Yamaha r6 too much?
 

hey whats up guys, so yea im lookin for a bike to buy in the summer. Ive always wanted to buy one, see what the hype's all about. Im an 18 yr old college student (yea i kno, 18?, he's already dead :p ). But in reality im very mature when it comes to these things, specially my own safety, althou im not going to lie, i do like performance and occasional speeding.

I have heard many people tell me to get a bike thats 600cc's or less, or else im going to die. Is it really that hard to control and get used to an r6, even if ur carefull. Of course I am planning on taking riding courses, safety courses and wearing all the right gear. And i kno i would want to upgrade soon after i learned on a cheap bike, but i just dont have the money to be sparing like that. So I am asking, is it really all that dangerous/ unrealistic?

Im responsible, have good reflexes and will be properly trained. Who thinks its a death trap no matter what. Just a lil nearvous bout buyin one, dont wanna fuck up. Thanks for the input. Sorry if i confused anyone with my writting, im in a hurry.

The R6 was my first bike, it was an '01. Definitely get a 600 or less for a first bike.

I was in the same boat your in, thinking I'd always be careful and ride safe, never try wheelies, stoppies, stupid sh!t.....
Had it for 3 years then sold it to be able to afford the 8. I learned it doesn't matter how safe you are because there will always be other drivers out there that aren't. I had about 3 close calls, none were due to my stupidity. People are just not used to watching out for bikes on the road. I was the same way before I owned a bike.
Give you an example, I'm on a 40mph, 2 lane road taking a right. Car behind me about 3 car lengths. I signal, slow down, and right when I start making the turn, I hear tires screaching behind me. I accelerate and he barely misses me. He ends up doing a full 360 and in the other lane with no incoming traffic and came to a stop. Freaked me out. He gestured he was sorry while I just shook my head. Just wasn't paying attention and didn't see my signal.
The other times were also due to them not seeing me.... car pulled out in front of me at an intersection, and another cut me off on the highway.
Having a reflective jacket helps and even an exhaust for them to hear you coming. I had an aftermarket slip-on that was much louder than stock.

I say go for it, but you've got to be much more alert than driving a car. Remember, there's no seatbelts on a bike.

It's just a bad idea no matter what. Until you've riden one you just can't comprehend how fast and precise they are. Take all the classes you want, the only thing that will make riding a bike like that safer is experience. As for sparing money, I don't think you understand that it's rather easy to buy a good beginner bike for 1-2k and then turn around and sell it a year or two later for nearly what you paid. Lay a sport bike down once and then you'll be losing a lot more money, especially if it's a new one.

yea i kinda get what ur sayin ike. btw, i will be being used no matter what. But i dont kno why im still leanin towards the r6. I guess il just blame it on my young age, and the ignorance that comes with it :p .

Don't know why I responded, you're just looking for someone to tell you what you want to hear...

DO IT.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/p...BLK_3sized.jpg

That bike is fucking bad to the bone. I saw the pics of them a couple weeks ago and I am sooooooo close to getting one.

Pure beauty! How much are those bad boys new?

Yes, if you are new to riding there is NO F*KING point to buying a new bike. You ARE going to lay it down at least once, even if its just at a stop. I will never understand people who have never had a bike who go out and buy a brand new bike.

The recommendation to stay at 600 or less is very good. Even the modern 600's from a few years ago are insanely fast. I have a modified F2 and its still way too fast for me.

Its pretty simple if you remember these things when you think about getting a bike for the first time:
1. you will crash. it WILL happen.
2. even a 600 can stand straight up and throw you off in first or second gear
3. cagers (car drivers) are stupid and will underestimate your speed or not see you
4. a minor accident between two cars at 35 can be a fatality between a car and a bike
5. your survival depends on two things: luck and skill, only one of which you can control.

I've seen some pretty bad things, including a guy who got decapitated in a relatively low-speed crash. I've had three riding buddies killed on their bikes, including one who was wearing full gear. I've crashed twice myself. I've known a bunch of people who rode for a few years and got out of it because of seeing things like that.

Don't get me wrong, riding is amazing, and its a blast. Its impossible to describe being leaned all the way over in a turn, toe scraping the ground, in control of one of these amazing bikes. Check out Keith Code's book Twist of the Wrist II. The important riding techniques for sportbikes are different than conventional bikes. Riding a sportbike is all about controlling your reactions.

Get an older 600 sportbike and learn on that. Unless you are a very gifted rider, you won't outgrow it for at least a couple years, or maybe never. Lots of experienced sportbike riders still prefer a 600 for its nimbleness. Remember, even a 600 from the early nineties is still a low 12 second bike.

The nice thing about an older bikes is once they hit the $3500 range they don't depreciate much. I bought a '91 GSX-600 back in 2000 for $3500, and sold it a couple weeks ago for $2100. I learned how to ride on it and wrench on it. Now after almost 6yrs I'm finally buying a new one. You'de be suprised how much damage you can do to yourself even as an experienced rider. Hell just ask my lil' bro. He just got done having knee and shoulder surgery today. He's gonna be layed up for the next month or so. Well back to my point - On a cheap bike you can afford to make all the mistakes you're going to cry for months over when +$9000 ( after dealer's bs markups ) hits the pavement. Not that I don't think you can handle your self but it's just something that happens to everyone and ussually with in the first 2 weeks. I did it, all my friends did it, my brother did it better... it happens.

If you want to do it any ways PM me. If you're close to Chicago or on the way from Chicago to AZ I can hook you up w/ killer deals. As soon as the '06 GSX-R600s hit the floor I'm on a plane and bringing her back here. :D

That Raven looks sic! I don't trust Yamaha though.

The new Susuki 600 is probably a better bike, especially if you aren't on the track every weekend.

Let me give you three points of advice:

1) Don't do it.
2) Don't do it.
3) Did I mention don't do it?

Get a learner-bike first. Get a learner-bike first. As others have said, an older used bike has done most of its depreciation, so you'll be able to beat on it while you learn, put it down without worrying about messing up shiny fancy chrome and paint, and then later, when you've mastered riding, you can sell it and get back most of what you put into it.

It's not just about being a careful rider. Just because you take a riding course (and, of course, you *should*), that doesn't mean you've mastered riding. The riding course is just the beginning, its enough to get you going, but you will still be a *very* green, beginner rider after the course. I'd plan on sticking with the learner bike for as much as a year before moving up. I did, and zero regrets.

And then, at that time, you'll know MUCH more about what you want in a 'real' bike.

Good luck!

The R6 is not forgiving if you have a brain fart. I have been riding for about 5 years now. I have transitioned off the street and onto track riding/racing. You dont know what a bike is capable of until you've gone down the back straight at Road Atlanta (or seen someone wreck doing 140mph). Sportbikes are insanely fast and very unforgiving to new riders. I was in your same shoes 5 years ago. I bought a Ninja 250 (albeit new) and rode that for a year. I dont care what people say about that bike, it may not be the fastest, but you could throw that thing into a corner so easily and learn good riding technique, not just full throttle speed. I moved from that to Suzuki SV650(look at my icon/avatar picture..thats me!). I laid her down at Talladega doing about 60mph in a corner. It wasnt fun, it wasnt pretty, but I got up and walked away. Shit happens. With bikes, there are those who have crashed and those who WILL crash. My advice:

1. Take the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course)
2. Buy a used 600cc or less bike
3. BUY GOOD GEAR -- I cant emphasize this enough. Get a good helmet, riding jacket, boots, gloves, and preferrably a very thick set of jeans or cordura synthetic pants (leather is practical for everyday riding)
4. Once you get comfortable, try and do some track time. You can learn a LOT from track riding.

I used to love going to the N. Georgia Mtns to carve up some nice twisties, but now, I get all that out at the track where its SAFE and controlled. I miss street riding, but now i have the 8! Motorcycling is a wonderful thing, but the minute you disrespect your bike, it will disrespect you. OH..also, dont skimp on tires and make sure your suspension is set up right. Those are the only things keeping the rubber side down.

Don't buy a new 600cc...way too much. All these bikes are all way too much for a beginner:

Honda CBR 600r
Kawasaki Zx-6 or 6R
Suzuki GSXR 600
Yamaha R6

Actually, the Suzuki SV650 (maybe im a bit biased) is a great learning bike. It may be 650cc, but its a V-Twin and not a inline 4. Its a little torquier, but the power delivery isnt as abrupt at the higher RPMS of an I4 engine.

I envy you

I have always wanted to ride but every ounce of my being is telling me to stay away

Oh yes, I agree that a new 600 for a new rider is completely moronic. I said that in an earlier post. I was simply saying that the R6 is not the best street 600 out now since its geometry is quite aggressive.

Personally, while the 250 route isn't a bad idea, I think going with an older 600 is a little bit better idea. Any of the 600's from 90-95 would be ideal. I like the CBR F2. I'm still riding mine!

My F2 after I took some Krylon to it:
http://www.renkucorp.com/mpics/bike/10-08-05_0910.jpg

Just ride on the track. That's what a couple of my freinds have ended up doing.

I'm also affraid of wiping out

Better that it happens on the track than on the street.

Well I doubt this video will do much to disuade an 18yr old from buying a bike...except maybe to build a 700whp Supra instead...

http://media.putfile.com/BradSupravsR1

Crashing on the track isnt bad at all...so long as you low side and not high side. People think the track is more dangerous, but you have plenty of run off. Most people crash because they are too hot in a corner or too late on the brakes. If you are too hot in a corner you will most likely lowside, in which case you let go of the bike and slide across the gravel traps. You have to wear leathers, so you'll get up a bit bruised and your ego will be hurt. I only see people really getting hurt when they highside...thats when the bike loses traction, but then regains it and you get bucked off your bike like you are riding a bull...I've seen some people get a lot of air time before they come down..thats when shit breaks. Believe me, I'd rather break a few bones or slide through a gravel trap than hit a guard rail, roll off a cliff (seen it happen), or get hit by a car or worse, a MACK truck. Once you do a track day, you'll get addicted...thats how it always happens. I agree with Tuj, late mid to late 90's 600cc bikes are perfect. The F2 and F3 would be my choice from those days.

Also, any idiot can chop the throttle, do a wheelie or 100mph and think they are a bad ass. It takes talent to learn good riding lines, safe passing techniques, and carrying good corner speed. To me, THAT'S what sportbikes are meant for. Wheelies on the highway, thats evolution weeding out the retards while jacking up insurance rates (if your bike is track only, you dont need insurance by the way). You wanna see some sick riding, watch MotoGP or World Superbike races on Speed (usually Sundays or Tuesdays)...NASCAR doesnt have shit on MotoGP.

Plus... Bikes is where my wife draws the line.

She leaves me alone with the sports cars and doesnt try to tell me what to buy so thats good enough for me.

I'll just have to live my Bike fantasy Vicariously through you guys :D

Wife! bah. Get her one too

You wanna see some sick riding? Check out the Isle of Man TT. Even Rossi called them nuts. Of course, any time you do an average of 127 mph on public roads (peak is over 180), you have to be nuts.

yeh..the TT is SICK and dangerous

I've heard about that before. I used to work with a guy who raced bikes on weekends and he always had some sort of screensaver on his computer with pics of that race.

so yea guys, everything inside me tells me not to get an r6, so i opted with something a lil slower. Im getting a suzuki gs500f. I like how it looks and its supposedly a good beginner bike with close to 500cc's, but still speedy. Thanks alot for your help, im really looking forward to it come spring. Its saving up time :) .

oh and i didint quite understand u here. I live in chicago. So r u sayin u can hook me up somehow, and if so how?

Good call man, that's a good starter bike and you'll still have a ton of fun riding. If you get a used one you can sell it with minimal loss in a year or two.

My brother has done quite a lot of bussiness with Desplaines Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki or what ever they are called now. They are off of Milwakee or Waukegen by a Police station, White Castle and the Old school McDonalds if it's still there. Sorry man if my directions are a little fuzzy but I haven't lived there for over 7rs. Anyways a guy by the name of Reed owns the shop and Alex (salesman?) is dating my little sister. Let's just say we pay below MSRP and after I tell Alex he owes me more for not killing him for dating my sis it should be below the ussual. lol I met him many many yrs ago and if my lil bro says he's good enough for my sister then I believe it. We are kinda over protective and if you got one you know how we feel. If you want to pm me you can but I won't post prices in the open. We aren't coming out there till the 06 GSX-R600s and 750s are released so it could be as late as march or as early as december. Suzuki finally put new specs and pics up last week. If you live there I can find out if you can come in and pay for everything there. The more we buy at once the better the deal. We are only buying 2 on are own this time.

-Boxcar

R6 can't beat this!

http://www.kawasaki-motors.com/mc/ki...6C1_SIL_RF.jpg

Gsx-r600
 

I love the GSX-R600. I have a 2005. It is so awesome. - And a comment to the person that wants to buy a bike that is just learning. There is no doubt that you can't ride it and learn. Experience is the best thing for you to get in your head about riding. I learned how to ride two years ago on a 250 ninja. Going from that to a GSX-R600 was a big deal for me, I am only 5'3" - 115 pounds that bike is huge for me. I Had to get it lowered so I can reach my left foot on the ground when I stop. But I am starting to get use to it and I love it.

pm'd you, good lookin out

yea i kno man. Even im surprised i made a mature decision. Maybe im starting to grow up :p . Yea right, i just really dont feel like begin in a coma after a crash anytime soon. Which i figure will happen with the r6. Il just learn how on a 250. Ride this one for a few years, and then upgrade to something a lil better. Well, these are my plans. Wish me luck everyone, i hope i dont forget about cars after this.

oh and one more thing guys, the gear. So yea, im looking for something that looks cool (nothing leather) and that is reputable fro protection. Im probably going to go look on ebay so i dont break the bank, but any recommneded brands??? I need two sets of everything, one for my girl and one for me. Im planning on buying a jacket, a helmet, gloves, and i was thinking of some types of pants that i can put over the jeans i have on, is this possible?. So yea guys, just throw out some brands or something, ive been hearing of joe rocket. And what kind of helmets should i use

Joe Rocket is nice. I have personally tested their products unintentionally in two real-world situations and they held up well. They have various grades of products, and while they may not always be the absolute best in every category, they are a good value. Aerostich makes some great suits, but they look kind of dorky. Alpine star and others also make great gear.

just make sure its dot and snell approved. if you want to spend money on helmets go for shoei or arai.

17,500 RPM on the '06 R6
Take that low revving wankels.
24.79 m/s mean piston speed @ 17,500 rpm
That is 5 year old F1 engine speed, and 10 year old specific output 225hp/liter. Granted F1 revs have stalled because of demands for exhanced durability.
Got the negative torque limiting clutch, and para-radial mount brake calipers, nice.
Now if they would put an 8 speed transmission, that would be just too much.

Maybe find a nice 2003 Honda VFR800 silver w ABS, and don't die while riding.
Like they already said, get a good helmet.
And after you get experience, use hearing protection.

hearing protection?

thats included in your helmet purchase, you're going to be buying a full head protection helmet, no slushboxes for you because you'll be riding a bike that can take your life in the snap of the fingers, not a harley davidson that accelerates like a pig.

um, yes sir? aww sounds like someone actually care about me. So are these like ear plugs or what?

what up guys, another anoying question for u guys. Well ive been lookin at gear, and it looks like its going to be expensive. The only thing im still lookin at right now are the helmets. I mean, i dont want to cheapen out, but i just dont have 500 dollars for a helmet. And i need two. Does anyone know any decent brands that will provide good protection at a good price. Nothing fancy, i just want two black helmets. And dont get mad for asking, and yes, i am planning on spending more than this. But are these helmets complete crap or are they ok? It just looks too good for the price http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Black...06718982QQrdZ1

HELMET: there is a lot to say on this subject, so listen up. :)

1) DON'T DON'T DON'T try to buy your helmet off of ebay or anything like that. Spend the money and buy a new one. And a good one. Full-face, dot approved. Me, I say snell approved too, although some people dispute how much difference that makes. Now, here's why it needs to be new:

The counter-intuitive fact about helmets is: they are FRAGILE. Yeah, I know that sounds odd. But here's the deal: they are carefully engineered and designed to absorb *one*-- count 'em, *one*-- impact. Which means, drop one on a hard surface and, bang, it's not a helmet anymore, it's garbage. It may *look* perfectly fine, but internally, its ability to protect you is shot. Which means if you don't buy a new one, you don't know WHAT you're getting. (it also means that, once you have one, you should treat it like crystal when it's not on your head).

2) Next most important thing in a helmet: comfort. You're gonna be out there riding, hopefully, for long periods of time; if the thing's not comfortable, you're not gonna want to wear it. One thing you might want to do is get them to let you bring it home, and wear it while you watch a movie. They may let you do this, long as you don't actually ride with the thing.

The thing about comfort, I've heard it said that people either have Shoei shaped heads or Arai shaped heads (and I knew one person who had neither). So the brand make make a big difference in fit and comfort. Me, I definitely have a Shoei shaped head. Either brand is excellent and you can't go wrong.

3) Color. Don't get a black one, even though that's the most common and easiest to find. A big thing on motorcycle: far and away the most common excuse for a car hitting a motorcycle: 'I didn't see him!'. Conspicuosity is important. Get a light, bright helmet. Some people recommend white. Me, I like uber-bright orange. There's wiggle room for personal taste. Yellow would be great. Even a red... anything that's more easily seen than black!

I guess those are my main points. Don't cheap-out on a helmet, your head is worth it.

Krankor
98 Virago 1100

Here's a link to a good article on buying a helmet:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/str...owtobuyhelmet/

Krankor
98 Virago 1100

Well, I'm going to be a hypocrite here. Yes, you should have hearing protection. Sad to admit, but I don't. I got into the habit of riding without before I read about the need for it. It's a habit I really need to change. Still, I have a relatively quiet motorcycle, so I rationalize that I'm not doing as much damage. And it is DEFINITELY true that I've noticed a difference when I'm on other motorcycles. I've rented Harleys a couple times (where sounding like a long loud fart is supposed to be part of the appeal) and at the end of the day my ears were ringing in that uh-oh way. I never get that on my own mount.

So, long story short, yeah, get some earplugs.

Krankor
98 Virago 1100

If you're looking for a great beginner bike, i'd go w/ an SV650 or SV650s... :)

...then you can move up to a gixxer 1k... ;)

I'll have to admit though, the new R6 is the hotness... but, first things first... take the MSF course.. and "ride your own ride".. don't go beyond your capabilities at first.

Actually, I bought a helmet off ebay. Its not a big deal if you're buying something in the original box brand new. Check out KBC; they make excellent helmets that meet all the Snell and European specs for very good prices.