So Ive always said that no matter what I do, I would never become a bike driver, very risky lifestyle, high mortality rates etc etc etc.

Well today I took my roomate to the dealership to pick up his brand new bike.

A Raven colored Yamaha R1. I thought his 2002 R6 was pretty neat but not for me. But this one hit the spot. The glossy black on flat carbon fiber black looks absolutely stunning. I absolutely love the projector lights on this thing. And its probably one of the fastest production bikes you can buy.

This thing weighs 381 lbs, and is rated at 180 hp (5 more thena busa!!). Thats roughly about 2.1 lbs per hp, or about 1kg per hp. From what I hear its electronically controlled to only 185 mph. Seriously what kind of car can match that? Id need about 1800 hp to match hispower to weight ratio.

Only thing I worry is ... my luck. Im someone that does have a heavy need for speed, I take this out on a legal venue, but even then if I crash at such speeds im dead, no ifs and buts about it. Not tomention drivers here are very very.. inconsiderate. Rationally my mind says no. But then I look at his bike..... I want one!

I hope I get over it... but i find myself wanting to ask him to teach me ride his old bike (R6, which with 120 hp is still freaking insanely fast.) I certainly wouldnt start with an R1 though.


looks just like this but.. his R1 emblem is a dark gray not white like this giving it a dead sexy look. And not very high visibility at nite. ... I think he likes that aspect of it though...

 

My buddy got one of those in blue. Beautiful machine. I don't trust myself on a bike lol. I'll stick to trying to boost the SC.

 

If you would like to take up this addictive sport, do it properly. It is one of my passions but there are inherent risks to riding.

Take the proper training, like an MSF course.

Wear proper gear, no matter how hot it gets.

Take a racing school course, like Keith Code's Superbike School.

Use your head on the street. Save the racing for the track. Never ride outside your limits; in fact, ride within 75% of you limits on the street and at 90% at the track.

The last thing anyone wants is for you to become another statistic.

IMHO, 600cc Supersport bikes are too much bike for a beginner (especially those with a need for speed). These bikes are faster than superbikes from a decage ago. If you go with a 600cc bike, exercise caution. It's easier to buy a used, smaller displacement bike, wring the hell out of it, drop it, make all your mistakes and then move up to a bigger bike. You'll save on insurance, and you'll learn more about riding.

Don't be a squid and worry about 'how big it is' - you can measure dicks later. I've been riding for 25 years (19 on the street) and I've seen and experienced a lot - go to some bike forums and you'll find the same type of advice.

Good luck!

 

The Raven R1 is a pretty bike for sure, but I wouldn't ride a black bike on the street. I even powdercoated my wheels white to make my bike (red & black) more visible. Plus it just looks so much more pimp than the stock dull-gray wheels.

If you don't trust yourself on the street, then buy a used 600 and make it a track bike. Track days are a blast! And yes, take the safety courses and wear the gear.

 

He started on a R6 (owning), which is pretty fast, and admittedly is a rather skilled rider. But ..... He himself learned on a friends bigger bike and later purchased an R6 for a first bike. He upgraded because he felt it was to slow over the years of owning it.

But I dont think with my luck its wise to get a bike. I been rear ended while sitting at a stop light. Ive had misshaps happen with cars .. I just think if i were on a bike, I probably would not be sittinghere typing in this thread... but then again.. very large of sums of money to have a machine with 4 wheels that can attain that accelaration and speed and cornering, and a braking thall I never match, or the money that it costs to buy an Hyundai Elantra....

I have a passion for cars but i refuse to turbocharge or do any significant power mods for 1, I cant afford it yet and 2, I dont feel I have mastered driving the cars na at is 100 percent potential at the autocross, roadcourse, even drag racing, imagine me on a machine thats much faster.

He still has the 02 R6 (purchased new.) Sitting next to the R1 BIG difference. he is selling his 240sx and now will have no car but 2 bikes, since he got the bike he rides it every single day to work.

 

The modern sportbike from any factory is going to be more than enough power for any rider of any level on the streets. It's insane how short the life cycles of these bikes are before they come out with a new an improved version.

I think it's about 2 years for most of the competetive classes (1000 & 600cc).

That's pretty crazy how huch power the new R1 has. The Busa was king a few years ago and now it's just the norm.

Fast bike or not, you can still get into a whole lot of trouble really quick even on a 250cc bike if you don't know what you are doing.

 

you do realize that in AZ the life expectancy for a motorcycle rider is like 2-4 months right?

 

so true...in auto racing, generally cars are insanely modified from their street-legal counterparts, but in motorcycle racing, the bikes are a lot closer to the bike you buy from the dealer...it's crazy how much power these things are getting these days...

on a similar note, i've been thinking about buying an early-mid 90's sport bike to cruise around on for the spring/summer...i always said the same thing, that i'd never ride a motorcycle as i'm more of a sports car fan, but the price to performance ratio is very appealing with bikes as well as the gas-mileage factor

 

i started riding bikes only about 5-6 years ago...after wanting something to complement the LS when my need for adrenaline kicks in. My original choice was a NSX, a little more mundane than my previous 93' and 97' Supra TTs, but still fun nevertheless. But some of my buddies (including my roomate) also were into bikes. I, like, you was afraid of the inherent risk factors associated with it. But the price / performance ratio was unmatched by anything this side with 4 wheels. Luckily for me me roomate took me under his wings and taught me all the nuances of riding. From owning now 4 bikes from 650cc twins to 600cc I4s to 1000cc Twins and I4's, the one thing I can say undoubtedly after countless of hours on the street and even more time on the track, is NEVER lose your fear! Fear is a healthy thing that keeps you from riding above your head. Doesn't matter how gifted you are or experienced you become, if in doubt back off! At Thunderhill last year, on a wet day, I was blazing around on my 600rr and even when my back end was sliding around, i didn't heed attention to it and eventually lowsided in an off camber corner. Mind you i wasn't hurt or even scared, but rather mad. After that day I realized that i was pushing it too much and not heeding but still wanted to go faster, so eventually quit for a while.

Have fun first, worry about speed later, and always pay attention to the OH**** meter inside of you if you go get a bike. There's nothing in the world short of million dollar F1 collars that can beat the exhilariation of a bike, especially as you take that perferct corner knee sliding your way around.

 

..

All my roomate has to say is if he teaches me to ride his bike (old.) Im pretty much going to give up cars just like he did. He used to have a pretty modified S14 before he got into the R6. (S14 sr20det swap, S15 turbo, boost controller full exhaust, ecu, blah blah blah blah.) That car sits now abandoned...

 

I'm glad you have some reason. I'd say have your friend show you around the bike, and if you think it's for you, please take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class.

I was in the same situation as you a few years ago, but my combination of bad luck behind the wheel and a need for speed led me to my Supra. I like having a big metal safety cage just incase. Best of luck on whichever path you take.

 

i been drilling over a Yamaha R6 for about 5 or 6 years now.. so far i only got a bike permit...
i been a big fan of Yamaha for a LONG LONG TIME also... but i have read that Yamaha bikes are the most expensive to repair and whatnot....

can anyone tell me what type of bikes i should start out with?? i been told that Honda F3 or F2's are cheap to repair and is a great beginners bike..

do you bike riders out there recommand me to get a bike from the dealership or from Ebay off private sellers?? and how much should i look to spend on whatever bikes you guys recommand.

 

For a beginner bike, the Suzuki SV650 is probably the best choice. I learned from it and still use it as my commuter. It's pretty agile yet not too powerful for a beginner. You need to be a bit tall though, or at least have long legs, if you want the SV650S.

As for buying bikes, I feel more comfortable buying from dealers. Yes, you spend extra money, but used bikes from eBay or private sellers may have been dropped, modified, or riden "hard." I however have bought my bikes from private sellers, but only because they were engineers for Yosimura, so you know the bikes were well taken care of. It really depends on the seller. The best thing to do when buying a bike from a dealership is haggle, haggle, haggle. The best time to do this is now!!! Don't wait 'til spring when everyone is wanting to buy a bike. Dealerships need the business in January/February.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

How much does he want for it?

 

i would get the R6. I had one back in 2001 and sold it to a friend. It is a powerful bike for a 600. Mine had red fairings. The R1 is not for the faint of heart. Very potent. The Ninja 12R is another beast.