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New Rider ForumsJust joining the motorcyclist hobbie? Looking to get some information about a first bike? Or have some newbie questions. Are you new to the website?
This is my 2nd year riding motorcycles. I started last year with an 85 Honda Interceptor 500. I had a great time. The bike never felt like it was too much for me. Last fall, I traded one of my snowmobiles for a 99 CBR600. I have been looking forward to riding it for the last 6 months.
Today, I went for my first spin. It was awesome. The 600 has a lot more power but I never felt like it was too much for me. I could ride the bike without fear. I can control the bike.
Without spending a year on the 500, I would not be having fun right now. These new bikes are truly dangerous in inexperienced hands. A year on a smaller bike gave me the experience and the confidence to enjoy this sport.
For anyone thinking of getting into this sport, listen to the experts. Starts small and get lots of seat time. This sport is a lot more fun doing it than reading about it while recuperating in a hospital room.
i still dont get this argument. I started on a 600, and couldnt have imagined starting on anything less powerful. but oh well, different strokes for different folks. This board is too "get a 250 or you're a squid" geared. How many people here actually started on something that tiny?
I rode a 1989 suzuki gs500 for a 1½ years. Then a friend of mine sold me his brothers 2K2 R1. I felt the difference right away of course! Starting small is the best thing anyone can do. even if you stay on a smaller bike. I bought the R1, because it was a good deal. If not for that, I would have gotten a R6, or CBR. I know I have the power to "FLY LOW", BUT, I respect my bike. I don't push it, because I know if it pushes back, I screwed!!! Alot of people I know think bikes are just to haul ass, I honestly enjoy the ride. I'm not gonna lie and say I don't speed. I do, I max at 85-90 mph. The freeway speed limit by my house is 70mph. And I do it when traffic is low. Still no excuse, I know. But if I;m gonna eat it, I'd rather eat it and not get ran over, or slam into a car.
I started on a Ninja 250 (after a MSF course), mostly from advice from people from this forum and personal friends who have been riding for many years. I have absolutely no regrets doing so, and can't imagine anyone else starting small having regrets either.
The word "tiny" isn't the issue (though it may be for some--ahem). The issue is the ratio of experience to power. Any two-wheeled vehicle, regardless of size can be unsafe in the wrong hands (like, for example, a 250--that can keep pace with a Mustang GT).
There's no contesting the fact that some people have started on bigger bikes and had success with that, but beginners aren't asking for the exceptions, they're asking for the best advice. And in my opinion, the best advice always falls inside the bell shaped curve, not with the outliers. If you're a new rider, seek out older, wiser and more experienced riders--they'll almost unanimously tell you to start small.
When a person gets a car license, we don't suggest they go out and buy a Mustang GT (one of my cars). We tell them to start small, work on their skills and then get the "dream car". Why are so many people against this when it comes to bikes???
When a person gets a car license, we don't suggest they go out and buy a Mustang GT (one of my cars). We tell them to start small, work on their skills and then get the "dream car". Why are so many people against this when it comes to bikes???
Motorcycles are an image driven fringe thing for a lot of people. They want the image, not a starter bike. Also, they already know how to drive a car. How can different can a bike be, right?
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We got 500s. In our three trips up and down the driveway,the stalls, and grabbing the brakes getting a 600SS when you've never ridden anything at all would be stupid.
I started on a secaII. put 6k miles on it in 4 months then get a cbr600. I feel i may have upgraded a bit too early. but i got a really good deal on it that i couldnt let go.
i still dont get this argument. I started on a 600. This board is too "get a 250 or you're a squid" geared. How many people here actually started on something that tiny?
I have to agree. I put a couple hundred miles on an 83 Interceptor 750 and maybe a thousand miles on an 89 Ninja 600. Then I went 12 years without riding and then last year bought my 1000RR and put 5K miles on in 3 months. No problems. I don't think it is anywhere near as much a problem with the size of the bike as it is with the size of the brain in the skull that's riding it.
i still dont get this argument. I started on a 600, and couldnt have imagined starting on anything less powerful. but oh well, different strokes for different folks. This board is too "get a 250 or you're a squid" geared. How many people here actually started on something that tiny?
Look at this thread to see what people started on... don't be fooled by the title, the OP called it that to attract more posters.
As to your statement about not starting on anything less powerful, what 600 did you start on?
Also if your goal is just to survive riding your bike then I see your point. However if the goal is become a skilled rider, starting on a more appropriate bike is a better way to get there.
Also if your goal is just to survive riding your bike then I see your point. However if the goal is become a skilled rider, starting on a more appropriate bike is a better way to get there.
Bingo, my thoughts exactly. I often hear "I started on a 600 and I'm fine", and by that they obviously mean they haven't died yet. 9/10 times I bet they can't ride worth shit. Want to hear from the people who aren't fine? Check the obituaries.
You have to remember, theres a HUGE difference between a 80's 600 and a '00 600.
My bike (07 zzr, wich isnt even considered a "true" sports bike) puts out 111hp off the crank.
a '90 GPX 600 R (comparable style bike from the 90's) puts out 85 off the crank.
True, but they were still pretty quick and the ergos were no better, and in some cases worse. An ss of any year is not new rider friendly for more reasons than HP alone.
another reason not to start on a 600
