Couple of thoughts (Take them as you like from someone with 3 days riding experience...)

I read about every post here relating to new riders - all said go small - 250/500 Twin whatever. - I found my F4i on eBay for $3800 and was "scared" to ride it in front of the prior owner in a strange town as my maiden voyage. - Brought it home in a pickup box, and finally got the nerve to get on it and take it around the block.

I was sooo surprised - it felt very natural - it turned the way I expected it to, it accellerated, braked the way I expected it too. - It built up my confidence way faster than I ever expected. - I figured I'd have to trailer to a parking lot and spend hours practicing starting/stopping, turning, etc. to get comfortable enought to take it on the street. - I think I spent about 15 minutes doing hard braking, and swerving in a lot (Those skills still need a lot of work for me) but otherwise I've logged 125+ miles on the street, and I'm getting way more comfortable every day.

As for an F4i fora starter, I keep the gears up (don't let it get into its' crazy power area - 7000 and on up) and power isn't startling - it is appreciated. - I sat on several 600RR's, R6's, GSXxxxR'sbefore buying (that's what most of the dealers around here had for used) and found the position to be much less comfortable. - Your feet are much higher, the seat is like plywood. - Didn't start/ride one, but I'm sure the power is significantly more dangerous (hits a certain RPM then pulls significantly more). - The F4i is way more than what I need for power, so why go uncomfortable on an RR.

I attribute my positive experience to my MSF course. - 4 evenings - 3 on bike - taught me very quickly how to get where you want to go. - Take it - you'll find out quickly if it's for you - we had 2 people drop out of our course - they were planning on buying, spent 1 dayona bike, and it was enough to get them off and let them rethink if they were up to riding...

It was a blast - Riding was lots of fun there - the group I was in quickly melded and was very supportive. - We were made up of everyone from a 40 something woman, a 50 something gentleman, down to a few in their low 20s. - Everyone got along great. - They do a great job coaching you to get you to do what needs to be done. - I practiced many of the skills on my F4i and found them almost easier to do with it than with our little Kawasaki Intruders (125's).

Good luck in whatever you do...

Billy

 

Hello & Welcome!!

I think you should seriously consider the MSF course...it can only help.

 

+1

I've been riding for the last 2 months and I ride it everyday and to everywhere. I go shopping with my backpack and I haven't driven my car for the last 2 months. I have a CBR 600 F4i and I am very happy with it. I got it used and dropped it the second day and broke the front brake lever. If you happen to buy a 600cc bike, be gentle and in control at all times. Listen to your feelings and don't do anything that you don't feel safe. Step by step you gain more experience. It's like stepping up stairs. Safest is step by step. If you try to jump couple steps up, there will be huge risk of falling down. If you practice every step long enough, you will feel ready to go a step further after a while. And always plan everything in advance when riding. Just my 2 cents.

Welcome to the forum!

 

I would say take a MSF Course and get used to how a motorcycle functions..it might not be for you.Its really not as easy as it looks sometimes...

 

I had a bodyshop & over a five year period along with the cars I bought maybe 10-15 bikes at insurance auctions.These bikes ranged from a ninga 250 I thought was a 500 (oopsie) to a Vmax.All ofthese bikes had between500 & 2000 miles on them. When you loose the fear / respectis when you get bit. Don't get less than a six.
919'sare cheap &there's less to fix when youpick it back up.

 

Actually I'd say lose the fear... keep the respect. You can't be scared when you ride because 1)you won't be able to reactcorrectly if an emergency situation pops up 2) you won't enjoy riding. You gotta have a clear mind when you ride.

 

Welcome. Def MSF. Ride safe.