you just know how this is going to end up.

[bladerunner 0]

copy and pasted from another forum I use.



To sumise the below for people who can't be bothered to read my dribble: can a neewbie ride an R1

I'm new to biking (motor at least) and would say I'm halfway sensible. I checked a few bikes out and read up on a few. I keep coming back around (or between) the fact that even though the R1's and R6's have the ability to kill me - so does the likes of a ER6 or an XJ6. So what makes the vast majority of posters say 'dont buy an R1 for your first bike'. I just don't get why buying a big litre bike and learning on it is such a massive problem. Of course if I was 19 I think my mindset would have been to get out and see if I could get near the top speed but these days sense and the good ole 'correction factor' is with me so I honestly feel somebody pulling out on me on a 60 or me grabbing some gravel on a corner can happen on any bike.

My test ER6 bike will apparently get 0-60 3.5s while the R1 will do it in around 3 (I don't know how true this actually is).

So why then does everybody say RIP, idiot etc when people talk about an R1 for a first bike. I understand that the top speed is a word apart and the power delivery may also be different as well the handling characteristics. I also know I wont even get close to the limits of an R6 never mind R1 so why choose an R1 then, well its the weight mainly, of the bikes I've rode I feel safer on the heavier faster bike. I'm old and somewhat wise and dont really intend to go more than 20mph over any speed limit. I want to have a nice big presence on the road. and I want to be able to ride to oulton park and run some track days to really understand how to ride.

I think I'd like to pickup an early pre-binned R1 (got one to sell me??) because I'm bound to either bin or drop it at some point especially intending to commute and when on the road not really ride it for kicks, but save that for the track days and advanced riding course. Sure I'd be opening the bike up from time to time (and probably not like some of you guys open them up) and it's not like I'd be riding around trying to scream the proverbials off it so people said "wow look how 'cool' that guy is". I also dont give a hoot if I get the "yeh but he never revs it past 4k" responses either. I'm in this for the exhilaration & enjoyment of biking, and hopefully the excitement of track days - where when I do come sliding off I have a chance to break all my bones rather than be cut in half. (glass is definitively half empty since my tip towards 40)...


So here's you chance - blast me if you think it's a crazy idea and give me your tales and words of wisdom, more importantly if you think it's something that can be done and survived I'd love to hear it. People are quick to share stories of woe but not so many good or success stories are shared - perhaps because there are none.

Bit about me... The guy who's training me thinks I'm a decent rider (in his words better than 90 percent of the riders coming thru - not that means anything or even gives me any false confidence), I'm 6 foot 2. Longer than average arms and legs and weigh in at 14 stone. I look a complete wally on most motorbikes but it's well worth it.

My gear is not leather but waterproof textiles so I'm not sure how that will slide down the road, but obviously I'm always wearing the right gear and am thinking of getting a bit more armor (not that it'll help in a meeting with a kerb). I've ridden mountain bikes all my life from downhill to cross country and commuted 15 miles round trip in a fairly busy inner city through my childhood and student days - I certainly have quite a few scary moments even today and always ride like I'm invisible - so far I've been extremely lucky I guess with never being knocked off or done anything to get me in a bad position. I'm always coming close to problems on busy roundabouts and this is probably why anything under a torque'y 600 for me is out.



Let me know what you think. even run a vote - blast me or support me - my decision isn't made on my bike choice but the R1 is something I really think would be a decent choice for both fun and commutes (ok - so maybe not so much fun for my 20/30 minute commute)


don't be too harsh - remember I didn't kick your cat just would like a bit more advice from some experienced riders...

[Chadatious 0]

 

[BanditMike 0]

Not sure how to respond to that      Guy has some valid points re: the people pulling out on you etc, but obviously has no idea of the performance/ handling differences between any 600 and any 1000/1200 bike. Good luck, but I think the title of the thread stands.     

Was there any update after this post?   

[bladerunner 0]

There were plenty of people telling him not to get an R1 and learn to ride on a more novice friendly bike like an SV 650 and it seems he might have taken the advice on board but hes going looking at a few bikes this weekend and said if hes offered a good deal on and R1/R6 he will take it. Ill let you know what happens.

[Davehutch-hutchs 0]

how old is he ? take it he is over 19    I think ideally yes learn on a more learner friendly bike , but depends what sort of person he is how old he is , It could be done if he uses his head   

[obalanga 0]

his life ,his choice. But from an advice pov, better get a smaller bike first

[smilinjack 0]

Well, to be fair, he comes across as pretty grounded-which ought to exclude him from R1 ownership anyway   I'd say the problem is with certain types who believe that a given bike will somehow make them a better rider. A bit like all the shit talked about tyres really. With any bike, it's attitude that counts. Kid yourself the bike will rectify your errors and you're in the poop.   

[lee1 1]

I would say buy something small to start with even if its just for 6 months then if he feels confident enough then move up

its hard to judge he could be really good on a bike
some people take to it faster than others