WOW another Jeeper! Nice!
Yeah, Jeeping is a addicting! I know im an addict.
An XJ nice.. what do you have on it?
I want to see some pic's of it!

Yeah im trying to be smart now, so that way, ill have a little bit under my belt when I start riding.
I dont want to do anything stupid. haha
My dad and I figured out the difference between bikes and Jeeps.
When we stop we dont put our feet down. lol


Sushi- as far as going meet people, I have plans to do that. We have a group that meets up here and I think im going to go stop in and see whats up.
Ive seen what those guys are about and its amazing. they are like Jeepers, always sticking together. My friend last year lost a friend who had a bike.And at the funeral,there was a ton of bikes there. It stunk they had to be together in that situation. But it was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. It would be the same for Jeepers. I know some people dont get that, but I know that Jeeper above will understand what I mean. Its amazing the way that it is like a family.

I couldnt help but take a few pictures. It was amazing.

 

Yea i know what you mean the roads are bumpy and just bad in general.. i live Ruston about 20 miles west of Monroe and the roads in LA have been rated at some of the worst in the US.. Thats not good for a sportbike rider.. Anyways the potholes and bumps are not too bad. Ur not going to just fall over, as long as you pay attention.. Avoid them as much as possible.. You'll be okay if you stick to your plan right now of taking it all very serious and always keep learning. You'll love it.. be smart and good look on choosing your first bike!!

 

I know that Michigan has some bad roads, but your bike has small tires and you can move yourself into safe territory. I ride the same roads when I'm up and I know where the problem spots are at and I have devised lane positions that minimize my bike's shock damage from them. I have never been tossed by something, but judging by what I see, some pot holes could do it to you if you do not know they are there. Be careful on roads you do not frequent.

 

If really interested in getting a bike.. go ahead and take the MSF course in your area. Valueable information can be learned and it will give you an idea of what you're getting yourself into.

As for falling .. it happens. As with most accidents, they can be avioded but not all. Dress for the crash not the ride. Make gear your initial investment. As long as you know your roads that you ride on, keep your right wrist in check, and stay alertin/out of traffic you should be fine. Things to watch out for but not definately not allare: (yourspeed, cars turning out infront of you, wildlife, oil spots, watching your rear-end atevery stop)

 

Welcome to the addiction.

First off, stay away from that 954, as said before. The 600RR isn't the best choice either to start out with, but is fair if the proper steps are taken. Late model sportbikes are incredibly twitchy, finicky, touchy gas and brakes and you have to get the basics down such as weight transfer and throttle control.
Also stay away from bike nights for gaining knowledge. You'll only learn how to pose. Best place for knowledge is by reading, taking the MSF course, or visiting a local trackday. Some good books: Lee Parks: Total Control and Keith Code: Twist of the Wrist Vol. 2 (Vol. 1 is more racing oriented Vol 2 is all around useful info)
Gear: Expect to dump around $1500 for quality gear. Helmet wise, I wouldn't consider anything other than Arai, Shoei or Suomy. Boot wise, look at Sidi or AlpineStars. I wear a leather suit for street and track and I don't commute on the bike, it's just for fun riding backroads/track. Look into Joe Rocket or AlpineStars leathers...it's decent and price isn't too high. Get decent gloves too, I use Dainese because they have good feel in the fingertips.
The first thing to do before you pull the trigger is to take the MSF course and see if it's something you want to pursue. It's not for everybody. Now would be a good time because classes shouldn't be full this time of year. You'll probably ride a Buell Blast or Kawi 250 or similar in the class.

 

As far as the roads, I hear what you are saying. Ive always wondered how much that would effect it.
I was talking to the guy down my street today who had a 600 and he was telling me more about the bike and how it handles on the road. He was telling me new tires + rain= not fun. He was telling me he dropped his bike. He didnt have any damage, but still not fun.
But its like that in my Jeep too, so I guess it happens. I know if I have good speed going, there is no stopping, its sliding!
Mud tires suck on the road, but im used to having to watch out for that. But its good to know more about how it will handle on bumpy and messed up roads! I know that guy from Monroe knows what im talking about. Try StLandry Parish. IT SUCKS! haha Every where you go it is like you are on the moon riding through craters. Its bad. With leafsprings on the Jeep it feel like a dump truck in a cane field. Its bad!

As far as gear, that a must, I plan to buy the best of the best. Ive been lucky to not have anything serious happen to me yet. Iveused my 3 chances, so I want to be extra careful! It cant hurt. It might suck to wear it and I hear people complain, but its better to be safe. I think im going pick up that book Twist of the wrist this weekend. Im very interested in learning more. Anything else you can tell me, im ready to learn!

Dress for the crash not the ride ..Thats pretty good advice. Im trying to be smart with everything having to do with riding.

Oh and as far as the MSF course, thats a must.Thats probably happening way before I get my bike. I plan to have the bike by this time next year. So I hope to do the class soon and I will probably do it again when I get the bike. It cant hurt.
I have a few friends that ride so im sure i can tag along and they will let me ride their bikes around for practice.That wayI can get more time under my belt.

You guys rock for all fo this help! I have to tell you I love and I cant stand this forum. I have a hard time leaving. I always find something new and interesting to read.

So im going to quit procrastinating. I have a paper to write.
But again thanks for the advice and if you have more, please hook me up! I am ready to learn!

 

HAHA!!! You've been saying that you have a paper to write for the past 6 hours...get back to work! JK!

You're off to a great start already! You're eager to take the MSF course(s), wanting to wear the gear "Dress for the crash, not the ride" niiice...Sounds like you have your head on straight, hopefully you'll go through with it all, if you do, AND you finish your damn paper, you'll be set !

 

It only took 8 hours, but now its finished! lol

 

I drive a Jeep too, mines a bit different than yours but a Jeep is a Jeep! you don't just fall over when you hit bumps, the gyroscopic effect of the wheels makes the bike more stable the faster you go. I don't even notice large bumps on the freeway at speed that tend to give you a noticeable 'bump' when you are going slow.

You really have to ride like your life rests in the hands of the drivers around you, and you have to take that power away from them. Don't put yourself in a situation where your options are limited. use the speed/brakes of the sportbike to your advantage. Don't give them the power of being able to impose their will upon you. use your superior vision and handling of what is coming and anticipate what could happen. take accounts of the options you have at all times. i had a lot of the same questions as you when i first started riding. I had ridden (pedal) bikes on the street for years for training so my awareness of cars and what they do was fairly high.

Get a Ninja 250 or 500 or at most a clean F3 or F4, and definitely not a modern 600 super sport.. even my F3 does 0-60 in 3 seconds and will easily slide out (drift) the rear on a turn in first gear if i goose it.

Welcome to CBR forum!

oh and as far as letting a beginner ride my bike... better have cash in hand (even if i was your friend!). so it might not be as easy as just having your friends let you ride their bike, plus how many of your friends have a good starter bike. i've let experienced riders who i know very well take it out though.

 

Actaully my best friend has a lifted Grand Cherokee. Lifts on the Cherokees look Awesome! If you ever want to turn your Jeep into a money pit. Rustysoffroad.com lol They have lifts for your Jeep. ; )

As far as my friend letting me ride. Its kind of funny, his neighbor wanted to try out riding his bike, so he let him. The guy was wearing shorts a tee shirt and crocks. Well I can tell you, im not the brightest star in the sky and I dont have a bike. But I know better then that. Well the guys didnt realize how much power the bike had and fell off and dropped the bike. The bike only has minor scratches on the gas tank, not bad. But the guy.. Well Road rash and busted toes. I think he learned his lesson to say the least. But my friend is really cool about it. He knows his wife and I want to start riding so after the MSF class he is going to help us learn more.
He knows we want to be smart and know what we are doing. Practice makes perfect, as they say!

The is good advice about taking the power away from others and watching your options..etc.
I try to stay aware even in my Jeep. People drivecrazyand you have to be on your toes 24-7.
I used to be on the road for 2 years , where I had to drivethe South East. Ive seen a lot.
Im sure I will notice more on the bike then I will in the Jeep.
Im kind of stuck I had a thought and lost it. Ill have to finsi this later, I really was going somewhere with this too..lol
But here is a pic ofboth of my friend's Jeeps.
They are both lifted with mud tires.