So i am going to buy a nice beginner sportbike next week. I have ridden dirbikes for a while, I'm extremely responsible, don't drive fast, took the motorcycle safety course, ect.
Everyone has got me convinced that I am going to die the minute I get on a sportbike and I am about to chicken out. Will somebody please convince me otherwise because I have always dreamed of riding a sportbike!
2007-06-17 11:24:31 · 13 answers · asked by Chris 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Chris, life is full of risks. You took a risk riding dirtbikes. U took a risk driving or riding in a car.
There is no reason not to take the risk of riding a sportbike. You have the advantage over 50% of the riders on the road today in that you have taken the MSF safety class.
The fact that you recognise that there is a risk is a good indicator that you will be a better-than-average sportbike rider (in other words...not a squid).
Trust me...you will have fun on the sportbike.
See ya around riding.
2007-06-17 13:36:30 · answer #1 · answered by Wyoming Rider 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends HEAVILY on the sportbike you are thinking of getting. A Suzuki SV650, GS500 or maybe a used Ducati 620? You may live to see another birthday. A GSX-R750 or R1? Forget it.
The bike doesn't care how "responsible" you are, and your "experience" is limited to bikes that top out at 50mph. The sheer speed of a sportbike can easily catch you off guard if you start feeling saucy and pin the throttle (or worse than that, hitting a bump mid-corner that causes you to twist it).
You've taken the MSF course, kudos to you! Do you have full gear, as in full-face helmet, jacket, pants, boots and gloves (all preferably leather)? If not, that's your next investment.
I was told the same things you were before I bought my SV650 years ago, and I did eventually total it in a crash (remember your gear!). But I didn't crash and die in my first month like everyone said, and spent a LOT of time really learning how to ride instead of jsut going fast in a straight line.
Buy a book titled Proficient Motorcycling and practice everything within it's cover until it becomes automatic, and enjoy yourself. The bottom line is to not be stupid, because crashing sucks.
2007-06-18 09:19:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you ride defensively and responsibly, it doesn't matter what type of bike you ride on the street (sport bike, cruiser, scooter, moped, bicycle).
There's always a risk when a day dreaming driver enters your space.
Pretend you're invisible and no one can see you.
Expect the unexpected.
Always leave yourself a way out.
Everyone gets a little nervous their first time on a street bike.
You must have an automobile drivers license, so you know the rules of the road.
You've ridden dirt bikes for a while, so you must have come across a few panic situations where you didn't have time to think. But your experience and instinct took over.
When you get on your bike, don't tense up.
Tell yourself, "This is just a funny looking dirt bike."
Keep it in first and go up and down the block.
Get used to the power curve (actually there is none. It's just gas and go, so take it easy).
Get used to the quick steering.
Get used to the brakes. Grab to much of the front brake and you're gonna do a nose dive. Learn to respect the front brake. Practice braking on a straight highway - drive faster and apply more brake to get used to how much is not enough & to much.
You know how to ride, respect the bike and you'll do fine.
Enjoy!
2007-06-17 18:58:39 · answer #3 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I second guardrailjim's comments.
Ride like everyone's out to get you. That said, I have over 100K on bikes (nearly 70 on my BMW alone).
It's good that you're concerned. Just don't freeze at the helm!
Take your time. ride in parking lots by yourself a lot.
Don't ride fast until you can ride slow.
Two of the guys here at work got 600s. One did pretty well, then started getting braver than he was good. He had one off on the street, and one at the track (broke his collar bone from a highside).
Falling wasn't good (on the street, not unexpected at the track), but the *real* problem is that he didn't know WHY he fell or what he did to fall either time. I'm happy he's selling the bike, he's not cut out for it.
The other fellow really knows his limts. He rides his own ride, and isn't ashamed to show up at the top 10 minutes later than the rest of us. He'll be riding a long, long, long time.
It took me about 4000 miles before I'd crack 80. But the only crash I've ever had was due to hypoglycemia. :) Not bad in more than 100K miles (not all of them below 80. Heh).
I love riding, wouldn't give it up for the world.
Good luck!
2007-06-18 02:04:06 · answer #4 · answered by eldeslauriers 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might. It's a risk you assume if you want to ride. There are things you can do to reduce the chance of accidents caused by your error, but you can't do a whole lot about a car that pulls out in front of you. And everybody you talk to will know someone who died or was badly injured on a motorcycle. Most everybody also knows someone who has or had cancer. For me, the feeling of freedom and the enjoyment I get from riding is worth the risk.
2007-06-18 01:05:35 · answer #5 · answered by Scott H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you did the right thing in taking the safety class and you are getting a beginner sport bike and not the top of the line one right away. If you wear all of the safety gear and keep a close eye on your and everyone elses driving, you should be ok. Remember what you learned in the class and get lots of practice on surface streets. Just because you are on a sport bike doesn't mean death unless you ride it like you want to die.
2007-06-17 18:32:55 · answer #6 · answered by remowlms 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You sound like you have done all of the right things to ensure that you don't get hurt.
Statistically most people that get hurt either just bought a bike or borrowed one from someone else.
Bottom line is most accidents are due to inexperience and of the rest of those riders that get hurt have accidents due to excessive speed.
Riders wearing the best safety gear and obeying the laws when riding rarely get hurt. Just a little common sense and you should be fine.
Good luck!
]-)
..
2007-06-17 18:59:09 · answer #7 · answered by Kimosabe 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are no guarantees in this world. all you do is try to play the odds. Riding a motorcycle is a risk but it is fun. Ride smart do not drink and ride and you will probably be okay.
2007-06-17 18:29:26 · answer #8 · answered by shadouse 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i say if your that chicken to ride it and you need to come here for support of a question like that you best forget riding. bikes are fun i been riding over 40 years. but i never needed to answer that one before. i aint trying to be rude i am just saying you know the answer. just look into your soul and find it
2007-06-17 18:48:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
um...people get hurt on flat ground.
good luck
2007-06-17 18:35:08 · answer #10 · answered by ?Victoria? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋