I have to vent this after putting up with a local know-it-all for a few months now...

When you get your first bike, you will be excited. You'll want to tell the world, show them that you're a competent rider, chat about bikes and trade stories (though you won't have any yet), and let everyone know that you belong to the sportbike subculture.

This is what you should do...
- be humbled by your ride
-don't try to educate people who know more than you
-shut your yap and listen

I don't mean to be rude here, but I've met too many local riders (and a few posters here) who tell people how accomplished of a rider they are. Unless you ride like Bostrom or Jon T. Flesh*, there's room to improve (myself included obviously). The very best thing a new rider can do on this forum is keep quiet, and read the posts of the really experienced riders rather than chime in to show us all how knowledgeable you (think you) are.

Too many posts have popped up where a newbie goes out of his way to justify why he thinks he should buy a GSXR 750 as his first bike. Do yourself a favour. Don't ask. Read some posts here, get a sense of what people are already saying to people with your identical question, then make your buying decision. It's a free country and none of us can tell you what to buy. But when you ask for advice and we give it to you, shut up...and take it.

Locally speaking, I met a rider a while back who just bought my buddy's R6. He told me all about his 'racing' experience (in his souped up car), how responsible he is, and even compared my bike to his (pros vs. cons) though he'd never ridden either http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wtf.gif . He obviously has a lot to learn, just like any new rider, and he's going about it all wrong. An R6 isn't blatantly impossible to handle as a first bike but, like all n00bs, you need to be humbled and listen to what other riders have to say.

This guy rode his R6 for the first time just 4 days ago. But over the months before that, he made over 250 'informative' posts on a local rider forum telling everyone how great his bike is, how confident of a rider he is http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wtf.gif , his seat height & suspension preferences, performance mods he want to do to his bike, gear recommendations, local dealer preferences, general bike BS, etc. etc. The list goes on and on, and it's a very long list.

I won't name names and I'm trying my best to keep this polite. Don't be like this guy. Learn from this site! If you want to spend your time telling us all how great you are and/or justifying why you belong on your bike, don't waste your time and don't waste ours. But most of all, if you just got your bike and you want to learn stuff as quickly as possible...please please please...STFU.

*Fleshy for President

I think your right and i'm listening and i would have to be to learn i think this is a good post for us new peeps Thanks http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

I think your right and i'm listening and i would have to be to learn i think this is a good post for us new peeps Thanks http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

I hope I wasn't being offensive, and new guys here in the Starting Line are usually pretty receptive. If I can stop just one of you from being a know-it-all n00b like this local pain in the ass, it will all be worth it. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I joined this forum several months ago when I decided that my first new bike was going to be a GSX-R600.

After reading many posts and talking to several dealers, I am now the proud owner of a less-powerful (but AWESOME) Suzuki SV 650.

Listening to others and trying to digest their advice was the best thing I could have done. Instead of owning a bike that I would have probably sold at the end of this riding season (it was SOOO much less comfortable than my SV, and way more powerful than anything I've ever ridden) I now have a bike that I love.

In a couple of years, I'll get a bigger and badder sportbike - but then, I won't be a newbie anymore!!

Thanks to everyone who posted their opinions of the SV 650. It helped me to make the right purchasing decision. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/punk.gif

Brolo I agree, I myself am not even close to an expert rider as well, but I have given up on talking these people out of buying a sportbike for their first. It seems as though 99% of them write back and tell you, as you have said, why they are different and their shit dont stink, etc. I am not trying to be an ass, it just seeems pointless to write back and forth to those who are not listening and have already made up their mind.

Nick Fury, you are the other 1%, congrats. I am sure you will have a blast, and once you are out you will have so much fun, you wont even remember what you are riding. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif Maybe I am being an ass, and if all of us write down our opinons and the 1% changes their mind,they will live & learn. And that is worth it http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif what do you guys think? http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

6gix said:
I have given up on talking these people out of buying a sportbike for their first.


I know...it never ends. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

But what I was trying to get at in my initial post is that newbies need to listen. Not just about what people have to say about first bikes, bout about everything having to do with riding (tips, mods, rider stories, rider problems, gear discussions, how-to's, etc. etc.). And most of all, to not throw in 2 cents to gratify the 'biker within' (who doesn't really know anything yet).

6gix said:

Brolo I agree, I myself am not even close to an expert rider as well, but I have given up on talking these people out of buying a sportbike for their first. It seems as though 99% of them write back and tell you, as you have said, why they are different and their shit dont stink, etc. I am not trying to be an ass, it just seeems pointless to write back and forth to those who are not listening and have already made up their mind.

Nick Fury, you are the other 1%, congrats. I am sure you will have a blast, and once you are out you will have so much fun, you wont even remember what you are riding. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif Maybe I am being an ass, and if all of us write down our opinons and the 1% changes their mind,they will live & learn. And that is worth it http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif what do you guys think? http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif




NEVER, EVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!!....I haven't... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Riders can tell me till they are blue in the face, that a 750, or even a 600 is o.k. to learn.....BS....what they don't seem to realize is there's more to riding, than just going ina straight line, or cruising around town, and making it home without dropping their bike.....That's not My, or many other riders idea of being a " skilled rider"..or even a compedent rider. There are so many varibles that come into play, and unless you've riding 1000's of miles, i.e. been riding for years, there's no way you could understand what the varibles are, and this is where the riders that say...sure, snag a 750, I did, and have been riding for 5 months, and I'm doin o.k.....welp, that's fine, EXCEPT...5 months ain't nuthin...no way can you be totally at ease on that 750 after 5 months of TOTAL riding time..You may THINK you are, but believe me......you aren't. There are still new ridiers out there, that DO have brains, and given a logical choice, they will usually use their brain, to see that the OLDER, more experienced riders KNOW what they are talking about...So I look at it this way...given the stats re: the longivity of new riders on high powered sportbikes..If I can sway just 1, new rider into NOT getting a bike that could possibly do him, or her harm, OR hinder their learning process....Then I'll keep harping for the cause...Understand, my ONLY concern, is YOU...once you start riding, I, we, would like to see ya hang around for a long time, and be a better rider in the long run. If you look at the advice of the oldtimers, and even RACERS...people that KNOW, how to ride...their advice is usually the same, start SMALL...and work your way up..So...Please ...don't any of you riders give up on trying to help a new rider to make the best possible choice, even though, there are a few misinformed souls out there....Someones life may be at stake...

Sorry for the " Soap Box" rant... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I am the GREATEST and I know it ALL. So....YOU shut your yap and STFU http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/sleep.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/sleep.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/sleep.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/sleep.gif

You offended me http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif
I am getting a 2008 superdupa Busa with triple turbo charged http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wtf.gif I hope i can afford the insurance http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif

Happy Riding Everyone http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif Get whatever the hell bike u wanna get as long as you have excellent health insurance. And if you ever injure my azz or anyone i know, YOU will pay dearly http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/bitchslap.gif

You brought up another good point, Insurance!!!!!!! Its is hard as hell to insure a new rider on a sport bike. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/bash.gif Most insurance companies won't even give you a quote. And when they do its the size of a car payment. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif

Best post I've read in a day or so http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/lick.gif

I listened to similar posts. Read all the forums. The motorbike I wanted was the one everyone suggested that I start on. An SV650S. I rode for 2 seasons and will be picking up an 03 GSXR 600 in a few days.

I spent the past 2 years on the SV forums. SVRider.com and sv650owners board. Then when I felt ready, I lurked on the inline forums for the winter and decided I wanted to get a new bike. I wish I could keep the SVS and the GSXR but unfortunately, I can't.

Cheers

JediGuitarist said:
Best post I've read in a day or so :lick


You want me to make it more interesting? Wanna see what started off my whole tantrum? Okay....this is the dumb shit's post that finally pushed me over the edge. He posted this the other day when someone asked a question about bike shops and what to buy. He sounds like a pretty knowledgeable guy, doesn't he?? Keep in mind that he just started riding this past Saturday, less than a week ago. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
...............
Dumb Shit wrote
Well I have been to MANY shops.. all of them tried to sway me to something other then a 600 cc bike. Mainly cause this is my first year.

Some shops ( I wont mention them) decided on there own that I wasnt a serious buyer and decided to pay no attention to me or brush me off.

Now I had my eye set on a 2001 or 2002 F4i. Found some but money was lacking. my next on the list was a Yamaha R6. I managed to find a MINT 99 R6 that I bought. When I tell ppl I have never ridden in my life and got an R6 as my 1st bike they seem to cringe and ask if im stupid...

Well I've been out on it 3 days now and Im begining to think that these other ppl are stupid. My point is that ppl assume casue your new you couldnt handle the R6 etc... well so far so good I feel comfy on it and in control. Some ppl can just get on any bike and be in complete control naturaly. I hate when ppl assume otherwise. As the buyer of the bike you should know your own skill level and go from there. IE. I doubt I would have ever baught an R1 as my 1st bike.
...............
http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Dumb Shit wrote
I've been out on it 3 days now and Im begining to think that these other ppl are stupid.

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Yeah he really shoulda waited more than 3 days to say that, but on thew other hand maybe he'll live to be 100, win races and become a famous guy, lol. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif (some ppl do make it)

Lets all hope he does ok.

I also hope he's okay out there, but his frame of mind is all wrong. Here's a few more of his experienced insights.
...............
Dumb Shit wrote:
Yeah DONT Finance.. and don't get the Full coverage crap...
Also buy used man.. This is my first year riding and I got a 99 R6. Dont let the full fairings scare ya. Seriously you can get fairings on ebay for like $60. some ppl make it sound like a HUGE deal. put frame sliders on and it will help.
...............
His thoughts on insurance...
At this rate therre wont be any INS Co's that will insure new riders. so they will all be forced to get 250 cc or SV's. This is Why I dont condone any stunt crap. they screw it up then go through INS for there stupidity. and we all pay for it.
(posted 10 days before he rode his bike for the first time)
...............
his thoughts on theft detterents...
I would stick to a disc lock. put on 3 of them least that will make there job tougher to get them all off.
(hm..that'll do a lot of good when thieves pick the bike up off the ground, won't it??)
...............
his thoughts re: a biker who was killed on the highway
Frankly Im tired of the "I Didnt see him" BS.. Like it was said she was probably on the phone or talking to someone....And she is still breathing while the biker is now dead and all sh gets is that. Hell even her record will stay pretty clean. FREAKING BS....
(posted 1 month before he ever rode his bike)
...............
thoughts on spending $$$ on gear
if there is anything I would shoot some extra Cash into its my suit...
(good advice...but how the fuck would he know?? Hasn't even started his first season yet!)
...............
his thoughts on using both brakes...
I would have thought that common knowledge would be to assume both brakes used together would give you optimal braking..
Kinda like using 2 eyes.. Yes you can see out of just 1 eye but you were given 2 so use them.. Besides using both eyes increases visabilty.
(I don't know what the fuck this means, but it really brings up my original topic...STFU!!!)
...............
his thoughts on a good starter bike...
Im not really one to talk here but it is good advice to start out small. Granted im starting on a 99 R6 but its still a 600. I dont think I would ever start out on anything bigger then a 600 nor would I ever recomend doing that.
(posted 5 weeks before he took his first ride. And since he just bought it and had yet to ride it, he should STFU!!)
...............
his thoughts re: 'old bikes'...
Just me personally I wont get anything older then 99. as it stands thats already 4 years old. I just dont like old things. also some of the body style has changed and to me that makes a difference.
(talking out of his ass, don't you think??
...............
more thoughts on stunting...
One word.... STUPID, DUMB, Idiotic, moronic. dangerous. NOT SMART, WRONG......
(posted 6 weeks before ever taking a ride on his bike)
...............

Okay, there are lots more but I'm not going to paste them all out. This is exactly what newbies need to avoid doing. What he should be doing is asking questions, getting out onto the road as much as possible and learning things for himself instead of posting all this know-it-all n00b crap. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/bitchslap.gif

Brolo said:

I also hope he's okay out there, but his frame of mind is all wrong. Here's a few more of his experienced insights.
...............


That Shit Was Hilarious. Even As A Newbie, He Should Have The Common Sense To Listen To The People That Have Been Through These Experiences Before... Me Being A Newbie Myself, The Whole Reason I'm Here Is So I Can Ask Questions And Take Notes From Those That Have Been Doing This For A While. This, For Me, Is A Learning Experience. But, I'm Sure That Guy Will Soon Find Out The Hard Way That He Should've STFU and Listened To What The Experienced Riders Had To Say... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/bitchslap.gif But, That's Just My Own Personal Opinion.

Brolo said:

[QUOTE]
JediGuitarist said:

Dumb Shit wrote
Well I have been to MANY shops.. all of them tried to sway me to something other then a 600 cc bike. Mainly cause this is my first year.

Some shops ( I wont mention them) decided on there own that I wasnt a serious buyer and decided to pay no attention to me or brush me off.

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif



LOL you mean he ran into a shop that actually had some morals and not profits as a priority!! I wish he had mentioned those names so these shops could be applauded for not trying to get another person out on the road over their heads!!!!

I really think the mentality comes from years ago when bikes were not as technically advanced and quit frankly a lot slower, most were very much a cruser type of bike by todays standard, I mean even the racers replicas of 20-30 years ago are more eqivalent to a modern cruser, don't get me wrong there was a need for so skill to really ride those bikes to the limits but how many people back then hit the canyons the way people do today, and for the most part back then, most of us were kids and it was the uncles, parents, cousins, older brothers/sister, ect were getting on bikes like these and these were 600cc+ machines that were driven more so in straight line driving crusing speeds, ect. You grow up in a generation that didn't have this kinda power to weight ratio performance, and the high tech suspenion of todays bikes that can really take to the twisties in a very agressive manner realistically 2-3 times faster around the curves than the bike of yester year. I think you naturally have to some degree that co-sign to get the sportbike from some of these guys that havn't been riding in a while and remember the good ol days of hopping on that first bike that was a cb750 or kz1000 ect. and baby steps untill I could really ride that beast! And if they could do it son you can too.
I know this is not the only cause of the problem but I do think that people have this type of thinking and ingnorance when it comes to thinking they can "handle" that new sport bike they saw in that one movie and saw on the cover of the new issue of ***bike that is the best thing to come along since sliced bread.
hey maybe I am way off base, hell I've been know to be wrong once in a while, I too see these posts "never rode thinkin about a busa for first bike what do you think?" then the reasonable replys come and these people reply with "oh, but I know my limits and I don't wanna have to buy something I'll just sell in a few months anyways" I just have to ask myself why do they ask in the first place? They probably have the bike sitting in the garage shiny and new and have been sitting on it pretending to be out on the open road tearin up the twisties leaving there riding buddies far behind cause they'll know how to handle it. anyways I ranted enough also. just my .02

holy crap I didnt realize that he was trying to give advice with no riding experience.

Damn, lol. Whats his name I want to ignore everything he says... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I really mean no disrespect, so I don't think it would be right to post his name/user ID/which board he frequents. All I ask is that n00bs in general be aware of his ongoing mistake and try not to be like him.

Since I sort of "know him" (as he bought my buddy's bike), you never know. He may show up for a group ride one day. I'll be sure to give myself a lot of room and bite my tongue when his rambling starts up. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/squid.gif

He sounds like a real f*cking moron...all he's trying to do is impress people. Well, if he would shut his yap and look around...he would notice that he wouldn't be impressing anyone because all of you have "been there; done that" for REAL.

I make comments on this site when feasible and when I ACTUALLY KNOW SOMETHING. hehehee...which isn't much, so I tend to keep quiet, but keep my eyes open and read.

I figure that if I do that...then I will eventually have the experience most have on this board because I LIVED TO TELL ABOUT IT!!!!! That's the main key factor...to me anyway. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Ok, I'll go back to shutting up now and enjoy the posts. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/bounce.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/banana.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

children should be seen and not heard for a reason.

just started looking through the posts all over this site and its really evident who the experienced ones are and who is just shooting out something they heard from a friend of a friend who doesnt know anything. all the meaningful posts ive read are much appreciated - keep the great advice coming. thanks.

element

I chanced upon this post just today...
I think that novices and some experienced riders can take something away from Brolo's post. Such as: it's okay to admit that you don't know how to do some things. It's okay to admit that you don't know much about some things. By keeping your ego in check you won't be tempted to have to back it up later - and push yourself beyond your limits. I tell my MSF students that part of managing the risk is knowing yourself and being really honest with yourself about your abilities and knowledge (or lack thereof).