[AllBeItMine]

Hi guys - love this site... this is my first post.

My question is this:

I have been riding now for about a year and have been riding a ZXR400R (Http://www.empyrosis.com/bikepics/index.html). Its a nice bike and i like it but think its time to move onto something with a bit more power down low.

Was wondering if the 2000 R1 that I want is the bike for me in terms of whether or not I could handle making a 600cc jump in capacity.

I'm not a crazy rider. I don't stress my 400, dodge between cars or travel regulary above the speed limit. I just really like the look and feel of the R1 above anything else.... well apart from an F4 but thats almost twice the price of an R1 and thats just crazy talk.

Do I need to spend more time in the lower capacities or should I be okay with a little care?

 

[R1_mayhem]

you better have some EXCELLENT throttle control before you even think about an R1 or R6, just to warn you...

just like everyone else on here will tell you...the 1 can get you into trouble before you even realize it. then it's up to you to be good enough to get yourself out of trouble with yourself, your bike, and everyone around you all in one piece.

 

[Petrol_Spice]

you're good enough when you no longer need to post threads asking "when you are good enough for an R1"

 

[NHSPIKE]

you can own one any time

it's when are you ready to ride it that matters...



seriously, listen to 2K1R1

easy to get into trouble on the double!

 

[r1matty]

Also you should note that it really is hard to ride the R1 slow.(in a mental capacity) Seriously, it feels better at 120 mph than my old ninja 600 did at 50. I think its the aggressive riding position that makes it hard to ride slow. on the highway (or any time other than a red light) you WILL NOT be able to ride slow. you may be pretty responsible on your 400, but being on the R1 is like riding the Devil's Advocate.
Great bike though, with some brains you should be just fine.

 

[bobjonez]

Yeah, r1matty hit it on the head. The R1 doesn't even come into its own until you're going double the speedlimit on whatever road you're on. Imagine driving a formula 1 car out on public streets...how ridiculous would it feel to drive the speed limit? It would be almost impossible to go that slow. That's exactly what it's like riding the R1. It's basically a better machine than most full racing bikes from 10 years ago.

 

[Rspeedemon1]

no worries bro you are never truly ready for any sportbike, just get on and know your limits. Its not gonna jump out from under you. If you ride within your limits where you are comfortable you can ride anything. Just don't be tryin to keep up with other boys on liter class bikes for a while.

 

[Limited R1]

If you really ride as easy as you say you do you might be ok. But as others have said having that avadibile power on hand can intice you to do things you normally wouldn't. I mean you will start hearing this little voice calling out to you go ahead everyone does it, Go ahead twist me more. And it's that throttle voice is real convincing.

 

[AllBeItMine]

Thanks for the advice. I assume with some care, the bike and I should treat each other well.

There are no major differences between the 98-01 models are there?

The major differences came with the 02 model having a redone backend and fuel injection.

The price of these machines in NZ aren't soo bad. A good looking 00 model with low k's probably goes for around $10k ($4500 USD).

I am aiming to make the leap March/April 2003. Wish me luck.

 

[Guest]

you're good enough when you no longer need to post threads asking "when you are good enough for an R1"

exactly

 

[r1-superstar]

you're good enough when you no longer need to post threads asking "when you are good enough for an R1"

I second this motion.

 

[AllBeItMine]

Okay guys - Just thought you guys might have a few pearls of wisdom you wished to impart.

As an example - i'm sure there are differences between riding a sportsbike and a Harley. I don't think I would be comfortable jumping straight on a Harley without taking a few pointers first.

But if an R1 is just a better version of a sports or hyper sports bike with more power then i think i should be fine.

 

[Jboat]

I would say if someone has at least a full year of riding on a sportbike they might be able to handle an R1. I had ten years under my belt before I got the one. A liter bike is a big jump up even from a new 600. Monster torque baby. It'll scare the crap outa ya...:rock

 

[hsc911]

:machinegu

My '00 R1 is my first bike, I had only ever ridden four times before I bought it (passing my test).

The throttle works both ways!

Use your brains.

 

[r1-superstar]

:machinegu

My '00 R1 is my first bike, I had only ever ridden four times before I bought it (passing my test).

The throttle works both ways!

Use your brains.

Just be really careful Newbie. That's my advice. Two months in the saddle is pretty short.

Unless you are a ripper on a dirt bike.

 

[yamaha82]

hm

I started with a 600 and within 7 months moved to the one...no problems so far..just recognize the power and do NOT undereestimate it!!....dont worrry, i think you'll respect the power as soon as you get on it though.

 

[scorpio]

if i did what you are going to do, i would be dead by now

maybey you are very carefull but then you can have no fun

sorry but for me its useless.

 

[zazzle_swagneer]

I think if you are respectful of your own abilities, ride your own pace, and learn to ride it progressively you will be fine.....

I have been riding for 10 years, RZ, FZR, GSXR, F4 now R1. I could have skipped the GSXR completely and I eventually sold the F4 because wanted more power.

I had to take it easy for a few months because it was so much different in it's personality than my Honda CBR F4 that I just couldn't trust it. This was in terms of steering but also in the fact that it built up speed so effortlessly that it was always accelerating just off the torque so you actually have to keep yourself in check even when you not are givin 'er.

But I love the bike, it does the mad stuff effortlessly as well as it does touring, and it looks fantastic....

But I would not be scared of the throttle, it is not as touchy as a Vtwin or anything....

Cheers

 

[the koruma kid]

I spent my first 6 years on a 600, then got "the ONE" man it's like learning to ride all over again... It'll scare the big Jesus out of you if your not careful, it's so bloody quick you'll be in a whole heap of shit before you know about it... It really doesn't matter what anyone of my brothers posts here because if your hearts set on getting one you'll just get it anyway...If you do then just take your time and be gental with that throttle mate....either way good luck

Mark out.

 

[R1-U.F.O]

**** that "AllBeItMine". I only did with my zxr,1000km and with my R1 600km and then trade R1 an Audi A4 2.8 for new ninja zx-12r and i still live and I must admit that I"m not easy on throttle!