New rider, a few questions

[iwannadie]

Also, it sounds like comfort is a high-priority on your list, that sounds practical. The fact is, hyper bikes like the Hyabusa and ZX-12 arent that comfortable either. Look how the riders have to hunch forward. That will get uncomfortable quick.

well the busa is supposed to be pretty comfortable. But the seating position is not for a beginner. he will end up leaning forward with all his weight on the handle bars. first bump in the road and wham the steering is upset. or the bike will handle like garbage cause of the weight on the bars.

[shane-o]

Lemme tell you, if I could afford it, I would be ordering a $90k custom chopper from OCC in New York or the Martin Bros in Dallas, but the financing is about $1000 a month for the next 500 years, so...

As far as the Hayabusa comment from the Aussie poster above...not really sure what you mean by that, but if you are hinting that I couldn't afford one, you are wrong on that. But if thats not what you meant then I don't know.

The GS500F actually doesn't seem all that bad. It has the styling that appeals to me and it happens to be a "beginner" bike. I'm curious as to the performance numbers for that bike. Anyone know? Thanks for the post total. Now I'm off to catch some prices on these.

~006

I was just being my usuall sarcastic self mate


Look, Im not suggesting everyone should do what I do,

but mate,

seriously,

do ya reckon its kosha to go out an buy the fastest streel legal, hyper sport ya can find gsx1300r (zx14 maybe faster not sure) for ya first bike??? I mean common, ya not serious are ya, ya just pulling our chains I bet


As someone has already pointed out, ya gunna look like a di.ck on it dood, peeps are gunna look at ya rear tyre and see that it has no wear marks on the sides and they are gunna laugh at ya, guys on much lesser bikes are going to out ride you with ease, and it will be embarrasing.


Just cause ya can afford it doesnt mean you should do it


Stay safe

[006]

What do you mean by the tires? I'm guessing it has something to do with how amateurs ride at first or something? I was seriously considering the busa at first until I really talked to some people and the idea of having that power is just dumb. I mean, I knew this before, but I would rather be a little uncomfortable than to have the ability to abuse the bike's limits. After speaking to a lot of dealers and people around town and a guy at a gas station that had one...I think I will go with a gsxr600. The general opinion is that it can be a great starter bike as long as the rider is willing to be responsible with it. The gas mileage is better than the GS500F that I was considering before, and it's a bike that I won't have to toss and upgrade to a better one once I'm a little experienced. I know the 600 has some power behind it, and it will take a lot more dedication to being careful when learning. But I think I'm capable of it.

The guy I talked to has only been riding for a month and a half and he started with the 600. He said that he had kind of done the same thing I was planning on doing. He started by just riding around his neighborhood, then eventually city streets with low traffic. Then higher traffic city streets. And earlier this week he started going on the highways. He said if I got one, I need to take it very slow for the first month, even though I'll be comfortable with operating it after the first couple of days probably. The 06 GSX-R600's don't come in around here until the end of November, or at least the next shipment anyway. Thats when I plan on getting one. Thoughts?

Also, whats the general cost on a helmet? $100-200? Where is a great source of info for maintaining my future bike?

~006

[CNF2002]

I paid 130 for my helmet. Scorpion 400, comfortable enough but then again I have no frame of reference as it's the only helmet I have owned. Don't forget the other gear! I also ride my bike to work in the Texas heat. I have a mesh jacket with armor that lets the air flow through, but with a zipin lining so it will be warmer in the wintertime (or I should say the not-as-hot time). I usually ride with my boots but again since I ride to work I found some nice dress shoes that have a thick sole and aggressive tread on them so I don't slip on the oily roads. And motorcycle gloves - not just for safety my hands get sunburned pretty quick without them. Buy the helmet at a dealer and try several on and find a knowledgable salesperson to help you find one that fits right, I had to try a few before I found one that worked for me. Dont worry about the price as much as how comfortable it is but you shouldnt pay more than 200 for a decent one.

For maintenance I would find a factory service manual for the bike. You can buy one directly from the manufacturer, off of several websites, or ebay if you're lucky.

[Pongo]

The guy I talked to has only been riding for a month and a half and he started with the 600. He said that he had kind of done the same thing I was planning on doing. He started by just riding around his neighborhood, then eventually city streets with low traffic. Then higher traffic city streets. And earlier this week he started going on the highways. He said if I got one, I need to take it very slow for the first month, even though I'll be comfortable with operating it after the first couple of days probably. The 06 GSX-R600's don't come in around here until the end of November, or at least the next shipment anyway. Thats when I plan on getting one. Thoughts?

I don't think any of the race replicas are beginner bikes. GS500F or smaller is a far more sensible starting point. Anyways those are my thoughts.

[swatter555]

Your a big boy, you after all are the one who has to live with your decision. Im glad you think getting a Busa is dumb- because it is.

Now, for the love of god, get a set of full leathers or textile. It can be two piece, a full suit isnt needed. You also need riding boots and gloves.

Also, be careful about who you ride with, this advice will save your life.

[TechTMW]

What do you mean by the tires? I'm guessing it has something to do with how amateurs ride at first or something?

Yes. People who start out on top heavy sportbikes with too much power usually don't learn how to ride properly. Not only does their low speed handling suck (figure 8's and the like) but they don't learn to trust the bike - hence they don't learn how to properly take a curve. They wear out the center of the tire (only) because they are afraid to lean the bike over. But they sure do go fast in a straight line

I mean, I knew this before, but I would rather be a little uncomfortable than to have the ability to abuse the bike's limits.

I don't understand what you mean by this? If you don't think that a 100+hp motorcycle has insane and abusable power, you have another thing coming... Here's the simple truth. You don't have the ability to abuse the limits of a Ninja 250. Because you have no experience. I would wager that after a year on the 600 you will still not be able to abuse the limits of a 250. Nor even reach the bike's potential. It's like a 5 year old going to the 6th grade. You haven't even been to kindergarten yet!

The guy I talked to has only been riding for a month and a half and he started with the 600.... Thoughts?
~006

Thoughts ... It's good that you are listening to the voice of experience.

If you take nothing else from this forum, please take at least this: attend the MSF Basic Riders Course.

P.S. - New helmets are anywhere from $50-$800. You MUST try the helmet on and go with what fits you best. The helmet must be snug but not tight. Get something that's DOT approved.

[Mintbread]

Thoughts?

Man killed in motorcycle accident outside home

This story was published Wednesday, September 7th, 2005

By Mary Hopkin, Herald staff writer

A 23-year-old Kennewick man died Tuesday after driving his brand-new motorcycle through the fence of his Kennewick apartment complex.

Aaron C. Fouts was driving a 2005 Buell motorcycle he had just purchased that morning westbound on Kennewick Avenue and lost control when he attempted to turn into the driveway of Desert Brook Apartments.

Officer Dion Mason of the Kennewick Police Department said details on the accident are sketchy because there were no witnesses.

Mason said it appeared Fouts failed to make the turn into the complex about 4 p.m. and the motorcycle jumped the curb onto the sidewalk before plowing through the cross-hatched fence and hitting a tree in a landscaped area in front of Desert Brook.




"He suffered major blunt trauma to the left side of his body," Mason said.

The tree was about 50 feet from Frank Robinson's apartment, but as Robinson watched Kennewick police officers investigating the accident scene, he said he didn't hear anything when the crash occurred.

"I was on my computer and had a headset on," Robinson said. "I didn't know anything had happened until some neighbors pulled out and came back in."

Those neighbors spotted Fouts and the motorcycle laying in the grassy area littered with the splintered wood fence rails and told apartment manager Dave Jansen, who called 911. Jansen said he didn't hear the accident either.

Mason said Fouts, who was wearing a helmet, was given CPR at the accident scene and was taken to Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco, where he was pronounced dead.

[swatter555]

Lets keep it constructive, no need to scare him. We gave him the best advice we could and he made his decision. Thats what we are here for.

[Mintbread]

I am not trying to scare anyone. This is what happens when inexperience and too much bike meet.
All of this affects me through insurance and registration costs and constantly being told by friends and family that another motorcyclist has been killed every time it happens.