[9one9]

So I did my MSF class last week and got on my motorcycle alone outside of a classroom setting for the first time today. Its a brand new Honda 919. I know this is probably a low more power than I need but it was so cheap I couldnt help myself. I was only doing about 25 mph but it felt like 80! I didnt have any accident but the throttle was a wee bit jerky and Im wondering if you just get used to the speed and learn to be smooth on the throttle or what? I definitely do not plan on going out in traffic until Im very comfortable with the bike and my skills. Thanks in advance for any pointers and whatnot!

[submaniac]

The 919 has the engine of the original CBR900, so it's kind of a powerful bike for a newbie. And if you are not experienced with a bike, the throttle will 'seem' jerky...on any bike. The only way to cure is to ride, ride, ride until you get comfortable on the machine. Riding a motorcycle is very subtle...a subtle shifting of your weight will help you turn, a subtle turn of the wrist gets the throttle to wear you are at. Until you have experience, it's hard to get the little nuances that a more experienced biker has. It is a good idea not going out in traffic until you get the hang of it. Newbie + powerful motorcycle= recipe for disaster. I suggest strongly, that you find a nice big parking lot (like the parking lot of an arena, or shopping mall after it's closed) and just ride around by yourself. Go straight make turns...basically just experiment how leaning one way or the other affects the bike, how much throttle to give, etc. This is stuff you shouldn't do in traffic. Once you get the 'feel' of your bike, it will become natural and second nature to you. Like when I first learned how to drive a manual transmission automobile, I had to think about what gear I was in, what RPM I was in, and all that stuff. Now I just know. It's the same with the motorcycle. You shouldn't have to 'think' about what you are going to do. On the road there is no time to 'think', you must be able to react instantaneously to that car that cut you off, the guy who braked sudenly in front of you, the dog that jumps out in front of you. That level of second nature knowledge only comes from riding. So go out and ride. But be careful. And do not get discouraged if you fall or drop the bike (just make sure it is in a parking lot, and not on the road). Everyone drops a bike when they first start riding. Make sure you are wearing protective gear. And I don't know if they have frame sliders for the 919, but if they do, get some to protect the bike. Good luck.

[9one9]

Hey thanks alot for your reply actually that is exactly what I am doing tomorrow, there is a park nearby where they have a huge parking lot where I will be going to practice and of course every time I ride I wear a helmet riding jack and gloves, thanks alot for the input!

[motormouse]

Wow, that is a powerful bike for a newb! In Aus it would be illegal, you need to have your L's for at least three months, then you need to pass another exam for your restricted licence - restricted cc's, no pillion allowed, zero blood alchohol limit.

The best thing that you could do is sign yourself up for lots of rider training courses. Here in Oz there are many available. The single most powerful thing that influences rider fatalities is experiance and the amount of training/courses they have attended. If cash is a problem then try and find a riding group, pick a responsible rider with many years of experiance and ask them to evaluate your riding and give you tips.

We often have L's rides where we match a newbie to an experianced rider. The experianced rider follows the newbie then gives constructive advice and then the experianced rider exagerates the movements the newbie needs on way back so they can see it with more chats at the end. We've found it works really well.

Also ditto to submaniacs comments.

Goodluck and stay upright. If I had one piece of advice - always ride at your own pace, as soon as you try and keep up with others - thats when accidents happen. Never ride at 100% because you'll never have any reserve to get out of a bad situation

[dr256]

I made this mistake.

When I passed my test I was offered an all too tempting deal on an Aprillia SL1000. It was a really good deal. I bought it.

I feel that this bike actually held me back.

It was too much bike, not enough rider.
Being a big twin I didn't have the confidence to chuck myself around the bike and use my weight to get it round the bends. Then there was the power, the stop on a penny brakes etc etc. Eventually I crashed it while riding in weather really meant for tanks, that's another story, but I do recognise that crash was in large part due to not being a competent enough rider

After this I got an Kawasaki ER5.
The difference in my learning curve was immediate. Despite not handling as well, not braking as well, I learnt more on the 500 in a month than I ever did on the 1000. Within a year I could fly it round a bend at 80, the front end shaking in disapproval and said rider hanging off the side with a grin from elbow to elbow.

You may have much more talent for bikes than I.
Most people do.

But my advice would be to sell it. Buy something smaller, learn faster, save money on insurance - you'll have more fun along the way and be a better rider when you do trade back up.

Either way. Enjoy, be safe and get fully comprehensive insurance

[motormouse]

Dr256, have heard this story many times. A friend of mine went from a 250 to a gixxer thou. He was a good rider on the 250! On the thou he lost his confidence and is now looking at selling it and not riding period! Same story of too much bike not enough rider.

Glad your off wasn't ride ending and that you found your way back

[setanta]

dr256s comments are great and I would have to agree totally with them. I think that that bike is way too powerful for a new newbie and it wil be a hindrence to your learning curve. My first bike was an sv650s and looking back now I thought it was a very fast bike but it didnt scare the sh*** out of me.
I became relaxed with it and learned how to play with and have so much fun with it. It was quick, responsive, nimbly and never way to fast to scare me. Thanks to that bike it prepared me for the gixxer600 that I got next and to be honest my experience on the 650 saved from me from some serious stuff on the gixxer.
Now I have the 08 blade and if it was my first bike I would have sold it within a month. I would have been trying to learn how to cope with such a powerful machine everytime that I got on and that is just no fun, its scary. When I want to go for a ride I want to have a big smile on my face and feel relaxed when I throw my leg over the machine. I want to be looking forward to it everyday and now I can thanks to thousands of miles on smaller machines.
I agree with DR256 sell it, the k5, k6 or the suzi 650 are great and ull love throwing your leg over them and youll be itching to go for a ride.
If you can afford it keep the bike, but get something that will teach you and give you confidence for a happy and save biking life.

Best of luck to you.

[ryan_ca]

I had to chime in and post here too. I rode dirt (YZ250's) for about four years before I went to the street. My first street bike was a crappy, green Yamaha Seca II. I dropped that thing like five times. You WILL drop your bike when you're just getting started. I remember that on my second or third ride it started to rain, and I was coming around a long sweeping curve at around 50 mph. I was so inexperienced, I was afraid to lean into it because the roads were wet, and I nearly drove off the side of the road.

After a few years on that bike, I got a '95 VFR800. A few years on that, and I felt the need for speed. I ended up getting a '05 CBR1000RR, which I feel like is about equivelant to the ride you're on now. Even with all the experience I had, I highsided the bike at meduim speed by giving it too much gas around a turn, and then letting off abruptly when the rear wheel broke loose. I spent four days in the hospital with a head injury, and I have no memory whatsoever of those days. I just remember waking up there.

Bikes are dangerous enough as it is, and everyone thinks that it won't happen to them (especially true when you're young). My advice would be to get a cheap naked bike and ride it a lot. Keep the 919 in the garage for the first six months. Then take it out for one weekend somewhere where you won't get killed, like the track. Don't commute on it or ride it in traffic for at least a year. That way you don't have to sell your brand new bike, but you don't have to end up in a wheelchair, or a red stain on the street.

I absolutely love everything about the CBR, but at this point I decided that it is too much bike for me. I couldn't stay out of triple digits. I don't need to go that fast and I don't need the risk that comes along with the performance. I put a lot of money into it fixing it up, and then sold it. I'm on a VFR800 now, and taking it easier than ever.

[GypsyRebel]

IMPO it is better to start out small and as your skill improves move up to a bigger & powerful mc. I'm sure this will get a giggle I have a honda rebel that I have owned for the last 4 months, when I first started out within the first two weeks of owning I dropped at a stop making a left turn looked down and there I went. So I would strongly suggest if you like you new bike (and you hide) then park it and take the other guys suggestion and start on something a bit more newbie friendly. Plus side is that something like the rebel is alot of fun to learn on not scary. I am now looking to upgrade it really does not take long for you to get the hang of it, notice I don't say learn as I feel you are always learning on you mc to be a better rider. I hope I dont come across as preaching but I rather say what I felt and hope you listen so that you are around to enjoy your fast powerful motorcycle

[9one9]

Not at all preachy I appreciate the input! So I found a guy like 10 miles away selling a 96 Yamaha XJ600 for $1900 maybe Ill go look at it before I lay down that gorgeous 919.

[RoadMonger1]

My first sport bike was a 2007 Honda 919. I put about 15,000 miles on it in a year. Then I traded for something a little more to my liking...a 2008 Honda CBR1000RR. I bought it on September 24th, 2008 and have a little over 3000 miles on it now.
I think the deal is to ride, ride, ride, practice, practice, practice. I did have to adjust to the agressive riding position which is much different then the 919. That, and the bike is a rocket ship, hold on! I ran first gear to 12,000 RPM's and the speedo read 98 mph. LOL
Keep ridin'!

[9one9]

You got 98mph in first on the 919 or the CBR100RR? Was that 919 your first bike ever?

[tito1ortiz]

I agree with eveyone....to much bike for a newbiw, I leanrn on a 2000 cbr f4, i am so glad that this was my starter bike, the learning curve is what helps a rider become a rider. That curve does not exsist when u r a newbie and have a 900 or higher bike. Edspecially if you fear it. Listen and learn newbie, start off with a small bike and do all of us a favor.....LIVE TO RIDE TOMORROW.

be safe

[Stick]

I rode small cc dirt bikes as a kid, and not very often. MSF taught me the basic street techniques. and I was nervous as hell on the 250 rebels for the first few hours each day during MSF. But I ended up scrapping pegs on the final day. When in doubt lean more, was what I was told. and I eneded up getting a pretty MSF kick stand puck. Which I carry always. Started shopping for a 600 gsxr, when my baby came into my life. Much like you it was to good a deal to pass up. I feared it. The idea of a liter bike even before it became mine worried me. ALOT! But I figured I could profit if it was to much for me. My first ride was sketchy, my nerves where unreal. I had hyped myself up so much. But come end game and decision time.... I can honestly say no profit is worth letting her go. JUST like the little 250 rebel, I warmed up to her. Albeit alot slower,(still a work in progress 7 months later) and am still not nearly skilled enough to get the most of it. But I will never go back. The fear WILL keep you alive. Respect that throttle. It will get you introuble in a hurry. As long as you respect what the monster can do. And Monsters can eat you up in milliseconds.

In hindsight I am VERY happy I went straight to a liter. The fear and anxiaty is good. It teaches respect (just pray you respect it enough.) 1st and 2nd gear still scare the piss out of me, and I will never beable to launch it. I am a whopping 130lbs soaking wet (hence my name Stick, I really am one.) I will only let the front wheel come off the ground no more than 3-6 inches. And thats plenty, and most likely thats to much.

Respect the Monster you ride, KNOW it will kill you in an instance, and warm up to her. I would pay good money to get that hand shaking nervousness all over again.

Plenty of people do not realize how serious a liter bike is. And how rediculous it is to try and ride even for a seasoned professional. Your fear is good.

Big bikes are the perfect women. They don't talk back, and ONLY do what you tell them. Just Don't think for a moment that you are ready to tell them everything. Take yor time, get used to her. And drop her a few times. It is a steep learning curve, but it is so rewarding going at your own pace "she" will not mind at all. Ride safe, and learn at your own pace. Respect of the bike will pay off many many times over.

[DaedalEVE]

Lol, yeah I remember that feeling. On the MSF Course you only go up to like 2nd or 3rd gear, maybe 30mph tops for the emergency stopping section.
Getting on a real road is a lot different the first time. You look in front of you and you're like "oh wow, that road is REAL close... and it's going by pretty fast too"... and that's being amplified by the fact you're on a bike with a forward leaning seating position as opposed to the nice little standards the MSF Course uses.
You'll get used to it pretty quick though. Once you get past that initial "road shock" you'll be fine. I remember when I started feeling comfy on the highway. I had a weird feeling of being disconnected from my body, liek I was there, but not really... and it felt a bit like flying. You get over that too.

As for the throttle you'll get a feel for it over time. But after you do, getting on something smaller the throttle will likely feel slugish or unresponsive, no matter what you ride. If you think an i4 is jerky though do yourself a favor and stay clear of twins... compared to one of those an i4 is like butter soaked, teflon coated silk.

[9one9]

Yeah its a bit of a shock. I just dont want to go through the whole process of buying another bike just to learn on since Im still making payments on this bike. Im just kind of hoping that if I take it easy and respect the power of this bike that I can concentrate and be responsible with it and learn to adapt to the power.

[submaniac]

Originally Posted by 9one9

Not at all preachy I appreciate the input! So I found a guy like 10 miles away selling a 96 Yamaha XJ600 for $1900 maybe Ill go look at it before I lay down that gorgeous 919.

That is actually a VERY good idea. I guarantee you when you first start riding you WILL drop the bike. No one on this board or any other board will tell you differently. And you WILL be upset if you drop your brand new, beautiful bike that you love. You will not feel so bad dropping a 12 year old Yamaha that you bought for cheap. Keep the 919 in your garage, use it as 'motivation' to learn, and then ride the XJ600. After you drop the XJ (most likely several times), sell it for a few hundred dollars loss (accounting for the damage you will inflict), then ride the 919. It will be cheaper to do it that way, then to fix your 'baby'. Both monetarily, and emotionally because you will hate yourself for dropping a brand new bike.

[DaedalEVE]

Originally Posted by submaniac

That is actually a VERY good idea. I guarantee you when you first start riding you WILL drop the bike.

I never have.
That time a cabby decided to make a right hand turn from the left lane as I was passing him doesn't count. The bike was TAKEN out from under me. Besides, the driver had a turban on so I consider the entire incident a "terrorist attack".

Too much?


My advise... gently lay the bike down on a bunch of pillows, wait 30 seconds, then pick it back up. It's counts, I swear!

[setanta]

Originally Posted by DaedalEVE

You'll get used to it pretty quick though. Once you get past that initial "road shock" you'll be fine. I remember when I started feeling comfy on the highway. I had a weird feeling of being disconnected from my body, liek I was there, but not really... and it felt a bit like flying. You get over that too.

As for the throttle you'll get a feel for it over time. But after you do, getting on something smaller the throttle will likely feel slugish or unresponsive, no matter what you ride. If you think an i4 is jerky though do yourself a favor and stay clear of twins... compared to one of those an i4 is like butter soaked, teflon coated silk.

Your giving him that advise based on your machine, you might as well be comparing a cessna to a eurofighter??
I know you may be well intended but I have had an sv650s and its was a great little bike, slow responce, nice cornering, low top speed and very very forgiving. Now his machine is a total animal compared to that. Its bad mannered, hates going slow and isnt forgiving.
My advice to him would be to buy a machine like yours to learn on but Ive already said that

[elfqueen]

My first bike was a ninja 500. I dropped it about 4 times. After taking the MSC I did better. In about 2 years I put over 9200 miles on it. This summer my boyfriend let me ride his 929. I have a good time on it so I went out and got a 2005 cbr600rr.The 500 was a good starter bike for me. I agree with everybody. Start out small.

[maltbia]

yea man i got a 96 cbr 900rr it is my first bike ever and i just not even 5 minutes ago had a buddy of mine let me ride his 900rr same year as mines and man start small im now getting a cbr 600 then when im ready move up to the 900rr and you will drop the 919 no matter how confident you are every body gets there share of close calls so start small get experience and take thta 919 out and show them what shes got

ride safe

[stormi]

Originally Posted by setanta

Now his machine is a total animal compared to that. Its bad mannered, hates going slow and isnt forgiving.

I don't know if I'd agree that the machine is a bad mannered animal.

In reality, it's not got any more power than a CBR600 (Somewhere around the 100HP mark.)

Mine is a perfect gentleman. It's the torque that kicks me in the rear from time to time.

I lug it around town from time to time,.. but it goes like jack the bear when I want it to. I find it very stable, like most Hondas. I touched a foot down at 70mph one day, while stretching a leg out. It just gave a little bump and kept going straight down the road. I thought I was going to taste pavement for sure. The Suzuki I learned on forgave a lot less, and is the only bike I've crashed (so far) while moving.

However, I do agree that the bike is not a learner bike. Forgetting that the right wrist isn't an on-off switch on this bike has the potential to be deadly.

And my frame sliders are made by Rizoma. Drill the holes out at the bottom of the rad support and mount with a long rod of redi-rod there. It will save the case a little more.

Longer bars will save the tank from more than you'd think.

That said, a grand into a "starter bike" will more than likely save you that and more that in fixing that young beauty in the short term.

[DaedalEVE]

Originally Posted by setanta

Your giving him that advise based on your machine, you might as well be comparing a cessna to a eurofighter??
I know you may be well intended but I have had an sv650s and its was a great little bike, slow responce, nice cornering, low top speed and very very forgiving. Now his machine is a total animal compared to that. Its bad mannered, hates going slow and isnt forgiving.
My advice to him would be to buy a machine like yours to learn on but Ive already said that

No I mean if he keeps the 919 and gets used to it. If he has it for that long going to something smaller (especially a twin) will seem weird. Then again it might be a nice change of pace. Either way things will be VERY different.

By all means go lower (600 i4 or 650 twin tops), but do it NOW... not later. Later will just be too late. Regardless of what you ride though you do adjust.
That's why I'm glad I started small and am working my way up. You actually learn stuff.

But I agree, the SV was the PERFECT starter. I mean PERFECT. Low enough power that anyone can ride it, high enough that it gives you room to grow, and the process of upgrading the inadequate forks and shock started me on the road to becoming a gear head. Before then I was just a computer nerd, I swear. Now, I can change tires, adjust suspension, mess with throttle position sensors, do all my own maintenance, even made my own timing retard eliminator circuit. It hasn't just been a fun ride, it's been great to play with and used as an education tool.

[MontereyKid]

If my comments don't change your mind then I would recommend an SV650 but buy it used so you won't mind as much if you drop it.(as with any used bike:make sure you make it street worthy before riding it.good brakes; controls; electrical; tires; chain; tune up. etc.)

My 919 was my second bike. My first was Honda Cb700SC(never down). I am on my third bike, 07 gsxr750.
I layed my 919 down three times. All my fault, pushing it too hard, trying to catch up to other riders on an unfamiliar road, very fortunate walked away with minimal damage to me and my bike,(wear your gear) 2.)spun up my tires while they were cold two blocks from my house (35 degrees outside)I commuted on it. 3.) Forgot to put the kickstand down and well at some point you have to decide between damage to the side cover or to your back.
All of these were my fault. Because I felt over confident in the bike and in my ability, riding when I should not have.(not just about the weather here; some days you just know you are not up to the requirements of riding; so don't)
The 919 is not a race bike but can go like stink and will handle a lot more than you might think. The right tires help a lot there.

I also put 37k miles on my 919 and rode in any weather, even snowing (not recommended for most) any motorcycle any size has potential to end badly. That said, the comments to wear the right gear are paramount. Be comfortable on the bike, but wear gear that will protect you in an off. Don't forget boots that cover your ankles. Get some additional training. Track days with instruction will give you a safer place to practice riding while learning trail braking techniques, body positioning and how to handle the throttle.

Do ride in parking lots. Get accustomed to the feel of the bike. Do ride at your own pace. Do not give a hoot if the others you are riding with go off and leave you. Let them. Take your time. It is not a race.

It is wise to keep in reserve a healthy amount of respect for any bike as it will inevitably help you to choose when to back off. Don't lose respect for what you are doing on a motorcycle or be complacent, that is when things can go badly, but you need to learn to relax your grip on the bike and learn to trust your bike and your equipment. (It helps if you practice proper maintenance and pre-ride checks)(my point here is that the bike handles better than you are a rider so don't over do the input; you'll learn how much to put in with experience)

The 919 is a naked bike with a de-tuned 900RR motor - Honda sacrified about 20 hp for increased torque ~68 Ft. Lbs(which is a lot) and a less peaky power curve, making it easier to ride. The jerky feeling you are experiencing is partly you and partly your equipment. A power commander with proper setup will make the throttle transitions smoother. Proper chain adjustment will also help reduce lash that may feel jerky. Try to make smoother smaller hand movements with the throttle.

The 919 is not a pussy cat but also not a devil either. It is fairly forgiving, but could use a more adjustable suspension and when allowed will try to stay upright on its own. I commuted on mine for 4 years and rode it regularly with full camping gear across three states and put 780 miles on it in one day.
I will probably get flamed for this but it reminded me of a powered Schwinn stingray in the handling department. I loved it for that.

Do what is right for you and remember to have fun out there.

[CBR929RE]

RELAX. it doesn't matter how many times someone tells you just say it to yourself a lot. Being relaxed on the bike will help the bike ride smoother. Being relaxed and trusting the tires are probably the 2 biggest things a new rider needs to learn. People will tell you that stuff a lot and you'll start thinking "I know I know" but it just takes seat time really. I had been pretty comfortable on a bike for a few years and when I first went to the track last year I still had much improvement to go and still do. once you relax and let the bike do what it wants you find out you were fighting the bike before and it all becomes much easier.

[RoadMonger1]

The 919 was my first sport bike. I've been on a few others. 98 mph/12,000 rpm's was first gear on the '08 CBR1000RR.
I was out today on my '09 Triumph Speedmaster. It's been cold so I had the heated gear on. Air temp started at 22 degrees, but it warmed up a lot, to 47 degrees.
HAVE FUN!

[ast03]

not to sound cocky or anything but ive had my first bike, 01 sv650s, for about 2 months now and i haven't come close to an accident or a drop.. i understand that its certain that i will, eventually drop my bike.. but wen do u guys think that dropping it happens the most.. around the beginning of owning it? cuz it sounds like i must have gotten lucky so far.. and i ride everyday. to/from work and i have to sharp, slow U turns everytime i am leaving from home so going slow isnt a problem..

[low-rider]

Originally Posted by Stick

Big bikes are the perfect women. They don't talk back, and ONLY do what you tell them. Just Don't think for a moment that you are ready to tell them everything. Take yor time, get used to her. And drop her a few times. It is a steep learning curve, but it is so rewarding going at your own pace "she" will not mind at all. Ride safe, and learn at your own pace. Respect of the bike will pay off many many times over.

hehehe...nice said.

the most important thing on big bikes is to be smooth in anything you do...breaking, twisting the throttle, entering the curve...the main thing is to be smooth and like somebody said never go 100% of YOUR abilities. and like somebody also said don't try to keep up with other riders because there is always a faster rider and it is harder to be catching someone all the time then to be the leader and dictate the pace.

i agree...small amount of fear is always good because it stopes you from doing stupid things on the road.

[The Gerd]

Originally Posted by ast03

not to sound cocky or anything but ive had my first bike, 01 sv650s, for about 2 months now and i haven't come close to an accident or a drop.. i understand that its certain that i will, eventually drop my bike.. but wen do u guys think that dropping it happens the most.. around the beginning of owning it? cuz it sounds like i must have gotten lucky so far.. and i ride everyday. to/from work and i have to sharp, slow U turns everytime i am leaving from home so going slow isnt a problem..

Dropping the bike can happen anytime...come to a stop at a stoplight and put a foot down in antifreeze and oil and you can pretty much guarantee a drop. Or a late night where you get home late and the only thing on your mind is bed, and you forget your sidestand...I came close to dropping my 08 Blade when i first got it because i wasnt comfortable with the position of the sidestand and had to look at where it was on the bike and almost tipped because i shifted my weight to that side.

As for crashing...well that can also happen anytime too, there is no set time in a riders life where you can say someone is likely to crash. Sure being a beginner makes the possibility a little more likely because of inexperience, but take it from me inexperience doesnt just apply to riding...Ive been riding motorcycles now for 12 years, got my first streetbike 9 years ago, and my last crash was completely my fault for not being 100% familiar with my brand new 08 Blade...grabbed a bit too much brake, locked up the front and ended up on my face.

Little things like that are always possible, the thing is whether or not you decide to continue riding, I've had three spills in my riding career, my arms have road rash scars all over them (chicks dig scars), and my left shoulder has limited rotation from landing on it. Its not a sport for people who are terrified of falling, it happens, so wear ALL of your gear, keep your head on a swivel looking out for the cagers who have their heads up their asses, and enjoy your ride.

If you spend all your time riding, worrying about crashing then its just not worth the ride.

[setanta]

Originally Posted by ast03

not to sound cocky or anything but ive had my first bike, 01 sv650s, for about 2 months now and i haven't come close to an accident or a drop.. i understand that its certain that i will, eventually drop my bike.. but wen do u guys think that dropping it happens the most.. around the beginning of owning it? cuz it sounds like i must have gotten lucky so far.. and i ride everyday. to/from work and i have to sharp, slow U turns everytime i am leaving from home so going slow isnt a problem..

Lovely bike to start on I had one but it was a pointy.
You will probably drop it either stopping, being stopped, taking off or putting the stand down
Get a set of R&G bungs for it a lot cheaper than new panels.
Just remember to look well ahead and make good use of peripheral vision it can save your life.
Have fun and ride safe