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.

 

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

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

exactly

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

: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.

 

: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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

**** 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!

 

Yeah - but riding a ZX12R must be like driving a fast bus... :ugh

I like the R1 cause its a nice size, shape, feel... Not because its the fastest thing on the road. Kawasaki's are nice... Hey, I own one, I should know. Just not for me is all.

Its actually a dilema at the moment for me and is funny how you mentioned Audi. Can't work out if I buy the bike or upgrade the car first. Got a line on a really nice A4 1.8T with a stage 4 MTM kit in it... Absolutely Flies.

choices choices...

 

It"s not that I"m drivinig a kawa, but you mention it IF YOU ARE READY TO OWN a R1. Look at me I"m only 19 and allready riding the fastest an the most powerful bike i the world(in production of course). I had R1, and yeah it"s a nice bike i like it but why not try something even more powerful if i have a chance.IT"S ALL IN OUR HEADS BRO. And as for the car or bike. WHICH DO YOU LIKE MORE???

 

Hello :hellobye

I'm a gal who rides an R1 on the street and track. I also have an R6 race bike. The R6 has plenty of power to get you into trouble however, if you want more power the R1 is the way to go. Just remember you need very good throttle control, respect for the bike and you need to ride within your ability. When you ride outside of your ability and try to keep up with the more experienced riders that’s when you’re going to get into trouble. Just have fun and be safe!

 

.

:2bitchsla

 

Hello Mrs Curves,

I am in the fortunate position of not actually knowing anybody that rides (Well, they gave up), therefore not needing to show off to anybody or try to keep up with anybody.

This of course might change when I finally do get the One and end up chatting to a few people at traffic lights and lookout points etc but at the moment I am content to go for my sunday rides by myself and plod along at my own pace.

I am actually really happy cruising at the legal limit and will probably very rarely take the bike to the redline in any of the last 3 gears.

In anticipation of some nasty responses, I have never pushed my 400 past 160k's and although i'm sure the One will feel a lot better at high speeds than the little 400 I don't feel the need for speed at every turn.

I do on the other hand like accelleration and being one of the few things on the planet capable of getting to 100 (60mph) in under 3 seconds turns me on like a scankky naked chick...

 

The R1 can be as gentle as a pussycat, or quite brutal. It depends upon your mindset and your abilities as to whether you should buy one. There are, and have been people on this forum who shouldn't ride an R1 as evidenced by their crashes.

If you aren't crazy as you say, you have the mindset to ride an R1. You are probably the only one who can measure your ability. The more experience you have riding motorcycles, the greater will be your riding ability.