Hello, I have been saving up for a first bike for around 3 years now. Due to paying for living costs, I have raised only about $1000 total cash that I can spend on a motorcycle. I have an old 1999 ttr230 dirt bike that I take trail riding at least once a week, but I have always had a real passion for sports bikes. Recently, I have been offered a great deal by one of my dad's coworkers. I can get a 2002 954rr for $900, cosmetically and mechanically 9/10. I am extremely tempted to take this deal, however I am unsure what to expect. I have 2 years worth of dirt bike experience, and have taken the Motorcycle safety course. The roads around me are rural, with not many cars or complex intersections. I have always been good with my hands and motor control, but I am a bit on the skinny side of the spectrum at about 140 pounds. This is the only bike I will be able to afford for the next 4 years, as I will soon have to spend my saved cash on next year's college tuition. If I get this beast, I will take it very very cautiously. My only doubt in this is that I have been told that despite my caution and dirt bike experience, it isn't enough and I will be injured or dead within a year. But nobody has told me WHY this is expected to happen. If someone could explain the specific details of why getting the 954rr as a first bike will lead to my imminent demise, that would be greatly appreciated.

 

It won't.

Imminent demise, in your control, is caused by an open circuit between the brain and the wrist.

Any bike on the road is dangerous. Experience and maturity can tilt the odds in your favor a bit, but the risk is still there. We know that, but choose to do it anyway. Some say it's stupid and that's fine....

the 954rr is a great bike, and $900 is a great price!!!

 

+1 on what Demon very well stated. The fact that you are asking say something good about you.
You can get hurt or killed on any bike, regardless of the cc. You do have experience on a bike and a TT230 can plant you into a tree on the trails if you aren't careful, which I'm sure you are aware.
You've taken the MSC. That says a lot also.
If the bike is good shape, that's an excellent price.

 

Welcome to CBRF!

Dirt experience is going to prove useful. Be careful, riding a motorcycle is dangerous. Period. Street bikes have more power and weight than you're used to, but take your time. Feel out the bike as you become slowly more acclimated to the power and weight.

I'd say those things to any new rider. And, IMHO, starting on a 954 is more akin to starting on a 750 as opposed to a 1000 (despite the displacement being closer to a liter).

Keep your head screwed on straight, take your time, and have fun!