Big Boy needs bike advice

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SuperRookie · Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:14 am

Hey Sev, I was going to go out on a limb and suggest maybe on older model Katana...Should I be flogged???

#12 Unread post by **Sev** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:16 am

I can't think of a good reason to. Did you want to be flogged?

swatter555 · Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:23 am

I tend to warn people of the risks, rather than tell them not to get a certain bike. Its all a matter of risk. Riding on a motorcycle is inherently risky. Learning on a GSX-R 1000 is highly risky. Not that learning on a liter bike is a death sentence or anything, its just that damage to bike or person is so much more likely.

As far as 600cc sportbikes go, they are not the easiest bikes to learn on. At the same time, lots of people do successfully learn to ride on 600cc bikes. Certainly a 600 isnt on the same level of scary as a liter bike, and with some restraint a person can be successful. If a person can truly appreciate the risks, I mean truly, then start on whatever bike you want.

Having said that, I would recommend someone to start on a used bike that isnt financed. Chances are that while your learning you will have at least a minor spill or two. Minor spills are no minor matter on a full faired sportbike.

On a side note, if you have friends that recommend learning how to ride on a 1000cc sportbike, you need new friends.

BigPatt · #14 Unread post by **BigPatt** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:30 am

Thanks guys, exactly the advice I'm looking for, looks like i hang with some BIG DUMMIES

#15 Unread post by **Jamers!** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:50 am

BigPatt wrote:I would prefer a sportbike. This is all great advice. How about a 600cc bike?

Sevulturus wrote:500cc, not 600

ya, i agree. 250-500 is best for a starting biker. If your smart about it and safe you might be able to handle a 600. BUt i would advise a 500

JWF

#16 Unread post by **Kal** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:58 pm

AQs I noted on another post here regarding girly 600cc's

MCN raced the '06 R6 against an R1 round a circuit, time trials with conditions as identical as they could be. (Rider etc etc)

The R6 was a second quicker than its full litre cousin. 600cc Sportsbikes aer exactly that. They are the real deal sportsbikes in their own right.

#17 Unread post by **Sev** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:59 pm

swatter555 wrote:I tend to warn people of the risks, rather than tell them not to get a certain bike. Its all a matter of risk. Riding on a motorcycle is inherently risky. Learning on a GSX-R 1000 is highly risky. Not that learning on a liter bike is a death sentence or anything, its just that damage to bike or person is so much more likely.

I'm past saying that someone is more likely to get hurt or damage their bike if they start big. They've heard the stats, they know how dangerous it is. What is important to remember is that the riders who start on a small bike and learn to wring every ounce of speed out of the bike will be the better rider. When you need to scrape pegs and pull stoppies to get going the fastest you'll be a way better rider.

And we all want to be great riders right? Or do we just want to look cool?

jmillheiser · Wed Jan 25, 2006 2:20 pm

a 500cc bike is a good starting point for most people. If you want something a tad bigger than a 650 twin (SV650 comes to mind) or milder 600 (600 katana) are also resonably forgiving for sportbikes, and most certainly not slow.

SuperRookie · Wed Jan 25, 2006 2:26 pm

We wanna be great riders AND look cool

#20 Unread post by **Sev** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 2:56 pm

Great riders do look cool no matter what bike they're on.

i could care less about the guys that just want to own a cool bike.