How do I convince a friend NOT to get a 1000 for a first bike?

**Sean** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:08 AM

Maybe you should have him read this thread? People in this thread have a huge variety of knowledge and experience. Racers to novice, old to young.

my .02: any bike can kill you. The speed going though a corner is based on the rider, not the bike. Any idiot can open up the throttle on a straight road. I've passed liter bikes on my 600, and I've been passed by another 600 with two people on it. It's always the rider, not the bike. Chances of riding a 600 to it's full potential are pretty slim, I'm not even close yet. No matter what bike he gets, respect it, or bad things can happen.

**Doron&Katie** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:09 AM

Tell him he'll have more fun on a 600.

**asp_125** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:18 AM

It takes more skill to ride a slow bike fast, than to ride a fast bike slow.

Good article: http://www.sportbikes.ws/showthread.php?p=1473509

Probably won't change his mind. He's a 21 year old male... chances are there's no convincing him to get anything but a liter bike. Just take two of the spark plugs out.

**~Barn~** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by LambeauXLIV

Kind of an ass-holeish thing to say

Big-J is kinda ass-holeish.

**Devaclis** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:24 AM

Big-J does not even ride. Take his comments with a grain of Kentucky Blue Grass Sensmillia

**Big-J** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by ~Barn~

Big-J is kinda ass-holeish.

I was acutually only half serious about the natural selection thing, but if the guy doesn't understand why its not a good idea to start out on a smaller bike, what else can I say?

**Devaclis** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:27 AM

**LambeauXLIV** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by Big-J

I was acutually only half serious about the natural selection thing, but if the guy doesn't understand why its not a good idea to start out on a smaller bike, what else can I say?

It's hard for newbies to really understand the difference without experiencing it themselves, regardless of how smart they are.

**Matt** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:37 AM

There's a guy here at work that hasn't ridden in 10+ years. He's itching to get back on a bike. He's been thinking about a GSXR-1000.

He went to Pueblo with us for a track day to watch. Most of us were on 600's. I think after watching 600's in action he's starting to understand that a 1000 is a lot of bike.

So.... +1 on the post that says get your friend to the track to watch some 600's.

**Big-J** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by LambeauXLIV

It's hard for newbies to really understand the difference without experiencing it themselves, regardless of how smart they are.

That could cost him his life. Whatever though, he may take to that 1k like a champ, who knows.

**Spiderman** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:41 AM

Without reading all the responses in their entirety, I'd like to point you (and your friend) to this article: Open Letter To New Riders (or as I call it, "Buying your first sportbike?") - I came across it a few years ago and think it has a lot of merit (which is why I posted it on the CSC's "Learn to Ride" page in the first place).

**Nick_Ninja** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:46 AM

In 1980 we all wanted to buy 1979 Honda CBX bikes out of the box. Our buddy, who had been riding for many years and already owned his second '79 CBX told us to go ride something else ------ for 20,000 miles. It really didn't matter what it was but don't fork out loads of cash on a CBX as your first liter bike.

Needless to say he was right. although my OD only read 14,500 when I bailed on my XL500S and snagged the CBX

**~Barn~** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by LambeauXLIV

It's hard for newbies to really understand the difference without experiencing it themselves, regardless of how smart they are.

Yes, but I have to believe that there is an inherent understanding of exactly what we are getting into, when we buy bikes.

I mean seriously... I'm one of the most impulsive people I know. I make bad decisions like it's my job. But at the time I was getting into purchasing my first bike back in 1999, I knew that.

A.) These things are fucking wicked.
B.) I'm going to look cool as hell riding one.
C.) I've seen what they do on TV, and I will never be able to do that.
D.) I've seen what they do in the hands of my friends, and I can definitely do that.
and E.) That I better check myself, when it comes to how I proceed to ride, unless I want my parents to have to go to my funeral.

There was never any misunderstanding of what I knew could "end me" on a 1000, that wouldn't just-the-same "end me" on a 600.

He's either going to get a 600 and crash it or not, or he's going to get a 1000 and crash it or not. The point here, is that he either understands my POINT E from above, or he doesn't. The fact that he doesn't even seem to be taking into consideration a 600 as his first entry into the hobby means that he's not focused on the important things.

If it was more of a "Yeah, I like the 600s, but I like the style of the R1 better", then I could get down with that, because it's a perspective that isn't dismissive by reasons of stupidity, just preference. He seems like he's neglecting the option of a 600 because he is stupid, and there is something about "size" that seems to be the driving factor.

But whatever... I agree that it's hard for newbies to tell the difference w/out riding them both, but the key isn't to understand the differences, it's to understand the horrible horrible things that can happen to you on a motorcycle. A motorcyle of any size. And that's a point that I don't know if your friend is cognisant of. (?)

**LambeauXLIV** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:50 AM

He is considering 600s (thanks to my advice), but he found a good deal on a 1000.
He's trying to save a few bucks (and get a bigger bike while he's at it)

**~Barn~** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:53 AM

Well then let him have his druthers!

If this is genuinely nothing more than a situation of economics, and you firmly believe he has a solid grasp on the finer points of living as a motorcycle owner, then I see no problem here.

**Kim-n-Dean** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:56 AM

Well, I didn't read any of the responses, way too many. But you've got to be kidding me. Don't buy a 1000 for your first bike is just stupid. I would say how well your feet touch the ground would be more important for a first time rider. I just have never understood the, "your first bike has to be a 600" deal. As if any bike can't kill you just as fast as a 1000. Hell, maybe the 600 kills you quicker because you think it's a beginner bike and it's totally safe. Whatever... Buy what you like and do a 180mph wheelie down I-25!!

**Sean** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by LambeauXLIV

He is considering 600s (thanks to my advice), but he found a good deal on a 1000.
He's trying to save a few bucks (and get a bigger bike while he's at it)

What's the bike he's looking at and how much?

**Big-J** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by LambeauXLIV

He is considering 600s (thanks to my advice), but he found a good deal on a 1000.
He's trying to save a few bucks (and get a bigger bike while he's at it)

So what year is this 1k and what kind is it? Unless this 1k is older and/or a P.O.S., Im pretty sure he can find a 600 for way cheaper than a 1k.

**puckstr** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:59 AM

If he has a scene of humor ask him if he has his organ donor card filled out.

Way back in the day (1986) I was looking to get my first bike.
An 83 Honda V65 Magna (1100cc V4). I was hell bent on getting it.
Thank god the insurance companies had better common scene than I.
It was IMPOSSIBLE to get coverage on anything over 750cc for me. That maybe why I as still alive today.

that and pure dumb luck.

weird I still have a thing for the V4

and BTW I backed off my 600RR at 155mph. That was PLENTY fast for me.

**asp_125** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 10:59 AM

A deal may not be a deal once he factors in the cost of insurance.

**SaShWhO** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by ShinySideUp

Maybe you should have him read this thread? People in this thread have a huge variety of knowledge and experience. Racers to novice, old to young.

my .02: any bike can kill you. The speed going though a corner is based on the rider, not the bike. Any idiot can open up the throttle on a straight road. I've passed liter bikes on my 600, and I've been passed by another 600 with two people on it. It's always the rider, not the bike. Chances of riding a 600 to it's full potential are pretty slim, I'm not even close yet. No matter what bike he gets, respect it, or bad things can happen.

AMEN!
end of discussion.

**~Barn~** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 11:03 AM

I fail to recognize the correlation between losing 10K, hospitalizing Gorgeous, and a good deal.

[/Jason Statham]

**LambeauXLIV** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 11:09 AM

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/1029908259.html

this is the bike 01 gsxr 1000

**puckstr** · Wed Mar 11th, 2009, 11:12 AM

so has he seen the GSXR yet? or is he just basing it on the minimal ad?

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