Question about 1000cc or very powerful bikes as starters

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StyleZ · #1 Unread post by **StyleZ** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:56 pm

First before I start. I'm not looking at getting a 1000cc bike as a starter or at this time at all. I'm looking at a zx-r6, but that's not def yet. I dunno. Will look this weekend. Just want to start a discussion.

I read and read and read and read and it's still some ttings that don't make sense to me.

People say don't get a 1000cc bike because if you give it a lil too much gas on a bump you'll go flying off of it (read that in a post about same topic). That's not a strong point to me. Reason being I learned on a 250cc nighthawk at MSF and a kid went flying off of that, Twice! Obviously the poster was referring to acceleration at higher speeds, but the danger is there at any speed. I think more emphasis needs to be put on skill developing in general then what you learn to ride on. I'm 24 and I learned to drive in a lincoln towncar. Huge car, little mirrors, fast acceleration, etc.. That actually made me a better driver. My first car was a honda accord 88. After learning in the lincoln I handled the honda like a toy.

I honestly don't "think" small engine motorcycles teach what you need to know. Notice the emphasis on think. I mean in the time of the course I feel like I got really good on the 250cc bike. If I ride that for 10yrs I'll be excellent on that but what did it teach me about the 1000cc? Nothing. I'm a hands on learner.

I'm 24 now. If I was 18-19 things would be different. My mentality was completely different then. Like I said though I'm not planning on a 1000cc, not even sure about the zx-6r. It's not gonna be a ninja 250r though.

#2 Unread post by **Jamers!** » Wed May 17, 2006 2:03 pm

the Ninja Zx-6r is a big, powerful bike. If you try to take it as your first bike its a major risk. Sure, if your very careful and smart you could learn. The reason people sujest smaller bikes to learn on is that on a smaller bike like a ninja500 or GS500 you learn how to manuever bikes, how to ride, how to do basic things ona bike that isnt as dangerous, that is lighter and easy to maneuver. Once you know these things and have a year or so of experience then moving up a bigger bike is less of leap and challenge.

JWF

#3 Unread post by **Sev** » Wed May 17, 2006 2:03 pm

As much as I'd love to go over the arguments again, there are a ton of threads on this, in fact a large number of stickies at the top of this forum are dedicated to the subject.

That being said:

CAR != BIKE.

guitar guru · Wed May 17, 2006 2:16 pm

Plus you're going to hate yourself for buying a new expensive bike when you dump it.

Loonette · #5 Unread post by **Loonette** » Wed May 17, 2006 2:20 pm

I can understand your thinking, but it's still a bit flawed. If you were to suddenly accelerate in your Lincoln Town Car, not much is going to happen to you in the way of danger. It's different on two wheels. A brief, sudden power shift can mean a loss of balance and then down you go.

The idea with starting small is to give yourself time to develop good, sound technique before having to think so much about an unforgiving bike. When you don't have to focus so much on newbie skill building, then you can focus on your larger bike.

But this has all been said in previous threads. And there are a lot of people here who don't start small, and they do just fine. Do your research, read up on opinions, and then choose for yourself. Just keep you mind open and be careful out there.

Cheers,
Loonette

camthepyro · Wed May 17, 2006 2:21 pm

I'm 24 and I learned to drive in a lincoln towncar. Huge car, little mirrors, fast acceleration, etc.. That actually made me a better driver. My first car was a honda accord 88. After learning in the lincoln I handled the honda like a toy.

The thing is, there isn't a real big difference between a Ninja 250r, and a Ninja ZX-10, except power. If you can turn one, you will be able to turn the other. So the difference in car terms would be like a Honda Prelude (like the 250r) compared to a Ferrari Testarossa (ZX-10). They are both quick, good handling cars, but the Ferrari has ALOT more power. Learing to drive a Ferrari first will enable you to drive the Prelude well, but it wouldn't teach you to drive the Prelude as well as you would be able to if you learned on it. Plus it's not as safe.

camthepyro · Wed May 17, 2006 2:23 pm

Oh, and even though you think you know how to burn up the roads on that 250 because of the MSF, you won't. You may be able to burn up a parking lot, but the MSF only teaches you basic skills, you still need alot of practice on the roads to be experienced.

#8 Unread post by **bok** » Wed May 17, 2006 2:31 pm

I think more emphasis needs to be put on skill developing in general then what you learn to ride on.

that is a perfect quote. skill > machine.
skilled rider on ninja 250/500 can avoid accidents and maneuver the bike easily and can translate that skill to a higher HP bike.

an unskilled rider on a higher hp bike ends up in pain a lot faster if they screw up and fixate on the object in front of them.

if you are dead set on buying a high HP sportbike*, do yourself a favor and buy used and insure the hell out of it because it is almost 100% that you will drop it or be involved in an accident of some kind unless you dedicate time to actually practicing on it instead of just riding it.
*edited to reflect the non liter bike

camthepyro · Wed May 17, 2006 2:35 pm

Well, to be fair, he did say he wanted a 600, not a liter bike.

BigChickenStrips · Wed May 17, 2006 2:49 pm

i shall call him Vermilion Jr.

the "im better/smarter/more coordinated than most people so i can start on a bigger/faster/less forgiving bike" argument holds no weight here. get whatever bike you want but dont b1tch to us when you wreck it. and thanks for making my insurance premiums go up.

im only 21 and i know 24 year olds are an age group known for maturity and self control.