Thoughts on bikes - Page 3

ssoh87 · 02-26-2008, 07:06 PM

ok enough with the bickering. i was put in my place and i appreciate that...really. now my main issue is whether or not to take the class. i read the summary of the basic training course, and it talks about basic clutch and braking techniques, which i feel that i have a pretty strong understanding for and know how to do it. i dont wanna spend 250 bucks to learn things that i already know. what do you guys think?

95turbodc2 · 02-26-2008, 07:19 PM

im assuming your in denver, pa right?? if you are pa offers the motorcycle training course for free. i took it. i wa already riding for over a year before i took it so to me it sucked cause i already had experience. but for someone that doesnt have as much experience i suggest taking it. it teaches you many "little" things that you wouldnt think of on your own. if i recall if you tell your insurance company you completed the course, they give you a discount.

tonyv107 · 02-26-2008, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssoh87

ok enough with the bickering. i was put in my place and i appreciate that...really. now my main issue is whether or not to take the class. i read the summary of the basic training course, and it talks about basic clutch and braking techniques, which i feel that i have a pretty strong understanding for and know how to do it. i dont wanna spend 250 bucks to learn things that i already know. what do you guys think?

just buy what you want man. No one is telling you that you can't buy the bike you want. They're simply revealing the dangers that come with a stronger bike. If your willing and ready then you should buy which ever bike you want.

Seemund · 02-26-2008, 07:54 PM

I did not take the course.. I don't ride either..

But.. I HEARD A LOT A LOT A LOT of experienced riders saying: TAKE THE CLASS.. its REALLY important

go to sportbikes.com newbie forum.. and read

Seemund · 02-26-2008, 07:54 PM

even if you don't agree with the experienced riders.. please read

civsnake · 02-26-2008, 08:16 PM

One of the goods things about the course is that it gives you a chance to learn without risking your own bike. They have little 250s that you will ride around a parking lot doing a whole lot of low speed maneuvering. If you happen to dump the bike it's not that big a deal. They'll also make you think about and practice for situations you may not think of on your own, all while in a controlled environment.

Bottom line is yeah, everyone should take it, but most don't. I didn't, but that's because I don't want to give up a weekend to take the class.

organiz3d_chaos · 02-26-2008, 08:17 PM

For sure take the safety course, it could save your life.

I would really recommend a Ninja 500, Gs500, a SV650, or a older 600. like others have said, you will make a mistake, the difference from a beginner friendly bike and a super sport could be the difference from a good learning experience to laying in the hospital or worse. Also it is a good idea to buy somethign cheap and used, most new riders drop their bike at some point, do you really want to drop that $7,000 bike? If you buy something used and beginner friendly you will more then likely be able to sell it for the same or very little less then you bought it for. I bought a 94 Honda CBR 600F2 and have had multiple offers of 500 or more then what I paid for it.

Also, don't forget gear. Helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. denim will not hold up to sliding across pavement.

sportbikes.net is another good site.

Sign up, post in the new rider forum, and read these threads

Want a 600? Read This! - Sportbikes.net
reasons to start small - Sportbikes.net
Tips on how to be safe and stay alive. - Sportbikes.net

If you start small you can ride the bike to the end of its abilities, and not yours, and you will be a much better rider in the long run.

trey99ek · 02-26-2008, 09:18 PM

The class is worth it. Beginner or not.

**dentrecords** · 02-26-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by organiz3d_chaos

For sure take the safety course, it could save your life.

I would really recommend a Ninja 500, Gs500, a SV650, or a older 600. like others have said, you will make a mistake, the difference from a beginner friendly bike and a super sport could be the difference from a good learning experience to laying in the hospital or worse. Also it is a good idea to buy somethign cheap and used, most new riders drop their bike at some point, do you really want to drop that $7,000 bike? If you buy something used and beginner friendly you will more then likely be able to sell it for the same or very little less then you bought it for. I bought a 94 Honda CBR 600F2 and have had multiple offers of 500 or more then what I paid for it.

Also, don't forget gear. Helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. denim will not hold up to sliding across pavement.

sportbikes.net is another good site.

Sign up, post in the new rider forum, and read these threads

Want a 600? Read This! - Sportbikes.net
reasons to start small - Sportbikes.net
Tips on how to be safe and stay alive. - Sportbikes.net

If you start small you can ride the bike to the end of its abilities, and not yours, and you will be a much better rider in the long run.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trey99ek

The class is worth it. Beginner or not.

Great advice.

organiz3d_chaos · 02-26-2008, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dentrecords

Great advice.

Hey, I gotta try to keep my insurance premium down

I also hate hearing about downed riders...

confusedxpanda · 02-27-2008, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssoh87

Yes im a beginner, but im not stupid. like i said i've ridden a bike before and even if i were to lose my balance, i would brake, not gun it. its like saying if you hit a huge bump with your car, and you accidentally floor it? doesnt make sense to me. im way to cautious to ignore whats going on on the road.

Also, another way to look at it is if i get a nicer bike like a cbr or r6, then one would be even more careful and cautious not to wreck it. lets compare a geo prism to a corvette like someone mentioned. in the geo, i wouldnt care if i curbed it or had a bunch of dings and dents, but with the corvette that would be devastating. dont you guys notice that the fastest cars you see are going the slowest on the road?

the difference between the car to bike analogy is that ur surrounded in metal while a bike u dont have anything around you. I see everyhting you say on a daily basis on bike forums. Most people come and ask if they should get this and this bike and then everyone tells em to get a starter bike but then they object and promise they are safe and well maintained. honestly, at this point we can't convince you to go to a smaller bike. I guess its up to you now.

Good luck

kuziken · 02-27-2008, 08:00 AM

get a 600 and be done with it,....get some good gear and definitely take the course....enough said

07si sedan · 02-27-2008, 08:23 AM

im a new rider too. i was originally going to start on something smaller but ended up getting a 600 gixxer. so far ive only ridden it a few times. (weathers still bad) ive ridden my friends 250 and there is a ton of difference! so far ive been really careful but i do understand about what some of the others have been saying about it being less forgiving. if you do decide on getting it be extra careful and above all respect it. take it slow and wear all the gear - helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, ect. definetly take the riders course. my insurance said they would discount my insurance alittle once i took it. check around too, the community college around here offers a more advanced course too.

remz857 · 02-27-2008, 08:23 AM

bikes will never be as cool as cars

kuziken · 02-27-2008, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by remz857

bikes will never be as cool as cars

must not have rode one

***SiBill29*** · 02-27-2008, 09:10 AM

Well from being an experienced rider for about 4 years now i have seen that alot of dudes have given great advice. So i will just add to some of that. First off if you are a beginner the best thing to do by far is take the safety course. I had the chance to take them but i never did because in new jersey getting into these courses is like not impossible but you wait a long time because they always fill up real fast. Luckily i got to ride with a few experienced riders that taught me everything that i need to know. Some of them actual trainers at the safety course. I did go for lessons though for the actual test there was a company that taught you what you need to do to pass the motor vehicle test and also i rented a scooter from them to take the test. No longer new jersey will let you use a scooter and now you either have to use a 250cc bike or your own whichever you have. I saw somebody mention about gloves,helmet,jacket,boots. Pants you can wear jeans cause mostly everyone does because on the street i dont think your a moto gp star but i do see some that do so im not knocking them. I wear them when i race up at pocono race way in pa but i use a full leather suit. Next is the type of bike you want to start off with as a beginner. I started on a 600 and i think that was a wise choice by my part. If you start off with a 250 up to a 500 you will grow out of it quick so personal opinion start off right. I have also seen kids walk into a store to purchase a higher cc motorcycle, 750cc,1000,etc thinking they can handle the machine only to kill themselves in a week. The key to riding any motorcycle is that you need to respect the machine. If you don't then thats where you put your life in danger. I have had many friends go down and i have seen and helped out in many crashes. Example of some of the crashes were shattering knee caps, broken vibrates in back, severe road rash on top of my buddies back why cause he had no JACKET!!! broken wrists, legs, you get my drift. Now some of them were not respecting the bike and taking it to the next level and some were avoiding other drivers on the road from being cut off etc. So the moral of some of that is what i stated before just respect the machine and watch your surroundings like other drivers because they hate bikes and reason behind that some of the "show off" riders out there give the safe riders a bad name. I played the show off game before and im lucky to still be around doing stand ups on the highway and topping your bike out at 175 isn't all what its hyped up to be save it for the track or a empty parking lot you can mess around in with noone around. Because your not taking your own life you could be taking somebody elses as well. Ride the bike the way its suppose to be riden. Safe riding, hope all goes well, and hope some of my advice will be put to good use not just for yourself but for others. Enjoy!!

One more thing i saw you mention something about 04 05 or 05 06 bikes that your looking for.

Cbr is more of a track style bike. Handles well even better with a steering dampener but for long rides very uncomfortable but it has alot of potiental though.

Gixxer's i ride a 05 600 and absolutley love it. Long rides its great, the power is there, comes with steering dampener already built in, has all good qualities in one.

Kawa im a fan of them i saw someone mention a 636 very good bike i have a few friends that ride them. I can't shed to much on them because i never road one so maybe you can do some research.

Yamaha is a good bike. I have road both the 6 and r1 def has alot of potenital, comfort is good, handling depends on the years but nothing that a steering dampener wouldn't fix.

Ducati great bike!! but you gotta have the money to spend so thats all im going to say.

So there is some knowledge on that. Good luck

***RaskyR1*** · 02-27-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95turbodc2

all these bikes have pretty much the same throttle response. granite the "sportbikes" may have alittle more, but in reality its how you ride it. hes riden a bike before and has done fine obvisoly. like i said before, its kinda stupid to get something small and get bored of it 6 months later and want something faster and better. get a 600 and be done with it. maybe after a year or 2 get something bigger. but theres really no need to get anything smaller in my opinion.

I kind of agree with this post. Unless you are above 9000rpms the throttle response isn't that crazy on the 600's....especially the R6.

That being said I'm not going to argue that a 600 is dangerous in the hand of a beginner.

tonyv107 · 02-27-2008, 08:49 PM

^^ Wall Of Text...must Edit

liquidr1 · 02-27-2008, 09:57 PM

Well im not going to lecture you on the bike you should start on. i got my first bike when i was 18. A 2003 liquid silver Yamaha R6. Rode it for 17,000 miles. Sold it and got a new 2005 raven black Yamaha R6. I rode it until November 2005 and sold it with 8500 miles on it and purchased my 2006 Yamaha R1 in January 2006. My R1 now has 10,xxx miles on it.

What i am going to say is:

no matter which bike you go with, take the motorcycle safety course offered in your area.

Get gear, helmet, good leather gloves that cover the wrists, riding boots, leather jacket at the least.

Once you learn the basics and start pushing your bike harder through the curves (if your interesting that kind of thing) invest in a good leather suit and invest in improving your skill on a local track.

The one thing i absolutely hate is kids riding around on a stretched out blinged out bike in shorts, t-shirt, and flip flops with no helmet that think they are the shit. Have no respect for traffic around them, act stupid while riding, and try to get them selves killed.

LEARN TO RIDE THE BIKE FOR WHAT ITS MEANT FOR!!!!!!!!!!!! like me

Take it to a track day. The will teach you invaluable lessons on controlling a sportbike

Gimenez · 02-27-2008, 10:21 PM

Do not get a CBR600RR... They have very uncomfortable seats. If you want the best 600 bike, even though I am a big GSXR fan, get the R6. The R6 is probably the best 600 you can get since it's so smooth. Yamaha's Throttle technology helps you a lot... meaning messing up is more difficult. Also the R6 is the biggest in its category in size. The Yamaha 600 is also the best in looks in its class...

Like I said I am a big GSX-R fan, but if I was to buy a 600, it would be a Yamaha.

02-27-2008, 09:10 AM	#56 (permalink)
*SiBill29* Nuno,Jason,Bill at Pacha! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dirty Jerzzzzzz Age: 24 Posts: 3,118 Bill iTrader: 7 / 100%	Well from being an experienced rider for about 4 years now i have seen that alot of dudes have given great advice. So i will just add to some of that. First off if you are a beginner the best thing to do by far is take the safety course. I had the chance to take them but i never did because in new jersey getting into these courses is like not impossible but you wait a long time because they always fill up real fast. Luckily i got to ride with a few experienced riders that taught me everything that i need to know. Some of them actual trainers at the safety course. I did go for lessons though for the actual test there was a company that taught you what you need to do to pass the motor vehicle test and also i rented a scooter from them to take the test. No longer new jersey will let you use a scooter and now you either have to use a 250cc bike or your own whichever you have. I saw somebody mention about gloves,helmet,jacket,boots. Pants you can wear jeans cause mostly everyone does because on the street i dont think your a moto gp star but i do see some that do so im not knocking them. I wear them when i race up at pocono race way in pa but i use a full leather suit. Next is the type of bike you want to start off with as a beginner. I started on a 600 and i think that was a wise choice by my part. If you start off with a 250 up to a 500 you will grow out of it quick so personal opinion start off right. I have also seen kids walk into a store to purchase a higher cc motorcycle, 750cc,1000,etc thinking they can handle the machine only to kill themselves in a week. The key to riding any motorcycle is that you need to respect the machine. If you don't then thats where you put your life in danger. I have had many friends go down and i have seen and helped out in many crashes. Example of some of the crashes were shattering knee caps, broken vibrates in back, severe road rash on top of my buddies back why cause he had no JACKET!!! broken wrists, legs, you get my drift. Now some of them were not respecting the bike and taking it to the next level and some were avoiding other drivers on the road from being cut off etc. So the moral of some of that is what i stated before just respect the machine and watch your surroundings like other drivers because they hate bikes and reason behind that some of the "show off" riders out there give the safe riders a bad name. I played the show off game before and im lucky to still be around doing stand ups on the highway and topping your bike out at 175 isn't all what its hyped up to be save it for the track or a empty parking lot you can mess around in with noone around. Because your not taking your own life you could be taking somebody elses as well. Ride the bike the way its suppose to be riden. Safe riding, hope all goes well, and hope some of my advice will be put to good use not just for yourself but for others. Enjoy!! One more thing i saw you mention something about 04 05 or 05 06 bikes that your looking for. Cbr is more of a track style bike. Handles well even better with a steering dampener but for long rides very uncomfortable but it has alot of potiental though. Gixxer's i ride a 05 600 and absolutley love it. Long rides its great, the power is there, comes with steering dampener already built in, has all good qualities in one. Kawa im a fan of them i saw someone mention a 636 very good bike i have a few friends that ride them. I can't shed to much on them because i never road one so maybe you can do some research. Yamaha is a good bike. I have road both the 6 and r1 def has alot of potenital, comfort is good, handling depends on the years but nothing that a steering dampener wouldn't fix. Ducati great bike!! but you gotta have the money to spend so thats all im going to say. So there is some knowledge on that. Good luck __________________ North East Crew #29

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02-26-2008, 07:06 PM	#41 (permalink)
ssoh87 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Denver, CO Age: 22 Posts: 224 Sunny iTrader: 0 / 0%	ok enough with the bickering. i was put in my place and i appreciate that...really. now my main issue is whether or not to take the class. i read the summary of the basic training course, and it talks about basic clutch and braking techniques, which i feel that i have a pretty strong understanding for and know how to do it. i dont wanna spend 250 bucks to learn things that i already know. what do you guys think?

02-26-2008, 07:19 PM	#42 (permalink)
95turbodc2 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: philly Posts: 82 iTrader: 0 / 0%	im assuming your in denver, pa right?? if you are pa offers the motorcycle training course for free. i took it. i wa already riding for over a year before i took it so to me it sucked cause i already had experience. but for someone that doesnt have as much experience i suggest taking it. it teaches you many "little" things that you wouldnt think of on your own. if i recall if you tell your insurance company you completed the course, they give you a discount.

02-26-2008, 07:54 PM	#44 (permalink)
Seemund Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,587 iTrader: 2 / 100%	I did not take the course.. I don't ride either.. But.. I HEARD A LOT A LOT A LOT of experienced riders saying: TAKE THE CLASS.. its REALLY important go to sportbikes.com newbie forum.. and read

02-26-2008, 07:54 PM	#45 (permalink)
Seemund Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,587 iTrader: 2 / 100%	even if you don't agree with the experienced riders.. please read

02-26-2008, 08:16 PM	#46 (permalink)
civsnake Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pasadena. South of the 210. Age: 26 Posts: 2,381 English Classassin iTrader: 1 / 100%	One of the goods things about the course is that it gives you a chance to learn without risking your own bike. They have little 250s that you will ride around a parking lot doing a whole lot of low speed maneuvering. If you happen to dump the bike it's not that big a deal. They'll also make you think about and practice for situations you may not think of on your own, all while in a controlled environment. Bottom line is yeah, everyone should take it, but most don't. I didn't, but that's because I don't want to give up a weekend to take the class.

02-26-2008, 08:17 PM	#47 (permalink)
organiz3d_chaos Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Loveland, OH Age: 24 Posts: 1,818 Billy iTrader: 3 / 100%	For sure take the safety course, it could save your life. I would really recommend a Ninja 500, Gs500, a SV650, or a older 600. like others have said, you will make a mistake, the difference from a beginner friendly bike and a super sport could be the difference from a good learning experience to laying in the hospital or worse. Also it is a good idea to buy somethign cheap and used, most new riders drop their bike at some point, do you really want to drop that $7,000 bike? If you buy something used and beginner friendly you will more then likely be able to sell it for the same or very little less then you bought it for. I bought a 94 Honda CBR 600F2 and have had multiple offers of 500 or more then what I paid for it. Also, don't forget gear. Helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. denim will not hold up to sliding across pavement. sportbikes.net is another good site. Sign up, post in the new rider forum, and read these threads Want a 600? Read This! - Sportbikes.net reasons to start small - Sportbikes.net Tips on how to be safe and stay alive. - Sportbikes.net If you start small you can ride the bike to the end of its abilities, and not yours, and you will be a much better rider in the long run.

02-26-2008, 09:18 PM	#48 (permalink)
trey99ek Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 88 iTrader: 2 / 100%	The class is worth it. Beginner or not.

02-27-2008, 08:00 AM	#52 (permalink)
kuziken Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: cburg,,PA Age: 30 Posts: 643 iTrader: 5 / 100%	get a 600 and be done with it,....get some good gear and definitely take the course....enough said

02-27-2008, 08:23 AM	#53 (permalink)
07si sedan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dsm IA Posts: 860 iTrader: 1 / 100%	im a new rider too. i was originally going to start on something smaller but ended up getting a 600 gixxer. so far ive only ridden it a few times. (weathers still bad) ive ridden my friends 250 and there is a ton of difference! so far ive been really careful but i do understand about what some of the others have been saying about it being less forgiving. if you do decide on getting it be extra careful and above all respect it. take it slow and wear all the gear - helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, ect. definetly take the riders course. my insurance said they would discount my insurance alittle once i took it. check around too, the community college around here offers a more advanced course too.

02-27-2008, 08:23 AM	#54 (permalink)
remz857 Senior Member Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chicago Age: 19 Posts: 710 Jim iTrader: 0 / 0%	bikes will never be as cool as cars

02-27-2008, 08:49 PM	#58 (permalink)
tonyv107 Senior Member Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 521 iTrader: 0 / 0%	^^ Wall Of Text...must Edit

02-27-2008, 09:57 PM	#59 (permalink)
liquidr1 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Greensboro NC Age: 25 Posts: 3,572 Dustin iTrader: 2 / 100%	Well im not going to lecture you on the bike you should start on. i got my first bike when i was 18. A 2003 liquid silver Yamaha R6. Rode it for 17,000 miles. Sold it and got a new 2005 raven black Yamaha R6. I rode it until November 2005 and sold it with 8500 miles on it and purchased my 2006 Yamaha R1 in January 2006. My R1 now has 10,xxx miles on it. What i am going to say is: no matter which bike you go with, take the motorcycle safety course offered in your area. Get gear, helmet, good leather gloves that cover the wrists, riding boots, leather jacket at the least. Once you learn the basics and start pushing your bike harder through the curves (if your interesting that kind of thing) invest in a good leather suit and invest in improving your skill on a local track. The one thing i absolutely hate is kids riding around on a stretched out blinged out bike in shorts, t-shirt, and flip flops with no helmet that think they are the shit. Have no respect for traffic around them, act stupid while riding, and try to get them selves killed. LEARN TO RIDE THE BIKE FOR WHAT ITS MEANT FOR!!!!!!!!!!!! like me Take it to a track day. The will teach you invaluable lessons on controlling a sportbike

02-27-2008, 10:21 PM	#60 (permalink)
Gimenez Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 1,139 Luis Gimenez iTrader: 0 / 0%	Do not get a CBR600RR... They have very uncomfortable seats. If you want the best 600 bike, even though I am a big GSXR fan, get the R6. The R6 is probably the best 600 you can get since it's so smooth. Yamaha's Throttle technology helps you a lot... meaning messing up is more difficult. Also the R6 is the biggest in its category in size. The Yamaha 600 is also the best in looks in its class... Like I said I am a big GSX-R fan, but if I was to buy a 600, it would be a Yamaha.