Am I ready for a sport bike?

[The Grinch]

It'll be just the like the break-in period on my EX500 where I didn't do above 4500 rpm for the first 600 miles. If I could keep the EX below 4500, I don't see why I can do the same on a 600.

[flynrider]

The risk when moving up is not that you will tear around at unreasonably high speeds. The 600 sportbike is going to be more twitchy in both the "stop" and "go" modes. On the 500, inadvertently adding too much throttle is not a huge deal. On the sportbike, the same move may net you a wheelie. Conversly, grabbing a handful of the 500's brake when the car pulls in front of you, might result in a little squealing and skidding. On the sportbike, you can easily launch yourself over the bars.

So, when moving up the idea is to cautiously get a feel for the more sensitive throttle and brakes. It's an ongoing process that you'll start when you first fire up the sportbike. The point is that you need to keep these things in mind until you've mastered the feel of the extra performance.

[VermilionX]

just pay for delivery if you're worried about riding it home.

that's what i did and then i practiced on our driveway, then parking lots, then streets, then freeways, then hopefully in the near future, i get to practice on tracks.

[rodzbike]

the rule I always heard was that when you lose respect/fear of the power your bike puts out, it's ok to move up. My Gixxer still can scare me to death, so I know I don't want to go to the 1000. Just my 2 cents.

[The Grinch]

I picked the F4i up from the dealer this morning after a mostly sleepless night thinking about what could go wrong. It's been almost a year since I sold my EX500 and last rode, so I was hoping for the best but expecting the worst.

I needn't have worried. Instead of the raging tiger I was half expecting, the F4i turned out to be a real pussycat and I had no trouble at all handling it on the 10 mile ride home, which included two canyon roads with twisty sections.

The difference between the F4i and my old EX500 is really amazing. The new bike is so much smoother and easier handling that it's like driving a Civic for years and then upgrading to a BMW.

[VermilionX]

congrats on the f4i!

what color?

and... pics NOW!

[The Grinch]

Silver. Sorry about the lack of pix, but those will have to wait until I get my camera back from the repair shop.

[shawnhpi]

yeah congrats on the new F4i

I started out about 2 years ago.. but i jumped right into a 600 (96 fzr 600).. I tought my self how to ride with no ridin exp at all. and no exp riders around me (i know so very stupid, i don't need to be told). i did this on a small street where cars rarely drove.. after 2weeks of ridin around that..i drove out in traffic.. its all just ridin after that.. year after (05) i bought an 02 f4i (like you said what an upgrade)... love the bike drove that for roughly 6000 miles for our ridin season here..

Now its 06 and of course I want a new bike.. I was thinkin about gettin the 04 RR.. not sure yet but it may happen ...

keep ridin and keep it safe..

ohh and I also test drove an R6 last year and I will say that I will never own one nore will I ever test again.. it was to much of a bike for me..

Shawn..

[zarakand]

Your best bet is to go for one of the test ride days at your local dealership. Last April every major dealership had one in Chicago, and for the most part were letting you test ride a few select sportsbikes.

[sv-wolf]

I picked the F4i up from the dealer this morning after a mostly sleepless night thinking about what could go wrong. It's been almost a year since I sold my EX500 and last rode, so I was hoping for the best but expecting the worst.

I needn't have worried. Instead of the raging tiger I was half expecting, the F4i turned out to be a real pussycat and I had no trouble at all handling it on the 10 mile ride home, which included two canyon roads with twisty sections.

.

Congrats XM23. Be safe, but have fun