new rider new bike

kenny629 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 30 Nov 2006 Karma :

hey all, need some experienced advice if youd be so kind Smile

so, i have my direct access soon which i obviously hope to pass, thing is what to do about the first bike. ive seen and absolutely fallen in love with a kawasaki zx636 and have the money to buy it and to pay off first year insurance, i know its a powerful bike, although ive never ridden one, but im wondering wether getting it is a good idea, surely if i ride within my limits and not the bikes, and generally take it easy i should be ok?

just other riders have told me a 400 is too small and id be bored others have said to learn on a smaller bike first, im confused... any advice appreciated guys and dolls, cheers Wink

bin · Scooby Slapper Joined: 28 Sep 2006 Karma :

Welcome kenny....riding within your own limits is always a good idea....as far as other advice some one will be along shortly to put you right.
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...its what you make of it...
...Silver Suzuki gsx1400...

ColdInsomnia · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jun 2006 Karma :

To call the 636 "powerful" is an understatement.

My Divvy is "powerful" and that's probably half the BHP of a ninja.

Ultimately the choice is down to you, and you alone, but my PERSONAL advice would be to go for something else instead.

You don't need to go for something smaller, hell, my divvy is a 600cc bike. Consider something like a bandit, or a hornet, or an SV. They're not stupidly fast that you're likely to kill yourself, but trust me they'll have enough boot in them to put some hairs on your chest Wink

It's the first two years of riding bikes that you're far, far more likely to have an accident. Statistics show after those first two years, you're much less likely to come off.

So yeah.. my advice in short, go for something with less BHP (But stick with a 600cc bike if you want to), at least for a good few solid months first.

You'll know when you feel ready to take on a ninja (And remember, the ninja is one hell of a bike for anyone to ride, let alone someone that's just passed).

I don't want to sound like a safety Nazi but we've been hearing about a lot of accidents on here lately mate Sad

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Yamaha YB100 | Yamaha TZR125 | Yamaha XJ600S | Suzuki GSF600
"Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That's what's insane about it."
John Lennon

NSR Mick · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Jun 2005 Karma :

dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

I would say that self control is one thing, controlling the bike is another, it will be in a different league to anything you learn on both power wise and handling, not dropping it on the floor within 2 weeks is another. At the end of the day it's up to you, if you can buy one, insure it and take it easy and learn with it then why not. It's something you need to sit down and reflect on, put aside the excitement of it all, you need to sit down, be realistic and truthful with yourself.

ColdInsomnia · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jun 2006 Karma :

Stiffler · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Sep 2006 Karma :

gixxersixx · Trackday Trickster Joined: 17 Sep 2006 Karma :

I went from a gs125 12bhp to a z1300 130bhp(alleged). It wasnt particularly how powerful it was but how responsive it felt after the gs. Its more down to the rider, knowing whether you are comfortable, confident & competent dealing with the bike. If you know you can be sensible about riding then go for it. Its you thats in control of the bike not the other way around.
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We're all just born to die. So lets have some fun
gsxr6k1,pc,k&n,skimmed block,flowed head,yoshi gasket,cams,blue print,arrow system titanium can,quick shifter,gilles rear sets,ktech forks,ohlins shock,galfer waveys, -3front+4rear + other goodies

kenny629 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 30 Nov 2006 Karma :

cheers, i do see your point, plus if i was to drop it and damage it id be quiet upset..... Embarassed

so i think ill get a cheaper bike first, but it has to be a 600 though..really like the 600 ninja, is that uber fast too? Confused

any suggestions for a sporty 600 that shifts and looks good welcome Wink

gixxersixx · Trackday Trickster Joined: 17 Sep 2006 Karma :

any of the sports 600 will shift if you want them to and looks is a personal thing.
suggest cbr600rr, r6, gsxr6, zx6, etc any will be quick if you give a lot of throttle, but get some r&g's fitted just in case
____________________
We're all just born to die. So lets have some fun
gsxr6k1,pc,k&n,skimmed block,flowed head,yoshi gasket,cams,blue print,arrow system titanium can,quick shifter,gilles rear sets,ktech forks,ohlins shock,galfer waveys, -3front+4rear + other goodies