My first ride on a literbike

[JC Viper]

I hear the new Hayabusa is pretty well mannered, still damn quick though. Same goes for the Kawasaki ZX-14 though it gets pretty heavy at low speeds.

[x0054]

Just got a new R1, it is pretty scary to ride, but you get used to it quick, it's a well behaved bike. You guys have to remember that the bike will only go as fast as you would like it to, just keep it under control.

The bike is mental in terms of it's speed, I agree, but at the same time, you can you can take it easy and it will be nice to you. On the other hand I learned by my self how to ride on a 600 FZR, so my risk tolerance is quite high. But again, with a liter bike, be nice to it and it'll be nice to you.

- Bogdan

[kabob983]

Just got a new R1, it is pretty scary to ride, but you get used to it quick, it's a well behaved bike. You guys have to remember that the bike will only go as fast as you would like it to, just keep it under control.

The bike is mental in terms of it's speed, I agree, but at the same time, you can you can take it easy and it will be nice to you. On the other hand I learned by my self how to ride on a 600 FZR, so my risk tolerance is quite high. But again, with a liter bike, be nice to it and it'll be nice to you.

- Bogdan

The day you get "used to the R1" is the day you'll make a mistake. You can get confidence but get overconfident and that thing will bit ya in the backside!!

I take it the R1 is not your first bike??

As for TKDean, SV1000 doesn't produce the horsepower of an I-4 literbike but the torque is ferocious. I bought an SV650 yesterday and it's a good deal more peppy than my EX500, no comparison between the two. I know you wanna move to something bigger and I too figured I should go ahead and buy a supersport or something since I don't know if I'll be able to afford a new bike in a few years, but look around. I found my bike at a ridiculous price ($3200 and it looks just about brand new). My advice is don't get something way ahead of your skill level. SV1000 is not a bike for new riders.

I'm gonna be "one of those guys" and say SV650, I think you'll find it's power much more to your liking and I HIGHLY doubt you'll get bored of it anytime soon.

[DivideOverflow]

In reading through this thread, I felt compared to add my 2 cents to the SV650 thing..

Congrats on your purchase! Granted, it might not be a huge step up from your ex500 (Kabob), but I'll just share my experience with the subject. It is enough of a difference to keep you happy for a some time.

My buddy has an SV650 track bike. He paid $2100 or something low like that for it, with a full fox suspension (fully adjustable), adjustable rearsets, clip ons, and an aftermarket pipe. He runs it at Jennings (a track in North Florida), and has drastically improved his times where he is keeping up and in a lot of cases passing and beating many 600cc RR bikes. His is geared for acceleration, so it tops out at 120mph, but it gets there fast!! Excellent midrange, and it cuts corners like a champ.

Even better, when not at the track, he throws on the stock handlebars, lowers the rearsets, has a corbin seat, and it is GREAT for real world riding. I just borrowed it for a 300 mile ride to St. Augustine (and back) today, since I just sold my Ducati, and it was waay more tolerable than my Ducati for long rides, and just street riding in general.

I had initially underestimated that bike, but with the right setup, it is definitely a competant track tool, as well as an excellent streetbike. I'm seriously contemplating picking one up.. The best thing is that there are so many of them, they are cheap! Aftermarket support is huge, too.

So, coming off my Ducati, I was so impressed with my buddies SV650, that I'm seriously thinking about picking one up. That bike has a lot of room for growth with the owner. If you think you have surpassed the bike, send me a video of your track session with it and I'll be the judge.

Pic of friend's SV650: