Ok, i have asked another question about valuations and this is because i may well be about to buy one. I have been on my current bike (Honda CBF600N), which is basically a Honda Hornet with a little less power, for about 5 years now and am ready to change.

I have seen a 2004 , red/black blade with decent miles on the clock and decent extras. I have sat on a 1000RR (2007) and did not find it that comfortable, and i also found the hydraulic clutch was a tad stiff. I much prefer the riding position and clutch on the 954, but would it be a decent first step into the sportsbike world, prior to maybe changing it in a year or so to a 2010 1000RR (which i do find comfortable). I don't want to go hell for leather into a new bike without first testing if i can live with one day to day.

What do you guys think ? Oh and i am in the UK if this matters at all.

 

You have riding experience, why wouldnt you upgrade. Anybody can start on a liter bike IMO as long as they have self control and throttle control.... Im confused on the 2004 year model though. They make a 2004 954?

 

It's pretty darn comfortable for a sport bike, so if you're looking to get into a sport bike (and have riding experience) I'd say that it would make a good candidate for sure. It's a hell of a lot more comfortable than my Triumph Daytona 675!

 

Cheers for that, i think its a 2003 but registered in 2004, so it makes it one of the last ones on the road. I will have a look at it and make my decision on Monday ( i am working all weekend). The price point of the bike is good and even if i don't take to '' sportsbikes'' then at least i will not lose any money given a 954 (at the right price) can sell all day long.

 

The "don't start with a _____, you will kill yourself" is simply RETARDED!!! Errr...I got so mad when I started looking for my F4 because I got that exact statement countless times. I actually had a guy at a shop tell me "I won't sell you anything over a 250 for your first bike." WTF?!?!?!

If a person lacks self control, they can/will kill themselves with a bicycle. A reasonable and responsible individual will recognize their limited experience and act accordingly.

It sounds like you like the bike and already have your mind "made up," so I say go for it! I picked the F4 (early F4i would have been fine also) because it felt right to me. The weight, balance, reach, etc. all made me feel comfortable and confident in my ability to at least not dump the thing the first time off it was off the kickstand. I didn't want anything smaller because I knew long-term I would desire more and I didn't want anything bigger because again I just didn't like the physical feel. I even tossed around the idea at one point of using an F4 frame and grafting a 1000RR motor into it, though I eventually settled on "complete bike now, custom/home built bike later."


Chris

 

My first motorbike was a 125 dirt bike at 13 years old, first street bike was '94 CBR 900RR at 23. As long as you have a respect for the machine you will be fine, just no yours and the machines limits! I'm looking for a 954 as well right now, beautiful bikes!

 

I don't follow the 250cc for a first bike mentality. I will say that any bike with clip-ons is not a great bike to learn on. Bikes with upright bars like a z1000 are much more street friendly, easier to ride.

I didn't know any better at 19 and bought a brand new 1993 gsxr-750, purple and black. I loved it and didn't kill myself. I did lay it down twice though, once because of the clip ons and lack of experience.

The 954 is pretty easy to ride, but my buell, with clubman bars, is much easier to make tight, low speed maneuvers on.

 

Its easier to learn on a bike that has less power. You do build more confidence and not have the fear of giving the bike to much. My 954 I picked up last year in August. It came from a Female that she thought it would be slick to have a 954. Soooo she bought it brand new in 2003. She had a low speed lowside that cost her a new side faring and a turnsignal...(Insurance covered). What it did do to her ego is that she was now afraid of the bike and it sat on a charger from then till last August with 717 miles on it never touched. Then I came along. Just be sure of what you want.