Treat me like Verm and flame away!

[Shiv]

I am going to wear my mother's old Arai helmet (only worn twice) at first and get my helmet when i can. It's a bit big but barely.

How old is old? The inner workings of the helmet (that absorb the impact so it's not transfered to your skull) break down after a while (5 years is the common figure).

[Mintbread]

Suzuki GSX-R600 - This the the bike i liked the very most (well, almost tied the the 600RR). Perfect fit, awesome design, and just overall kick-a$$ness. On ergonomics alone, i fit this bike great. I loved the seating position and my feet actually fit the pegs/shifters.

You are 6'2" and the GSX-R was a good fit? I am 6' even and I jumped on my mates 1000 and it felt like a toy. My knees banged on the edge of the fairings and the whole thing felt cramped.

No sportsbike like the ones you have indicated a preference for is designed for people over 6'. For starters they are japanese and they aren't exactly tall timber and neither are the road racing riders these machines are built for.
If you want comfort look at an FZ6 or a Z750. Full of the power that you obviously want but lacking the plastic that you will probably break.
Eh, Verm?

[Jthmeffy]

the helmet is easily 12 years, prolly a couple more..! lol, i thought that the breakdown occured mostly because of headsweat and and such.. my mom wore it like twice and it was for about a half hour at a time... should i not risk it? i plan to get gloves, boots, and pants before i get a new helmet, but if this one would be completely unsafe, then a new helmet would definately be #1 on my list.

and i was surprised as hell the gixxer fit.. i dont know what it was, but it fit me somehow.. and me being a 6'2" skinny, gangly guy, thats surprising.. I was so scared that there wouldnt be any sportbikes that would fit me... also, i dont want the power so bad, its just the bike itself (looks, the fact that it fits me good and im comfortable on it, and it has the sportbike stance - ie, handlebars and peg/seating position).. plus, i like the look of the fairings that i most certainly will break... im sure a cooler head will prevail.. but damn i want that gixxer

[Shiv]

I would definately not wear that helmet.

Safety regulations have probably changed a bit over 12 years as well.

And the whole break down thing.

[Jthmeffy]

I would definately not wear that helmet.

Safety regulations have probably changed a bit over 12 years as well.

And the whole break down thing.

damn.. that sux, i figured since it was barely worn the breakdown would be minimal.. and i passed up a Shoei RF-1000 that was new but they were getting rid of their Shoei line and they wanted $250 for it! It was a dark grey (i would rather have black) but it would have gone with the black/white/silver look that im going for.. oh well, $330 is still not a bad price...

[Shiv]

More important than the price is the fit and the way the wind flows through the helmet.

Almost all helmets sold in any retailer will be DOT approved (never hurts to check though) so that's not really an issue. Snell is always a bonus but not required.

Try on helmets (read this if you haven't already). Find the brand that best fits you. Read reviews of how the wind sounds in the helmet. Purchase the helmet.

[Jthmeffy]

*nods* yep, thats the guideline i have been using. I've had my brother go with me at all times (Se7en on here.. he's 5'9" but has short legs and is too short to flatfoot on the CBR line..hehe) and checking my face. The medium on the Icon line fits perfectly, the Shoei was almost as good, slightly tighter, but i figured it would break in some and be perfect. The HJC doesnt fit very well on me, and i also tried another brand but i dont remember. bleh

EDIT:: Verm, how do u like your Shoei? wind noise, fogging, etc.. u have the RF-1000, right?

[< I Fly >]

I'd trade body parts for a Triumph Daytona 675, and I've never even seen one other then pictures.

I've thrown a leg over it.
Too bad I didn't actually get to RIDE it.

[Kal]

I'd trade body parts for a Triumph Daytona 675, and I've never even seen one other then pictures.

Agreed. You'll be pleased to know it is just as pretty in real life - it's on my lottery win list...

Along with a 916, Streetrod, CBX1000, Tornado etc etc...

[Dragonhawk]

I think the bike you want has 123 horsepower... be careful

I've read from 100 even to 127 hp... and since anything over 60 is outrageous for a beginner... just proves my stupidity for wanting it so bad.. lol

I've been riding for over 2 years. I've logged about 23,000 miles.

My current bike is 70HP and my "dream bike" is about 103HP and I'm still intimidated by the idea of riding something with that much power.

You want your first bike to be double the power of my current bike?

Good luck.