- This topic has 16 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 7 months ago by Bianca30.
Newbie who jumped in head first
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September 25, 2008 at 3:10 am #2146Brian81Participant
Hey everyone! I just found this site 2 days ago and I love the LOADS of information. I just finished my MSF class back in July and then like a newbie who jumped in head first, I went and bought a 01 Yamaha R6. Yet, I knew nothing about this site. Since I have had the bike these past 2 months, I have yet to feel comfortable on the bike, and am down right afraid of it. I ride it to work which is 2 miles away and thats it. I’ve yet to venture out and get some serious seat time, due to the fact that I get nervous. I have been really considering downgrading to a Ninja 250, so I can become a more efficient driver and watch the wackos in cars vs. being terrified of the R6’s raw power. Any advice anyone can provide? I love riding in general so I dont want this mistake rob me of an exciting hobby. Later!
September 25, 2008 at 3:27 am #12713megaspazParticipantsell the r6 and get the 250 since it sounds like that makes you feel better.
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If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…September 25, 2008 at 3:45 am #12715BuddParticipantYeah, the guy across the street started out on an R6. He laughed when I told him I was getting a 250. Turns out he was scared of the R6 the whole time. He no longer rides. He wants to again, but his wife won’t let him. I am guessing he took her out on the back of the thing once.
The little Ninja is a great bike and makes riding almost intuitive as a beginner. I think if you do get one, it will make you a much better and much more confident rider.
“I am the best there is at what I do, and what I do ain’t nice.”-Wolverine
September 25, 2008 at 4:51 am #12717Bianca30ParticipantWow Brian, I’m glad (and please do no take this the wrong way) you posted this. The ppl on this forum are wonderful! I’m thankful I found this site before doing anything “stupid” (and I wasn’t directing that towards you). I have so many ppl telling me to get an 600 or 750 but the guys/gals here made me feel comfortable about wanting an 250 or 500. I love the ninja 250 2008-2009 model(I never rode one I’m taking about the look of it.) I’m working some overtime to get me one.
Ms.Bianca
September 25, 2008 at 11:32 am #12727Brian81ParticipantBianca,
Just like you, all my friends suggested kept saying I’d be fine on a 600, and at first I was ok, until I had a scare on it a week after I bought it. Since then I haven’t ridden the bike the same. You would think at 27 years old I wouldn’t give into peer pressure, I guess it got me again.September 25, 2008 at 11:35 am #12728Brian81ParticipantOK so I am looking at the ninja 250, but have also been considering the Ninja 500 or Suzuki gs500F. I am 6’0 215lbs and I am afraid my size would be an issue on a 250. Does 100cc make that big a difference between theses bikes and my R6?
September 25, 2008 at 12:15 pm #12729bob250ParticipantBig difference. Your R6 can make way more power. I’m 5’11 210lbs and I have a Ninja 250. I use mine everyday for my 2 mile ride to work. You would enjoy the 250 but but sit on those two 500’s. I think their power output is not as scary as your yammie.
September 25, 2008 at 2:07 pm #12732AndrewParticipantI would suggest trying a Ninja 250 if you can. It will ease you fears and allow you to get back to having fun and learning. What specifically about the R6 intimidates you? Is it the weight, the power, something else?
September 25, 2008 at 2:34 pm #12733Brian81ParticipantIts more the power of the R6. I mean I am easy with my throttle hand, but its just knowing that in an emergency situation my skill set isn’t high enough to avoind making a single mistake that could cost me. When making right turns I am hesitant because I am afraid I’ll grab too much throttle and cross into traffic. So I turn very slow, then accelerate as I straigten out. I barely have to move my throttle hand for it to take off. But, its not forgiving in any way if you slip up. Its actually a light bike which makes it easy to move around. The bike handles GREAT in terms of taking curves, but of course I take them slow. I have good days and I have bad days on it while riding 2 miles to work, but the bad days stick with me longer. As soon as I tell myself I am going to venture out, I get nervous the farther I get out of my comfort zone. I always wanted an R6, but little did I know what I was in store for. I figure I can always come back to it later down the road, then I can enjoy it more versus riding white knuckled all the time. I don’t know if I’m overthinking this or what. A week after I had it I went down, and thats still messing with me a lot.
September 25, 2008 at 4:28 pm #12742Bianca30ParticipantBrian, I turned 30…..I mean 25 in Aug and I almost let them talk me into considering a bigger bike. They look like so much fun and so sexy to see guys on them but at the end of the day the ppl who are suggesting bigger bikes to green riders are the ones who’ve been riding a lot longer than us, well most of them are. I had to tell my other co worker whose taller than me but a little smaller in size that the only person who’ll value my life is me. She got an 750, it’s really sexy but uh huh, I’m going to try either an 250 or 500. When I’m ready for a bigger bike I’ll get one, it’s not like they won’t be any when and if I’m ready. She said go bigger or go home. I said, well c ya! To heck with her! I think guys look sexy on bikes period (no mopeds) so if you went smaller you’ll still be sexy. = )
September 26, 2008 at 5:46 am #12779zgotzillaParticipantIf your cycle scares you, can you enjoy riding? This is supposed to be fun, not torture. Your brain may be giving you a message you need to pay attention to. If you are in over your head cc wise, back off before disaster strikes. If you think you may need a smaller cycle to get comfortable, THEN YOU DO INDEED NEED A SMALLER CYCLE. Don’t let your ego teach you a hard and painful lesson. Been there, done that. I used to be an amateur, but became a professional idiot. Shut the ego down and let the brain rule when cycling.
September 26, 2008 at 1:27 pm #12785AndrewParticipantA google shows the bike is a 600cc bike that has 100+ hp. When you start looking at smaller bikes look at the hp numbers. The smaller the hp the less scary it will be when you roll on the throttle. For example my Ninja is very forgiving when I roll on the throttle.
September 28, 2008 at 4:20 am #12873Brian81ParticipantWell today my friend took me out for an hour long ride. He has a CBR 600 F4. He is 37 so its not like I am riding with someone young wreckless rider. I was nervous at first, but after about 2 miles from my house riding with him made me comfortable in a way. I was able to see the lines he took at times, and that really helped me. I made sure to ride within my limits and he never pushed me to go faster. We rode through the city and then hit some backroads. This ride helped my confidence big time. Now don’t get me wrong I still have the upmost respect for it and will continue to be cautious when I ride. Before today I was lacking confidence at all to ride. In the meantime, I’ll venture out on my own some more this week and keep building more and more confidence. Today was the first time since I bought the bike in July that I actually enjoyed riding it, I didn’t want to stop. Stay tuned for more progress updates. Later
September 29, 2008 at 10:03 pm #12977Bianca30ParticipantBrian, I’m happy to hear that you’re doing much better. I’m kind of seeing the “road” through you, if that makes sense. I’m scared too and the funny part is I haven’t rode yet. I guess from seeing youtube videos and being a paramedic(I’ve seen a few things from my co workers taking pictures) that I’m nervous. I lack the confidenace that I hope I will gain once I take the class. I guess I’m afraid of the what if’s. You have a nice frd. I hope I will meet a rider frd like yours because the frds who rides now all ride fast and I’m not ready for that.
September 30, 2008 at 3:47 am #13014Brian81ParticipantBianca, even though I had a good ride Saturday, I still want to have that cautious feeling because that keeps me HUMBLE. No matter what anyone tells you, once you feel how quick and powerful these bikes are and how they respond when you twist the throttle, its tempting to go faster so it will take MATURITY and RESPECT for the bike to keep you from getting overconfident. At times my buddy would pull away from me and I would try to keep up, but I quickly told myself “Hey buddy slow down you are riding outside of your skill level. Once you get your bike, just take your time and ride YOUR ride.
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