So I'm thinking about getting an 06 for my first bike

[Ta Jay]

my first one was an 05. never rode a day in my life. if u think u can take it easy and learn then go for it. i am in no position to play devils advocate here. if ur an asshat then you will learn the hard way regardless of the bike u get

[fish eye]

I think the person determines the bike. What I mean is, if you are a responsible individual, you can handle the 6. You MUST respect that bike though, because you slip up one time, and she'll bite you hard. That being said, you need to be honest with yourself. Can you honestly ride within your limits? Can you respect the power of that bike? And can you balance all that in conjunction with learning to ride?

If you answer no to any of these, or if you doubt anything, I would suggest not. However, many other people here have learned on an R6. It can be done, but you just have to be patient. And that being said, if you get a Ninja 250/500, you will still be learning when you switch to a 6.

As for the MSF course, I took it as a way to learn a little bit, but mostly for my M endorsement. There were some people in my class that made riding a motorcycle seem like ricket science. They made riding way too hard, and as a result, they failed the course. To me, it was still money well spent, and I got to learn some tricks of the trade from a few seasoned riders. My advice, take the course. It won't make you any dumber.


So , whether you take our advice or not, be careful, always wear your gear, and ride safe. Also, RIDE SMART!!!!!

[Chaseme]

Originally Posted by deltaonex

What kind of gear should I buy? Icon looks pretty sweet and it's cheap.
Also, should I REALLY take MSF? I don't want to spend the money if I'm going to learn as I start going through the twisties anyway.

Your kidding right?
No?
Well...there are some things you must know:
1. If you dont want to spend money taking the MSF program, you shouldnt be riding
2. Learn the basics; you thinking about riding in the twisties the first day? That wouldnt only be nearly impossible for a beginner but it would also be dangerous and stupid at your level.
3. Gear isnt meant to look cool, it is meant to save your skin (but I'm glad you are actually going to get gear).
We are mostly all enthusiasts trying to help you out here; riding is a privilege but it could also become your wost nightmare.

[bdubbs033]

delta the new R6 is going to my first street bike. so the learning curve should be steep but i wouldnt let that shy you away from an awesome machine. like said before you just have to have respect. dont let all these people flaming on you shy you away. they might all be experienced and knowledgablle riders but everyone learns at there own pace and if you think u can do it thats all that matters.

[edschoen7238]

My first bike was an 05 R6 as well. Once you get it in your head that it's what you want, it's going to take more than a few people to shy you away from it. The first time I ever rode was during the MSF course, and I learned a lot from it so I would reccomend it. Also, ride your gear wherever you go, even if it is just up the block to fill up. Most accidents happen within a mile of home b/c you 'feel safe and know the area'. Like everyone else has said a thousand times, just respect the bike and understand that you are a rookie and FOCUS at all times. You'll be alright.

[Shrewd]

Originally Posted by bdubbs033

delta the new R6 is going to my first street bike. so the learning curve should be steep but i wouldnt let that shy you away from an awesome machine. like said before you just have to have respect. dont let all these people flaming on you shy you away. they might all be experienced and knowledgablle riders but everyone learns at there own pace and if you think u can do it thats all that matters.

You're the type of guy I wanna listen to. Lets all jump off the cliff because this guy told us to.
I mean, those of us that have experience and watched more people crash then you've ever seen ride know absolutely nothing, right? Do yourselves a favor and check the donor box at the very least.

[TwistedR6]

Originally Posted by DrDover

get it and do as many 12o clock wheelies as possible the first day to assure proper break in Let me know when you crash it and decide not to ride anymore . I will be needing a nice bike to turn into a track bike

Dover, you haven't been banned from this board yet?

[sideshow]

the msf course, in my opinion, is alright to learn about...how bikes function (steering, braking, accelerating.. etc), but other than that, its pretty pointless. they have you riding around tiny cones for a couple hours, and thats about it. of course its nice not to have to take your riders test at the dmv, get your pink slip straight from the msf.

[iowadiver]

I agree with making an R6 your second bike... I bought a Buell Blast (500cc) and played with that for 4 weeks and 3K miles then bought an 02' R6.... I have owned it for about a month now and have over 2K miles since I got it. Where are you located, the chick i sold the Buell to learned to ride it the last month and just bought a harley sportster and wants to sell..... great bike to learn on, plus i beefed it up with exhaust and jet kit, kicks ass for a 500cc bike.

[aar0ncee]

nothing wrong with starting on a 600cc. its all in throttle/self control... mostly self control.