[dreesemonkey]

Well I just got an e-mail from a friend of mine after his mom told me he was going to get a bike. I saw him over the weekend, let him sit on my 250r and explained to him why it's usually a good reason to start on a small bike, but I knew what would happen anyway. He has two friends with GSXR 600s, and wouldn't you know it he's picking up his K6 600 on Thursday So not only did he pick a bad beginner bike, but he also bought a new one to try and learn on.

I really really really hope he's going to be safe because he's the only male left in the family and his mom (who I work with) is going to flip if anything happens to him (her husband and dad died within the last year). She's very nervous already, and he's going to sign up for the MSF but it's still A LOT of bike for someone who's never rode before.

Just wanted to share my concern with the rest of the riding world I know it happens every day, but when your friend makes a poor decision it's a little more alarming than reading it about a stranger.

 

[Cloud_Strife]

As long as he doesn't get to hyper watching his friends on the gixxers he might not do something stupid. Hopefully he'll respect the machine and not want to go over his riding ability. But if he keeps his cool, he'll be ok

 

[Iceman_954rr]

Try and ride with him as much as possible for a while...set the example.

Does this kid have a good head on his shoulders or what? Not a whole lot you can do other than try and help him see the light.

 

[dreesemonkey]

I'm trying to be optimistic. I'm sure these are the bikes that his friends started on, and they're still living so maybe they're not the typical squid riders. He's a car enthusiast so he's probably a pretty decent driver, though I have never ridden with him. He seems like a fairly good kid, I just hope he can exercise his wrist control as much as possible.

If he does any riding it will be with his other buddies (we're more aquaintences than good friends right now) at first, I'm sure they're going to teach him how to ride. If my bike wasn't so damn pretty I'd offer to let him ride mine first since it's tame and easy to control, all the while hoping that he lets me take his for a spin! haha...

I just remember the first time on my first bike (katana 600) and how it was a little shady to control, then when I got out on the road and grabbed my first handful of throttle I was amazed. I can only imagine what it would be like with another 40hp. Shit, my bike now doesn't even have 40hp

 

[Dominion]

Try and ride with him as much as possible for a while...set the example.

Does this kid have a good head on his shoulders or what? Not a whole lot you can do other than try and help him see the light.

+1

It may help greatly to ride with him alot so that he isn't tempted to keep up with his friends. Won't be as much pressure on him to try to ride like one of the big boys, he can sit back and learn with you.

 

[Dominion]

If he does any riding it will be with his other buddies (we're more aquaintences than good friends right now) at first...

Understandable, I have friends (not close friends, but still friends) with liter bikes that I plan to ride with whenever I get my bike. And to answer the thoughts of the lurkers, no I won't be getting a liter bike as a first. I'd much rather ride with my msf classmates so that we can develop our skills together. I think that if you two become better friends, he'd be much more inclined to ride with you since you're closer to his level of expertise (or at least your bike is)

 

[mikem317]

It's not like instant death getting a 600cc-sized bike for your first ride. Just a less forgiving learning curve. Sounds like he's doing it backwards though... bike --> MSF? Shouldn't it be MSF --> bike?

 

[phillyred79]

I would personally be jealous and annoyed at the same time...

:upyours dreesemonkey's friend

 

[bush]

Let him wreck it. He'll be too afraid of it to get back on it, and you'll get a cheap fixer-upper!

 

[dreesemonkey]

Let him wreck it. He'll be too afraid of it to get back on it, and you'll get a cheap fixer-upper!

Well I really don't wish that upon him, not only for his safety but god DAMN those new gixers are hot. I know I'll want one someday, but my insurance blows enough as it is, I have to wait until I'm 25 and these pesky driving violations are off my record.

That said, I wouldn't mind picking up a rashed 06 gixxer hahaha...

 

[dreesemonkey]

I would personally be jealous and annoyed at the same time...

:upyours dreesemonkey's friend

Yea, kinda annoyed and very jealous. Those bikes are just pure sex to look at. I think I'd be able to have one and put around on and stay safe, but I'm not going to find out for a few years yet.

 

[binx_19]

well i started with my zx-6r '05, been riding for a year, dropped it once parking, but other then that i am too fucking scared to try racing twisties, mainly because i dont like the pain of hurting my bike, i could not afford another one, but i am getting better at cornering, just if this damn town would remove all the gravel from the streets i would be more comfortable, but hopefully your freind fears the bike enough not to be stupid on it, like i fear mine.

 

[OFFICER737]

Just try to help as much as you can bro! Most riding buddies start out as acquantices and turn into pretty good friends :dblthumb

 

[Cloud_Strife]

....just if this damn town would remove all the gravel from the streets i would be more comfortable,.

I have the same problem


PA roads isson

 

[wildrice105]

My first bike was a 98 GSX-R750. I had to have it ridden home for me from the bike shop, it was a 2 year old left-over. I stalled it about 7x's just trying to get out of my driveway! I got out on the road, it started to wobble & I gave it some more throttle & it straightened out! Later that day, I scared the SH*T outta myself & that bike got all the respect & attention it deserved! For about my first month things were "hairy" at times, but w/the help of my buddies & my determination to ride it, I conquered it. Six years riding now & (knock on wood) everythings been good! Just be there to help your buddy learn, if he's got a good head, it should go ok. I learned more by watching my buddies ride, than me by myself. So, if he asks to go ridin, dont let him down.

 

[21 natas]

hope all goes well with your friend, all you can do is try to help him out.

 

[Matrix2055]

I have the same problem


PA roads isson

PA roads a great!!! Well compare to NYC

 

[bush]

PA roads a great!!! Well compare to NYC

This area has some great roads for short rides. Sometimes when I have an extra hour, I'll jump on the bike and tackle some of the local mountain roads. :banana

 

[fallclassic02]

He will know what you mean about buying a new first bike when he needs new fairings for that bike and he sees the $$. Suggest he remove the side plastics for the first couple K, it will save him bank.

The good thing about moving up progressively is that you adctually acquire skills, we have all seen the dudes on the blinged out liter bikes who chicken strip through life.

 

[JoeyNumbers]

If he takes it easy and you show him the ropes, and he take the MSF course he may well be fine. We dont know. Just try to help him out and ride with him. Let him ride your bike for a bit if your close with him like that. That will help him learn the basics.

I rode an 05 Gixxer 600 a few weeks ago. I havent been on a bike in years. I consider myself a newb. I was just very attentive to how much throttle I gave her. Its touchy but not as bad as some people make it out to be. That being said, its no joke either. It WILL loop if you whack the throttle wide open or some other foolish thing. I DO know the basics of riding so maybe that helped me. I liked it but wouldnt want to own one just yet.

Good luck to your friend.