New rider, a few questions

Message

006 · #1 Unread post by **006** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 10:03 am

Ok, I am very interested in getting a motorcycle very soon. I've been stuck on Suzuki for quite a while now. Most notably, the GSX-R series. I really like the looks and numbers on the Hayabusa, but the 750 seems more like a bike that I *should* get. I was told by friends that ride that the Hayabusa will be much more comfy for me because of it's weight, however, I know what kind of powerhouse it is and I don't want the opportunity to abuse it just because it's there. I will never race with whatever I get. I won't be modifying it, or anything like that. It will stay stock and the engine will not be ragged out.

I plan on starting off just riding whatever I get on the weekends until I get confident enough to go anywhere with it. Then it will be my daily driver to and from work. I've looked at new bikes at dealers, used ones on eBay, and used ones in the local Cycle Trader magazine. So far my best bet is to finance one through a dealer, but that means more money since it would be brand new.

Just curious what anyone thought of my choices so far on this, heh.

~006

DJGroove · #2 Unread post by **DJGroove** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 10:25 am

Quick question: Have you ridden motorcycles before?

If the answer is some form of "no":
I know what everyone else is going to say, and I agree with them.

basshole · #3 Unread post by **basshole** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 10:28 am

Welcome!!! I'm sorta in the same boat as you. Here in So Cal there aren't a whole lot of "cost effective previously owned" bikes floating around and interest rates on used bikes is ridiculous! If you plan on keeping you bike for awhile, (as I intend to do) I would take advantage of some of the great financing options the mfg's are floating around right now. Who's knows how much longer cheap money will be around so why not make it as painless as possible and get a new ride!

iwannadie · Fri Sep 30, 2005 10:38 am

all other issues aside, if you think your going to finance a 13000$ motorcycle then actually afford the insurance you might want to call a local insurance person and just utter the words 'hayabusa' and 'loan', see how fast you hang the phone up honestly. not to mention tires every what 4000 miles? valve checks etc will cost you a small fortune to keep the bike running for a year. but of course you wont worry about that because it will be scrap metal in a few hundred yards in your control....

if your worried about weight(why you want a heavy bike is beyond me) get a katana it weighs about the same as the busa.

Wizzard · #5 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 12:31 pm

Welcome to the forums ~006.
Regards , Wizzard

006 · #6 Unread post by **006** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 12:34 pm

I have a lot of friends that have been riding for years. They have all offered to teach me how to operate the bike, and I also will be taking the state's motorcycle course to get my license. In other words...no I have never operated a motorcycle, and I don't plan on being very gung-ho about it. My objective is not to kill myself with this thing. I plan on about two weeks of driving it around the neighborhood and surrounding streets (which have little to no traffic, but offer a very nice variety of what I'll encounter in more populated areas.) I have seen a lot of things involving motorcycles as far as what happens when you are reckless with them, I don't want to be a part of that.

The reason for the weight of the bike being heavy would be the higher center of gravity. As I'm told, it would be a much more comfy rider than a lighter bike such as the 600 or even the 750. But, I was also told that the 750 is probably a good starter bike for me specifically. From what I understand the GSX-R1000 and the Hayabusa are almost identical in specs, and that would mean that I would have to be one careful person to get one as my first.

To be honest, I don't like the Katanas, the Honda CBRs, the Yamaha R's, any of those. The only other bikes that I can kind of be interested in are Ducati bikes. Those are a bit on the expensive side for what I would want. After doing some research, I have found out that the Suzuki GSX-R series is one of the hottest on the market right now, with the 1000 being one of the top selling for a while now. Dealers can get 2 or 3 at a time and there are people waiting next to the trucks when they arrive ready to buy them. That is another reason Suzuki appeals to me. I think either the Hayabusa or the 750 will be my choice, but what I'm wondering is how much of a difference is between the two. I mean, other than the obvious performance and looks, can someone compare them to me in an easier way than looking back and forth on Suzuki's site? The insurance isn't really a problem. Although I am a first time rider, I have 0 accidents and 0 traffic violations on my record and have been driving for about 7 years now, not including the underage driving I was doing before I got my license. I drive an 02 Chevy Corvette convertible that is a little tweaked, had it for 2 years now and not once had a problem controlling my speed in it. I don't ever have the urge to floor it or anything either, I know it's a fast "O Ring" car, but I didn't really get it for that. I got it because it's a very nice automobile. The insurance is high because of my age, but my record disproves the age argument and speeding.

Man, this is a big deal.

~006[/i]

TechTMW · #7 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 1:13 pm

006 wrote: Just curious what anyone thought of my choices so far on this, heh.

Man, this is a big deal.
~006[/i]

You asked for opinions. You're getting them - what's the big deal about that?

We have experience. You don't.

It's great that your friends have experience, but guess what - People who learn to ride from friends are more likely to get into accidents (Hurt Report)

Did you even bother to read the sticky at the top of this forum?

It doesn't matter what you get, Hyabusa or 750 - they are both very poor choices for a beginning rider. Even the hardcore sportbike people think so -

http://www.sportbikes.ws/showthread.php ... ge=1&pp=15

If you don't want honest opinions, please don't ask for them.

It's very good that you understand that being reckless with a motorcycle can be dangerous. This, however, is only half the equasion. You could be the most docile rider in the world - but if you don't have a solid foundation you will not be able to handle the motorcycle in any kind of emergency situation. The best way to develop this instinct for survival - this foundation - is to begin with a bike that alows you to develop your skill without the added stress of avoiding power-related mistakes that could be very harmful.

You mention that if you got a Hyabusa you would have to be very careful - Same goes for the 750 man - The power on that bike is no joke. Now let me ask you - When you go out for a pleasurable drive in your Corvette, are you worried about being very careful? Probably not - you are just out there enjoying the drive. So why the hell would you want to spend all your time on your new bike worrying about being careful? Doesn't it make more sense to learn the basics of riding without having this added stress?

#8 Unread post by **9000white** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 1:30 pm

the Kawasaki ZX14 is the way to go.

006 · #9 Unread post by **006** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 1:52 pm

I only meant that my current situation is a big deal for me. And I do want honest opinions, believe me.

And about my friends, a couple of them actually teach the courses for the state. But I do see your point and it is a valid one. This is a rare case where the friends of a potential motorcycle owner actually teach the safety courses madated by the state. Before you say it, yes they did recommend a much less powerful bike for my first. What is a good bike for me to start off with then?

~006

shane-o · #10 Unread post by **shane-o** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 1:53 pm

9000white wrote:the Kawasaki ZX14 is the way to go.

lol