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Grab a used 250. I got mine for 700 dollars. It was a 98 or 99. I rode it for 2 weeks got stuck in the rain everytime I rode it. Thought it maybe a sign, then I ran a carfax on it because I was bored at work, and found out it was totalled and rebuilt. The bike was sold 2 days later needless to say.
When I did ride it, I noticed that it was very controllable and not overwhelming. Its also very light weight.
I started on a R6, and I'm lucky to be alive to be honest. Ride safe, don't try to impress anyone, always be aware, and expect the unexpected. Around every turn there could be an animal, stopped car, tractor, etc. Things will fall off the truck in front of you. That person waiting to turn out into traffic doesn't see you, even if you can see their eyes.
For some reason people can look at a bike, and it doesn't register in the brain. I've had people pull out, and I could swear we made eye contact prior. It was almost as if they did it on purpose, but they didn't. Find a parking lot, and practice emergency manuevers. Put some objects or cones out, practice braking, and swerving. You need to make it an instinct. Cause you will use it one day. You do not want to panic when the time comes. Less than half a second, or locking your rear tire could be the difference between riding away on your bike or in a body bag. Get a good helmet, but always remember they are only effective to a degree. It's easy to feel like superman on a bike with all your gear on, but a helmet can only absorb so much of an impact. If you have a wife and/or kids make sure you have some good life insurance first.
^True. I always just entirely talk myself into believing EVERYTHING is out to get me lol. Don't get lazy and not pay 100% attention. It's very true like he said people just don't think anything of bikes. I've had girls next to me look at me, and then cut me off, you just have to REALLY pay attention, and be ready for ANYTHING.
But yeah, no matter what I still say start small, even if you CAN handle a quicker bike, a smaller bike teaches you more about control and stuff, and if you DO happen to make a mistake, allows you to say sorry.
Both of you are entirely correct. And Simon, I like the way you think! I ride a Honda VTR1000F SuperHawk (my screen name refers to it), with lots of suspension and braking mods; only a jet kit and slip-ons for engine related mods. It is probably the best set up bike I've ever ridden, racebikes included...and only about 115 whp. 72 ft/lbs really is nice!
It's NOT all about horsepower, it's about the package, and using it well. I just don't enjoy riding, say, an R1 to about 60% of its capability in the mountains when I can ride my bike to 90% of its in the same conditions...AND be faster and smoother. MUCH more rewarding and satisfying!:goodjob::goodjob::D
Oh, and this is the path I have planned for the Teg, too. Suspension and braking mods and leave the engine pretty much alone. All about the usability of the package, always.
Sorry for the running on....:crazy:...bikes are my REAL passion...
I like to think of it this way. World Champions start on 125cc machines. V. Rossi started on a mini bike.Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperChicken
Bravo! And I raced with Nicky Hayden (in Memphis) and Colin Edwards (at Road Atlanta at the GNF's) in 1991. Edwards was on an RC-30, I was on a '90 ZX6--stock except for supension. Colin started on pole, I was towards the back of the 2nd wave. He lapped me just before I would've taken the white flag!:lmfao:Fucker cost me a lap of seat time!!!:taun:Quote:
Originally Posted by EJ25RUN
His ride for his second WSBK championship is the stuff of legends! And I'm proud to have shared the track with them, even once!:goodjob:
I'm sure you know how Colin almost quit altogether after he was bored with the dirt. Funny thing discovering you are good at road racing can do.Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperChicken
That race with him and Bayliss at Imola is amazing. I like the fight with Foggy at Monza too. Win by 0.005 lol
Keith Huewan and Julian Ryder....only Toby Moody would make them even better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bI5ePLjW94
i bought the 08 gs500 in july as my first bike, no bike exp. what so ever. took a little getting used to at first, but after that its no big deal. follow the previous advice on here-do not grow big balls/ride outside of your experience. safety equipment-i would get a minimum of a jacket and gloves. got my jacket for 150 and gloves for 40.
be sure to get a tinted visor helmet-lol..
be responsible and youll have no problems other than other dumbass drivers.
i got mine and loved it. put 3k miles on a brand new bike in 3 months. now ive out grown the 500 ages ago.
you should buy mine. $3800
but dont get a 250. you will outgrow it way too fast on the straights.
I didn't read any post before this, but here's my info:
I started on a Katana (do not do this)... It's extremely HEAVY!!
I then progressed to an R6... Loved it. It's lite and handles great... I am only 120 lbs, was 115 when I was riding (by the way I don't ride anymore because I have a kid AND I wrecked the bike due to a patch of gravel on the interstate!! Flipped the bike.. got some road rash, broke a couple of ribs, etc.)
Anywho, people don't pay attention to bikes... It's like they see you and they apparently don't think you are going the speed you are... Be safe, curteous, and remember, you have NO protection so don't act like a fool - don't pull out in front of cars because you think you can get up to speed quick, it's easy to miss a gear or for something to run out in front of you... Just be smart.
^
but on the highway if you are goin fast, people are quick to move the fuck out of your way in the left lane lol!
Very true.. but swirving in and out - NOT COOL!!Quote:
Originally Posted by ksniperfox
+1. Or get something small and easy. Trust me, I have worked my way up from a Go-Ped scooter from age 11, to racing Go-Ped 40 mph scooters, to Mo-Peds, to a very very terrorizing sleeper mo-ped, to now 250's. I laugh at people who think it's smart to start on a 1000cc bike. It's like people who come to the race track in GT3's, F430's and such with absolutely no experience what so ever.Quote:
Originally Posted by simontibbett
If you MUST have at least a 600, I'd recommend an 03-04 R6. Relatively light, not to fast, easy to maneuver and not that expensive. Otherwise, I'd recommend a bike with a higher center of gravity that's easier to learn to lean on. Just my 02.
Well...I am also a new rider and was just debating this same question about a month ago: What bike should I get for my first? I am one of those people who are in love with the looks and power of 600cc bikes and above. I had planned on buying a gsxr 600 or r6, but one day I thought to myself, "I don't even know how to ride a bike, why should I get something so powerful and maybe end up seriously hurting myself due to no experience." Well, to make a long story short, I ended up buying a kawasaki ninja 500r and have no regrets. I've already made mistakes on that bike that could have killed me on any other bike with more power. Take your time and learn first on a smaller bike. Trust me, I know exactly how you are thinking, but riding a bike is not worth your life. Look at getting a ninja 500r. They will fall into your budget bracket. I still get compliments on that bike because I'm riding and most of the time others wish that they could be doing the same. They are fun bikes and you will learn valuable techniques to riding. After you learn, trade it in or sell it for something more powerful and stylish. Hope this helps....be safe!
its very simple
take MSF
buy a used bike (its your first bike, not your last)
start on a ninja 250, sv650, ninja 650r, or one of the other many 650 twin bikes that are available and work your way up.
most of the folks you will see that say o i started on a 600 or a liter bike bought it to A. look cool and B. to ride like an idiot down the freeway. You can have fun on any bike if you are riding it properly.
best of luck to ya
i'm pretty late on a response; sorry. lol very good info. repped all i could!