my first bike?

Question

I bought my first bike about 2 weeks ago. Its a 2004 honda cbr 600 f4i . I seem to be doing real well with it but some people say its a bit much for a first bike. What do you think?

Answer 1

It is a bit more powerful than the ideal first bike but if you just stay off the throttle until you get skilled at riding you should be alright.
The main problem/concern people have is that this bike can too easily accelerate faster than you intend to which will get you into trouble.
Temptation to "Open her up" is always very strong but a new rider is not skilled enough to deal with that kind of power. You can very quickly be going faster than your skill level can accomodate and then you are going to crash.
Do be careful until you are absolutely comfortable riding, turning etc before you try to go fast.

Answer 2

Right now, listen (OK, read) this warning and take note:

BE CAREFUL!

That will be a great bike for a long time, and is probably a blast to ride on. It is a bit much for a newbie, but you've already bought it and no one can force you to take it back, right? Get some frame sliders on it for the inevitable drops, keep the oil changed, and enjoy it.

If you haven't taken one yet, get into an MSF course immediately. Trust me, it's not too late just because you've already got the bike. There is a completely different mindset and skill set to riding a motorcycle safely, and if you keep thinking like you're driving a car you'll crash badly from a simple mistake like chopping the throttle mid-corner or stomping on the rear brake.

That said, WEAR FULL GEAR. Hopefully this tip is a moot point as you already look cool in your street boots, leather jacket & gloves, and full face helmet, right? RIGHT?

You MUST remember that your bike can hit 100mph faster than a lot of cars can do 0-60, and the human brain is not wired to process information correctly at those speeds. Take it easy for at least your first year, try pushing your skills a LITTLE BIT at a time, and stay safe.

The BEST suggestion I can give you is to buy a book titled Proficient Motorcycling. It runs about $25, but you can get it online for about $17. Read it, learn it, and understand it, and it will save your life someday. It will teach you throttle control, brake control, body positioning, leaning, the physics behind weight transfer and steering, and how to ride in traffic in any weather.

Answer 3

Be very careful. You may be tempted by other riders on the road. I personally had a 1966 Honda Dream 305 for a first bike. That was the bike that beat the English bikes at the Isle of Man races and even though it was old (I got it in 1978), I was challenged by people on such things as the RD 400 and KZ 1000. Be very careful.

Answer 4

It's hard to say. My first bike, when I was 18, was a Yamaha 550 street bike. it was a huge 4 cylinder cruiser that could fly like a racer when I wanted it to. I was a skinny teenager (124 pounds) riding a 435 pound bike, but I never had any problems and never laid it down. On the other hand, my best friend, who was pretty well built, couldn't handle his 400 cc Honda. He tried to race it, but couldn't control it and eventually dumped it pretty badly. I think he was afraid of it. Just respect the bike and ride like everyone else is a drunk nutbag and you'll be OK.

Answer 5

**** the haters and what they say. Next time they say it's a bit much tell them it's not a CBR 600RR it's an F4i.

2004+ F4i's are pretty much sport tourers... with the banana seat and everything! It isn't too much if you keep your senses.

Answer 6

Who told you that BS! My first street bike was a brand new Suzuki GS1100EX and everyone I know that bought a small bike 600cc class did not like there little bikes for long. The next riding season they got a bigger ride and lost allot of $$ on the small bike.

Answer 7

just remember that on a bike any bike complete control is an illusion there are alot of variables you have no control over ie road surfaces , cagers , construction zones , be carefull have fun and keep in mind that anyone can be a victim at anytime

Answer 8

I am 9 years old and my first bike was a trycyle

Answer 9

Most answers have given you good advice, but I'd like to offer one more little thing.....keep both wheels on the ground. Lay off the stunt work and just get the basics down.

Answer 10

It's too late to change your mind, so I won't even try.
Be careful, you have entered the danger zone. You feel you are doing well, and you just may be. It has only been two weeks, there is still so much to learn yet. Over-confidence is a killer.