Im learning on a liter bike. the 900rr is my first bike but I feel confident, I dont do anything stupid and I have yet to take it out on the freeway. I stick to the back roads and im going slow on it. I have no desire to "show off" or "prove myself". Yes, I have laid it over once but it could of happened to anyone. I was going slow and hit gravel while turning and dropped it. Lesson learned. I imagine i have several lessons left to go.

 

**** a 600, i need at least, well **** at least a busa, but you get used to the power too quick, i think im gonna just go buy a millenium falcon[sm=bling.gif]

 

Ok not sure where the1000 came in but Inever saidI was getting a 1000 and I'm only thinking about getting a 600 ifI do get one it will be the f4i if i can find one around here. KidCr3nshawawesome work thanks and im not sayin to hell with a 200 or 250 im just sayin if someone had thier heart set on gettin one I think it would be cool to have a seasoned rider ride with him or her a couple of times to help with confidence andit doesnt have to be at a track maybe some backroad or even a parking lot just really someone thatcan say yea done that this is why it happened and bea supporter I think its easyer to learn from someone by watching them do it and being able to ask questions right thier in person.The MSF should be a must for all riders I know I'm gonna take the beginer class enven ifI dont find a bikeand if I do find and buy one after a while I plan on going back and taking the advanced class.but your right some people would rather stay behind a keyboard and peck out get a 200 or 250 then ride to where they are within reasonable distance and make a new friend and maybe save a life with there knowledge and know how.
Voodoo thats what im talkin about I have a friend here too that will do the same with me so it looks like Ill be one of only few with that kinda luxury.

Txn_driver thats whatI plan on doing also the way to work for me is really simple and out of the way of a lot of traffic and im only 10 mins away so i can go slow and learn at my own pace.

jzhales I already have the falcon I got tired of the light speed and wanted something slower...

 

I have a 600 F4i, and my first day of riding I took her out and had really no problems. Yeah, there is alot to learn and I do live in a small town with light traffic so its easier on me. But I have no pevious motorcycle experience but a little 100cc minibike on the sidewalk and a 49cc scooter street, nothing in comparison. So buy whatever you really want, I've wanted a CBR F4i since I had my first look at them. In my opinion, there is no "best" first bike, as long as you're level headed and don't get ballsy. Keep ur eyes open and always looking ahead. Definatly take the MSF course, I've been checking every day for them to post up next seasons classes.

 

I work in the risk management side of things... let me ramble and explain it in my own way.

Risk is the product of the likelihood of an incident occuring and the consequences of the incident occuring.

There are different types of risk. There is in the inherant risk (where you can not control the likelihood of the incident occuring) and in this situation everything else falls back onto you. Risk transference doesn't apply.

As a new rider you're likelihood of getting into an accident is much higher than a more experienced rider. (This mean's your risk is higher generally). As a new rider you can reduce the consequences of an incident by wearing proper gear. You can reduce the likelihood of having an incident by taking motorcycle training courses, learning from experienced riders, having a bit of common sense, and starting with a less powerful machine.

A less powerful machine won't stop you getting hit by a left turning car... but you will have less oppertunity to create you own incident (out of inexperience).

As you learn to ride you can reduce the likelihood of an incident occuring by being more aware, and being more competent on your ride. At this point, what you ride will not cause the incident anymore.

The 'perfect rider' is still at risk - there are still things they can't control.

So here I am - knowing what I know about risk, and knowing how I have to approach risk formally at work.

Option A: Don't Ride ( Zero risk of getting into a MC accident)
Option B: Start small and get trained
Option C: Start large and get trained
Option D: Start large and f**k the training.

Obviously in terms of risk, A is safer than B, B is safer than C, C is safer than D.
Knowning that, I choose B. I couldn't not ride. I accepted that ammount of risk. I couldn't accept, however, the risks involved in C or D, NOR could I promote those options to new riders. I feel that in promoting these options then in some small way I'd be responsible for the people who did get into an accident because they were poorly informed by me.

So - that's why I say, start small, wear your gear, and never stop learning.

 

Thats odd... I thought I remembered a whole long thread where everybody posted tips/tricks on riding and riding safe.... such as how to downshift properly, slow properly, ride within your limits... I wonder where it went to?

anyway.... I started on a 600rr and got the same "your gonna hurt yourself". But, I am fairly mature for my age and took it easy for quite some time, even though I had dirtbike experience prior to riding the streetbike. I didnt have many problems learning the basics and getting up to speed. Ive had a few close calls trying to push myself on the backroads (i know, dumbass) but nothing major as I always try and push the magical *80%*

 

I don't know if we can trust you, Loki. Look at your avatar: No helmet, gloves, or jacket...just asking for it on that death machine of yours. What is it, like 1.5 hp?

 

for those who started on a 600...and think that you're doing perfectly well after 1 or 2 years of riding...consider this...

1. you're still new to riding...and the odds are against you.
2. if you started on a smaller bike...you'd be a much better rider given the same amount of time...instead...you're a scared cautious **** on a 600...getting passed by people on smaller bikes who know how to ride.

this is very much beating a dead horse...

no experienced and responsible rider will let someone who hasn't ridden and are contemplating getting a bike ride theirs to see if he/she likes it...that is irresponsible.

 

what about when people say "oh well im prolly gonna get like a 750, ive heard u get tired of 600s quick, thats what my cuzzzzin said, plus i grew up on dirt bikes". i think alot of people that ride do it for the image first, which is why you see kickstand riders at the bp wearin white tees and **** with tires that have 6 inch wide flat spots in the middle

 

If it was my first time on a bike i'd be scared to ride even the 250. But I can see where you're coming from because on my friend's 100cc mini bike I was still a little intimidated. But after a few months we were pulling wheelies stoppies and he was even able to ride a few wheelies around.

And No, we didnt have any gear, we were reckless. We shot bottle rockets and all kinds of exploding fireworks at each other for fun. We even put on some football helmets and tackled each other down the stairs trying to see who would be the ***** and be the first to break a bone =P (I was a smart kid back when I was 14 =P).