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DustinTheMac
I think you Dad is right, but for the wrong reasons. At age 19, I'll go ahead and assume you do not have any streetbike experience what so ever. You can do what you want to, but IMHO the R1 is a bad choice for you at this stage. I wouldn't reccommend anything bigger than a 600cc bike.
I got started on streetbikes riding my buddies Katana 600. I helped him make the down payment, so I got to ride it about half the time. When I left the Army and attended college, I bought myself a '93 CBR600F2. It was a pretty big step up from that POS Katana, but nothing I couldn't handle at that point. Kept that bike for 5 years and rode the dog shit out of it. Now I have my R1. I didn't realize it at the time, but I made some really smart decisions. Starting out on that slow bike and working my way up to the R1.
So in closing, DON'T GET A HARLEY! Get a sportbike, just a smaller one for now (R6, CBR600F4). Work your way up bro, you'll thank yourself later.
I got started on streetbikes riding my buddies Katana 600. I helped him make the down payment, so I got to ride it about half the time. When I left the Army and attended college, I bought myself a '93 CBR600F2. It was a pretty big step up from that POS Katana, but nothing I couldn't handle at that point. Kept that bike for 5 years and rode the dog shit out of it. Now I have my R1. I didn't realize it at the time, but I made some really smart decisions. Starting out on that slow bike and working my way up to the R1.
So in closing, DON'T GET A HARLEY! Get a sportbike, just a smaller one for now (R6, CBR600F4). Work your way up bro, you'll thank yourself later.
I agree, a 600 would be a much better choice for you. If I were you I'd buy a used 2-4 year old 600 cc bike like the R6 or CBR or Ninja. I wouldn't worry about it if it had some scratches on it. Get a good deal, that's all that matters. Ride it until next summer, then buy a R1. I can nearly assure you that you will drop or dump your first bike. It won't be near as devistating to scratch up the already scratched used bike as it would be to scratch up the R1. I dropped my first bike in the garage 3 times, 1 time at a redlight, and wrecked it doing a wheelie once. It was a Ninja 500 I bought used for $1700, rode several months, then sold for $2500! Then I bought my R6. Well, one day two cagers crashed in front of me. I had to skid down the yellow line between 2 lanes of oncoming traffic on a 2 lane road during rush hour. Well I pulled over to check on the people in the cages and I dropped it because I was parked on a hill, put the sidestand down, decided to move up higher on the hill, and got off. I forgot that I had to put the sidestand up to move up the hill, and when I got off the bike...SLAM! It fell straight to the ground. It was minor damage. Hopefully I've gotten all the minor drops out of my system now and won't drop the R1. Hopefully you'll never have any of these things happen, but the odds are against you, so let my experience, and the experience of others persuade you to not dump a lot of money into something you are going to dump.
Good luck with your dad. My parents did not like the idea of a bike at all, so I didn't tell hem I got one until 3 weeks after I bought it.:fact
Good luck with your dad. My parents did not like the idea of a bike at all, so I didn't tell hem I got one until 3 weeks after I bought it.:fact
ZOOM, i did the same thing with an old ninja...bought for 1600 rode the PISS out of it, dropped it, wife dropped it, stoppied it, wheelied it burnoutteedddd it and sold it for 2500 on ebay :lol :lol :lol :lol
I was raised in a "no motorcycle, no snowmobile, no 3 wheelers, no anything" environment. But when I brought my 1st bike home in '88 (11th grade), my dad drooled over it! He was just as excited as I was. He got so jealous, he bought a bike w/in a year after I did. Now he has a Harley & a turbocharged Busa! Parents have to be parents, but they are people too & like to have fun. Mom was another story tho...
Get a bike, but don't start off w/ the R1! You are just asking for trouble.:crash
Get a bike, but don't start off w/ the R1! You are just asking for trouble.:crash
Hoo rah is right !!!
Dustin:
these guys are right. they would never steer you wrong. and no one on here is envious of you. we want you to get an R1 and ride with us. but bro, thats just it, we want you to be ALIVE to ride one.
this is not the first time i have answered to a yungin's post regarding the r1 as a first bike. i really hope we can talk you out of it and you end up getting something smaller. most of us on here are a bit older and have been riding for quite sometime and still FEAR the awesome power of the R1.
You have to respect these machines. dont get it to look cool. you wont look too cool 6 feet under.
please consider these last few messages from your older bros. we wont pick on you for getting a smaller CC bike. we will respect your intellect & maturity for doing so.
later. ride safe kiddo.
:thumbup
Dustin:
these guys are right. they would never steer you wrong. and no one on here is envious of you. we want you to get an R1 and ride with us. but bro, thats just it, we want you to be ALIVE to ride one.
this is not the first time i have answered to a yungin's post regarding the r1 as a first bike. i really hope we can talk you out of it and you end up getting something smaller. most of us on here are a bit older and have been riding for quite sometime and still FEAR the awesome power of the R1.
You have to respect these machines. dont get it to look cool. you wont look too cool 6 feet under.
please consider these last few messages from your older bros. we wont pick on you for getting a smaller CC bike. we will respect your intellect & maturity for doing so.
later. ride safe kiddo.
:thumbup
Im 19 about 6'1 160lbs. I have a 94 FZR 600. Its my first bike. I ride alot and sometimes its MORE than enough power. If i got on anything close to 1000 cc's it would be like riding a piece of glass. I would be sooooo cautious. My 600 has suprised me and stood up while trying to wheelie or launch hard. I just thank got i DIDNT get anything bigger than a 600 to start on.
Yeah I agree about gettin a 600 first....but to each their own I guess. I won't flame anyone for getting a liter bike for their first bike, but I'm glad I worked my way up to 140hp over the course of several streetbikes...after 10 years of puttin around on dirt bikes.
My last bike before the one was a 98zx6r. Pipe, jetkit, filter, ignition advance....man that thing was faaaaast.
Get any 600 from the past couple of years and you'll be a very happy man. Then, when you finally jump on a 1000cc bike you'll know what to do with it.
My last bike before the one was a 98zx6r. Pipe, jetkit, filter, ignition advance....man that thing was faaaaast.
Get any 600 from the past couple of years and you'll be a very happy man. Then, when you finally jump on a 1000cc bike you'll know what to do with it.
You should compromise. Get a Sv 650. It has that old bike style look, with the round headlight and no fairings, but has the balls of a 600cc sportbike Not to mention it would be a great bike for you to learn on. Just a suggestion. But you'll probably get the R1 anyway, wreck it and not have any money left over to repair it. That's if your still alive.
well...heres my opinion
I'm not much on Honda's, but if I were you I would look around for an early '90's model CBR, like an F2...
they were comfortable, supposed to make right around 100 hp and weigh 453 lbs with the tank full...
not much off of todays bikes for a fraction of the price, and they look cool as hell to boot, in fact they don't look a whole lot different from a late '90's CBR, and like everyone says, when you drop it, you wont be out a new $10,000 R1...
If you get the R1 though that would be cool too, you may never have a problem in the world with it, but I can remember my youth, and looking back I would have killed for an R1, and I thank god I didnt have one because I probably wouldnt have lasted too long...
just be careful no matter what you get, and dont look down too hard on those 600's, they're small, light, and go like a bitch...
you can see a pic, and some info on a '91 F2, and alot of other bikes here...
www.MCReports.com
I'm not much on Honda's, but if I were you I would look around for an early '90's model CBR, like an F2...
they were comfortable, supposed to make right around 100 hp and weigh 453 lbs with the tank full...
not much off of todays bikes for a fraction of the price, and they look cool as hell to boot, in fact they don't look a whole lot different from a late '90's CBR, and like everyone says, when you drop it, you wont be out a new $10,000 R1...
If you get the R1 though that would be cool too, you may never have a problem in the world with it, but I can remember my youth, and looking back I would have killed for an R1, and I thank god I didnt have one because I probably wouldnt have lasted too long...
just be careful no matter what you get, and dont look down too hard on those 600's, they're small, light, and go like a bitch...
you can see a pic, and some info on a '91 F2, and alot of other bikes here...
www.MCReports.com
Work your way up.
Do you have any dirt bike background?
Most of the time when a new rider talks about "I want something fast" chances are that they will drop their bike. A big new bike can bring big new bills.
As a rule of thumb, its a good idea to get a smaller first bike till you learn how to handle getting yourself out of situations. Its about the saves. Any psycho can twist a throttle and get lucky.
Ive found that while riding a good enduro or motard you can become a better rider faster. You can throw those things around and have a blast. Its also a lot cheaper if you fall. After a few months trade it in.
Im sure there are those that disagree but its not a bad idea.
Do you have any dirt bike background?
Most of the time when a new rider talks about "I want something fast" chances are that they will drop their bike. A big new bike can bring big new bills.
As a rule of thumb, its a good idea to get a smaller first bike till you learn how to handle getting yourself out of situations. Its about the saves. Any psycho can twist a throttle and get lucky.
Ive found that while riding a good enduro or motard you can become a better rider faster. You can throw those things around and have a blast. Its also a lot cheaper if you fall. After a few months trade it in.
Im sure there are those that disagree but its not a bad idea.
Here is a slightly different perspective. Don't look at 600's as "lesser" bikes.
I've been ridin, stuntin, & track-day'n my R1 for over 2 years, and CAN'T WAIT to pick up a 600!!!
After hard charging on a 600, liter bikes feel like tanks (don't flame me, I speakum truth).
At the track, 600's can brake later, carry more corner speed & accelerate earlier out of corners than a liter bike. On the street, they are easier to handle, can do the twisties better, and of course, they're cheaper to own, crash, and insure.
I haven't made up my mind which 600 I'm going to get because they are ALL fantastic bikes. I'm actually leaning toward the SV650 (not the "S" model) because of it's "Jack of all trades" abilities, such as:
It's low cost (relatively speaking)
V-twin stunt'n machine!
Race track manners at speed
Civil manners at legal speeds
Did I mention low cost?
I agree with everyone here...get a 600 first (or maybe even something smaller, like a Ninja 500 or 250), but don't think for a second that 600's are "lesser" bikes.
They're not!
I've been ridin, stuntin, & track-day'n my R1 for over 2 years, and CAN'T WAIT to pick up a 600!!!
After hard charging on a 600, liter bikes feel like tanks (don't flame me, I speakum truth).
At the track, 600's can brake later, carry more corner speed & accelerate earlier out of corners than a liter bike. On the street, they are easier to handle, can do the twisties better, and of course, they're cheaper to own, crash, and insure.
I haven't made up my mind which 600 I'm going to get because they are ALL fantastic bikes. I'm actually leaning toward the SV650 (not the "S" model) because of it's "Jack of all trades" abilities, such as:
It's low cost (relatively speaking)
V-twin stunt'n machine!
Race track manners at speed
Civil manners at legal speeds
Did I mention low cost?
I agree with everyone here...get a 600 first (or maybe even something smaller, like a Ninja 500 or 250), but don't think for a second that 600's are "lesser" bikes.
They're not!
Well put and a good point. They are more forgiving power wise, but will jump up and bite you as quick as any liter bike will. I have a buddy that can do 3rd and 4th gear stand-ups no clutch at will on his R6, which tells me that it's not any less capable than my bike. It'll be a little less likely to loop in a 1st gear roll on, but I'm sure has happened plenty.Y2KRedR1 said:
props to you dustinthemac! 
now i know why i respond to the "i want a liter bike as a first bike" threads. because of guys like you, who ask for advice and take it to heart when it is given. thank you!
i'm sure you've made many members here very happy with your decision.....i think any one of us would be happy to ride with ya. let us know when you get your bike.
good luck!
now i know why i respond to the "i want a liter bike as a first bike" threads. because of guys like you, who ask for advice and take it to heart when it is given. thank you!
i'm sure you've made many members here very happy with your decision.....i think any one of us would be happy to ride with ya. let us know when you get your bike.
good luck!
Just look for one that you find most comfortable. Go to a dealer & sit on every 600cc bike that he has & ask yourself, "Could I stay in this position for 2 hours straight?" Every person has different riding styles & positions. I am 6'4" 230 lbs. I could say that the R1 is actually too small for me, but I have been riding for 16 years & I am used to the cramped-up feeling of a bike with a short wheel base.
Unless you plan on riding your bike only about 100 miles a week (which I guarantee you won't), find something that makes you happy. Most 600cc bikes out there are excellent bikes.
Oh yeah, regardless of which bike you get, give yourself about 2 weeks of every day riding to become settled into the riding position. Your neck WILL hurt, your wrists WILL be sore, your butt WILL ache, but it all goes away as you ride more. And it's all oh-so-worth it!!!:thumbup :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup
Unless you plan on riding your bike only about 100 miles a week (which I guarantee you won't), find something that makes you happy. Most 600cc bikes out there are excellent bikes.
Oh yeah, regardless of which bike you get, give yourself about 2 weeks of every day riding to become settled into the riding position. Your neck WILL hurt, your wrists WILL be sore, your butt WILL ache, but it all goes away as you ride more. And it's all oh-so-worth it!!!:thumbup :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup
hey bro, i got my first bike when i was 18, it was a shadow 1100, then i got a tl1000s for about a year and half, now i have a r1, i took all the classes and was as safe as i could, i still had a few mishaps, but am still walking and eating solid foods, so please take the longer road to a r1 and you'll be around to enjoy it more:thumbup
just to throw in my $.02... i have a friend who just came over from Australia. he has a Bandit 250. he had to get a 250 because in aussie-land, you can't just buy a big bike.. you have to be licensed for smaller bikes first.. to the REST of the world 600's aren't "small" bikes.
unless you're looking for 3rd gear roll-ons, or topping 180, there's no /need/ for a litre bike.. and if you ride like a foo, you'll get killed almost as quickly on a 250 as you would on an R1 or 929RR. that said, everyone else is right.. good to buy a bike you can scratch a bit while you learn a few lessons and inevitably make a few a mistakes.
as far as height wise, i'm 6'2 160lbs, and i was constantly bumping my knees with elbows on my 99 GSXR 600. i think Kawi ZX-6's have less of an agressive riding position, so a zx might work for you. I'd imagine the R6 would be just as bad on a tall fellow...
unless you're looking for 3rd gear roll-ons, or topping 180, there's no /need/ for a litre bike.. and if you ride like a foo, you'll get killed almost as quickly on a 250 as you would on an R1 or 929RR. that said, everyone else is right.. good to buy a bike you can scratch a bit while you learn a few lessons and inevitably make a few a mistakes.
as far as height wise, i'm 6'2 160lbs, and i was constantly bumping my knees with elbows on my 99 GSXR 600. i think Kawi ZX-6's have less of an agressive riding position, so a zx might work for you. I'd imagine the R6 would be just as bad on a tall fellow...
haha, well...
1: katanas do suck ass!!! haha, they're the Ford Taurus of sportbikes.
2: wtf kinda bike did you think you'd bought??
"I didn't realize it was an R6 until after i brought it home and then i started checkin it out even more "
did you think you bought an R1?? i hope you didn't pay the bluebook on an R1 for a used R6
anyway, good luck with the bike, be safe, and make sure you wear your gear!
1: katanas do suck ass!!! haha, they're the Ford Taurus of sportbikes.
2: wtf kinda bike did you think you'd bought??
"I didn't realize it was an R6 until after i brought it home and then i started checkin it out even more "
did you think you bought an R1?? i hope you didn't pay the bluebook on an R1 for a used R6
anyway, good luck with the bike, be safe, and make sure you wear your gear!
congrats on your bike bro. you made a good choice.
yammies=:boobies +:rock +:finger
just like these other guys told you...take it easy until you get a feel for it. these guys know their shit. but i definitely feel you on the wind part. i remember the first time i opened up my first bike (92 katana 600.) holy shit...just be careful...it only gets better. you're addicted now. you can never go back.:thumbup
and by the way...katanas DO suck ass:lol
yammies=:boobies +:rock +:finger
just like these other guys told you...take it easy until you get a feel for it. these guys know their shit. but i definitely feel you on the wind part. i remember the first time i opened up my first bike (92 katana 600.) holy shit...just be careful...it only gets better. you're addicted now. you can never go back.:thumbup
and by the way...katanas DO suck ass:lol
Congrats on your new bike But...
1998 first year of production for the R1
1999 first year of production for the R6
Are you sure you dont have a 98 YZF 600? Or a 98 R1?
What do the stickers say on the bike? Does it have dual headlights or single?
And you did not know what you bought till you brought it home??????? :iamwithst I dont get that part...
But...1998 first year of production for the R1
1999 first year of production for the R6
Are you sure you dont have a 98 YZF 600? Or a 98 R1?
What do the stickers say on the bike? Does it have dual headlights or single?
And you did not know what you bought till you brought it home??????? :iamwithst I dont get that part...
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