Forum Replies Created
5 Common Wear and Tear Items on Motorcycles
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UrbanGrapeParticipant
I agree about that. The FZ6R is not a supersport and is equivalent to the Ninja 650 or the SV or the Hyosung 650, etc. It has quite a bit of power, wont wheelie on you unless you make it do so, etc. – I havent ridden the supersports yet and cant give my opinion about them either way so it’s good you guys made the correction.
The FZ6R can suprise you at times when youre being agressive with it. It will reach 95mph in the blink of an eye, but with normal riding it’s very relaxed.
I was very suprised when I bought this Hyosung 250 though. The power it puts out, the handling characteristics, etc. It’s just an absolute awesome machine and definately one that I would recommend to any rider (not just beginners) – I have been wrong about the 250’s from the beginning because when I first thought about buying a bike I was told they are mainly the “beginner bike”. Well, it may be true that beginners could greatly benefit from riding one, to put this blanket label on them is just wrong.
UrbanGrapeParticipantI was a beginner last year. I’ve now ridden over 10K miles and my first choice was the FZ6R from Yamaha. Everyones advice was, “dont get a 600, you cant handle it as a beginner”. Well I handled it just fine and would recommend it to anyone.
However there’s another thing floating on forums that again I think is absolute rubbish as far as advice goes and that is the perception that a 250 is a beginners bike. I just bought a used Hyosung 250 (the GV model – cruiser type). – It’s an absolute blast to ride. – Power, speed, handling, comfort – it’s all there. After riding this thing I would never classify a 250 as a “beginners bike” – because anyone with any experience riding would absolutely love one. – You can definately keep up – granted you probably wont be pumping the thing up to 95mph in 2 seconds flat, but when you step out of fantasy world and deal with reality you dont need to do that anyway. It gets up to highway speed very quick as it is and beyond.
I still want to consider myself a “noob” because, well – I just kinda like that little word. But all in all I would be very very careful about letting too much “advice” get in your way of making a good decision. I dont believe that anyone who buys a 250cc bike “will get bored” with it within the first few months. – In fact now that I have one I cant decide which I like more, my 600 inline four or my 250 v-twin. They are totally different in feel – It’s hard to describe, but I’m a rider who likes quick acceleration and fast cornering and I can do it both on either machine and I cant see anyone getting bored with a 250cc.
Anyway, that’s my word on the whole thing. I’m loving it. Riding motorcycles is an experience that you cant fully describe until you start riding. Total fun.
UrbanGrapeParticipantYes it’s a good first bike. There is no reason to go with a 250 unless youre really short and cant seem to manage the other bikes because of height limitations.
There is no chance of popping a wheelie. It can be done but you have to want to do it – just like on a bicycle.
The power is there but it’s not at all overwhelming and the bike handles very well. It handles cornering great, pickup in town and on the highway are exceptional. Uphill it pulls fantastic.
As far as getting blown around by the wind, well youre going to be blown around in the wind no matter what bike you have. Once you can handle the motorcycle it’s just a matter of working with the bike and the wind but youre not going to get blown off the highway as long as you know how to ride.
The bike is not heavy as a lot of people say. There are no problems with quickly learning low speed manuvers (turns and whatnot). – Those that would say it’s too heavy really should be thinking about a membership to the gym before buying any motorcycle.
Yes frame sliders really do work. As far as a high speed crash or even moderate crash you will undoubtably damage the fairings no matter what you install on your bike, but for a low speed tip over or just a drop the frame sliders are an excellent thing to have. I have the no cut frame sliders on my FZ6R and they have saved the bike even at a spill at 30mph. Pretty cool things.
There are a lot of misconceptions on the internet on which bike to go with for a first bike. The biggest misconception is that a 600 machine is too much for a beginner. Not true. The FZ6R is the perfect starter bike.
UrbanGrapeParticipantNo really it’s not a validation thing for me. I mean just because Al Gore (and I really admire Al Gore) comes out and says the planets in paril, I tend to side with him for his clout, however I always, always listen very closely to the other side about Global Warming with a total open mind and have found myself in the midpoint of the argument because both sides have very valid points.
I’m not one to make a conclusion so quickly and to tell you the truth I side with the people who say start with a 250 or no more than a 500 more than I do with the 600 folks because the argument is on their side, but I still seek to find – ok, validation. Validation through experiences others have had.
I’ve always been a debater and think it’s a healthy thing. I find that the reasons posted are the right ones in favor of a noob starting out on a smaller motorcycle and I think that the efforts to advise new people (like me) are noble and very much needed. However I think the efforts fall short when so few details are given over the internet and I think it doesnt help dissuade many who look for the information.
I love this forum. I think it’s packed with useful stuff and food for thought.
I totally am into possibly giving my own perspective once I begin riding to help others.
But again, I’m searching and seeking and coming up empty handed most of the time as I’m sure many do in the begining.
The start of something is the absolute most exciting time of any venture. To tell you the truth the reason why I became interested in motorcycling was because I wanted an inexpensive way to motor 2 hours to Monticello NY so I can learn how to hang-glide. I’ve become more fascinated with the motorcycle than my original idea of jumping off a hill and flying through the air (for now).
Validation: yes. Youre right.
I do seek the best reasons available to make the right decision while trying to outweigh my first impressions of this sport which led me to believe that this was going to be a lot easier than I think it may be at this point. I’m spending a lot of money. To me $7700 cash is a lot of money. I want it spent wisely. I dont want to waste it.But man do I love the debate and the thrill of being new at this. It’s always the best.
UrbanGrapeParticipantI believe what most are looking for when it comes to the age old argument – to 600cc or not to 600cc – is not validation, but a solid argument that is fully rounded and takes many things into account. For example, other than the post above who decided to buy a semi-truck on two wheels (no offense and I hope all goes well but I’ll leave it to others to go there)- how come I cant seem to find posts of experienced riders coming forth saying – ” I started out on a 600cc and omg was that a mistake, and here are the reasons why and what horrible things I experienced…”
Instead what newbies (like myself) read is “I started out on a 250cc bike and I can tell you right now that you cant learn on a 600, how do I know? I just know that the little Ninja kicked my butt from NY to Cali so I cant imagine having ridden the big bore when I started. Today I’m riding a Yamaha R6 and man I’m tellin’ ya youre not gonna be able to handle it.” (well what about the other bikes with the same displacement that are NOT tuned to be a super-rocket at high revs? there’s simply no mention at all about this)
Or how about the fact that the phrase 600cc doesnt always mean 160hp engine tuned at the high end for absolute max power output for a racetrack. What about the other machines that put out 70hp that are tuned so they can usuable at normal street riding?
It’s all about that magic word “600cc” that seems to captivate the entire crowd to hold it up as a symbol of the upmost awesome power imaginable never taking into account the entire range of this class of engine size.
So for me and I’m sure for many others, validation is not what we seek. It is a solid debate with solid arguments grounded on solid advice rather than misty airy fairy phrases such as – “that there bikes gonna kick yer arse newbie, go with the mini”
Does anyone see what I’m saying? Can anyone point me to a spot where these tidbits from experienced riders is set forth in a tactful and comprehensible fullfilling manner? Give us some goods folks! I know ya got em and youre all holding back on us! Give us some MEAT to chew on!! Were NEW. Were hungry!!
UrbanGrapeParticipantWell it’s good to hear from someone who doesnt box the beginner into the train of thought that the only way to possibly learn how to ride is on the 250. I’ve really dug into information on the Ninja for example and I just cant see the sense in starting that small especially when I know I’ll need the power on the highway. I drive for a living and I’ve actually seen some bikes stuggle out there and really push to keep up when they need to make a move. Most riders seem to be of the train of thought that these bikes outperform most cars. While that may be true, when we are dealing with legal highway speeds and the ability to keep up, I do believe that cars today have very much caught up with many of the motorcycles (which is probably why they keep upping the ante by producing more and more power on the higher end super-bikes).
The 250cc’s are definately out for me. I’m probably going to end up with the FZ6R. I’ve been researching the previous FZR’s and hadnt realized until now how popular they were/are. I actually thought the FZ6R was going to be a rather new bike but I’m finding out that it’s a re-release of what used to be a very popular first bike for many which stopped production in ’99.
The one thing that kinda disappoints about these forums is that everyone seems to group all 600cc bikes into one lump category. But then when you read professional reviews they do not put these machines down at all. In fact most infatically state they consider them to be more entry level machines.
I do respect everyones opinions but it seems the advice of either or just doesnt agree with me.
UrbanGrapeParticipantWell to tell you the truth so far this is has been a huge help to me (psychologically anyway).
It’s best to shatter my dreams early rather than allow it to manifest so far into reality where I wake up one morning and find my crotch straddling a wild wicked beast.
Of course the cycle shops around here dont have much to offer much right now so I really have not been able to sit on many machines other than the super-bikes.
In January they should start to filter in and I’ll be able to fall in love with a more mild mannered woman. I’ve had enough relationships to know not to let my emotions overtake me to the point where I straddle myself with the baddest girl I can get my hands on.But you may have read my earlier comments a little off. I was not getting defensive. I was just trying to pull out more information. Many peoples first response is to just to say (no no no, that bike is WAY too much for you, rather than explain WHY). And I’m finding by probing more and more I’m beginning to understand the WHY.
So it’s all good. But you have to admit. She’s damn sexy!
Adam: “Eve, what are you DOING?!!”
Eve: “Back off A-HOLE, I’m frikkon’ starving!!!”UrbanGrapeParticipantWhat is the difference between a telescopic fork and an inverted fork?
UrbanGrapeParticipantI am not ignoring anyones input. That’s why I’m here and appreciate the warnings and advice. I merely fell in love with the artistic side of the Japanese designers at Yamaha. Some people may not appreciate it, but I really do think the new FZ6R is a piece of art. It’s nice to look at. I’m glad for all the input on the reality of riding it though.
UrbanGrapeParticipantExplain the “friction zone”.
UrbanGrapeParticipantI did check out the why 600cc ‘s are not good for beginners article, but I found it to be kinda superficial. It just said dont do it rather explaining the why’s in any great detail.
Are you saying that the claims of “beginner” or “entry level” bikes by the manufacturers are false?
Isnt what Yamaha is doing by introducing the FZ6R giving new riders a choice of something that is more manageable? Or is that the 600cc class of motorcycle has gotten a bad rap because of all the high end super-bikes on the market? Or could it be that they are just playing a bunch of tom-foolery on unsuspecting first-time buyers like myself?
UrbanGrapeParticipantThis is really quite interesting hearing all this feedback. This is the first cycle forum I’ve signed on with.
The reason why I’ve looked at the FZ6R is because of the advertising to tell you the truth. The “beginner bike” claim.
It’s the same bike that Europe has (except they dont have full fairing and they call it Diversion), but there are specs available from their side of the ocean.I’m really not trying to overpower myself with my first bike, but I’m not trying to underpower myself either. I’ve sat on the Ninja 250 – I really dont see how people that are 6′ tall claim it fits them well and is comfortable. It feels like a mini-bike to me (no offense to anyone who owns one, I’m merely talking about the comfort that a couple more inches of seat height offer).
But is everyone saying that my choices are unreasonable? These are not the superbikes of the 600 class I’m talking about. I dont think either one of them are going to win any races unless they are against they’re next of kin. And these both have the upright seating position, handlebars not clipons.
I just might look at the SV – not sure about the hunch over position though.
The thing is salespeople at any of the cycle shops around here dont know didly and there is no test riding. I dont understand how come people sometimes suggest test riding. There simply isnt that option around here. (not that they would trust me with one anyway at this point, but you see what I mean).
UrbanGrapeParticipantWell if we take the idea of torque and apply it to a car there is definately a big difference between a four cylinder and a six.
The six definately will power up much quicker, but even so I would not discount this attribute to not being the correct choice for a new driver. In fact the little extra power boost seems a bit more safer to me in many traffic situations. Just get goin’ and get out the way.I understand that more torque is more power so to speak. The G-Force is greater. However I still am wondering how much is too much for a beginner.
Back to the relationship of a more powerful car, I’ve ridden in a Porche 911. Didnt drive it but went along for the thrill ride. After experiencing the G-Force I felt pulling me back in the seat I definately wouldnt recommend it to a person learning how to drive a car, however I’ve also ridden and driven a Camero and again the giddy-up is very powerful, but I would definately recommend it as a first vehicle.
So again I’m at a stand-still on my thinking, because I’m wondering where the line of too much is to be drawn. I understand a throttle is not quite like an accelerator pedal in a car because hand reflexes are not the same as the foot. I am SO close to having my first motorcycle and it’s rather stressful. I will be taking the MSF in April and I’m sure it will enlighten me a lot more, but after completion it is going to be SO difficult to actually lay my money down on a machine knowing that if I dont listen to experienced riders advice, I could be in for a huge let-down.
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