Newbie bike

"Future next gen S2000 owner" (future-next-gen-s2000-owner)
11/12/2015 at 12:27 • Filed to: None

Mrs. Something-Clever-Here recently got her motorcycle license. I am seriously considering an 09 FZ6R from a friend as a bike for her when spring comes around. I know I can get a great deal on it. He bought an R6, so now it just sits.

Looks some thing like this. Thoughts?

DISCUSSION (20)

bob and john > Future next gen S2000 owner
11/12/2015 at 12:31

mmm no.

Stick with under 500CC for the first bike.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Future next gen S2000 owner
11/12/2015 at 12:37

Only if you are looking to get rid of Mrs. Something-Clever-Here.

Future next gen S2000 owner > TheRealBicycleBuck
11/12/2015 at 12:38

Any particular reason why?

Hermann > bob and john
11/12/2015 at 12:38

As I just read on reddit:

“Bikes are like buttplugs. It doesn’t matter how much you think you can handle, always start small.”

Future next gen S2000 owner > bob and john
11/12/2015 at 12:40

why? I mean, not jumping on a new liter bike, sure. But I’ve never understood staying under a specific liter size for a first bike.

bob and john > Future next gen S2000 owner
11/12/2015 at 12:44

its still a 90HP bike, high revving bike. if she doesnt know what shes doing (and she doesnt, because first timer) it will get away from her.

most sub 500s (and 500s) are still quick enough to get out of their own way, but slow enoguh and more importantly, forgiving enough that they inspire confidence and dont run away from you that easy.

plus, a ninja 650 (which is 20HP down on this) has a better power-weight ratio then a HELLCAT. your not handing a beginner driver a hellcat to start with are you?

EDIT:also, jumping on a liter bike is your first is actually suicide

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Hermann
11/12/2015 at 12:50

That’s a very graphic yet accurate analogy

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Future next gen S2000 owner
11/12/2015 at 12:52

Stick to two cylinders for a first bike

Manny05x > bob and john
11/12/2015 at 12:57

What do you say about a supermoto as a first specifically a drz400?

BloodlessWeevil > Future next gen S2000 owner
11/12/2015 at 12:58

600cc bikes are track bikes that have lights and are legal to drive on the street. This is a very bad idea for a first bike. I don’t think there is any significance to 500cc’s specifically. The idea is to get something low power so new riders can focus on learning technique instead of controlling power. New riders are also not going to be ready for the relatively large response to small input.

Sport bikes in general have a high center of gravity, this makes them more difficult to handle at low speeds. Not great for new riders learning to navigate parking lots in my opinion.

My advice: If she likes it, buy the FZ6R but leave it in the garage for a season. Get a 250 Ninja or something similar for her first year on two wheels.

Future next gen S2000 owner > bob and john
11/12/2015 at 13:13

So it is more of “don’t have more than x hp/peaky power band combination” for your first bike than “don’t get anything bigger than a 500cc”. Linear power band with a useable torque curve is more important.

Am I getting that right?

bob and john > Future next gen S2000 owner
11/12/2015 at 13:16

more or less.

it just s happens that once you pass 500CC, the bikes all have so many engines and power deliverys that its just easier to say: stick to something under Xcc.

also, the HP thing. and weight.

bob and john > BloodlessWeevil
11/12/2015 at 13:21

you thinking of 600CC supersports. this is a sport tourer.
not QUITE as knife edge as the SS

bob and john > Manny05x
11/12/2015 at 13:22

Sumos are fun first bikes. cheap, light, you really dont care if you drop it...

just be wary that they are always tempting you to do wheelies and do places you really shouldnt and fuck around there :D

Nonster > Future next gen S2000 owner
11/12/2015 at 13:23

I’d agree with most of the others here and say get less powerful bike. Also, I always encourage people to get something cheap for their first bike. Most people don’t really know what they like in a bike until they get some more seat time. In addition, most don’t know what kind of riding they’ll end up liking. A sport bike may be great fun in the twisties, but its a less ideal ride for touring or a daily commuter.

Manny05x > bob and john
11/12/2015 at 13:24

I know this but can I learn what I need to learn in a supermoto without getting hurt.

bob and john > Manny05x
11/12/2015 at 13:27

you can get hurt on a 125CC if you dont know what your doing.
go for it. Fun bikes to own and relativly easy to learn on.

and as a bonus, you can keep the sumo for a WHILE and learn even better riding techniques. for gymkhana competitions sumo have traditionally been one of the highest placing bikes.

TheRealBicycleBuck > TheRealBicycleBuck
11/12/2015 at 13:38

In addition to Peter’s comments, I’d add that the statistics are against her.

Riders of bikes with 501-1000cc engines accounted for 39% of all 2011 fatalities and also represented the highest increase of overall fatalities (25%) from when NHTSA first started recording this information in 2002.( Ride Apart )

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

In 2005 [Super Sport] bikes registered 22.5 driver deaths per 10,000 registered vehicles, compared with 10.7 deaths for other sport models (like the FZ6R). Standards and cruisers, and touring bikes (with upright handlebars) have rates of 5.7 and 6.5, respectively, per 10,000 vehicles.( Insurance Information Institute )

Small, high-powered bikes are dangerous for new riders who really need to focus on handling skills, not speed. The best thing she can do is learn how to swerve properly without dumping the bike and learn how to brake properly. If she hasn’t already, have her take an MSF rider safety course. It is an opportunity to learn how to ride a bike properly and will give her the chance to learn and practice the skills.

BloodlessWeevil > bob and john
11/12/2015 at 14:53

Oh, I did not know there was a distinction. I honestly do not see much difference. Is it a different drive train, and how can you tell the difference if you don’t know much about sportbikes?

bob and john > BloodlessWeevil
11/12/2015 at 16:14

there isnt THAT much of a difference to be frank with you.
sport tourers are a little more relaxed riding position, usually way cheaper suspension, and the motors are tuned a little more for torque rather then HP.

if you compare this the the R6 of the same year, this is about 90HP. the R6 is closer to 130.

Its sort of the difference between a F12 and an enzo. ones more touring then track times