Scared Silly

[swatter555]

I will be the first to admit that some people enter this sport almost with a deathwish. On a daily basis I see college age males doing 50 over the limit on high traffic streets. The street in front of my house has a posted speed of 55, and it is high traffic most of the time. Yet, that doesnt stop these guys from risking their lives and others lives by just driving plain stupid.

Yet, I think we a trying to scare new-comers a bit too much, but certainly for all the right reasons. Ive ridden once or twice before so I kinda knew what to expect, but reading forums such as this almost scared me away completely. But there is something thing that new people should know: its that with a properly screwed on head, experience, and awareness- you can be safe. Sometimes, in the rush to warn newcomers, you forget to tell us that.

Ill relate a little story to you that happened to me today that I think illustrates this point. I was riding passenger on my brother's ZX-9 on the Ortega Highway, a unique first time experience to say the least. It was the first or second time I have ever ridden on the back of a motorcycle, so you could say I held on pretty hard. Anyway, I was scared out of my mind on the way up, but was actually able to pay attention to what was going on, on the way down. My brother has ridden sport bikes for a very long time, so I got to see first hand that experience and good decisions can make even tricky rides pretty safe. After seeing my bro ride with such skill, my initial fear has abated a little.

I dont think I will ever forget that trip today, because I doubt that anything from here on out will seem as fast (they said they took it slow, lol).

[Sev]

That sounds like a pretty normal first experience. I've yet to ride on the back of a high powered sportsbike (I've been on a goldwing, marauder, and a maxim) and I hope that I never have to. The thought of being on one and not being in control makes me want to freak out.

It's WAY more fun when you're at the controls. I'd suggest starting on something smaller then a zx-9 though ;)

[swatter555]

Ya, Im very close to getting a SV650. Even though I am a shade critical of the fear of the newb boards, my head is definately screwed on straight, and part of that has to do with the great guys on these boards.

Ok, go ahead and scare us, but let us know more often that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Though I have to agree, with what little I have seen of the sport bike world, a whole lot of people have no business on a bike.

And yeah, riding on the back of a ZX-9 is a raw adrenaline experience, especially on those mountain roads. Next time, though, Ill stick to being a passenger on a big and comfortable cruiser.

[Gummiente]

Ok, go ahead and scare us

Try not to think of it that way. The intent for most people here (from what I've seen in my short membership period, anyway) is to help, not to hinder. There's a lot of experience to be gleaned from a lot of people who've "been there, done that" and sometimes that can result in a scary story or two being posted. But the idea is to serve as a warning for others so that they don't make the same mistake. You'll also find that recurring themes are present here, namely "take the CSC/MSF course", "don't buy a powerful bike as your first ride" and "wear proper riding gear". We all want newbies to become experienced riders, not statistics. You can't ride with a statistic.

BTW, some of us don't view motorcycling as a "sport". To me, a sport implies that the participants are running around all dressed in spandex and lycra while competing against each other for a prize or trophy. You do NOT want to see me in spandex and I'm too old to compete in anything but a race to the washroom after a few cups of coffee. I prefer the term "lifestyle" myself when describing the world of motorcycles.

[Sev]

I wouldn't mind seeing gymnasts in leather

That being said, are you sure you want an SV650? Have you sat on one? To me every time I try it out it makes me think they couldn't make up their minds as to whether they want you to lean forward or sit up straight. The pegs are underneath you, but the handlebars are out front, and make you lean over. It feels to me like the pegs should be up behind me about an inch up and back. Or the bars need to be raised an inch or two.

Have you considered a Kawasaki ninja?

[TheReaper]

I kind of agree with Swatter on this one, it seems like some of the posts are meant to be just downright scary. But I also can see that the repitativeness of the questions asked has led to some rather short blunt answers that don't always convey the right message. So, it's a two way street.

If your looking for a naked street bike check out the other manufacturers. Thay all have one in some style. Kawasakis is a 750, so I don't know about starting on that, but I've heard it's really laid back and tame. Just what I've heard though, no experience. Yamaha's has a sportbike look and feel like the SV650s but a more upright seating position.

Anyone know if Honda still makes their's in the 600? For some reason as I'm typing this I'm thinking they don't. Anyways, theres was relatively traditional, similar to the SV650, not the s version.

[Sev]

I kind of agree with Swatter on this one, it seems like some of the posts are meant to be just downright scary. But I also can see that the repitativeness of the questions asked has led to some rather short blunt answers that don't always convey the right message. So, it's a two way street.

If your looking for a naked street bike check out the other manufacturers. Thay all have one in some style. Kawasakis is a 750, so I don't know about starting on that, but I've heard it's really laid back and tame. Just what I've heard though, no experience. Yamaha's has a sportbike look and feel like the SV650s but a more upright seating position.

Anyone know if Honda still makes their's in the 600? For some reason as I'm typing this I'm thinking they don't. Anyways, theres was relatively traditional, similar to the SV650, not the s version.

Actually they do, I own one. And you do not want it for a first bike. Trust me. It uses the '96 R6 engine as a base with smaller carbs and slightly detuned. It still pops out about 95 hp and 45 ft/lbs of torque. It blew me away first couple of rides. And I've got 4000km on my old bike an LS650.

The brakes seem about the same, but the engine response is just nuts. I cannot even imagine what a tuned bike would do.

I honestly do not believe that the current crop of naked 600's make good starter bikes. They have a LOT of power, VERY quick response to inputs and a relatively top heavy design. I think that anyone would be better off starting on someting a little less... well powerful. I think they're awsome second bikes though.

Having said that I'm going to have a bunch of people jump up and say, "I think they're great to start on." But the fact is there's no reason for a starter to need 60+hp on a bike, especially considering the lack of 4 wheels to stabilize. My old LS650 could outpull a mustang to the speed limit, and it was a 33hp single cylinder bike. I learned to ride on it, and have actually ridden it to it's limits. Max acceleration, turning hard enough to scrape the pegs everything. I did that for 4000km and then upgraded.

I'm so glad that I started on a smaller bike. Because riding this one, even knowing what I was doing... jeepers, it's not that easy. In fact it's been downright tough to get used to.

[TheReaper]

You know, I think everyone says their first bike is the best starter bike regardless of what it is. I find it a bit humorous. As I was looking I found plenty of rider reviews and anyone who had a 1st bike and had success on it said it was an awesome starter bike. Just find that funny.

I hear what you're saying sevulturus. Even these nakeds have lots of power. My FZ has been a decent starter bike for me, but that doesn't mean it's been a good starter bike for everyone. That also doesn't mean I didn't push it by getting a 600 for a starter bike, I know I did. But again, that was a decision I went entered into with my eyes wide open.

I think the biggst thing I drew from all the posts I read before I bought was know what you're getting and be aware of potential risks with that size of bike.

[ronboskz650sr]

Chris and I were discussing starter bikes for Pam (my wife) and Jessica (daughter) yesterday. It's interesting that you mention fear. As we talked we really came to the conclusion that Mom won't be getting a bike. She's just afraid. It's pretty simple, really. She can't learn because she's overcome with the fear of falling over. She rides a bicycle just fine.

Some folks will never ride due to fear. If it really is fear, and not just a healthy respect for the risks, folks would do well to consider a different pastime. Just my .02 on it. You see, none of what I've read here ever scared me. It's just information, and I truly believe the writers intend it that way.

I realize you probably are saying the same thing with slightly different wording. I just wnted to go on record as thinking true fear has no business on the seat of a motorcycle. I think everyone here who's still riding would agree that nothing really "scares" us, it's just momentary distraction, accompanied by adrenaline rush as needed to deal with the situation. After it's all over, there was no time to be scared, just got real busy for a few seconds.

[Sev]

You know, I think everyone says their first bike is the best starter bike regardless of what it is. I find it a bit humorous. As I was looking I found plenty of rider reviews and anyone who had a 1st bike and had success on it said it was an awesome starter bike. Just find that funny.

I hear what you're saying sevulturus. Even these nakeds have lots of power. My FZ has been a decent starter bike for me, but that doesn't mean it's been a good starter bike for everyone. That also doesn't mean I didn't push it by getting a 600 for a starter bike, I know I did. But again, that was a decision I went entered into with my eyes wide open.

I think the biggst thing I drew from all the posts I read before I bought was know what you're getting and be aware of potential risks with that size of bike.

I never said that my bike was the best starter bike. In fact I wish that I'd learned on a UJM or ninja or something. Because I had a lot of bad habits as a result of the very relaxed steering on my LS650 when I switched to the 599. In fact I spent the first part of my ride swerving around a fair bit because I used to make little shifts in my arm position to alleviate strain. This didn't do anything on the Savage, but on the Hornet... it was a big thing. A UJM, or smaller sportsbike would have better prepared me for that sort of thing.