On choosing a new motorcycle...

nhfirefighter13 · 09-21-2005, 7:05 PM

I'm getting really tired of trying to explain the folly of attempting to buy a liter-class sportbike to new riders.

My latest excursion into the absurd happened this afternoon when a young man came into the shop with his Dad. He made a beeline straight for our 998 Matrix edition.

After a few minutes, I decided to ask the question that was beginning to bother me..."Is this going to be your first bike?" "yup!"

I switch gears and go into the "this really isn't the best idea for a first bike" speech

and about 20 minutes later they leave with at the best a slightly strained brain cell or two saying that they'll both think about it.

I think they were both still seriously considering it when they left.

I even heard the Dad ask him if that's what he wanted as they walked out.

Personally, I think I have this conversation about once a week. It's getting old. Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut and let Darwin take over.

sheepofblue · 09-21-2005, 7:13 PM

Alternative:

"Hmm first bike, in addition to the added HP the liter bikes are a bit heavy compared to a 600. And insurance cost is directly related to CC (I think this is still true) so while the 600 is 40lbs lighter and still outputs more HP than some cars it will be much cheaper to insure."

oh and cruisers/naked bikes are cheaper still

evl_twn · 09-21-2005, 7:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhfirefighter13

I even heard the Dad ask him if that's what he wanted as they walked out.

So was Dad picking up the tab for the bike, or just along for the shopping?

Some people really have no clue. Too bad Darwin does take over in a lot of these cases, but some people see something they want right away and don't want to work up to it through smaller bikes/MSF instruction. Tiered licensing would help a lot of people, but then you're forcing the issue on them instead of just hoping they have enough sense not to buy a literbike for their first bike.

Hammer · 09-21-2005, 7:20 PM

Future parts bike.

nhfirefighter13 · 09-21-2005, 7:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evl_twn

So was Dad picking up the tab for the bike, or just along for the shopping?

I think he was along for the shopping. They were asking about financing and he mentioned something about this being the kid's first loan.

rocket · 09-21-2005, 7:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammer

Future parts bike.

Hopefully the kid will be spared from being a parts donor as well.

luvtolean · 09-21-2005, 7:27 PM

My first loan was for my first streetbike.

nhfirefighter13 · 09-21-2005, 7:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

Alternative:

"Hmm first bike, in addition to the added HP the liter bikes are a bit heavy compared to a 600. And insurance cost is directly related to CC (I think this is still true) so while the 600 is 40lbs lighter and still outputs more HP than some cars it will be much cheaper to insure."

oh and cruisers/naked bikes are cheaper still

Up here, State Farm and Allstate both base their rates off of cc's but they are in two groups... 1-599cc and 600- up cc.

luvtolean · 09-21-2005, 7:29 PM

Most "600's" are 599 or less.

nhfirefighter13 · 09-21-2005, 7:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

My first loan was for my first streetbike.

But what was your first streetbike? I'm guessing you didn't learn to ride on something close to 1000cc.

evl_twn · 09-21-2005, 7:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhfirefighter13

I think he was along for the shopping. They were asking about financing and he mentioned something about this being the kid's first loan.

Make sure you sell 'em credit life and disability.

nhfirefighter13 · 09-21-2005, 7:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Most "600's" are 599 or less.

shush...

evl_twn · 09-21-2005, 7:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhfirefighter13

But what was your first streetbike? I'm guessing you didn't learn to ride on something close to 1000cc.

My first loan on anything was for a 1986 VFR750. I bought my first bike with cash though. Can't beat a $300 GS450L for starters

luvtolean · 09-21-2005, 7:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhfirefighter13

But what was your first streetbike? I'm guessing you didn't learn to ride on something close to 1000cc.

Nope, but only by luck really. A ragin' 80Hp FZR600 was my first. And it felt fast as ****. Faster than my 500HP Nova.

Only...ahem, speed contest, I ever engaged in on the old Fizzer, I beat a blown 5.0.

HondaGalToo · 09-21-2005, 8:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Nope, but only by luck really. A ragin' 80Hp FZR600 was my first. And it felt fast as ****. Faster than my 500HP Nova.

Only...ahem, speed contest, I ever engaged in on the old Fizzer, I beat a blown 5.0.

Ah, the memories! A '92 FZR600 replaced my first bike, an '82 Yamaha XS650SJ Heritage Special. I used to drag hard parts on that thing (the Special, not the Fizzer!

) That Fizzer did feel fast compared to the Special. Did my first trackdays on it!

sheepofblue · 09-21-2005, 8:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

Ah, the memories! A '92 FZR600 replaced my first bike, an '82 Yamaha XS650SJ Heritage Special. I used to drag hard parts on that thing (the Special, not the Fizzer!

) That Fizzer did feel fast compared to the Special. Did my first trackdays on it!

Did that on the Ascot just the other day

scraped the pipe up good. Decided to settle down and set it up for a day.

stegen · 09-21-2005, 8:46 PM

just record it into a tape recorder and when the time comes and someone is shopping for a bike to big for their first bike just say "listed to this."

MrX954 · 09-21-2005, 9:00 PM

I used to have that conversation all the time when I was selling bikes, so I know what your saying I got to the point where I didnt care I gave them the 5min speach on why not to buy it then I just let them decide.

As far as insurance goes I have Allstate and I gave them the papers for a 600rr and my 954 they said the 954 was cheaper since more ppl crashed 600's last yr. Good thing cuz I couldnt decide between the 2

luvtolean · 09-22-2005, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

I used to drag hard parts on that thing

I used to drag pegs on the FZR, on the street.

I went back and rode some of the roads on my 929 I'd done with the FZR, and in my slightly wizened older age, I probably went slower.

Repeater · 09-22-2005, 2:13 AM

Did anyone think about " you'll grow out of a 600 in 6 months"

luvtolean · 09-22-2005, 2:33 AM

No. I just ordered another 600 after my racing my 929.

You don't outgrow 600CC and up modern sportbikes. You decide you want more torque, or the pretty latest bike maybe, but the modern 600 is a razor sharp machine that will take you as far as you want to go.