The 1st bike debate.

[nt650hawk]

I'd do laps around a kindergarden to get looks because it makes me feel that much better about myself lol.

Can you say Pettifile JK brother.





I knew I wanted a Sport bike and I understood that I wanted to work up to my dream bike of a CBR 900rr class. I spent 6 years on the 1993 ZX600r doped 30,000 miles and as soon as I saw the 2000 cbr 929rr I knew that was the bike I wanted.

I knew I was ready for a better, bigger bike that would put me back into my place. How did I know, I kept on leaving dark marks of rubber in turns. If I kept the 600 another year I most likely would have found the rear end coming around and bury me into the pavement.

I should also add...MY OWN OPINION
Since racing a small bike, I see no need of any thing bigger than a I4 600 cc or Vtwin 650.
On the other hand....
I still love the torque wheelies of the 929.....Yea we all have that little hooligan in us that loves that little shot of adrenalin.

[Femmekat]

Honestly, my goal through the first year of riding was not to f myself up. With all of the hazards on the road, I wanted a bike that required as little extra attention as possible. It just seemed logical that the less attention you pay to actually making the bike cooperate, the more attention you can pay to the road conditions and the crazy people around you.

In retrospect,
My first bike last June was a '91 Suzuki Katana 600. It was all I could afford, and I scraped together the $1,600 to buy it as I had wanted a bike ever since highschool. The days when I was at the mercy of the dipshits I was hanging on to, terrified on the back as they tore around suburbia on their crashed, rashed, flat black gixxers with deer antlers strapped to the front.... (learned a lot about the East Bay Rats though, and how much they like to set stuff on fire ) But, I digress. I didn't even know what to look at when I bought the bike, guy drove it up from RI in his truck, I stared at it in the dark and bought it without even seeing if it would start. The first day, I literally hip checked it twice, and it saw dirt before I ever swung a leg over it. The chain was rusted and snapped on my 3rd ride, ever, as I tried to make it through the ghetto in Dorchester in a thunderstorm to take it back to Boston.

It was a heavy behemoth, but I learned a lot on it. The frustrating part was that everything kept breaking, so not only did I have to learn how to ride, but try to keep it running where the rpms would soar up to 5,000 with no throttle and it wanted to take off by itself. Then I would blip it, and they would go down to 1,000 which was the danger zone so it would die... So I would have to adjust the idle every time I was at a stop light, while trying to keep the bike from pulling away, or dying in an intersection while choking on burning oil fumes from the steady leak it had developed... At least I was used to riding things that have a mind of their own though, from training horses.

Very glad I started with an older bike, but dealing with the mechanical issues was a pain in the ass. I loved it until I chucked it into a guard rail after hitting an oil spot last August and got the R6. I love 600's, but if I wasn't tall and long legged it would have been hard to manage such a heavy bike. I also spent so much on repairs and trying to keep it running, that it was a couple months before I could get good gear. Got a lot of raised eyebrows when I showed up to my first DucDave ride in converse sneakers, with the oldest bike in the lot.

I didn't take the MSF course not because I didn't want to, but after buying the bike and fixing it repeatedly, had no funds. I hope to take the ERC this year because I keep forgetting I'm only riding on a permit, oops. When pulled over out of state they haven't noticed yet, but I'm sure its a matter of time.

[BSR6]

I don't think there is a general right and wrong answer to this debate. To me its pretty simple. What kind of person are you? What I mean by that is what are your intentions? The most important thing is that you are honest with yourself when you answer this question.

Most of the different types of people have been summed up pretty well in this post. Some are about looks, some are about riding etc etc. I bought my first bike because it was a deal. It was a 2 year old R6 in brand new condition with 4k on it. Just because the bike had 100 horsepower at the rear wheel didn't mean I had to use it all. I never crashed it, and only dropped it once when it wasn't running. My foot slipped on some sand in the driveway when I was moving it out of the garage to get to the lawn mower. Other than that one incident I was always careful.

What kind of person am I? I am someone who's into things like riding motorcycles because I like the sense of fulfillment I get through developing the skill to do it well. For example, to me going to the track is not primarily about the thrill and the speed, its about learning to appreciate the skill it takes to get around the track. Its such blast to be able to learn something and then apply it, while feeling the sense of accomplishment as you improve everytime you do it. I am sure if I was just wanting to cruise up and down mainstreet on a hot summer day in my shorts and sunglasses looking cool on my bike I would be tellling you a different story, but thats my point.

[naked-daytrader]

First street bike was 2006 r6 brand new. No problems whatsoever.

This needs to be more subjective though; Who's to say that someone who crashes their first 600 did so only because it was a 600?

People who are going to crash are going to crash anyways, the bike is only relevant when it comes down to how many old turds will give them shit about it on a forum.

Exactly... bunch of preachy pussies on here!

The biggest preacher on here was a squid... so now you're that hypocritical grandpa who has stories about how he was so dumb back in 'his day' and wants to help you do what he should have done... every kid's nightmare... annoyance and eyerolling abound.

Who the fuck cares if a ninja 500 can be piloted by a racer around a track at 1:18's? It's slow and ugly... we are talking about street bikes.

It needs to look good, be badass, wheelie, and get chicks.

Thus my street bike is an 1100 wheelie machine hooligan bike and my track bikes are 600 and 450.

If someone wants to buy a 600 or 1000, let them be. If someone wants to buy a 250 or 500, let them be and maybe give them your godly nod of approval.

I've said it before and I'll say it again... this isn't fucking knitting, this is motorcycling! Jesus!

CEO - 2......NESR - 0.....DOC - 0

[RyanNicholson]

Back in 06 my first bike was an 06 R6. I wanted it. It was sweet looking, fast as hell, and I'm an adrenaline junky.

I had my heart set on racing motorcycles even though I had never thrown a leg over one. So I bought it, a shitty jacket, a $100 helmet... took a right out of the lot and rode straight for 5 miles because I couldn't turn left. Two weeks later I passed the test without studying or taking an MSF class... 3 months after that I took penguin and never looked back.

I was completely that guy, but hell I've only had one crash on the street and it was because I got knocked over by a car... and since the bike was rashed thats why I ended up taking it to the track. We all want fast as shit neck snapping power and badass bikes. Some people can jump on one and figure it out, some enjoy building their confidence and skill before jumping in the deep end.


EDIT: keep in mind I'm not saying my path into riding was smart, or what someone capable should do. Its just how things happened for me, mostly because I didn't know any better.

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.508 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Hey lauren, lack of funds huh? I seem to remember offering you a free BRC...twice.

Just busting your balls dear, lol.

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.508 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

"I rode a 1000 as a first bike and didn't die on it. Ergo, there's nothing wrong with starting on a 1000" isn't a valid argument because the people who did do that and die don't have a voice here. I'm all for choice and I never try to influence anyone's first bike. It's up to them what they buy. However, anyone who thinks that you're just as safe on a gixxer as you are on a 250 or 500 as your first bike is only fooling themselves. It has little to do with physical skill, it has a lot to do with mental attitude. Buying a 600 or up as a first bike is just a pointer that you MIGHT not have the correct mental attitude to be a non-crasher that first year.

[Femmekat]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.508 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Hey lauren, lack of funds huh? I seem to remember offering you a free BRC...twice.

Just busting your balls dear, lol.

I know, I know... my work schedule was non-flexible and kept conflicting...

[csmutty]

My first bike was a 1986 Suzuki GSXR1100 (which kinda sucked, cause I didn't weigh enough so I could only get it to wheelie with a passenger.) Soon followed by the GSXR750. Then the ZRX1200R. And now the EX500 racebike. Seems to kinda go backwards...lol

Edit: Thought I should add, dropped the 1100 once in the driveway which ended up with a broken starter cover and oil all over the driveway. Dropped the GSXR750 in the driveway which ended up just cracking the plastic, which was already cracked there anyways. Dropped the 1100 when I showed up early to AI an MSF course, and thought I'd practice the box. Did it perfect like 7 times and on the 8th...down she went. Broke the front fairing and windscreen as well as the left front blinker. I lied to the other instructor and the site manager when they saw it and told them that my buddy did it last night when I let him borrow my bike.

[OreoGaborio]

Doc, you gonna start an Oil debate thread, too?

OOH! How bout a Wave thread?

[rbrais]

I've had a dirt bike ever since I was 7. When I was 21 I took my uncle's Honda NX650 for the summer and got my license on it. The next year I got Honda VTR1000 and still have it. Love that bike.

Get the bike you think you can (honestly) handle. If it's your first bike (ie: never ridden off road), go for a dual sport or motoard. They are cheap, easy to ride, and cost little to fix if you drop it. Hell, I'm getting the old NX650 back on the road, just because it's a fun bike to ride.

[OreoGaborio]

Get the bike you think you can (honestly) handle.

That's the problem... a new rider with zero experience has no idea what he or she can honestly handle. It takes experience (or someone who listens to educated guidance) to make an educated decision.

[ThisBitch]

Doc, you gonna start an Oil debate thread, too?

OOH! How bout a Wave thread?

Repostin', unoriginal motherfucker.

[rbrais]

If you don't signal and slam on your brakes to turn into a parking lot with no notice, you're a squid and will kill the people behind you.

GFYS, Jim.

What if they are in a car?

[ThisBitch]

What if they are in a car?

I'm talking about a specific incident, genius.

[rbrais]

Repostin', unoriginal motherfucker.

BURN!!!!!!!!!

[rbrais]

I'm talking about a specific incident, genius.

I guessed that. Just felt like being a smart-ass.

[rbrais]

That's the problem... a new rider with zero experience has no idea what he or she can honestly handle. It takes experience (or someone who listens to educated guidance) to make an educated decision.

Thus, we have natural selection.

[TheIglu]

Get whatever you want. If you crash, you are the only person that sees any bad things from it. It doesn't effect anyone else what your actions are.

Except for all of our motorcycle insurances going up.

And bad press.

And bad public opinion.

And spike in health insurance.

And more laws.

But whatever. Do what you want.


The zipper on my riding pants blew out last week. I borrowed my mom's riding pants until my new ones arrive. I can't remember the last time I've ridden without full gear. That just goes to show what type of elitist asshole opinion I'll state now:


I've personally taught 2 close friends to ride. Both took the MSF course after I taught them the bare minumums (enough to get hooked) in a quiet church parking lot.

Both bought small bikes, even though one is over 6 feet tall. One got a 1980 GS400 single and the other a 1996 GS500e.

Both crashed them within the first season.

Both I consider "safe" and competent riders.

Both recogonized instantly after the fact what they did wrong. First one tucked the front on ice at slow speed, the other decided to give the front brake too much on a cold morning trying not to hit a kamikaze cat who was hell bent on staying in whatever path he chose.

Both instances were situations where extra engine would not of helped and likely would of made the outcome worse. Both instances were after a full stop and were during hard acceleration.

Both bikes were cheap to fix, if needed at all. No plastic, just a mirror, headlight lense and a couple clutch levers.

I'll never point a new rider to anything larger/more powerful than a SV650. That's just me. Smaller bikes are easier to sell, and being learner bikes, buyers are more leniant towards scuffs and scrapes than big bikes.

[TheIglu]

I didn't take the MSF course not because I didn't want to, but after buying the bike and fixing it repeatedly, had no funds. I hope to take the ERC this year because I keep forgetting I'm only riding on a permit, oops. When pulled over out of state they haven't noticed yet, but I'm sure its a matter of time.

$$$$ Wut?

Is that a picture of you doing a trackday?

[Mike Qube]

My first bike with a motor on it was a 2003 50cc Yamaha Zuma scooter. I rode that for about a year and half and then took the MSF course. I finished second in my class and I think a lot of it had to do with the scooter. After I passed the course, I started looking for a bike. I was originally looking for an SV650 and then came across a 1997 Monster 750 that was cheap enough. I picked it up July 1, 2009. I put about 7000 miles on it last year and have close to 1000 on it this year so far.

[naked-daytrader]

My first bike was a 1986 Suzuki GSXR1100 (which kinda sucked, cause I didn't weigh enough so I could only get it to wheelie with a passenger.) Soon followed by the GSXR750. Then the ZRX1200R. And now the EX500 racebike. Seems to kinda go backwards...lol

Edit: Thought I should add, dropped the 1100 once in the driveway which ended up with a broken starter cover and oil all over the driveway. Dropped the GSXR750 in the driveway which ended up just cracking the plastic, which was already cracked there anyways. Dropped the 1100 when I showed up early to AI an MSF course, and thought I'd practice the box. Did it perfect like 7 times and on the 8th...down she went. Broke the front fairing and windscreen as well as the left front blinker. I lied to the other instructor and the site manager when they saw it and told them that my buddy did it last night when I let him borrow my bike.

Everytime someone says "EX500 racebike" i chuckle a little

[Jim]

$$$$ Wut?

Is that a picture of you doing a trackday?

and gilles rearsets, damper, spare bodywork, spare wheels, spare tank, SS lines, aftermarket air filters, jet kits, spark plugs, anodized bolts....

[markbvt]

We all want fast as shit neck snapping power and badass bikes. Some people can jump on one and figure it out, some enjoy building their confidence and skill before jumping in the deep end.

And some of us (a) like to keep our licenses and (b) enjoy the challenge of riding a "slow" bike fast. Even my Bonneville or Wee-Strom is much faster off the line than all but the most expensive sportscars. Much more performance than that, and I'll just get frustrated that I can't use it without attracting police attention.

Don't get me wrong -- I'm not trying to imply any sort of judgment of the bikes people buy. Of course powerful bikes are fun. I'm just saying that there can be a lot more to motorcycling than that. For example, if someone took me to T Rd and offered me my choice of a 450 super single or a literbike, I'd choose the <50hp super single. Because wringing out a lightweight, nimble bike is fucking fun.

--mark

[OreoGaborio]

Everytime someone says "EX500 racebike" i chuckle a little

Everytime I think about the day I passed a guy riding a 1098... at VIR North... twice... in the same lap... on myyyyyyyyyy EX500 racebike... I chuckle a little bit. I woulda passed him more, but he never caught up after the 2nd pass.

I get what you're saying... "EX500 Racebike" an oxymoron like "Jumbo Shrimp"... or "Skinny Mondo"... or "Handsome Jim". but my point is it's not always about the bike but what you can do with it.