Beginner Motorcycle

Red__Zed · 05-03-2012, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Econ

No, never been on anything but a mountain bike, which i assume is a little slower than a liter bike.

I really want a Ducati 1098, however don't want to have to purchase learner bikes. Cheap and Lazy i suppose. I assumed I could just be responsible with it.

It wind up being a huge risk as a noob. Having a solid understanding of how to modulate the throttle, how to behave mid turn, etc is crucial before getting on something like that.

It can be done (and has been done) with perfectly fine results...but unless you have that understanding beforehand, you usually wind up never becoming a very good rider because you can't push a bike like that anywhere near it's limits.

There's also no reason to add the extra stress of knowing that a small flick of the wrist will literally plant you on your back at most speeds below 60

vividracing · 05-03-2012, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Econ

I dont understand why someone couldnt start with a 1000cc bike. Is it really that much different than learning to drive on a 370z? Shouldn't it all come down to responsibility/maturity. I would imagine your wrist is the difference between 600cc or 1000cc.

I could be completely wrong however

A 1000cc as a beginners bike is about like letting your kid take your ZR1 Corvette out to learn to drive. I can't think of how a Z would compare to any supersport bike I guess it's comparable to a slightly older 600cc. A ZR1 is actually more forgiving and easier to learn to control than a liter bike, imo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

OP, highly recommend considering a 650 or a 500 to start with.

Most sportbikes make crappy beginner bikes...partially because they make a lot of power, but they are also not terribly comfortable, and all their power comes on strong up top...with little grunt down low.

In addition, EVERYTHING on a supersport (CBR600RR, ZX6R, R6, etc) is WAY more touchy than other bikes. Brakes, steering, suspension, throttle, everything. They are not forgiving to new riders. On something like that, it's very easy to get in trouble. On a more forgiving bike, you'll be able to control it a lot better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan777er

I'm going to have to go with suggesting a 250 if you zero experience. I own my 250 still in addition to my ZX6, and I still love riding it. I hate the term "outgrowing" the bike because until you can ride that bike to its absolute limit, you haven't outgrown anything. That little 250 is capable of far more then people give it credit for, and the learning curve to become a skilled rider is much easier.

EDIT: the 500 was mentioned as well, that's also a very good first bike, especially if you'll be on faster roads a lot. The 650 is pushing it, but it's definitely doable.

Depends on the engine config and age of the bike, too. For example: My chopper has an XS650 engine in it. Plenty of power to be safe and get out of harms way, but not not dangerous for a noob at all. Your advice about not outgrowing it the rest of the 1st paragraph is exactly what I was going to say, though. Good advice.

gomer_110 · 05-03-2012, 04:40 PM

What you'll really need to determine is how good are you when it comes to self control. If you have a strong will in terms of safety and a willingness to accept that you're just a beginner and don't know much then a 600cc sportbike is not that crazy. Now on the other hand if you think you'll be tempted to push the bikes limits immediately and/or have a hard time being humble then just get a 250 and be done.

When I first started riding a few years ago I went right to a 600cc sportbike. I however never went out without my gear on. And most importantly, I spent the first week of ownership learning the bike by riding around slowly on back roads in town and spent the next week riding around cautiously on country roads at speed.

Red__Zed · 05-04-2012, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vividracing

In addition, EVERYTHING on a supersport (CBR600RR, ZX6R, R6, etc) is WAY more touchy than other bikes. Brakes, steering, suspension, throttle, everything. They are not forgiving to new riders. On something like that, it's very easy to get in trouble. On a more forgiving bike, you'll be able to control it a lot better.

.

A great point that often gets overlooked.

05-03-2012, 04:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
gomer_110 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Perrysburg, OH Posts: 17,992 Drives: '11 Nismo #528 GM Rep Power: 36942	What you'll really need to determine is how good are you when it comes to self control. If you have a strong will in terms of safety and a willingness to accept that you're just a beginner and don't know much then a 600cc sportbike is not that crazy. Now on the other hand if you think you'll be tempted to push the bikes limits immediately and/or have a hard time being humble then just get a 250 and be done. When I first started riding a few years ago I went right to a 600cc sportbike. I however never went out without my gear on. And most importantly, I spent the first week of ownership learning the bike by riding around slowly on back roads in town and spent the next week riding around cautiously on country roads at speed. __________________ '11 370Z Nismo #528 Fast Intentions \| Stillen \| Motordyne \| Uprev \| CSF \| Zspeed \| Z1 Motorsports \| AST \| Swift \| SPC \| SPL \| Whiteline \| Hotchkis \| Bride \| Schroth \| Robispec \| Cusco \| Nismo \| Volk \| Forgestar \| Hoosier \| RJM '17 Titan Bone Stock

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