[potatoes]

I noticed that a lot of the people who want to start on a 600cc + bike almost always gets bashed or stirred the other way. Yet, almost every experienced and responsible rider I've met DID NOT start on a 250 or subsequent and comparable beginner bike. Most, in fact, started with 600cc sport bikes. Granted, I know that its always less painful to learn from people who made the mistake of starting on a sport bike rather than learning yourself. But I find that some of things the more experienced riders say are pretty harsh, to the point where it belittles someone and insults them.

If you did learn from your mistakes and want to pass on the wisdom, shouldn't you be a little more understanding on WHY these people want to start on a sport bike? Especially if its the same mindset you had when you started out? Its almost like "bashing on the season squid" is teh trendy thing to do, hardly ever leading to a productive and enlightenng response. With a few exceptions from people who dont need to constantly make fun of someone for not knowing enough.

So, just for reference, what bikes did everyone here start with? First motorcycle?

I for one, don't know whether to start off with the way underpowered 250cc. I say underpowered because I want to eventually move on to the 600cc bikes, and from my understanding the 600cc bikes are so different from the way the 250 is, it really dont matter which one you start with. Seems like the only reason to buy a 250 is to beat up on it while you learn on it.

So its either the Ninja 250, F4i 600, or SV650

 

[potatoes]

In 1999 I got a 1996 Honda CBR 600 F2. Absolutely loved it but of course it was my first bike, in 02 bought the Telefonica Edition 600. In 05 I switched to the darkside and got a 05 Honda Shadow Sabre 1100. And after I woke up I got a K7 GSXR 750. Glad I started on the 600 though. I would recommend either a 2000-2004 GSXR 600 or an F4I. There all good bikes just go sit on one and see what fits the best! You'll prob end up on a Suzuki.:cheers

Thanks bro, Im hoping to get on a Suzuki too.

In your opinion, was it hard to learn on a 600?

 

[potatoes]

I think most of the vet riders are against newbies starting on a 6 is because they hate to see them and their riders torn up. I know I do. Yeah I understand you can afford a new 600 and prolly have no problems climbing on one and shifting the gears but what happens when the pace picks up when you're out with your more experienced buddies? What happens when some dickhead in a cage throws you scenario that you've never been dealt. Some of you will make it, most will hit the pavement.

Why? Because there's lots to be learned. Once you hop on a motorcycle your brain must be trained to operate at a rate it's never had to before. I.E. Faster. You dirtbike guys have the advantage. You're used to making quick control changes and you grew up never having the traction that concrete and asphalt affords you! And if you were riding those dirtbikes the way they were meant to be ridden, you're used to crashing also.

I can only imagine the hell that the newbies go through thinking "throttle off, clutch in, shift now".... all while trying to dodge grandma in a station wagon. It's alot to handle and won't necessarily be made easier on a smaller bike. You're mistakes will just be more forgiven. That's all.

If you ask me everone should start off on a small displacement four stroke dirtbike. Learn basic shifting and handling then move to a large displacement two stroke dirtbike. Get scared a little, fight to keep the front wheel down and the wheels in line, throw it around like a 50 and then get your first sportbike and essentially start all over.

Its responses like these that actually SHOW that you want the best for the new riders. I find it much easier to take your advice without the ego-wall in my way.