrong, I just don't think that it is a good comparison. I have a decently fast car (when it's running lol) and to go fast in it is COMPLETELY different than to go fast on a bike. i can go 100 mph in my car and i can tell i am going 100 mph. on a bike you feel like you are going 60, look down and you're going over 100. A car is a completely different set of inputs and controls, therefore it's apples to oranges. if the viper breaks traction what happens? it slides a little, or worst case scenario spins out. on a bike if you break traction in a turn, you are not likely to come out of it unless you do EXACTLY the right things, and even then it isn't guaranteed. A 600cc sport bike has similar if not better power:weight and a contact patch on the rear about the size of a postage stamp. it only takes literally a twitch of your right hand at the wrong time to put you on the dirt.
DynamicSound- I agree with your your point, irresponsibility is deadly no matter what the vehicle. Target fixation is dangerous, and unfortunately, instinctive to most people. I can't argue the point of counter steering either, simply because I'm just now getting good and comfortable with it myself as opposed to trying to lean the bike manually. I believe it is possible to learn and progress on a 600cc bike to start with, thats what I did! But the learning curve is even steeper than a beginner bike.
besides, Ant look around at the beginner bikes and their value. they don't depreciate as bad as most other bikes because there is always someone out there who wants to learn. Ninja 250's are a prime example of this, you buy one for 3500 now, learn to ride, and in 3 months, 6 months or whatever, you can relist it for sale for say.... 3000? basically for 500 plus maint. and gas, you had an open-ended rental that taught you how to ride, and if you drop it no biggie, it's not that expensive 600 you wanted first.
by all means get what makes you happy, like i said, it isn't my decision, i just don't want you to get hurt just because nobody tried to help inform you a little better. there is certainly no guarantee that you won't get hurt or killed on a bike, but personally i would try to reduce the risk as much as possible by starting out slower. there is nothing stopping you from stepping up to a bigger bike when you are comfortable except pride and patience. nobody that is worth listening to will ever make fun of you for starting out small. I believe there is even a Ninja 250 for sale on here right now from AaronFelipe (sp?) The value on that bike will not go down much if at all in the time it takes you to get comfortable on a bike.
and TAKE THE MSF COURSE!!!!it's money well spent. like DynamicSound stated, you will only learn as much as you are committed to learn. I only preach this stuff cause I don't wanna hear about anything bad happening to another new rider.
Who knows?
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