1st Big Bike???? : Yamaha R6 Forum: R6MessageNet : YZF-R6 Forums

viper55666 · 05-05-2009, 08:55 AM

Hi,

Im doing my test next week. Im 23, I had a 50cc @ 16, a 125 @ 17, and I rode a diversion 600 for 2 months when I was about 19 and after the initial shock of power i got on fine with it.

I LOVE the R6, my question is... can it be ridden as a first real sports bike (as a newbie?) I get that its going to be amazingly quick and I'm going to have to respect it... but i've read mixed things... some people say its too sporty for a beginner, some people say that you wont learn enough on it, some say it will be the best purchase of my life....

Rather than take the advice from bikers that may never have ridden one day to day I would really like some advice from you guys/girls.

I dont really want to get something like a ZXR400 and then regret not buying the R6 after a few months...

TIA.

P.s Looking at the 2003 model so not as big an issue if i drop it at the traffic lights... lol.

thunder1 · 05-05-2009, 10:15 AM

Sounds like you have enough two wheel experience that you will be fine. Most first time riders run into trouble because they don't understand power to weight or the forces at work when turning/leaning a street motorcycle. Wear protective gear, take it slow and try to stay away from heavy traffic at first.

And don't lean it against a tree, it has a side stand.

endleesss · 05-05-2009, 04:00 PM

get the R6, your going regret not getting a super sport as your first bike. it depends on the type of person you are. but i figure you like speed and you're into super bikes so get it. my started bike was an 01 katana 600, and i sold it in 2 weeks for an 03 zx6r. My fiance though just loves superbikes, so she got an 03 600rr as her first bike and dropped it about 6-10x =)

thrillkillxoxo · 05-05-2009, 04:51 PM

My first bike is a 09 R6 never been on a bike before in my life, took me a week to get used to the clutch and foot function but eversince I've been taking it to work everyday and will never want to sit in traffic another day in my life, just can't take it when your used to being able to go through it just watch for people openning doors at stop lights seen it alot just go slow enough to not fly over, and never pass a car if they can switch lanes that way,people have this weird thing where they jump into lanes fast because they are used of people not letting them in and no blinker. Watch these things and your golden, lovin my R6 don't settle for less. And watch for red light runners before you take off from a light if a car looks like they are going fast enough where they might think they can make it they will probably try no one likes catching lights.

tristan · 05-05-2009, 06:13 PM

my first bike ever is a 636, 4th season never been down, few close calls but doing good

man this place is dead! fuck this

gofastr6 · 05-06-2009, 01:21 AM

You will like the R6. I myself have been riding for 21yrs. I have had 600's,750's,900's, and 1000's. Remember, it is about the rider, not the bike! If you are buying used, have it checked out (brakes,tires,fluids,hoses,frame,chain,etc). Also, take a track day somewhere. You will learn more in one trackday than you can in years of just street riding. Also, dont buy used just because you might drop it. Repair rates are the same for a new 09 as they would be for a 01 and just because a bike is 5-10 yrs old, that does not mean parts are cheaper. I have seen people buy a used bike for half of a new only to put what they thought they were saving back into a used bike for up-keep.

viper55666 · 05-06-2009, 05:09 AM

Thanks for the replies guys, appreciated.
I've got great respect for the bike so will be quite happy to keep it below the 8000Rpm grin generator until me and her have an understanding!

I've got about £750 to spend on safety gear, maybe a touch more... can anyone recommend some good leathers? preferably two peice and armoured?

viper55666 · 05-06-2009, 05:50 AM

... Also are these underjacket armour suit things worth getting?

Eric Keely · 05-06-2009, 09:42 AM

Hey, I just bought a 2003 Yamaha R6 and I'm a complete beginner, never had experience growing up like you. But I think I am in the same boat as you though. I'm just going to take it real nice and slow. I was also struggling with the decision of whether to go with a 250cc, 500cc, or 650cc sportbike, but decided to go with the super sport bike. I am pretty sure you won't regret it!