just take It easy for the first month and watch out for cars that don't see you. The R1 is an easy bike to ride but be careful on the gas and watch those rounabouts...i crashed on a NY roundabout.

 

It was the same for me. I rode motorcycles from the time I was 8 and went without for about 10 years until I bought my 02. Just take it easy for a couple of weeks and it will all come back to you.

 

THAT'S WHAT I WAS HOPING TO HEAR...

I'm scheduled to go to Willow Springs in November for their road course class, so I definitely want to learn as much as I can so I have a great time.

DAMN I'VE MISSED RIDING

 

dont let your buddies ride it......

 

Are you getting an '02 or an '03? I sure you hope that you payed under 9,000 otd. Here's some advice, goodluck tomorrow. If you have any questions post them up under the technique/riding msg board under this forum.

1) Buy protective gear for you and the bike. (Duck tape the fairings and install protective frame sliders that will reduce and damaged sustained during practice riding at low speeds)

2) Read Kieth Code's twist of the wrist for a basic understanding of street riding. There are things about motorcycle riding that
aren't really apparent - you must be told on how and why they work the way they do. (countersteering, body positioning, braking, etc.. )

3) Don't spend as much time free riding as you do practising how to ride. Observe what you're doing right and wrong. (For at least a few weeks)

4) Do not assosciate with anyone who has a Suzuki GSX-R. (otherwise called a gixxer) Its bad for your reputation and health. And ours.

Goodluck again man, you're going to have the best time of your life.

 

Oh yeah

Break your bike in using a powerstand. Use the method listed on the site and just pay and mechanic that you trust to do it for you. Don't let beginner mistakes mess up the break-in process.

 

4) Do not assosciate with anyone who has a Suzuki GSX-R. (otherwise called a gixxer) Its bad for your reputation and health. And ours. [/B]

:yesnod

 

Watch out once you are over 1000 miles and have broken it in. The 1 is very controllable under 6-7000 rpm, but once you get above 7000 it turns into a rocket with tankslappers and headshake.

 

I had a FZR 600 years ago, 8 to be exact. I rode it for 3 years, and barely got my 02 R1 in April. It'll come back to you. Just respect the power of this beast :rock. And get gear and take it slow. Good luck and welcome to the fun!

 

leave lots of room for maneuvers until you get used to your bike...I hadnt rode for awhile, and then bought the 1...i was suprised how much ground you can cover w a small twist of the wrist

 

Watch out once you are over 1000 miles and have broken it in. The 1 is very controllable under 6-7000 rpm, but once you get above 7000 it turns into a rocket with tankslappers and headshake.

??? Pre 02 R1 will shake and tankslap when you are at speed while exit corner with a handful of throttle but 02/03 R1 is much more stable and it will only shake at very high speed. if your bike behaves has you depicted, there is either something wrong with your bike or your riding style.

Mkinla, enjoy your new bike. I am going to wait for the 04. Perhaps we will hook up to go riding new year.

Duke

 

Take it easy on the throttle, the R1 is very powerful.

 

Yeap, control that throttle hand - especially in 1st gear. Give it some time and it'll come back to you. Between the 'search' button and posting your questions here - you'll find ALL the answers you need.

Oh - and welcome to the BEST motorcycling forum on the planet.

Pasadena huh... You do know that you're only miles away from the beautiful "Angeles Crest" right. 'Ping' me when you wanna ride buddy...

 

Give me about a month and we'll hook and do the Crest, I need sometime on this beast to get the old feel back.

Also is $10,000 OTD too much for a new 03?

:dunno

 

to much IMO

 

For that price I would wait for an 04. If you absolutely need one now you can buy a used 02 in the 6's if you look hard enough and it's the same bike as the 03

 

In SoCal 10k is about right. The dealers here will rip you. I got a used 02 in april for 9700 OTD, so 10k is good to me. Pasadena isn't to far away from Lil' Tujunga as well. I've been riding there a few times and theres plenty of twisties for me. Give it some time though before you get into them, I almost ate shite the first couple of times :crash, but know I'm getting my confidence back :rock!!

 

In my area $10k is way too much, but as mentioned, it might be ok for yours...

If you haven't ridden in 10 years be prepared to be AMAZED by how far bikes have come. Just be real careful with the fun grip until you really get the feel for her..

- BA

 

Wear gear.and a good tip to remember is. Even if you make eye contact with a driver in a car, that does not mean they see you. look out for them anyway, people in cars do stupid things to people on a bike.

 

ya, unless you've already got the check, or you have to have it today, 10000 is too much imo.....they are going here for like 8600-8800, but you have to go to the tag agency to pay tax which is like 500-600...sooo, i dunno how ca works....

 

Yeah I'm hearing that in Los Angeles the bikes are going for about a grand more than other places in the U.S. So if add in shipping and all that crap it's probably about even.

Plus the dealership in Pasadena is a 5 Star dealer and there about 3 miles from my house so I'd like to get the bike from them assuming I'll get better service, but then again you know what happens when you assume.

:argue

Anyways I'm off to get the bike :jump

 

Yeah I'm hearing that in Los Angeles the bikes are going for about a grand more than other places in the U.S. So if add in shipping and all that crap it's probably about even.

Plus the dealership in Pasadena is a 5 Star dealer and there about 3 miles from my house so I'd like to get the bike from them assuming I'll get better service, but then again you know what happens when you assume.

:argue

Anyways I'm off to get the bike :jump

grats on your bike man. I just got mine last week. awesome bike. for those not living in so cal, $10K otd is a great price. I did a bunch of research on the 03. I even saw the paperwork for the dealers invoice and they practicaly only made about $150 from me. they sold it to me at $9K plus taxes came out to just under 10K. its a great deal imo.:thumbup

 

Give me about a month and we'll hook and do the Crest, I need sometime on this beast to get the old feel back.

Also is $10,000 OTD too much for a new 03?

:dunno

You will need a lot more time than a month, do not be in a rush to start going fast on the track or the street as whatever you rode 10 years ago does not apply unless it was a full on superbike. You do not want to be over confident on this bike. I got my R1 after taking 10+ years off and the thing still suprises me 2 1/2 years later.

 

Mklinla,

If you haven't committed or signed to finalize the deal, I can helpyou save at least $500. A Crestrider, good friend, is working as a manager in a Yamaha dealer. Email me.

Duke

 

Dude I just got it.....

Oh well, but damn after getting an Arai Helmet, Aplinestars leather jacket, gloves, full set of frame sliders and a fender eliminator it was like an extra grand.

But damn does that bike look sweat :rock

I really appreciate everyones advice, I'm definitely going to be taking it easy for awhile.