Is it worth it to get into sport bikes?

[OS]

Or should a potential squid like me stick to cars? :Q

 

[bjc112]

Depends, Do you know how to ride?

 

[Fausto]

Do you have enough self-control to know when it's okay to go fast and when it's not? If you're the kind of guy that does 100 on a freeway with other cars around, you don't need a sport bike. They're tons of fun, but some people have a hard time controlling their right hand knowing triple digits is only a wrist twist away at any time.

 

[bjc112]

The Area also plays a big part...

If you want to always be laying on the tank and ect...

Me,

I'm considering buying one soon too...

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: bjc112
Depends, Do you know how to ride?

No. Everyone has to start somewhere.

 

[bjc112]

Originally posted by: Fausto1
Do you have enough self-control to know when it's okay to go fast and when it's not? If you're the kind of guy that does 100 on a freeway with other cars around, you don't need a sport bike. They're tons of fun, but some people have a hard time controlling their right hand knowing triple digits is only a wrist twist away at any time.

Fausto does make a great point... It's easy to hit the triples. But if you know when its "ok" to do it.. Then by all means.. Go for it...

 

[Bignate603]

I would think you wouldn't want to get a really fast bike as your first. You'll end up as a smear on the pavement.

 

[smaks10]

No, if you value your spinal cord and other vital organs.

 

[bjc112]

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: bjc112
Depends, Do you know how to ride?

No. Everyone has to start somewhere.

True, But if you don't know how to ride you have to be careful on a crouch rocket

Know anyoen with a dirtbike to practice on or something like that? A Quad wiht a clutch? Just to catch a feeling...

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: bjc112
Depends, Do you know how to ride?

No. Everyone has to start somewhere.

I took the MSN course, got a 500, moved up to a 750 a few months later and bought a Triumph 900 a year or so after that. I have one ticket (double yellow) and one low-side to my credit in all my years of riding since. Anyone can be a safe rider, it just takes some restraint.

 

[Maverick]

if you're just starting out most people would say get a cheap cruiser to learn the ropes. Most of the really successful bikers (the ones that have never been in a serious accident) that I know of have been doing it for years. Many of them started on dirt bikes as a kid. After a long time of biking they moved to sport bikes. It doesn't sound like a good idea to go straight to sport bikes in the beginning.

 

[StageLeft]

If you value your life no.

Insurance on them is very high and based on how small/light they are this is indicative in great part on the fact that 999999 out of 1000000 sport bike drivers will run into another car at 120 mph some day.

Very fun, but please take fausto's advice. Personally I know i"m too weak of will to drive a sport bike without driving with my balls, and I'd kill myself.

Also other cars have a hard time seeing them so even if you drive defensively you stand a greater risk. You have no air bags and side impact beams are your femurs.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: bjc112

True, But if you don't know how to ride you have to be careful on a crouch rocket

Know anyoen with a dirtbike to practice on or something like that? A Quad wiht a clutch? Just to catch a feeling...

Ohh i see what you're getting at. Yeah I don't know anyone with stuff like that, I'd probably have to find a beginner course somewhere. I was thinking then getting like a 600cc used bike as a starter.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: smaks10
No, if you value your spinal cord and other vital organs.

Most sportbike accidents can be attributed to "operator error", so if you keep your wits about you while riding and wear all your gear ALL THE TIME (I don't give a sh*t how hot it is...wear your goddamn leathers) then they're reasonably safe. Obviously, in the event of a collision with a car, you're pretty much screwed but it's all about minimizing the existing risks and exhibiting self-control.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
If you value your life no.

Insurance on them is very high and based on how small/light they are this is indicative in great part on the fact that 999999 out of 1000000 sport bike drivers will run into another car at 120 mph some day.

Very fun, but please take fausto's advice. Personally I know i"m too weak of will to drive a sport bike without driving with my balls, and I'd kill myself.

Also other cars have a hard time seeing them so even if you drive defensively you stand a greater risk. You have no air bags and side impact beams are your femurs.

Hate to tell you Skoorb but your #'s are way off. I've had a sport bike, and known a lot of people that did as well, and non of us ever had any accidents. Only time my bike was ever damaged was when it was parked in a parking lot. 1 time it was a botched attempt to hotwire and steal it, the 2nd time was a 16 girl that just got her license backed into it.

 

[bjc112]

Yeah, that would be a good idea...

Definitely start on a small bike...

I am only 18 and have ridden a few dirtbikes and have a little idea on a goldwing

I think fausto gave great advice... If you have the restraint to not twist your wrist toooo far... Then by all means... Grab a bike...

 

[StageLeft]

Hate to tell you Skoorb but your #'s are way off. I've had a sport bike, and known a lot of people that did as well, and non of us ever had any accidents. Only time my bike was ever damaged was when it was parked in a parking lot. 1 time it was a botched attempt to hotwire and steal it, the 2nd time was a 16 girl that just got her license backed into it.

Man I could have sworn that 999999/1000000 number was accurate

If I was ever single I'd consider a bike anyway because damn they are fun.

 

[BillGates]

Rockets are a blast but you definitely have to know your own riding limits. You have the ability to have the most fun you've ever had in your life on one (Think roller coaster x400) but you can also make your life the worst life you could have ever imagined.

It all comes down to whether you want to take that risk (it is a small risk, and I feel it is worth it) and what you can do to minimize your chances of leading your life in that bad way...

I started on a YZF600, put 16,000 miles on it in around 4 years, and later moved up to a TL1000R last April. I had a few mishaps on the YZF and learned some lessons. I was never in a situation where I couldn't get up and walk away from it.

Listen to Fausto's advice and wear your gear at ALL times. The sweat that can be washed off in the shower later is a lot easier to get rid of than road rash is.

 

[FenrisUlf]

Originally posted by: Fausto1
I took the MSN course, got a 500, moved up to a 750 a few months later and bought a Triumph 900 a year or so after that. I have one ticket (double yellow) and one low-side to my credit in all my years of riding since. Anyone can be a safe rider, it just takes some restraint.

AMEN. This is the way to go. Take the MSF course (I assume that's what you meant Fausto1 since I don't think Microsoft offers a course ). I took the MSF course. I started with a 125 then moved up to a 400 and finally a Harley Sportster 1200. I'm probably going to purchase a Ducati 800 in a few weeks. You don't need the latest/greatest most powerful bike - learn on something inexpensive because you will probably drop it learning. Start small and work your way up, gaining experience. Realize you're not immortal and unbreakable. A guy around here just killed himself by doing everything wrong. Minimal riding experience on a liter class sportbike, no helmet or leathers, canceled his insurance 3 days after buying and registering the bike, doing 80 down a residential street and trying to do "stuntz". Now all the rest of us riders are being cracked down on because of the actions of one squid.