Looking at getting my second bike, novice rider, litre bike?

unL33T said:
I've only been riding since 2009 and still feel like I have stuff to learn/practice. Also, I think anything over a 600 (and even most of those) is pointless for the street. Even on my "slow" 650R I felt like I was babying it and struggling not to speed all the time.
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Big bikes are not pointless for the street. They are easy to ride because you dont have to rev the piss out of them all the time. My bandit 1200s doesnt need to go above 5k rpm unless I am being stupid

OP' I bet your RC390 is a hoot to ride in the twisty roads. You will have more fun on that then a liter bike guaranteed. With your bike you can open the throttle without worrying about going way too fast. Its light an maneuverable so you can throw it around in corners. I think your problem is that you are only riding in the city and not going out to good roads. Figure out how to ride your bike for longer then 1 hour and go out to some good roads in Muskoka area, Peterborough area, or go to the track.

If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, buy a trailer and head down south to the dragon. Your bike would rock there.
 
The OP is talking about BMW S1000R, not RR. A naked bike with an upright riding position. Should be very comfortable.
 
All I got from OP's posts is that he's a very un-informed buyer/rider.

Who buys what is essentially a niche market stripped down small cc trackbike that they specifically made its own race class for then complains about aggressive seating position and not being able to ride for extended periods of time?? Don't even get me started on the 10L tank, I don't know who the hell could plan any distance ride with only 10L of fuel. I wonder if he even knew what he wanted in a bike and did any demo rides or read/watched reviews.

Now this guy is talking about a liter bike and relying on electronics and rider aids to ride the damn thing....:lmao: Not exactly the confidence instilling type.
 
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Sounds like you've already sold yourself on the litre bike and using its "electronic safety features" to reassure yourself that it'll be alright and you're just asking us to pat you on the back and reaffirm that you're right... Which you're probably not
 
Thanks for the comments, most of you guys are very reasonable which is great to read.

I agree a liter bike might not be the best choice, my reasoning as I stated earlier was if they made a liter bike that was as safe and manageable as alot of 600cc bikes, then what would be the problem? I'm not saying I'm an expert but I think some of you might not understand exactly what the electronics can do... when you say it won't save you except for very very very minor things... that just doesn't really make any sense... if electronics can make it so you can NEVER wheelie accidently and get thrown back off the bike.... NEVER lock up the tires from over braking... NEVER lose traction from throttle because your traction control settings are set high and even the slightest little bit of slip and it take off the throttle whether you want to or not... when you can change the power settings so a 160hp bike is only like 100hp, or even less.... how can you possible say that won't have anything but a small effect? that just seems like your thinking of something else...

I think alot(not all) of the other reasons of why a literbike isn't any good really apply to all bikes not just liter bikes, I think I'm a pretty good rider, still have alot to learn.. won't ever stop learning... but I don't have many bad habits and I'v had plenty of people pull out on me at close distances which I'v managed to brake and/or avoid.. the s1000r for instance is only 100lbs more weight then my rc 390, so not that much more weight to have to handle.. as another commentator mentioned that Im talking about the s1000r, not the Double R, which is much more sporty and more powerful, also has a similiar riding position to my rc 390, maby slightly less sporty, but the s1000r is very upright and comfortable by what reviewers are saying.

In anycase, this isn't me saying I can ride whatever I damn want, you guys don't know me blah blah blah, I'm making points as to why I think a few select liter bikes could be ok for a second bike, I'm happy for all the reasonable responses so far and some of you are making very good points which I will take to heart. Even though I know this sort of conversation is coming up all the time, please don't automatically group me in with every other person who has wondered if they should have a bigger bike at whatever stage they are at, I havn't made my mind up and I didn't ask this question thinking people would start backing me up, I"m actually surprised people have been so reasonable with me asking such a loaded question, but I think I'v been reasonable to.

I think the biggest thing that's really making sense to me is even if its safe, with a liter bike its going to be very hard to stay at the speed limit(or the 10-15-20 over that most people ride/drive at) which is something I should probably avoid, even a 600cc this could be a problem, hell even my rc 390 is like that :P

To the guy talking about race replica's, not sure what your talking about? RC 390 isn't a race replica... the RC stands for race competition because they made a racing competition especially for young riders(they modify those bikes which are known as cup bikes) that use these bikes, but they do the same with ninja 500's... does that make them a race replica to? the performance stats are absolutely comparable to any street bike with those cc's.. Maby I'm missing the point, if so let me know what you mean.

eljay I'm not sure I agree with you, although your comment is abit vague.. if I'm not safe before the electronics I wont be with them? I think that only makes sense if the not being safe before electronics is due to bad habits and reckless driving... if your not safe due to a lack of experience with that level of power, I think the safety "after" will be much greater... if you don't have the capacity to react to things around you, like a car pulling out infront of you.. a pedestrian walking out into the road... things coming out into the road, accelerating away from a problem... then your going to have that problem no matter what bike you ride(except that last one). I don't want to kick a dead horse and I'v already talked about it enough but, I think the biggest risk with people taking on a bike that is much more powerful then they are used to, is hitting the throttle abit to hard and getting thrown off the back from it wheelieing... or having to take longer to brake because your going faster then you normally would.. but if the bike won't let you do the former and the latter is entirely up to the rider riding smartly, I don't think they have to be issues.

So yeah I disagree(although I know where your coming from) that I'v made my mind up and I"m just looking for ways to justify it, thats really not true, I think my reasoning has been pretty logical and I"m absolutely open to logical explanations as to why I am/could be wrong. I'm also interested in peoples recommendations if they don't think the s1000r is a good choice and that I should get a 600cc ish bike. As I mentioned before, the main reason for upgrade is that I want an upright riding position I can comfortable ride for awhile, but if I'm going to get a new bike it has to be more powerful, doesn't have to be 3x the power I have, but it has to be an upgrade.

I think I am also considering what I can do as some commentators have mentioned, to make my current bike more comfortable, maby there is clipons or something like that... I have looked briefly and didn't see anything... but this could be a viable option to, I understand what people mean when they say slow down, I know iv only had this bike abit and I'm very lucky to be able to buy a new bike at all, I'd prefer not to buy another bike until at least next season, but then again if it makes my riding more comfortable so I can do more riding, and I can afford it no problem... theres no point not doing it just "because"..

Sorry for my huge posts just wanted to respond to everyone and I tend to blather on sometimes wanting to make sure my bases are covered as to whatever point I'm tryng to make, looking forward to your mostly reasonable replies!
 
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Guys please be careful not to mischaracterize what I'v said, I'm not going to go into as I'v already posted so much in last post, but a couple posts posted while I was writing it up seem to be doing just that.
 
You can look at the Street Triple R... light weight, 100hp, 44 ft.lb torque, up right seating position, sexy as f@ck. I still think its too much bike for a new rider but its more reasonable then a s1000r
triumph-675-street-triple-R-2015-700px.jpg
 
Aranate said:
if electronics can make it so you can NEVER wheelie accidently and get thrown back off the bike.... NEVER lock up the tires from over braking... NEVER lose traction from throttle because your traction control settings are set high and even the slightest little bit of slip and it take off the throttle whether you want to or not... when you can change the power settings so a 160hp bike is only like 100hp, or even less.... how can you possible say that won't have anything but a small effect? that just seems like your thinking of something else...
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Then what's the point? You wan't something with insane power that can't be used that is really comfy for long days in the saddle. Sounds like a Harley with an RR sticker on it.
Get the S1000R if you like it. But the "electronics" won't save you from anything. Just learn to ride, respect the power, know the limitations.
 
Not trying to mischaratertize what you have said, just pointing out that you have made statements that "appear" inconsistent. Normally a person who is looking at a different bike soley for the seating position isn't concerned about the cc of the bike. It does seem you have done your research, no one is disputing that. I think you will find that most are troubled by your comments about the "electronics making the litre bike as safe as a 600", because it seems your placing blind trust in the electronic gizmos, for safety. Just as those in the "loud pipes save lives camp. Safety comes FROM a riders abilites not the bike or the add ons.

Yes electronics can "assist" the rider, but they can't be relied upon. As with any electronic component it can fail without warning. Despite that you think most are injured when they are thrown from a litre bike do to an unexpected wheelie, do you have stats to support that? When I talk to my former collegues, (police), it seems most are actually killed or injured, on a litre bike, as the result of excessive speed, with a combination of other factors.

They are going well over the limit, (which as you said your 390 can also accomplish), then they either lose control, (doesn't have to be from a wheelie), you can hit say oil spilled on the road,and Traction Control isn't going to be able to maintain traction in that instance, or loose gravel etc. they then leave the road at a high speed and collide with something. Someone or something else becomes and unexpected obstacle, (vehicle turns in front, junk on road etc).

Now you have said you would set thes "electronics" at levels to make the bike safer, and while that may very well be true, we ALL have said when getting a new bike. Ok I AM going to ride responsibly ALL the time, but human nature being what it is we at times don't. Not saying you won't "adjust them" upwards, but the mere fact that option is available will be VERY tempting.

The comments I and others have made aren't meant to "sway" you either way. If you buy a litre bike and ride sucessfully and are happy great, it doesn't affect us in the least. If you buy a litre bike and crash and are either injured or killed, that too won't affect us. I think the thing to take from the comments is that they are all likely concerned for your safety, not more, nothing less.

We get the excitment, thrill and desire for a bigger bike, some can handle it in their 20's some can't in their 50's.

Good luck and ride safe whatever route you choose to go.
 
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sooo... op just got a track ready rc390 a month ago as first bike to ride for long distances but now wants to move to a litre? good luck.
 
unL33T said:
I've only been riding since 2009 and still feel like I have stuff to learn/practice. Also, I think anything over a 600 (and even most of those) is pointless for the street. Even on my "slow" 650R I felt like I was babying it and struggling not to speed all the time.
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Please reread this post.

When I upgraded from a GS500 to a GSXR750 (mind you that was 3 season into my riding life), I had the same mindset as you. Now, 3 seasons later with 6 trackdays, the 750 is barely usable on the street anymore. If I could do it again, I would've gone to a Streetfighter.

Now with regards to your very poor upgrade decision...you need track lessons. I guarantee you your threshold for stress on a motorcycle is lower than many people on this thread. What happens when your stress level exceeds your mental capacity is your survival reactions trigger (read Twist of the Wrist 2, but remind yourself you're a ****** rider so you don't think reading == doing). On a 390, if you drop the throttle in the middle of a turn, assuming you know the throttle needs to be slowly cracked open and clutch engaged (I can't count the amount of n00bs I've heard/seen on 600s who disengage the clutch on intersection turns), if your survival reaction triggers due to being too quick, a raccoon, whatever, you will barely feel anything. On a 1000, you will feel something, sometimes violently if you **** up hard enough, and scare you.

There are many many other technical examples as to why it's a bad idea but if you've already made up your mind, go ahead and do it. No one's gonna stop you...some of us just might laugh when we see a rider with a 1000 with stiff arms, crossed up at turns, and appears scared of the bike.
 
None of those electronics packages have an anti-stupid switch. That switch only appears after you've spent some time riding and getting used to all different types of conditions, road users, etc etc and that's better accomplished on a bike that can't get you from 0-death in the shortest time possible. Yes all bikes are dangerous but a fast bike is more efficient at being more dangerous in the wrong hands.

I'm an (older) fart...and don't take this the wrong way but young kids are full of piss and vinegar. They are their own worst judges of what they can and can't do and it takes a little while to understand a few things:

1. You're probably not that good
2. Patience is a big virtue in this case
 
hedo2002 said:
Not trying to mischaratertize what you have said, just pointing out that you have made statements that "appear" inconsistent. Normally a person who is looking at a different bike soley for the seating position isn't concerned about the cc of the bike. It does seem you have done your research, no one is disputing that. I think you will find that most are troubled by your comments about the "electronics making the litre bike as safe as a 600", because it seems your placing blind trust in the electronic gizmos, for safety. Just as those in the "loud pipes save lives camp. Safety comes FROM a riders abilites not the bike or the add ons.

Yes electronics can "assist" the rider, but they can't be relied upon. As with any electronic component it can fail without warning. Despite that you think most are injured when they are thrown from a litre bike do to an unexpected wheelie, do you have stats to support that? When I talk to my former collegues, (police), it seems most are actually killed or injured, on a litre bike, as the result of excessive speed, with a combination of other factors.

They are going well over the limit, (which as you said your 390 can also accomplish), then they either lose control, (doesn't have to be from a wheelie), you can hit say oil spilled on the road,and Traction Control isn't going to be able to maintain traction in that instance, or loose gravel etc. they then leave the road at a high speed and collide with something. Someone or something else becomes and unexpected obstacle, (vehicle turns in front, junk on road etc).

Now you have said you would set thes "electronics" at levels to make the bike safer, and while that may very well be true, we ALL have said when getting a new bike. Ok I AM going to ride responsibly ALL the time, but human nature being what it is we at times don't. Not saying you won't "adjust them" upwards, but the mere fact that option is available will be VERY tempting.

The comments I and others have made aren't meant to "sway" you either way. If you buy a litre bike and ride sucessfully and are happy great, it doesn't affect us in the least. If you buy a litre bike and crash and are either injured or killed, that too won't affect us. I think the thing to take from the comments is that they are all likely concerned for your safety, not more, nothing less.

We get the excitment, thrill and desire for a bigger bike, some can handle it in their 20's some can't in their 50's.

Good luck and ride safe whatever route you choose to go.
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All good comments, but just a minor correction.... If he turns to scrambled eggs on a wall it WILL affect us. Our insurance will go up. Maybe not this one incident, but it factors into the insurance equation as a whole.

Okay Okay, I know I sound absolutely brutal... We DO care about his safety ;)


OP

All the rider aids in the world will not help you if you are excessively speeding and **** hits the fan. People buying bikes seldom base it upon logic.... Motorcycles are considered high-risk in comparison to cars etc.

Just keep in mind your risk substantially increases by jumping to that much power as a new rider. If you are comfortable with the risk, by all means go ahead. We are not your parents.


Many people on this forum will jump on you because we have seen first hand what these kind of decisions bring.
 
Roomie said:
With one of the worst seats I've ever sat on. :mad:
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What seat? It's some vinyl over an odor eater.

I saw this bike at one of the show and got all hot for it, read all the media, test rode one in June. Really let down. Suspension will not work for my size, really weak brakes, and the saddle is worse than my racing bicycle. Amazing how one test ride can overrule all the magazines and internet media bullsh-t.
I get the arm fatigue, because the tank is so narrow you can't really brace your upper body with the tank. It's a nice small bike, but really over-hyped by the media.

Back to the OP: look at one of the 600ish sport tourers: FZ6, Ninja 650, SFV650, they are all much faster, better suspension and brakes and more comfortable.
 
CafeRay said:
What seat? It's some vinyl over an odor eater.

I saw this bike at one of the show and got all hot for it, read all the media, test rode one in June. Really let down. Suspension will not work for my size, really weak brakes, and the saddle is worse than my racing bicycle. Amazing how one test ride can overrule all the magazines and internet media bullsh-t.
I get the arm fatigue, because the tank is so narrow you can't really brace your upper body with the tank. It's a nice small bike, but really over-hyped by the media.

Back to the OP: look at one of the 600ish sport tourers: FZ6, Ninja 650, SFV650, they are all much faster, better suspension and brakes and more comfortable.
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The media & magazines have sponsorship from manufacturers. Either by ads or loaning of motorcycles for demo. If they really bad mouth them no more new demo next year
 
I think OP, you're already set on your decision. You mentioned that you would either go for the S1000r or any of the 600 supersports. But you also mentioned that seating comfort/bar position is the reason for the upgrade. If you think the 390 is agressive, all of the 600's are far worse. Sounds to me, power is the deciding factor here.

I don't need to re-iterate everyone's advice here, but going from a 390 to a litre bike in less than two months of riding isn't very ideal.

It's probably better to take a riding course like Racer5 which will probably make you appreciate your current bike on a whole new level.
 
Bikerider said:
Big bikes are not pointless for the street. They are easy to ride because you dont have to rev the piss out of them all the time. My bandit 1200s doesnt need to go above 5k rpm unless I am being stupid
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Even a 650 doesn't need the piss revved out of it, either. But a lot of people love to rev out their bikes anyway. That's probably why people love the 600s so much. That's part of what makes my 125 fun. It feels like you're racing everywhere but unless you're in the higher gears you're probably not going too fast. I'll admit it's annoying if you're just trying to gently cruise or trying to be quiet in a residential neighborhood (if my bike's quiet it must have stalled, or is about to).
 
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