[knowah]

Hey guys I'm new to the site. I recieved the key to a '03 gsx-r600 ( black/silver ) with 2000 miles on it. I got it for $4150. It's my first bike and I love it. It's got a lot of power but i've barely gotten it over 40 mph yet ( still taking trips throught the neighborhood ). I know it's not a bike recommended for new riders, but anything is only as dangerous as the person riding on it. I think it's perfect to learn on because I'm a rather large guy. Anywho, it looks like there are some interesting people on here, anybody from the southeast of the states? i'm from south mississippi.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Welcome to the site.

Have you taken MSF ? You seem to be taking it easy, the problem is usually when people start feeling confident that they get into trouble.

Now about this sentence in your post, I just can't let it pass without comment , please don't take it personnaly.

I think it's perfect to learn on because I'm a rather large guy.

Might be true if you weigh over 850lbs.

 

[The Chad]

heck I got a g1k at the end of my first season. I'm damn near untouchable on the road. Just be careful, you bike goes really well, I just seemed to keep myself right on the edge.

 

[Uncle Bob]

heck I got a g1k at the end of my first season.

Key part of the sentence here would be END OF MY FIRST SEASON, I have no problem with a person who has a season under his/her belt getting any kind of bike, although I would advise to not upgrade too quickly I wouldn't lose a nights sleep over it.

It comes down to the 5/5/5 rule (based on accident statistics ) most accidents happen in the first five minutes of a ride and/or within 5 miles from home and/or in the first 5 months of riding.

Five months would be the average time it takes a newbie to develop the coordination and automatic reflexes to handle the controls ( and not freeze up in emergency situations ). If you have to think about what control to use, it's too late. I did say average, some get it in a week some seem as if they'll never get it.

 

[knowah]

i won't take any offense. and i'm signed up for msf, the next one here in town is 2 weeks away or so. but i'm taking it easy, the furthest i've taken the bike out of the neighborhood is about 4 miles down back roads to the gas station. thanks for all the welcoming.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Just want to keep you around as long as possible.

 

[knowah]

I finally ventured out onto some backroads and got up on speed a little bit. i had 2 riders with 8 years experience riding with me, and we'd stop every few miles and they'd give me pointers on things. definetly a hobby i'll have for years to come.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Great if you have experienced riders with you, just make sure that they ride at your pace and not the other way around.

 

[Guest]

New Owner

Knowah,

I am a new rider to sportbikes myself... I have been riding a Suzuki Intruder for the last couple years. But my what my first riding experience on the TL1000R tells me that its a completely different beast. You are smart to take it easy for awhile. I had to learn to be very gentle with the throttle because these are very sensitive compared to cruiser type bikes. I love how light and responsive it is as well as the acceleration (its a kick). Just remember... you control the bike and always-always play it safe.

-J

 

[knowah]

Great if you have experienced riders with you, just make sure that they ride at your pace and not the other way around.

yeh we've been going out the past few days and i'm trying to get comfortable leaning into turns. i tend to want to lean the bike and not myself at all, but i'm getting used it. i'm addicted for sure.

i've also wanted to look into fixing the bike up a little bit. like polishing the frame, maybe dipping the rims, and the guy who owned it first rubbed it against the wall and scratched the right side decals up. so i was thinking of stripping the decals and getting something custom done in paint ( same color scheme, black/silver ). anybody know how much this stuff would cost? ( besides the paint, i have a friend with a body shop ). but any ideas for designs?

 

[Uncle Bob]

Wait a couple of months before doing any work to it, just in case.

 

[Jonathan]

Wait a couple of months before doing any work to it, just in case.

At a lose here Uncle Bob? Why would you want him to wait. If I read correctly, he does have one season under his belt and is planning to take the MSF here in a couple of days? If I missed something, let me know.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Well unless I missread, knowah has no experience on bikes other than a couple of laps around the block and one or two outings with friends. Not what I would call a season of riding experience. And still no MSF.

Did I miss something somewhere ? :?

 

[saleemas]

Welcome to the site knowah

Wait a couple of months before doing any work to it, just in case.

I think Uncle Bob's right. My friends told me not to fix the dents in my first bike too soon and I'm glad I listened. I never wrecked it or anything just a slow slide in my first couple of weeks on the street.

 

[Guest]

gixxer 600...

Hi Knowah and welcome from New Zealand,

Good to take the course. And yeah tis good to walk before you run. Like most things in life just practice, practice and practice. And like Uncle Bob has mentioned in numerous other messages, if you can find an empty bit of ashphalt void of inhabitants, then you can concentrate on the various nuances of bike riding in peace and get used to your bike's controls, slow riding, countersteering, etc.

If you can hold off till you get a bit of hours under your belt before looking at dressing your bike that would be good but I know how hard it is to hold off something once you get hooked... just a 'better safe than sorry' approach to save your pingas... unless your LOADED BRO!

Anyway welcome again and safe but happy riding.

ching_ching

 

[knowah]

first off, sorry about the lack of keeping up my side of the conversation. i have a good excuse though hehe. i've had the past 2 weeks off of work and spent pretty much everyday on the bike. I'm still loving it. The local MSF is actually cancelled for the next few months and the closest one is 4 hours away so i'm not sure what i'm going to do about that. I did contact a local bike cop and he's willing to take me out and work with me on riding. He has 18 years of riding so i figure he can help. So he might be my MSF for the time being. Thanks to all for the advice