[bassjones]

Would you do it? Not just a new bike, but a significant jump in horsepower, braking power, and handling capabilities- Ninja 650R to an FZ-1 - and not just any big trip, but a trip to Southeastern Ohio and some serious twisties. I've got a possibility of getting the FZ-1 next week, but I'm heading to Hocking Hills on Friday for all day Saturday and a good chunk of Sunday of twisty heaven. I'm not sure it's the best idea in the world, but I really want to do it at the same time.

 

[sqchram]

Hell yea - why not? Most big trips are highway droning - just don't go nuts on anything technical until you have a good feel and comfort level.

 

[raven105x]

Sounds like an idea that is exciting and fun, but it also sounds like an irrational (and un-necessary) increase in potential for something to go wrong. Now, I don't know much about bikes and I'm VERY new, but from what I read SS bikes such as the FZ-1 have extremely sensitive controls, and the b***** engine displacement simply adds more potential for trouble. You can't really continue to improve your riding skills if you are paralyzed, or dead. Every time you would corner or ride over a bump, you'd be taking a risk you don't have to take - which in my book makes it a bad call.

 

[spicy]

possibly the worst time for a new bike.

highway slogging is about as incorrect a break-in procedure as you can have (even if you subscribe to the WOT-to-redline-straight-out-of-the-lot philosophy).

if it's boring/high mileage and you aren't used to doing that to begin with (on your old bike), you might be more prone to making an input-error since you're on an unfamiliar bike (outbraking yourself, missing an apex, mis-shifting at an inopportune moment, not being able to recover from a minor oopsie, etc). also, and this is very very unlikely, but, if it's a brand new bike, there's always the possibility something might not have been set-up correctly or something along those lines, and then you'd be shit out of luck.

just my opinion, but i'd say that it'd be better to stick with a tried-and-true method/steed and enjoy it.





also, the FZ1 isn't considered a SS.

 

[CC2005]

Are you comfortable with the idea? Can control your 650? Does the 650 still intimidate you? I'm sure you understand that you have to get acquainted with your new bike? If you have self control and some maturity during the initial honeymoon period then, DO IT. Why not? I had a 14 year stint away from bikes, due to injuries and other life factors. I use to ride 3/4 litre sport bikes back then. When I decided I would ride again, I jumped on to a 250 for 12 months to get reacquainted with everything and build the general skill levelk, then I jumped straight up to the litre class again, no problems. Albeit the Sprint is about as intimidating HP wise as a 3/4 litre sports bike, but the jump from 250 to it was no real issue, but I was mindful the bikes are a world apart. Just treat the transition with respect and common sense.

Do it. Have fun. I don't know how many miles / kilometers your trip is, but will your bike need a service on the way?

 

[Squid Killer]

Well, first I wouldnt call that a big trip :neener More like a day ride.

My question would be..How much time would you be able to make to ride the FZ1 before the trip. Twisty roads would be a real strain on someones riding limits and would you want to put yourself at a disadvantage like that by being on an unfamiliar bike.

Advantage: Your an experienced rider
Disadvantage: You ditch the bike you perform best on for twisty roads.

With the FZ1 it would really help your safety to get the suspension set right to offer the best traction. Do you have someone who really understands the right suspension settings for body weight to help you set it up?

 

[NattyDrez]

RockScaler bought a brand new RSV a few days before our almost 4k mile Smoky Mts trip. You should be fine, just be careful.

 

[mercutio80]

A few years ago there was a write up by a dude that bought a brand new BMW and went on a cross country ride. The bike broke down on him two or three times.

I wouldn't take a new, unproven bike on a long ride right out of the gate.

 

[SlayingElliott]

A few years ago there was a write up by a dude that bought a brand new BMW and went on a cross country ride. The bike broke down on him two or three times.

I wouldn't take a new, unproven bike on a long ride right out of the gate.

Yea but it was a BMW :neener

 

[bassjones]

It's not a brand new bike. It's a used FZ-1 - an '07 with around 7000 miles. Also, to Raven 105xx, it's not an SS bike, it's a sporty standard, albeit one that is basically a naked R1 with a slightly detuned motor. I don't have to worry about break-in but I do want to make sure I'm not getting over my head on a new bike on pretty technical roads. 33 on the way down is fairly curvy, though more long sweeper type curves than any technical switchbacks or anything. I'm probably going to end up on an FJR in another 2 or 3 years, but this would be a pretty good bike between the 650 Twin and a "pipe and slippers" sporty touring bike. I'm considering it pretty heavily.

 

[aTahmission]

I'd have no problem slinging a leg over a new bike before a trip, but it all comes down to your comfort level. You sound to be concerned that it may be a regrettable decision, which likely means it will end up just that way. It all comes down to your comfort level.

 

[SlayingElliott]

I say go for it, if you've been riding long enough. You should know by now how to control yourself and your motorcycle.

 

[bassjones]

You're probably right. I'm a very careful rider anyway and I'm almost 40, married and a father, so I don't push it real hard regardless. With a new bike I'd be even more cautious until I got comfortable with the feel of it. I'm going to try and get this done early this week so I have a few days of commuting on it before I leave.

 

[ReadNotReed2007]

Yeah do it up Jones!

 

[Mopar3]

What a great chance to really get used to that new bike.

 

[mercutio80]

Since it's not a "new" bike, I say go for it as long as you're a fairly seasoned rider.

 

[fire]

How well do you know the bike? this bike may be a couple hundred miles from shitting the bed. Are those 7,000 miles hard or easy riden miles? if you know the bike history well, then yes. If not, I would not chance it. Let me know how that FZ1 feels, I always wanted one.

 

[preisker916]

7000 miles on an FZ-1, barely broken in. Go for it, and don't worry about "being at a disadvantage because of an un familiar bike". You aren't racing. And a "new to you" bike is always fun.

 

[Stick N Move]

I would if I had a few days to learn it first. I wouldnt buy a bike then head out on the trip the next day.

 

[bumblebee]

It's not a brand new bike. It's a used FZ-1 - an '07 with around 7000 miles. Also, to Raven 105xx, it's not an SS bike, it's a sporty standard, albeit one that is basically a naked R1 with a slightly detuned motor. I don't have to worry about break-in but I do want to make sure I'm not getting over my head on a new bike on pretty technical roads. 33 on the way down is fairly curvy, though more long sweeper type curves than any technical switchbacks or anything. I'm probably going to end up on an FJR in another 2 or 3 years, but this would be a pretty good bike between the 650 Twin and a "pipe and slippers" sporty touring bike. I'm considering it pretty heavily.

Only you know if you have the skills to move up to the liter bike. Get to the parking lot and get the feel of the bike before you leave on the trip. Go and have fun, don't go anything stupid and you should be fine