New to the forum, need advice.

EYEdROP · 07-07-2007, 9:23 PM

So Ive been riding and working on dirtbikes for a long time (read my profile), and Im interested in getting a sportbike for the street. Now, I know many people say "dont go more than a 600cc, you will kill yourself", and I totally agree for people who have never even ridden a motorcycle before. But Ive been riding for quite some time now, and I learned my lesson on throttle control long ago. Im sure a sportbike is much different and faster than a dirt bike, but how much of a power difference is it? Acceleration wise, how much faster would a 1995 gsxr 750 be than a 95 RM 250? Is the power difference really that shocking?

I want an older sport bike, around the $4000 range. Im very short, 5'2, so I need something with a low seat height. To my amazment, I went to the dealer ship today and was able to sit on the 2006 and 2007 cbr 600's, zzr 1000, gsxr 1000, etc wth both feet tiptoed on the ground. I was able to get on it, bring up the stand, and rock it side to side pretty easily. I liked the sitting position that the ZX and the cbr had to offer. The gsxr 1000 was really nice and light for a 1000.

So im wondering, if Im able to sit a managebale and controlable tiptoed position on the newer bikes, should I be able to fit the older 1990's sportbikes? also, will weight be an issue for the older bikes? Ive sat on a 1994 yzf 750, which didnt seem too heavy, but heavier than the 2007 gsxr 750 (which was a badass bike).

My last question is, would a 1990's liter bike be out of the question? Like an FZR 1000 or a cbr 900? Is that too much for anyone that is new to the street? I would like to have more options to choose from than just the smaller bikes. And it would be nice to be able to have something that will give the new liter bikes a good run for their money. Of course, Im not some idiot who thinks I can handle anything. I took my dads KX 250 easy for the first couple hours the first time I rode it.

.OrgOwner · 07-07-2007, 9:42 PM

Hi and welcome to the fireblades forum.

250 MX bikes are quick from point to point I don't think anyone who can ride one close to it's potential is ever going to be intimidated by a 600. There are other issues you need to come to terms with over and above the different power outputs. I have a lot of MX and SX experience and have recently been riding road bikes and have found the change over pretty easy but I don't ride hard on the street. At the end of the day your the one who turns the throttle and on the road bikes (the ones I have ridden) the throttle action seems longer and much easier to control. What happens to you on the street at your age is in the most part going to come down to your attitude and the best thing you can do is ride a few of your target bikes to see what you feel at home on. I am sure there are others here that will have some ideas for you.

As far as the liter bikes go all I can say on that is try walking before you run

cmack72 · 07-08-2007, 2:42 PM

You have a lot of things to consider. Even though you have been riding dirt bikes for a while it might be a good idea to take a street course(MSF). Good to hear you are considering a bike that fits your size as you will have to stop some time. As far as a liter bike that is a huge jump.

A 600 would be a good start for a first time adult, great for a 16 year old. There are a lot of bikes in that class to chose from. I started with a 1 liter bike, but did my homework and MSF before I purchased. Also more then twice your age. Good luck.

HCCAFan · 07-08-2007, 3:08 PM

I'm 5'6" with a 06 CBR1000RR. Tip toeing does suck but if it bothers you that much you can lower it. I'd much rather be able to get my heels on the ground at least for manuverabilities sake. I might have to go sit on a GSX-R1000 if you said you could get your feet on the ground. I don't understand the GSX-R foot pegs though. For a shorty they always seem right in the way.

longbreakdown · 07-08-2007, 6:01 PM

cmack72 is right, take the MSF class.

I rode a 06 CBR 1000RR, and a 06 CBR 600RR back to back within 15 min of one another.

Both of these bikes are sphincter tightteningly fast, and will scare the holy hell out of you if you have never really opened one up on the road.

I ended up with the 600 because I realized I just didn't need the speed of the 1000. Test ride what you want on the street, take it easy, you'll know within a few min what you are comfortable with.

*Fastrr* · 07-08-2007, 9:29 PM

I see you're in Prescott AZ.... beautiful country up there. I always enjoy my rides up to Prescott valley. The new 1000CC sportbikes are way powerful... much more powerful than a 250cc RM. The 1000RR has a nice linear power band so it won't really surprise you unless you wack the throttle. At the same time it can power wheelie in 1st,2nd,3rd,4th gears. This is from what i have read about the bike. It probably has around 35 more hp than my 900rr.

sj929fire · 07-10-2007, 11:54 PM

I'm 5' 6" and ride a 929 RR, you'll just have a difficult time in traffic where you need to constantly stop. Other than that you'll be fine. However, either with a 600 or 1000 cc bike, you'll have to be very careful / gentle with the throttle. I started with a 125cc bike, then a 200cc, 400cc before getting a 929cc, just employ the most important safety skill when riding a sportsbike = restraint. Good luck and ride safe