[slipknot61]

I was a brand new rider looking to get a sport-bike and I had NO motorcycle experience before my MSF course. I am 5’10” and weigh 150lbs. I know this site recommends and highly encourages getting a small bike to start out and I am all for going that way but after waiting 1 1/2 months for a ’08 ninja 250 (kawi stopped production on the 08’s), I decided to go with a ’08 Yamaha R6s (600cc).
My reasoning for purchasing that bike and brand new was a couple of factors – 1) I needed to break the engine in properly(keeping under 6k rpm) which would not even get close to the bikes potential power band. So it worked out for me b/c I wanted to keep it mellow while learning to ride. 2) I know I will keep the bike for a very long time (10+yrs) and even if I were to buy a bigger bike, my wife would finally have a bike for herself (we both ride the 1 bike). 3) Had a great hook-up on brand-new bikes at a dealership (got 2500 off sticker).
My experience so far…. I would not have changed a thing. I am extremely happy with my R6s. If you respect the bike, you will be fine especially since you have some riding experience. Good luck w/ your bike selection. Let me know if you have any questions.

[slipknot61]

I drive to work during daylight and I use my highbeam all the time. When I drive home from work at night, I only use my low beam but if I see a car coming out of a strip mall, gas station, etc. I will flash my high beam for a second or two to make sure they see me. FYI – I have a yamaha R6s “crotch rocket” so my right side lamps are for low beams and left side is high beams, so some people have mentioned it is funky looking with that set-up and sometimes hard to see me at night.

[slipknot61]

Since you live in NorCal… a good website/forum to check out if you already don’t know is “barf” – bay area riders forum. One of the most popular community forums out there.

[slipknot61]

Just like others said…. i can’t see your belt line but the jacket looks a bit short but looks like it fits properly.

When I bought my jacket from my dealership, they said that the jacket will fit and feel small but you want it tight to your body. The important thing to remember that if you crash and have armor built into the jacket (elbow, shoulder pads), you don’t want the pads to rotate/move around on you (on an oversized jacket).

I am 5’10” 145lbs and I went with a size small jacket. This is my Alpinestars jacket:
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Alpinestars_TRC1_AirFlo_Sport_Riding_Textile_Jacket–622542.html
My jacket stops slightly above my hip bone. My wife’s jacket sits about 1″ above her hip bone. Most alpinestar jackets are cut short in general. Hope this helps

[slipknot61]

Glad to hear you are enjoying riding again. Even though I am not San Diegan, I am atleast South Orange County. If i ever make my down south, I will hit you up to ride.

[slipknot61]

Since your in the bay area, i am not sure if you have found the bay area riders forum or “barf”. Might help you locate some local guys to ride with when you get comfortable. Here is the link http://www.bayarearidersforum.com

[slipknot61]

As you have probably noticed, there are many new riders due to popularity of riding motorcycles here in So Cal. Many of the msf courses are completely filled for the next couple of months.

As for myself, I took my course at Saddleback College in July ’08. It was a great course with a great schedule of teaching. Weekend only, classroom in the morning and ride in the afternoon or vice-versa. Most of the other places have you do classroom one night during weekday and the 2 days of riding on the weekend. The teachers at the saddleback course were very good. Here is the link to there course:
http://saddlebackridertraining.com/riding.html

FYI, one of my friends took his course at Orange Coast College and another in Anaheim somewhere near the 91 freeway and kramer/glassel exit.

If you need any other info let me know.

[slipknot61]

I live in So Cal and I waited 1.5 months for 2008 ninja 250 (deposit down and “next in line”). I received a call on Aug 1st from the dealership that said kawasaki cancelled all the 2008’s for the rest of the year in order to start production on the ’09s. They don’t have any idea of when the ’09s are coming out (2 dealerships claim it may be in mid-fall). Be optimistic but don’t get disappointed if you don’t get one.

[slipknot61]

Thanks guys for all the information on your gear. It will help when I start shopping around in a few weeks.

[slipknot61]

how come you moved from hb?

[slipknot61]

I live in Mission Viejo. I am taking the MSF course at Saddleback College.

[slipknot61]

I am taking the MSF course over july 5th-6th weekend at Saddleback College. I think the course is completely full. My advice would be to register asap for whichever weekend you want b/c the weekend i singed up for had 12 spots open and they filled up in 24 days. Good luck with your course

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