Bad idea to practice on an R6?

[lecruz]

Now I'm riding more and in need of gear, I'm obsessed with researching! I go on forums, read reviews, etc. but I trust this site the most. So here is my dilemma. The only bike I can practice on is my BF's and he has a Yamaha R6. Sooooo many sites say that it's safer to practice on a 250. I don't have that option unless I buy the bike, which I can't do financially right now. I took the MSF class 2 months ago and am only practicing in residential streets. So pretty much my questions are: 1. How were you able to practice before buying your own bike? What did you practice on? 2. Is this a really risky thing I am doing? Very little real road experience, practicing on an R6.

Thanks in advance for your input!

[Clanofants]

I took my MSF course then rode my gixxer home from the shop by myself. I was pretty nervous (riding a sport bike was WAY different than the little cruisers I rode during the MSF course and it was my first time on public roads and it was dark) but it was fine. I never had a problem starting on a 600 - in my opinion if you know your limits, don't try to show off and keep your mind on improving your skills every time you ride, you will be fine.

Have fun!

[lecruz]

What's a gixxer? You are so right. Riding a sport bike is totally different. My feet are pushed back and I lean forward more, which felt awkward in the beginning but now got used to. Thanks for the reply Clanofants!

[sweptwingnut]

What's a gixxer?

Suzuki GSX-R.

Have you shopped on Craigslist? Maybe the local classified will turn up a deal on a used bike that you can afford.

[VStar]

Have had success on craigslist, my husband and I both bought our bikes from the list, 2 Harleys and 2 Vstars, sold my Vstar 650 on it 2 weeks ago. Just like buying any used vehicle, do some research, test drive and ask the right questions.

[Luna Tique]

Craig's list or check with your local shops they sometimes have used bikes in their line up .

You will pay more for them through a dealer but then they will warranty it vs "as is" from an individual seller.
The key to buying uses is to ask the right questions :thumbup:

:chin:Somewhere around here I have a thread or a reply on this topic. It was a list of questions to ask etc. Let me see if I can find a link for you

[kari-star]

my first ride was my partners SV650, which he really graciously loaned to me for a whole riding season. I think if you go into practice with your head on your shoulders and a healthy dose of caution, you will be fine. I didn't find the seated position on the bike to be difficult to adapt to, either. just watch out for unsolicited comments like "oh you're starting on a real wheelie machine" and stuff like that.

the downsides are: sports bikes seem more expensive to fix, because the plastics are so easily cracked, and if you make a totally honest and expected grab of the throttle you will go much faster, much sooner, than you would on a 250. that can be really scary. plus there's the terror of busting something that belongs to someone else - when I dropped the SV in a parking lot when I was turning around I was SO NERVOUS I had wrecked it! thankfully there was just a little scuffing on the plastic.

I would recommend, if you start on your BFs bike, to stick to parking lots for a little longer just so *you* feel more confident! but I wouldn't say it's a bad idea to practice on an R6. most people recommend against a fast sports bikes because many beginners don't take it easy, and it does seem like it's easier to get hurt faster on a sports bike. but if you're careful, cautious, and contemplative about your abilities, you'll be just fine.

[ridingAK]

:iagree:
The biggest danger of starting on a larger bike is pushing yourself too hard too soon. As long as you continue to practice the way you have been, you will do fine. That said, you might find a smaller bike easier, and may feel a huge surge of confidence when riding a more forgiving bike.

[demenshea]

1. How were you able to practice before buying your own bike? What did you practice on? 2. Is this a really risky thing I am doing? Very little real road experience, practicing on an R6.


Lecruz,
I bought my first bike right after taking the MSF, however I bought a 250. It was worth its weight in gold. I spent 3 months riding it daily and put over 6K miles on it before moving up to a larger displacement bike. I sold the bike for $500 more than it purchased it. I believe it is worth buying a bike to "learn" and build confidence upon. I bought mine off Craigslist and it was cheap, $1100 as I recall.

Unless your boyfriend is like my husband, and doesn't give a darn what his bike looks like, I would find another bike. If you drop his bike it will get damaged, which is the biggest problem with starting out with a faired sportbike. The R6 is a very capable machine, one you could easily lose control upon. Jes my 2cents.

[motochica]

Lecruz... what matters is how YOU feel on the bike and YOU handle the throttle. Listen to your gut on this one.

I agree with Keri-Star tho, the bigger bikes, sport bikes especially, are less forgiving than the 250 cruisers if you accidently twist the throttle too much. I bought a $500 bike on craigslist, and had to put $500 into it to make it safe. It was "pre-dented" so I wasn't worried about dropping it..what's another dent, right? In fact... I have it up for sale. too bad you're so far away cuz it's got all the basics done to it and awesome to learn on and gain confidence on.

[lecruz]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm starting my research for my first bike purchase. I'm not too concerned with what it looks like. Cruised around on craigslist and the prices is at least $2000 for 250! California is great because so many people ride, but the price of living and everything else...ouch! I'll continue to practice in lots and local roads while I do my research for a 250. The nice thing about the R6 is that I rarely stall it. I stalled the 250s in class A LOT even near the end of the course. Excited to get my own bike! One step closer to my goal!

[KansasKawboy]

Lecruz,
I bought my first bike right after taking the MSF, however I bought a 250. It was worth its weight in gold. I spent 3 months riding it daily and put over 6K miles on it before moving up to a larger displacement bike. I sold the bike for $500 more than it purchased it. I believe it is worth buying a bike to "learn" and build confidence upon. I bought mine off Craigslist and it was cheap, $1100 as I recall.

Unless your boyfriend is like my husband, and doesn't give a darn what his bike looks like, I would find another bike. If you drop his bike it will get damaged, which is the biggest problem with starting out with a faired sportbike. The R6 is a very capable machine, one you could easily lose control upon. Jes my 2cents.
I'M a guy and I started out on a 650 dual sport and now ride a260. The 250 is so much easier to ride and is lighter so you don't have to deal with the weight while learning. I agree with D it's worth it's weight in gold.

[2wheelmeaggie]

lecruz... I can feel your pain. When I took the MSF class I had never ridden a bike before. After the class my husband bought me a Ninja 250... it's a very forgiving bike that will help build your confidence. :D: ONLY You know what you're capable of...Nobody can tell you if you can or can't handle an R6, that answer is inside you. Some people are able to learn on larger "cc" (displacement) bikes, I for one KNEW I was better off on a 250. Can you do it? Sure....Maybe, should you do it is the better question. After two years on the 250 I knew it was time to "upgrade" and I purchased an R6 :yahoo: it took me a little time to get used to the power band....but I had some SOLID knowledge and confidence I learned on my little Ninja...I was "scared" but I knew I had the skills....it was a different fear. I pushed forward "KNOWING" I "could" do this. Good luck ......:thumbup::thumbup:

[sweptwingnut]

Here is some help. I just plugged in max price 1400 and must have an image.

Here is one for 1000. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/2224644627.html)

Here is one for 1200. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/2224174128.html) Looks like it needs minor repair.

Here is one for 1400. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/2221787350.html)

A Cruizer for 1000. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/2218995935.html)

A clean looking Rebel for 1300. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/2218511193.html)

A soon to be classic for 1250. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/2224968999.html)

[PattiS]

One plus about Rebel 250s (if you're thinking of one), is that they retain their value over the years, so if/when you want to move up to a larger bike, you won't lose a lot of money when you resell. I know that doesn't make it any easier to come up with the money for a bike, though.

[demenshea]

Here is some help. I just plugged in max price 1400 and must have an image.

Here is one for 1000. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/2224644627.html)

Here is one for 1200. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/2224174128.html) Looks like it needs minor repair.

Here is one for 1400. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/2221787350.html)

A Cruizer for 1000. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/2218995935.html)

A clean looking Rebel for 1300. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/2218511193.html)

A soon to be classic for 1250. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/2224968999.html)

Awesome shopping Nut...let me think if I need anything...:rofl:

[lecruz]

Here is some help. I just plugged in max price 1400 and must have an image.

Here is one for 1000. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/2224644627.html)

Here is one for 1200. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/2224174128.html) Looks like it needs minor repair.

Here is one for 1400. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/2221787350.html)

A Cruizer for 1000. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/2218995935.html)

A clean looking Rebel for 1300. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/2218511193.html)

A soon to be classic for 1250. Link (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/2224968999.html)

Oh wow!! Thanks! In craigslist I put in "250" in the motorcycle sale section. Guess those were not the magical words :D:

[Veda]

And keep in mind having 250cc's isn't necessarily the magic key for a beginners motorcycle. There are plenty of 2 cylinder 400/450/500/650 cc bikes that are a lot more tame than the R6. In your research look at the horsepower of the bike too.

[sweptwingnut]

:iagree: