Be easy on the n00b

[Big_g18]

Hey all. having a slight dilema (as like all the other threads in here)

Im 23 and being driving since i legally could.Currently got a modified starlet. Far from the stereo type though,dyno'd @203bhp and built for the back roads.Problem i have is im sick of working on it
Next stage up is fully forged block ect. which is mega bucks. So i thought,where else could i get performance and excitment for cheaper than building up a monster..... answer? 2 wheels (and they'd still be faster)

Never been on a bike up till now but have been "messing" about on a pals crosser.Ive booked my theory test for end of the month and was planning on going for a DAS end of Feburary (thats the only time i would have the cash to do so) and head for a zxr400,something not insane that im going to come straight back off.Was also looking at a thundercat but heard there just trying to be a cbr.

Thing i worry about is the fact ive never properlly riden before.Could someone like me do a DAS and be ok for the road? I know alot of people go on about getting a 125 and getting the feel first but the new test comes in March which is scaring everyone.I work as a mechanic,so know how it all works,dunno if that would help me in anyway though,lol.

Anyway im rabbling on here.....................................

[Itchy]

yes you could, the key is restraint...

And awareness in that the biker gene pool is self cleaning and bikes are much much less forgiving, car experience is probably a bad thing in that bike and cars are different...

Ie in a car when you would brake say going into a corner too hot in a car this is fine, in a bike it is not fine.....

and even then very good riders get taken out by others or have something unexpected happen which wipes them out.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[cicatrez]

I take it your also on TGTT? GT turbo or glanza? I always loved a glanza in white, and a gtt in black (non quad light version).
I suppose you could try and ask the place your going to book your course (over afew days). see how your confidence is going, and if you think you can handle the bigger bikes, then carry on doing the DAS, if not, then just stick to a restricted. Many people on here seem to say that 33hp still feels like alot, and any more power then that, and its enough to intentionally (or most likely unintentionally) have it do wheelies. A friend let me have a go on his SR125, and 20mph felt really fast to me lol. Silly i know. In a car 20mph feels almost like a crawl.

[Big_g18]

Yeah im on TGTT. Im running a sleeper though
Ive started going out as a pillion on a work friends vfr750 and enjoy it,not just for the buzz but even the "cruising" is good fun due to being out in the open i think.He's told me alot about the way a bike handles (counter steering ect.) and also felt a few hairy moments on the bike myself.I was considering doing my CBT before christmas and seeing how i get on with confidance ect and taking it from there BUT christmas ect. will takes its toll (im renting with the g/f so paying more than "digs" to my mum,lol)

[Tonka]

I went from nought to bike and I was just fine. First time on a bike was my CBT then borrowed bike school's 125 for a couple of weeks while I did theory test and waited for test date. Did the full A test and bought an SV650S - sorted!!

I've been driving a car for 24 years, so the hazard perception parts of test and lots of the riding obs were already second nature, but believe me you can never be vigilant enough on a bike. As far as balance and confidence on the bike is concerned I didn't have an issue at all. The only difficulty I faced was the U-turn for the test, but I think after the initial problem the majority of that was psychological.

You need to get the balance between being confident on the bike to ride well and over-confidence causing you to make silly mistakes right. Have fun and welcome to the wonderful world of motorcycling!!
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'The core of a man's spirit comes from new experiences'
Suzuki SV650S (Clean); Yamaha XT250 Serow (Dirty)

[mooserx]

if you decide to do your das and get bike entitlement, you'll wonder how youever lived without it,

as for bikes don't write off the thundercat, fast comfy, cheap(er than a cbr) to insure and a very very capable bike or a novice. but that said, there are many bikes around, my opinion, do the das get a 600, don't bother with a 400 asyou'll soon get bored.

i did the das and went straight onto a cbr1000f great bike only cost £800 and goes like stink,.

just be careful!!!!!
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TL1000r-handful.

[saintjon]

I had never been on a bike in my life not even as a pillion. on May 2nd this year i completed my CBT 3 more lessons on a cb500 then passed test on 12th May. 19th May bought my first ever bike Yam Thundercat.
I think being an experienced car driver is a benefit as you have good road sence and a bit of an idea if some one is about to do something stupid.
In hindsight It may have been better to have got myself a 125 to practise on for a year before stating the DAS (I was shocking during my CBT and first lesson on a 500) but it was an impulse decision. I guess the advantage of not having the experience of a 125 was that i had no bad habits to take to the test.
Best thing i ever did i have a 20k car that just sits in the garage i have a 2k Thundercat that gets all my attention.

[Big_g18]

Im pretty set on getting a 400 to start with to be honest.Another work mate just passed his DAS today,he's on an SV650 now. He had a 125 for 5 months before upgrading and said while the 125 was good practice,its kinda wasted money because you WILL want a bigger bike after a few months

[mooserx]

[Rowey]

400's are great bikes. You won't be disappointed with one.

The Yammy Thundercat isn't trying to be a CBR600RR, think of it more as a CBR600F. They are very quick if you keep on top of it, and are pretty good at maintaining revs. It'll put a big smile on your face on the back roads. They are dead comfy too, nice seat, and plenty of fairing. I'm getting one when a good one shows up near me.

The 400 sports are plenty of machine for any novice. They can do licence punishing speeds and are light and nimble enough to show 600's a thing or two. Best of both worlds, light and plenty of power. They always seem fun too, you have to keep the revs pretty high, making riding that more interesting. 600's are good, but a 600 sports is a bit silly for a noob, and you may get bored of a naked 600 or grunty 600 designed for commutes.
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ZX6R C6F.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience.

[Rowey]

[battlecat]

I had a gsxr400 and thought they were great fun and they handle ace
if i were you i'd get a 400 and keep it for a year or so to get your road experience up and the feel of a sports bike without the same amount of power as a 600 coz they can be a bit scary if its your first time on one ( at least, i was intimidated )

a good 400 is plenty for a learner, i wish i still had mine

[Big_g18]

Yeah that was the plan. 400 seems a smaller "friendly" bike compared to the 600's For never riden a bike before ,i rekon a 400 will be more than enough,evan if it is only a year,they seem to hold there value slightly if there in good nick. Just need to decide if i want to do my CBT before christmas or do it at the same time as the DAS? Dont want to do it now then forget lol.

[Moonie]

There's alot of people that about on a DAS then run out and buy a high powered sports bike. IMO it's a waste, as you won't know how to get the best of it.

Only a suggestion but you could try some advanced riding courses or something? First thing on my list when I pass my A2
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Don't practice it until you get it right, practice it until you don't get it wrong.
Presenting the one and only Chinkmobile

[battlecat]

the VFR 400 seems to be the best out of that class although if you got a bit more money, i think the RVF's are better ( or at least, they look better ) either way there good for 100mph+ and thats quick enough to start with
my old gsxr400 used to go off the clock and could beat some big bikes round the bends!
just dont use bennets for insurance as they'll soon start trying to get money outta you, my bike was £92 for a years insurance with them and when i cancelled it at the end of the year, they tried charging me £87 cancelation fee!! ( needless to say they got fuck all outta me )

[Big_g18]

Was looking at the RVF's but there just to old for my liking
And i totally understand about the passing DAS and jumping on something fast and coming straight back off it,advanced lessons would be a good idea.

[deanoet]

it depends what you class as fast
compared to cars 250cc + are quick off the mark

I went from 5 months on a CG125 to a full powered Hornet 600, which is 90odd BHP, 0 - 60 in less than 4 seconds, top speed of 130mph ish

It will only go as fast as i ask it to, it depends how much you trust yourself

A hard core race bike as a first bike such as the R6 or CBR600RR may be unforgiving and will highlight your faults with greater effect, but IMO if you are sensible you wont come unstuck with a 600cc bike
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[Big_g18]

I'd like to think i would respect the bike but everyone has there "nutter" side to them. I just think,knowing what a 600 is capable of (0-60 in under 4 sec ect ect.) i would constantly be scared of it flingin me off,lol.

[deanoet]

get the right one and the power delivery isnt too bad
yes they feel fast, but you get used too it

just a case of being safe and using the power sensibly
your call of course at the end of the day

the acceleration on mine isnt harsh till you get to 8k revs + and even then it isnt "hold on for dear life" harsh


You could always get a 600 and restrict it for a few months till you get used to it

As long as your technique is good you will wimp out before the bike gets to its limit
they feel very stable, plus if you get a naked bike you will always have the wind blast as a reminder
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[battlecat]

I'd get a vfr 400 as there light, handle well and you'll feel confident on it, if you get a bike you dont feel confident on, chances are you'll bin it on the first bend you come to.
there cheaper to insure too!
I wish i got a vfr as my first 'big' bike instead of a gsxr400, the carbs on them are a nightmare if anything goes wrong but still, if there set up right, there an awesome machine
what about a ninja4?

[Big_g18]

That the zxr? Thats what im aiming for.Abit worried about prices just now for DAS.Might not have that much by then How much cheaper are A2's?

[battlecat]

not sure mate, i did my direct access a while ago, as for the bike, as long as your willing to travel, you can pick em up quite cheap, you just gotta look for em.
And i wouldnt just rely on ebay either, a lot of people want what they think there bike's worth and its usually overpriced, try using the zxr forums ( if its a ninja you want ) to see whats on offer there and ask around locally, Ive just found a cbr600 up the road from me for £100!!!

[Davie_G71]

Well, you could consider my journey pretty much the same as yours.

I've had quick cars most of my driving life, the last of which being a 300bhp 200SX that was lethal if not respected.

Anyway, like you i got bored of ficxing it when something went pop, and I was NEVER into bikes.

One day i decided I would have a go at the biking thing, and have never looked back. Granted i've only been riding for a very short time, and i'm learning that supersports bikes are just as dangerous as fast rear wheel drive cars, but hurt lots more when you crash them.

I haven't crashed yet, touch wood, and don't plan to, but like has been said, treat them with the respect they deserve, and more importantly be aware of what's going on around you, as ultimately thats what will catch you out.

Cheers,

Davie.

[battlecat]

hate to say it but watch for dozy women and stupid old people, i've had loads of old boys just pull out of junctions and not even bother lookin and its super scary, even if your not going fast. It amazes me how careless some people are on the road

rant over