YZF-R6S Is Nearly Here...

[m4lu6]

Upon completing my MSF course, and getting my FL Motorcycle endorsement, I acquired my 2002 EX500. If any of you read my previous posts (lengthy), you would know that I covet the incoming 2006 R6.

Well....

One of my first trips on my new bike was to the dealership, to cancel my hold (I was 1st in line for the R6S) on the Yamaha. I fiugred, "Gah, it's not the color I want (red), and it's not *the bike* I want (R6S vs. R6 [drool]), and I should really spend quality time learning the ropes on the EX."

What a plan!

Until today.

Since I took possession of the EX500, I have put nearly 350 miles on it. I quit work about 4:00 in the afternoon, and go riding. Everywhere. No place in particular. Quiet streets, busy streets, straight streets, twisty streets, wide and narrow. I've even spent a few hours tooting around the parking lot of the abandoned dog racing track, weaving in and out of parking stops, practicing sudden stops, slow u-turns, the gammut.

Today, as I was crusing around, a lightning bolt struck me. "Wow. I'm really feeling good about this." I'm not hesitant about *anything* anymore. Starting, stopping, shifting. It's all just happening automatically.

When I first started riding, I had to make conscious effort to shift, to turn my head , to Press Lean and Roll [sic]. But now, almost three weeks later, this is all gone. I just get on the bike, and go.

Enough incessant rambling already.

I stopped by the bike shop to pick up a smoked visor for my helmet, and look at some jackets (Christmas is coming, and I'm being pestered for my list), and I discovered that, astonishingly so, that NOBODY has reserved the R6S but me.

I wandered around the store for a little while longer, and my subconscious mind aimed me in the direction of the sales guy who'd taken my reservation on the R6S some time ago.

He wasn't happy to see me, but hid it quite well.

He half-heartedly asked me how I was enjoying the EX500, and I exuberantly replied, "Man, this is great. It's really the best bike for a beginner... but..."

So over the span of the next 30 minutes, we hemmed & hawed over this bike, and that bike, and he told me about the features of this Triumph, and that Triumph, and why they were still sitting in the used section 3 months later...

and all of the sudden, I blurted out, "So. I see everybody's just waiting for February, when the R6 comes in."

"Yeah. Nobody wants the R6S. Not new enough. Not sexy enough. Not fast enough."

"So nobody else has reserved the S?"

"Nope."

Hmmm. [grumble] "So, how about putting me back on that list then?"

"You think you really want it this time?"

"I don't know. I'll ask my panel of experts at totalmotorcycle forums."

...

"But pen me in for that R6S anyway."

[Ninja Geoff]

If you *really* think you're ready for it, best of luck. But I'd hang onto your EX500 just in case. And besides, nothing wrong with having two bikes
But that R6S is a whole other animal than an EX500. Just ride smart, ride safe.

[swatter555]

You still have lots of suprises waiting for you, dont pull the trigger on that R6 just yet. If you can afford 2 bikes, then by all means get the R6. Just make sure you do all the riding on the 500 for a few months.

There is lots of stuff to learn, just take it one step at a time.

[Dirtytoes]

i dont know much about bikes so i assume that ex500 is the kawasaki ninja? ....thats what i have but the 2005.....i just got it yesterday......not much of a difference....so far it's been great....i wouldn't want anything faster........but hearing all the stories from other people buying new bikes like the r6 or the gixxer and dyting on it, i really don't think that 3 weeks of riding experiece is enough....but if you feel you're ready then its up to you...good luck

[Sev]

At this point it's pretty much in your hands, personally I put 4000km on my first bike, I might have been prepared before that. But I'm glad I put that much time on it.

Honestly, 350km isn't that much. But it's your life, you have your advice from us, now decide how much it's worth to you.

[TechTMW]

Just out of curiosity how old are you?
(For another forum member -lowlux's- benefit)

I'd suggest keeping both bikes. And if no one wants the r6s, you need to be working a sizable discount into the deal ...

The r6 has the ergos of a sportbike and the ninja is more upright, you will be glad you kept the ninja if you want to do commuting on your bike. (More comfortable).

Have you looked into the MSF experienced riders course? Might be a good thing to do before you step up... Good luck

[Mintbread]

"Wow. I'm really feeling good about this." I'm not hesitant about *anything* anymore.

That is the perfect frame of mind to be in just before you have a spectacularly stupid crash.

[kabob983]

That is the perfect frame of mind to be in just before you have a spectacularly stupid crash.

Aww come on, he's learned all of life's lessons in his first 350 miles!

Kidding. But seriously though I'd take some more time to learn...take the Expert MSF course like mentioned above. See how well you're doing there. Remember, these bikes are powerful. A mistake can cost you a heck of alot...

And go for the R6, not the R6S If you want an R6S go ahead and get an 04/05 R6. Exact same bike, and it'll save you big $$

[TechTMW]

"Wow. I'm really feeling good about this." I'm not hesitant about *anything* anymore.

That is the perfect frame of mind to be in just before you have a spectacularly stupid crash.

So very true.