Yamaha R1 Raven as a first bike???

Question

Would it be dangerous to ride an R1 as a first bike?...Ive rode before, just never owned, is it way too much power for a first bike?

Also, I am 6'3" 220 lbs. So I didnt want a small bike.

Answer 1

like noj said, it doesnt matter how much u weigh or how tall u are, u are dealing with a machine that is designed to practically be the sr-71 blackbird on 2 wheels. u might have rode before, but how long has it been since the last time u were in the saddle, and for that matter....what bike were u on the last time?

the power of the sport bike isnt the main reason as to why i think they suck. its how the rider has to sit on 1. it just doesnt feel comfortable sitting on a sport bike. maybe it feels different actually puttin down the road. but listen to riders that's been there, done that......this here bike ur lookin at will not forgive any mistake u make. this 1 will instantly respond to any input; including those that will have u asphalt surfing the hard way. this is an 'react and act' type bike. it wont let u change ur mind to correct a screw up u just made. it'll hurt u man. it would be much safer to get a 500 ninja, or even a 500cc buell. but an inline-4 600cc scoot....dude, u'd be biting off more than u can chew for ur first full season. u'll most likely be ready to handle an r-1 safely after about a year or two of solid riding...less so if u live in a state where u can ride year round.

Answer 2

I know exactly what you're going through, man. I fell in love with a 1200cc Buell Firebolt, but i quickly realized I'd rather 'work up' towards a big bike than risk not being able to fully handle the power. You've ridden, so you know what a rush motorcycles are. You seem generally confident in your ability to safely ride a motorbike, so I'd strongly recommend a Yamaha R6. A good friend of mine just got one (as his second bike), and it's simply amazing. Now, I'm recommending this on the basis that you said you'd ridden before. I WOULD NOT recommend an R6 if you haven't spent a few thousand miles in the saddle of a motorcycle. If you do have good experience, though, the bike has a 17,500 rpm redline, those killer Yamaha looks, beautiful engine sound, and more power than we can legally use! Also, if you check classifieds, they generally have good resale value, so in a couple years, when you walk into the Yamaha dealer to trade in for the R1, you won't be breaking the bank. The R1 is a really incredible bike, but the R6 will do you proud. Good luck, man, and stay alive out there!

Answer 3

It doesn't matter if you're 500 lbs, the R1 is too much bike for a newbie, end of story!

For f*ck's sake, why do newbies STILL insist on asking the same tired question over and over again? Hven't any of you read any answers, articles, opinions, stories, reviews, etc. about new riders' bikes?

No, an R1 is not a good first bike, and neither is an R6, GSX-R anything, ZX-_R, Hayabusa, RC-51, 999R, 749R, or ANY other pure sportbike. Try a used SV650 on for size. It's a small V-twin sportbike, so it has enough torque to get you moving plenty fast in no time at all.

Answer 4

R1 Raven

Answer 5

If and only if you are completely comfortable with an upgrade should you upgrade. Now that I've got the serious junk out of the way, don't worry about getting a 750, there is little performance difference between a 600 and a 750. Go ahead and get the R1 if you are gonna upgrade.

Answer 6

its pretty much the worst idea ive ever heard. A 600cc bike is way too much for someone without a lot of experiance (year or two minimum). a CBR600 hits 100 mph faster than the 410,000 dollar carrera GT.

Read this thread: http://www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=1&fID=4&tID=87668

its a bunch of info for people getting first bikes (if you havent owned before, you count for this). Make sure you read the post #19 by Blackface. It should pretty much say what you need to hear. itll also cover the "im a big rider" thing.

Im not saying this to be mean, and i know that the R1s and such look cool, and you think youll be different or grow out of a small bike, but try to swallow your ego and save your life.

Answer 7

WAAAY too much bike for you, bud. They're amazing bikes, but they just don't make sense on the streets. They're not even fun until you're haulin ***. I've had several bikes, my current one being a ZZR1200. Start out with a standard bike, like an FZ6, that new ninja 650, or a susuki SV650. You'll thank me. Good luck to ya, and don't let your ego stand in the way of common sense.

Answer 8

You'd be better off starting on a 600... the r1 is a lot for a beginner to handle.

Answer 9

Dont forget about Insurance premiums for a 1000cc as compared to a 600 cc. Just know what your getting into...Do your research.

Answer 10

That's an interesting question!