[DJ'S_PIMP_whip]

Okay I have trolled on a few GSX-R forums, and I know this is a more general forum (vs. the sportbike forum) but I am curious to why people think the 600 gsx-r is not a good beginner bike? I have ridden bikes before, the longest stint was for a couple of months, so I am by no means an expert. But other than the power of a 600 gsx-r why is it not a good reason to start out with this bike? I am not wanting to go out and start ripping 0 to 100 sprints, and Riding from Cincinnati to Columbus Ohio at 120 MPH. I will eventually start riding harder on the bike, but after I learn the bike, and understand its limits and abilities.

SO this is my first post on this forum, and so I have no credibility here, but what I am looking for is an objective view as to why or why not to go with a 2004 GSX-R for my first bike. (others that I have riden were not mine).
Thanks In Advance!

DJ

 

[wafflehouse]

have you ridden one yet?

if not try it out and you might start to see why its not the best choice

like i did

-wafflehouse

 

[DJ'S_PIMP_whip]

well, I see many people have asked this question my search brings up quite a bit. I am hoping this thread is still unique enough to warrant a response from all of you. So maybe focus on these two questions. Other than power, what would make people not recommend a gixxer 600 for a beginner. (I mean is it hard to turn, hold up at a light...) and what other bikes would good to consider. A friend of mine owns and rides often a 2002 600 gsx-r and he recommends it for me. So I just want more input, to make sure I make an informed, somewhat intelligent (lol) decision. Thanks everyone!

DJ

 

[NomadTurk]

Dear Dj's Pimp.

I understand your concerns, but allow me to tell you my personal experiences.

I used to be a newbie not too long ago. I wanted to get myself a hayabusa or 1000TLR, but thanks to many riders in many forums, they calmed to down to a 600. So I got one.

It was bit of a trouble getting used to the throttle and clotch and short low gears (you know gsxrs). But as much experience I got on my gsxr 600 I started feeling more comfortable, and that's when it become a problem. I would assume I know my bike and I would test my bike. I wanted to feel the acceleration and the speed.... Don't blame me, I had a GSXR between my legs, I knew what it can do.

I remember one time, on the highway, i found myself zapping through the cars, I was doing 90 on 45 mph zone, and I had been riding only for a month then.

Even though I don't like racing, speeding, stunts, my bike did, and my bike got me to do it.

You said you are an expert. Tell me buddy, aren't GSXR's especially the 600's race bikes. Yees!! Why would you want to give this bike to a begginer???

Even if they have good control of the throttle, clutch, balance, they will want to go fast and do some fast and furious shiznits on the road. I know because I was one of them...

I and other of my buddies here suggest not to buy a GSXR for begginers, because we DON'T KNOW who will abuse the capabilities of GSXRs, some might. We don't want ourselves ending up being the advice givers for dead riders.

Just imagine this as a constitution "can't drink under 21" or "can't drive under 15". some pepole can handle drinks and some 13 or 14 year olds can drive pretty well. But can't give the previlages to everyone.

I hope i can get my point accross.

 

[DJ'S_PIMP_whip]

I haven't that is a good suggestion, I will try to get my buddy to let me take his out. If I can pry the keys from him lol.

DJ

have you ridden one yet?

if not try it out and you might start to see why its not the best choice

like i did

-wafflehouse

 

[wafflehouse]

nomad brings up good points but also

the throttle clutch and brakes are all very sensitive on a gsxr

i have ridden dirt bikes and whatnot for a good period of time and i thought i could ride one easily well i can ride it but the throttle and all are so touchy that its scary to think of how a small mistake could become something very big while entering traffic and whatnot

again i say ride the bike if you can imagine yourself pulling out into traffic once you get it moving and stopped and whatnot then see if you would really want it to be your first bike

-wafflehouse

 

[DJ'S_PIMP_whip]

Thanks for the advice, On note though, I said I am NOT an expert. I think I am begininng to understand, The bike is just very touchy and sensitive. Not a good thing for a pretty new rider. Keep the experiences and advice coming, can only help me in the long run!!!

DJ

Dear Dj's Pimp.

I understand your concerns, but allow me to tell you my personal experiences.

I used to be a newbie not too long ago. I wanted to get myself a hayabusa or 1000TLR, but thanks to many riders in many forums, they calmed to down to a 600. So I got one.

It was bit of a trouble getting used to the throttle and clotch and short low gears (you know gsxrs). But as much experience I got on my gsxr 600 I started feeling more comfortable, and that's when it become a problem. I would assume I know my bike and I would test my bike. I wanted to feel the acceleration and the speed.... Don't blame me, I had a GSXR between my legs, I knew what it can do.

I remember one time, on the highway, i found myself zapping through the cars, I was doing 90 on 45 mph zone, and I had been riding only for a month then.

Even though I don't like racing, speeding, stunts, my bike did, and my bike got me to do it.

You said you are an expert. Tell me buddy, aren't GSXR's especially the 600's race bikes. Yees!! Why would you want to give this bike to a begginer???

Even if they have good control of the throttle, clutch, balance, they will want to go fast and do some fast and furious shiznits on the road. I know because I was one of them...

I and other of my buddies here suggest not to buy a GSXR for begginers, because we DON'T KNOW who will abuse the capabilities of GSXRs, some might. We don't want ourselves ending up being the advice givers for dead riders.

Just imagine this as a constitution "can't drink under 21" or "can't drive under 15". some pepole can handle drinks and some 13 or 14 year olds can drive pretty well. But can't give the previlages to everyone.

I hope i can get my point accross.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Problem, is not the power it's the delivery, hair trigger controls on both throttle and brakes do not make a good mix with newbie mistakes.

Any mistakes a beginner makes wil be magnified on a gixxer.

 

[mac]

Katana's are great, very forgiveing bikes. I started on one in 94. went to harleys for 10 years and now I'm full circle. Just got a 01 katana 600. It's definitly not the fastest thing around, but it's fun.

 

[tlwisner]

SO this is my first post on this forum, and so I have no credibility here, but what I am looking for is an objective view as to why or why not to go with a 2004 GSX-R for my first bike. (others that I have riden were not mine).

You don't need credibility, it is your money and life. Many experienced riders will tell you not to go with what is essentially a high strung racing bike for your first ride. Many ignore this advice, most survive the experience. Just remember, 90% of people think their riding skill is above average. The math is bad....

Check out the insurance rates before you buy any bike! Online quotes don't take much time.

Enjoy whatever you get! I am enjoying the heck out of my first street bike, a GZ 250. Twisting that throttle all the way will not launch the front wheel - but it does go! If I was sport bike inclined, the Ninja 250 or Buell Blast would probably be *my* starting point.

 

[RookWV]

I knew as a first bike I didn't need a Gixxer or R6 or 636....I started out looking at the Yammie YZF600r, insurance rates killed that idea, don't know why though unless every single one was getting it confused with the R6.

I shopped around a lot and found a used 02 Katana 600 locally....deal was sweet and after my month or so of research and reading forums and magazines I felt it was just at the upper threshold of bikes I might should get so I grabbed it.

After having it a month and about 1100miles, I am VERY pleased!

This bike has enough to put me on my ass in the blink of an eye....but it will at least give me a slight nod before doing so, Gixxer's and the other SS bikes will dump you without so much as a reach around!

Look at the Katana, GS500, Ninja 500 and some of the other 500 and 600's out there....and go USED first!! It'll help with insurance and it's a little easier to stomach dropping a $4000 bike than it is an $8000 bike!

Save the money and buy good gear---it may save your life someday, the cool factor of the bike won't.

 

[wafflehouse]

i found a used katana for 4400 and i think im gonna jump on it the dealership its at is a great place the bike only has 450 miles on it its the color i want and the payments fit me better than i had hoped the only damage is some scrapes on the lower fairing

-wafflehouse

 

[mac]

Picked mine up for 3500. Had 1500 miles and some damage on the left side. Nothing major, no mechanical problems. I ride close to 90 miles a day and love the bike.

 

[smith_scotr]

From all I've read so far, Uncle Bob has a very simple but accurate point...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Problem, is not the power it's the delivery, hair trigger controls on both throttle and brakes do not make a good mix with newbie mistakes.

Any mistakes a beginner makes wil be magnified on a gixxer."

That being said, I'm a beginner and I've got a gixxer...I'm just taking it slow and trying to absorb as much info as I can on how to avoid/react to potential mistakes...

 

[RookWV]

http://www.beginnerbikes.com/editorials/formequalsfunction.htm

http://www.beginnerbikes.com/editorials/formequalsfunction2.htm

 

[saleemas]

Dear Dj's Pimp.

But as much experience I got on my gsxr 600 I started feeling more comfortable, and that's when it become a problem. I would assume I know my bike and I would test my bike. I wanted to feel the acceleration and the speed.... Don't blame me, I had a GSXR between my legs, I knew what it can do.


Even though I don't like racing, speeding, stunts, my bike did, and my bike got me to do it.

.

Turk kinda summed up my concerns/experience. The Gixxer is made to fly. That's the very first thing you'll learn. If your not very careful you will quickly outstrip your ability to stop and swerve. Over riding your headlights will become normal unless you stay concious of safety.

We all said it wouldn't happen to us, we'd stay within our limits... Glad we are still here after learning a little better. Please be carefull and ride safe.

I think a gixxer rider once wrote "Absolute power corrupts absolutely"

G-

 

[RookWV]

I think a gixxer rider once wrote "Absolute power corrupts absolutely"

G-

Complete power corrupts absolutely, absolute power corrupts completely

 

[SmokingG]

Get full leathers first...lol then if you do buy a bike that has a place for sliders get them....I know as a race course marshal trust me it will save you a ton in the event you put it down. Personely I will not ride without a snell rated helmet as well but that is up for discussion....lol

 

[saleemas]

Absolutely! 8)