Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Was the 1000 your first bike VX?
If so I would have to say that's pretty dumb.

But by the time you got the 750, how long had you been riding?
I still hear people say that's too short a time to be on a bike that size.

I've been riding since March and I have the 500, so do you people generally feel that riding every day for 3 months is not enough time to trade up to a 1000 class bike?
I've put about 4000 miles on my bike since I've had it, including rain time, heavy winds, riding holding a passenger helmet (hey, there was not other way!), riding with a passenger, riding with a drunk passenger, and so on.

Would you say that's enough experience or as a general rule how long should one ride a humble bike before stepping up to something stupidly fast?

Inputs?

I'd say it depends on the pilot. Some people just pick things up faster than others.

But what do I know, I'm on my first bike still...

depends on the rider and the bike. I just stepped up to a 600 after about 5 months on a 500. Granted the 600 I have is not a super sport, but its still a major step up from my old 500.

yeah, the 1000 was my 1st bike.

0 riding experience. rode for a month and half w/ permit then i got a license.

i rode her for 4 months then she got stolen.

and i fully agree it's not a good idea. but then again, im not the most rational person in the world.

V, how were things when you had the 1000? What happened that made you think it wasn't a good idea?

Andrew78108 wrote:V, how were things when you had the 1000? What happened that made you think it wasn't a good idea?

i had no intention of changing bikes. my improvement wasn't quick since it was a 1000 but i was improving the more i ride it.

i did crash on it though when i got caught off guard on a downhill decreasing radius turn and i hit some loose gravel on the edge of the road. bike only suffered cosmetic damages and i still continued to ride after the crash.

For me, the big issue is this. If you want to become a long-term rider, not just a flash in the pan, you need to learn your riding skills throroughly and well and as soon as possible. You just won't get that if you start on a big sportsbike.

There are loads of road skills to learn - how to deal quickly and effectively with thousands of different road situations - and these can take years to acquire.

Learning how to handle a bike skillfully, as well as safely, also takes years

Road skills and handling are the things you need to focus on as a new rider, not going fast.

Going fast is only one of the pleasures you can get from a bike.

If you buy a powerful sports bike with loads of bhp and a sensitive throttle as your first bike, you won't get a chance to learn these things as thoroughly or as quickly.

Uness you have learnt them well, you are more likely to become a victim of your own or someone else's stupidity, and you are less likely to get the greatest possible enjoyment out of your bike.

How long it takes depends on the rider AND the bike.

Don't despise smaller, more user-friendly bikes. They are not inferior to big sportsbikes. They are different and they have their own valuable qualities.

I don't see a problem with going to a liter sportbike after the xp. you had. I personally wouldn't do it due to the fact that I like maxing out a bike potential before moving on. I also like knowing my skill can improve more dramatically on a lighter bike.

I personally don't see the increase in insurance and risk is worth it.

sv-wolf wrote:For me, the big issue is this. If you want to become a long-term rider, not just a flash in the pan, you need to learn your riding skills throroughly and well and as soon as possible. You just won't get that if you start on a big sportsbike.

There are loads of road skills to learn - how to deal quickly and effectively with thousands of different road situations - and these can take years to acquire.

Learning how to handle a bike skillfully, as well as safely, also takes years

Road skills and handling are the things you need to focus on as a new rider, not going fast.

Going fast is only one of the pleasures you can get from a bike.

If you buy a powerful sports bike with loads of bhp and a sensitive throttle as your first bike, you won't get a chance to learn these things as thoroughly or as quickly.

Uness you have learnt them well, you are more likely to become a victim of your own or someone else's stupidity, and you are less likely to get the greatest possible enjoyment out of your bike.

How long it takes depends on the rider AND the bike.

Don't despise smaller, more user-friendly bikes. They are not inferior to big sportsbikes. They are different and they have their own valuable qualities.

This is a great post!

sv-wolf wrote:Don't despise smaller, more user-friendly bikes. They are not inferior to big sportsbikes. They are different and they have their own valuable qualities.

I'll second Sevs remarks about your post and add a little more:
There is something refreshing about getting old......Not that I am in Geezer territory yet, but I don't feel the need to prove myself every time out like I did maybe 10 years ago. Now I can thouroughly enjoy riding light and balanced lower powered bikes around. When you come to the realization that you will not be the next Nicky Hayden you can realize that there is alot of performance that you can actually use in a smaller lighter bike.
I'm really liking riding Mrs Highsides S2R 800 around. The bike corners pretty well, and with a little suspension work I think I can make it corner REALLY well . This bike is balanced, comfortable and it can emabarass kids on CBR600RRs on an overpass like just might have happened an hour ago....