just wanted to share - experience today at dealership

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油井緋色;1621956 said:
Honestly after riding the GS500F for a while I'm actually telling a few friends who are turning 25 next year to just go ahead and start on a 600.

#1. It weighs lighter than a GS500. You're not going to be QQing when you drop it.
#2. Perfect practice makes perfect.

I'd expand on #2 but too lazy. Long story short, as long as you get to know the bike (especially the throttle) you'll be fine. Personally I'm even a little annoyed at the GS500 on highways, it's great from 0-100, then it gets awfully slow.

However...
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That's like the worst reasoning to get 600 over 500 as a first bike I've ever seen. I am very glad that I started riding on GS500F before moving onto the SS 600. I have been riding the F4i for only a few weeks and if it wasn't for the things that I learned on 500, I'd definitely wipe out at least once on the 600 already.
 
油井緋色;1621967 said:
No, I'm saying that because, depending on your personality, you will get bored of a smaller bike extremely fast. Everyone who knew me that rode told me to stay away from a 125 and a 250; probably because I'm an adrenaline junky (gym, stunts, contact sports, skiing, boarding, sky diving, you name it, I've probably done it). The dude's I'm giving advice to are the ones that are like me, they're going to try to try and push the bike to it's limits while knowing and staying in their comfort zone gradually. The limits on a 250 and a 125 are too small. Those who aren't prone to try and push themselves and their machines can last years on a 250 (met a guy that was afraid to upgrade to a 500 after 2 years on a 250).

So really, I think it does depend on the person. If you can do workouts revolving around 1 rep max without spotters and not hurt yourself, you're the type that can do start on a 600. I'm saying this because a lot of weight injuries result around 1 rep max workouts without spotters. Same goes for sky diving, boarding, skiing and others...just different scenarios.
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If you're an adrenaline junkie, then you should stay as far away from any bike that can be driven on the road as possible. Get a track bike if that's the case. Gradually pushing limits on a 600 will eventually get the bike impounded and your license suspended or worse.

I'm still trying to get my head around your theory that getting a 600 bike depends on being able to do 1 rep workouts without spotters. It sounds to me like you put yourself at risk for no purpose or benefit. Is that what you mean?

Anyway, I'm going to look into getting a 250 when I can. Had a 250 cruiser years ago as a first bike, and test drove a CBR250RA a couple of weeks ago. It was fun.

If I need a gravity adrenaline fix, I stick to rollercoasters. If I need a slow one, scuba.
 
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Guys,
I think the clear point is being lost (or overlooked) here...
Ninja 250, 400, 650, and SV650 - great street bikes.
Notice none of them is a ZX6 or GSXR600 supersport track bike.
No you don't need to start on a 250 if you're a big lad - but that's a poor rationalization for moving into 4-cyl supersport 600s!
They are miserable in town/commuting, plus you wouldn't want to take one to Montreal or whatever...
So for all but the youngest and skinniest, they're practically useless in the real world.
Makes more sense to buy the new FZ800 than an R6, for example.
 
Gryphon said:
Guys,
I think the clear point is being lost (or overlooked) here...
Ninja 250, 400, 650, and SV650 - great street bikes.
Notice none of them is a ZX6 or GSXR600 supersport track bike.
No you don't need to start on a 250 if you're a big lad - but that's a poor rationalization for moving into 4-cyl supersport 600s!
They are miserable in town/commuting, plus you wouldn't want to take one to Montreal or whatever...
So for all but the youngest and skinniest, they're practically useless in the real world.
Makes more sense to buy the new FZ800 than an R6, for example.
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Agreed. With my off-road experience I was more than capable of handling a brand new SS 600 without a lot of fear of dropping it in a newb mistake but I went for something a bit more streetable with a used FZ6. On the street, it's legally just as capable as it's R6 cousin, but my wrists aren't dead after a 3 hour ride.
 
Dohhh said:
There is nothing with having a 600 for a first bike so its really not that big of a deal.
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+1

If you think you can't control yourself and the throttle, then maybe you do need to start at a 125 of 250. But if your confident on yourself and know your not just some twitchy speed freak, you can start on just about anything. Some bikes are more forgiving then others of course, but end of the day, you are in control and how you twist that wrist is up to you.
 
silvrsurfr said:
went into a dealership today to sit on a few bikes to see what i thought of them -

sales guy started talking to me - told him i'm looking to purchase my first bike and wanted to feel a couple out. i asked where their 250's were, and right off the bat he stated i'm too big. i'm 6' - 200lbs. (granted he could be right with this, but i told him, i was there to try out a few different bikes and wanted to start at the 250's to see for myself) but the kicker was his next statement -

after looking at the 400 and 650 ninja's, he recommends the Ninja ZX-6R - and i quote - "its a great first bike"

now, all the power to the guys and girls who can claim this bike as their first bike - but i'm am just not interested in this bike at this time.

but what kills me is, he would actually recommend that as a first bike.

anyways, i ditched him, and found the sales rep i had previously spoke with, and he was great.
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Jeez dude, it's just a ZX-6R, it's not a space ship, why wouldn't it be an ok first bike? You're a big dude too so the weight of it and physical size wouldn't be a problem.
 
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油井緋色;1621967 said:
No, I'm saying that because, depending on your personality, you will get bored of a smaller bike extremely fast. Everyone who knew me that rode told me to stay away from a 125 and a 250; probably because I'm an adrenaline junky (gym, stunts, contact sports, skiing, boarding, sky diving, you name it, I've probably done it). The dude's I'm giving advice to are the ones that are like me, they're going to try to try and push the bike to it's limits while knowing and staying in their comfort zone gradually. The limits on a 250 and a 125 are too small. Those who aren't prone to try and push themselves and their machines can last years on a 250 (met a guy that was afraid to upgrade to a 500 after 2 years on a 250).

So really, I think it does depend on the person. If you can do workouts revolving around 1 rep max without spotters and not hurt yourself, you're the type that can do start on a 600. I'm saying this because a lot of weight injuries result around 1 rep max workouts without spotters. Same goes for sky diving, boarding, skiing and others...just different scenarios.
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You must be one bad ***** man, to be such an adrenaline junky.
I guarantee you can't hit the limits on a 250 aside from the rev limiter in a straight line.
I've been racing motocross for years now and I'm STILL on a 250 4stroke because I'm not even close to the limits of the bike along the lines of cornering and jumping ability. Once I can keep up to pro level guys then I'll switch up to the bigger, less managable 450.
Nobody says crap about me still being on a 250, as I'm out there having fun beating up on the "fast" guys with their 450s. Being more of an adrenaline junky has nothing to do with it, I've done pretty much anything I can do to get my heart pumping including a career that brings about some very freaky moments, so I'm far from being a timid type of person.

I would have easily picked up a 250 or 400 for my first bike on the street if it wasn't for the fact that I knew most of my riding would be long distance riding on the highways, and even then I didn't get a 600SS despite being able to be "man enough" to handle it.
 
Thanks for all the input - hilarious how the original topic got turned.

I went to the dealership to sit on as many bikes as i can in one shot, so i can get a feel for the different sizes. And i simply just started at the bottom with the 250's. They had a great selection, Kawasaki's, Yamaha's, Suzuki's etc. So instead of going door to door testing bikes, just easier to hit the dealship.

As for first bike, yeah, will most likely be getting used. Toss up right now between GS500, SV650, or Ninja 500 or 650. Just so much easier to hit a dealership to see the bikes.

but awesome thread this has turned out to be.
1 rep max! Coincidentally, my works use 1 rep max. I typically pyramid up. Helps prevents injuries. By the heaviest set, my muscles are definitely warmed up - but i digress.
 
Silvr,

I started riding back in 2003, and I am a small guy, about 5'8 and 150 pounds, my first bike was a brand new Suzuki SV650 and I had tons of fun with that bike never went down, never had any problems handling it etc etc. I really don't see the need to start out on a 250 like many people here would suggest.
 
The Road Warrior said:
Silvr,

I started riding back in 2003, and I am a small guy, about 5'8 and 150 pounds, my first bike was a brand new Suzuki SV650 and I had tons of fun with that bike never went down, never had any problems handling it etc etc. I really don't see the need to start out on a 250 like many people here would suggest.
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Why does most, if not all, Europe have a graduated licensing system which also specifies the engine size of bikes? Because SS600s are bad for the health of new riders. It's a fact, and it doesn't matter which way you look at it. Unfortunately though we live in a country that basically says "if you can afford the insurance, you can ride it" and as a consequence we see poor riding technique, unnecessary crashes and unnecessary deaths. And as a result we see high insurance costs, which we then ***** and moan about.

To the OP, go with your gut. And name the dealer. I know one of the sales guys at a certain dealership who wont sell a SS to a new rider. Having one kids death on his conscience is enough.

I saw a guy on my M2 exit weekend who failed to control a CBR125 enough to pass his test, which takes place in a car park. 2 days later I see him riding this huge midlife crisis Harley through Newmarket like he's a bad ***. All because he can sit an exam and can afford the insurance. Tell me the sense in that?
 
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wonderings said:
+1

If you think you can't control yourself and the throttle, then maybe you do need to start at a 125 of 250. But if your confident on yourself and know your not just some twitchy speed freak, you can start on just about anything. Some bikes are more forgiving then others of course, but end of the day, you are in control and how you twist that wrist is up to you.
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+1...
I started on a 750 SS and had no mishaps. It's all about self control and respect for the machine.
I noticed an increase in my cornering abilities and proper riding position, which takes time and practice.
I am no where near perfecting the skill but I'm slowly getting there.
It all comes down to how comfortable you are and how much you trust yourself.
 
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Bignoga said:
I think everyone worries about ergonomics to much. Im 330 pounds of chunky pride on a cbr600f4i. I can ride two hours before my butt starts to hurt, 10 minute rest and I'm good to go. Other then that nothing stops me from riding far. Hold the tank with your knee's dont leave pressure on your arms and you will be fine on almost any bike as I'm about as extreme on the spectrum as you can go.

This is my first bike.

PS. Yep I look dope in full leathers.
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Maybe the weight is off your arms because it's on the tank?
 
油井緋色;1621967 said:
No, I'm saying that because, depending on your personality, you will get bored of a smaller bike extremely fast. Everyone who knew me that rode told me to stay away from a 125 and a 250; probably because I'm an adrenaline junky (gym, stunts, contact sports, skiing, boarding, sky diving, you name it, I've probably done it). The dude's I'm giving advice to are the ones that are like me, they're going to try to try and push the bike to it's limits while knowing and staying in their comfort zone gradually. The limits on a 250 and a 125 are too small. Those who aren't prone to try and push themselves and their machines can last years on a 250 (met a guy that was afraid to upgrade to a 500 after 2 years on a 250).

So really, I think it does depend on the person. If you can do workouts revolving around 1 rep max without spotters and not hurt yourself, you're the type that can do start on a 600. I'm saying this because a lot of weight injuries result around 1 rep max workouts without spotters. Same goes for sky diving, boarding, skiing and others...just different scenarios.
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oh please...doing those things does not automatically make you an adrenaline junky. Doing them well, and pushing your limits on those activities does. Pushing the limits of your 600 on a ontario highway...lol give me a break.

LMAO at the gym rat comment too. I totally respect someone who can deadlift 400+ lbs, but not for the same reasons as i respect someone say like trombino
 
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I enjoy long walks on the beach, holding hands and tickle fights.

I'M AN ADRENALINE JUNKIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
TomC said:
only if you're doing it to the max.
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油井緋色 =

max-power.jpg
 
I was gonna get a 250 but felt it was too small, I'm 5'9 185. Got an sv650s instead and i'm glad I did. There's nothing wrong with getting a 600 as your first bike, as long as your confident in yourself and are patient to learn on it. I've been riding now for 4 months and can handle the bike with no problem but it took me about a month to do so. I just feel that getting a 250 would be a mistake cuz you'll get bored of it fast. Just my two cents
 
The only thing an SS can't pass is a gas station. Maybe your salesman is being paid off by big oil lol.

I'm trying to wrap my head around all these beginners ,who can push these bikes to their limits within two weeks, and thereafter get bored of the bike, jumping to a SuperSport.

Also the ones that completely bypass learning on a small bike and are out in traffic on a Supersport right away.

Can someone give me a hand with this concept?
 
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