[matt232]

http://www.hartridertraining.com.au/...e+for+life.htm

More info here

http://www.netrider.net.au/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4796

I'm going to test ride some Hondas

[matt232]

I got the chance to try out the VTR1000F Firestorm and the CBR600RR. Then managed to weasel my way onto a spare CBR600F4i before time and guilt for taking test rides away from those looking to put down cash put a stop to my test rides. The rules we 2 bikes only per person. I could probably get another two rides if I rocked up again today but I guess there has to be a line drawn somewhere.

First up was the Firestorm and I'm absolutely puzzled why so may people have recently gone out and bought one on another forum I'm on. After getting around on my CBR1000RR the Firestorm was gutless, cumbersome and unresponsive as well as not having any great comfort improvements (Sorry VTR riders but after being on the firestorm the only benefit seems to be a throatier sound). But I think a lot of my reaction was due to the fact that I have no idea how to ride a V twin engine......

During the VTR ride the CB1300 really showed it colours....now that is a gutsy bike.

Next up was the CBR600RR, NOW WE ARE TALKING!!!!! These things are BRILLIANT FUN......feels a lot like the 1000RR except you are sitting more on top of the bike than the "in it" (in it feels better especially under hard brakes)......In fact I think it may even be more fun than the 1000RR because there is no need to have a constant need to stop yourself going all the way with the throttle.....you can thrash the 600RR and extract all the fun out of it without seriously risking license and limb. Mind you it was the bike that humbled me.......I lane split up to the front of the lights and was ready to take off and really test out the acceleration......primed, lights changed.......and I stalled it ....got going again but I missed out on my clear road as the other test riders swarmed over both lanes.

CBR600F4i was taken when the opportunity presented itself and it was spare for the next session, I think the girl on the HRCA stall was a bit of a push over though. The engine has a jet turbine sound to it. other than that it was a solid bike which did the job.....kind of lulled you into riding responsibly but could definitely hold its own when needed.

Sat on the Blackbird and VFR as well. I was VERY surprised by how much weight is put on your hands on the Blackbird considering its primary role as a tourer. But half a second sitting on the VFR created an instant connection with how comfy it was.......I'd DEARLY love to take one for a test ride......but looks like I can't in the near future.

Unfortunately there were no postie bikes to be test ridden

Looks like the garage will need to have a 600RR and VFR added to it when I win Tatts or marry money.

Their were a few people out there willing to loft the wheel even though there was a $2000 excess on any damage you did. But by the same token I pulled up beside the 1000RR on the F4i hoping to launch from the lights to see the difference but he took off from the lights like he was on a 50cc scooter.

Other than that I had a chat to a motorbike cop.....wondered around and said g'day to a few people and hummed and harred about forking out $AU100 ($AU50 off) for a vented jacket in the end deciding to hold onto my cash to try and pay off my broken credit card. Was also tempted by the $100 intermediate or confidence course price (1/2 price) but didn't give in, if the advanced courses had been discounted I'd probably be poorer.

[sheepofblue]

Should have run the RC instead of the Superhawk (Firestorm) While a fun bike they are not real fast.

[matt232]

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

Should have run the RC instead of the Superhawk (Firestorm) While a fun bike they are not real fast.

the RC (SP2 over here) was in big demand.....booked out before I got there.