Help Newbie

tonga3 · 05-23-2005, 4:33 PM

Hi everyone, I have an opportunity to get a good deal on a 2000 929 with 4000km's on it. Now this is going to be a first bike for me so a little background. I am 31, 5'10 185lbs. I consider myself a fairly mature individual. My original plan was to pick up an F4 or F4I but this 929 is such a good deal that I really don't want to pass on it. I have taken a motorcycle training course and been involved with powerful machines my whole life. So my question is will this bike be absolutely insane for me or if I can keep the wrist turning in check will I love this bike as much as I think I will. One more thing, the bike currently does not have a steering dampener, should this be something I look at getting right away??

Thanks for any info, I hopefully will be buying tomorrow if I get some positive feedback from you guys..

Thanks
Andy.

mr_rua · 05-23-2005, 4:39 PM

First off, welcome to fireblades.

Secondly, it is damper not dampener.

Third, if you were thinking about picking up a F4 or F4i, the 929 may be a bit too much bike for you. However you said you have been around "powerful machines" (don't know what that means exactly), so hopefully you will know how to exercise the correct caution when riding your 929.

Good Luck!!!!

tonga3 · 05-23-2005, 4:50 PM

I thought it was damper...... stupid spell-check. Anyways, from what I understand as long as I can keep myself in check the bike sounds like a fairly forgiving and rewarding ride. Opinion on the "damper"???

Thanks
Andy

sheepofblue · 05-23-2005, 4:56 PM

Stay away from it as a first bike. All current liter bikes are insane fast. If you fail to listen make a damper high on the list (after proper protective gear) That said I would recommend an F4i or something even more sedate depending on your background.

There are those that will say I am being overly conservative and they may be correct. However I am still here after 30+ years of riding despite the critics

luvtolean · 05-23-2005, 5:09 PM

I don't know what "powerful machines" you've been around, but my 1989 FZR600 was roughly as fast in a drag race as my ~500 Hp 68 Nova.

A modern 600 will carry roughly 20 more Hp than my FZR had. The 929 is damned fast in comparison to both.

People will chime in that they bought a literbike new and lived, but why? What is the point?

Buy nothing larger than a 600 IMO, and you better respect that bike! After a year or 2 you'll be much better prepared to ride a literbike.