I would like to get a pair of bikes for me and my girl. Actually I want a bike but do not want her on one.

I am so deathly afraid to let her get on one on the open road. I know it sounds selfish, and it probably is, but I couldnt let anything happen to her, it would kill me. If something happens to me so be it, but I cant let it happen to her. I know for a fact that one day she will fall, but I dont know how bad it will be.

There is a course that can be taken at Schoolcraft college that would be GREAT if she does it. But do you think that is enough for her to get a grasp on things?? Enough to go drive on the street?

Also, what should she start on? I was thinking an older F2-F3 600 or even a 500 if I can find one. She is sensible so the power is ok.

I SO BADLY WANT A V-ROD, but since I dont want to pay $300mo for 5 years for a bike, it might come down to an 03 Silver R1 or a 03 Yellow/Black GSXR 750.

Appreciate all your comments.

 

An R1? Gixxer 750? You have ridden bikes before I assume, if you're looking at those.

Why should it be different for your girl riding than it is for you? Don't you think she'd feel the same way if something happened to you?

 

Thanx for the reply.

I have been riding since I was about 5, so I am not a newcomer. This will however be my first sportsbike.

She has never ridden a bike before, so that is y I think it is different. If she does this, I want her to be FULLY trained and ready to ride. I understand that she will feel the same way as me, but that still doesnt ease my mind.

 

Mike, that course at schoolcraft is pretty good actually.. It's a weekend deal, and they teach u emergency stops, turning etc etc.. u don't have to worry about dumping their training bikes either.. A good starter bike for her would be a ninja 250, u can pick them up pretty cheap, cheap insurance, and don't have to worry about it getting away from jen till she gets use to riding.. I've been searching the bike market for a couple months now, gonna pick somethign up sometime this winter for spring time.. Probably a Cbr, it's a comfortable all around bike..

 

Whats going on Nick.

That would be sweet if you get a bike also. My cousin, Jen, and I are all getting one. I am going with my buddy to pick up his R1 today.

That Ninja 250 sounds like what she needs to learn on. What year did they make them??

Give me a call this weekend if you guys are around.

 

Yeah i've wanted one for awhile now and riding my buddies 01 ducati 748 once in awhile is not enough.. Need one of my own.. Ricks had one for a while, and so do most of my other friends. they made the 250's for awhile,i believe they still make them.. go to cycle trader and just type in ninja 250, theres 4 on there from michigan used.. can't beat the price of them either.. BTW, i sent ya an email..

 

I have an 85 honda nighthawk that is in great shape. 12500 miles, new tires + battery for sale. $1500 obo.

looking to sell asap.

I can send you some pics, would make a great bike for her / and you as well.

 

If I were you I would probably get an R6. For one it is an awesome bike and will outhandle a R1. My buddy has a 2002 R1 and let me just say his bike is fast as hell in a straight line but in the turns he would get passed by 600's. What kind of bikes have you ridden?? Also for more info on bikes you may want to go to : www.sportbikes.net

 

The only problem I see with a 600 is I dont want to get it and outgrow it. I am not that lite so that is another worry.

If Yamaha made the R7 that is what I would buy.

I have ridden quite a few bikes. A few SRAD Gixxers (600-750), 00 ZX9R, and a bunch of cruisers.

I really want the Gixxer, but they like HIGH rpms and that is suited for a track and not the street. The R series are made for the street but can be a blast on the track.

 

Yeah he's a beefcake lol I like the R1, good all around bike or the new cbr is a good all around choice too..

 

Sweet to see another guy wanting to join the ride..I myself have a 98 CBR 600 F3... This is my first bike..and let me tell ya..its defiintly enough for the begginer rider. Definitly got some *****. Its a really all around nice bike like nick said. I myself love the bike...but knew i was only getting it to learn. Im prob gonna sell it next yr for ruffly around 4500$ or so. Im then gonna go pick up a CBR 954RR Id def suggest a CBR..I like the GSXR's but everyones got um.. Happy hunting and maybe all of us guys here on the board can get together sometime and ride.
-Cory

 

Nick - Beefcake. LOL Maybe like Cartman. PowerGainer 3000. Got your email, I will give u a call this weekend. Still can get the deals, but not sure how much now that Lifetime is opening.

Formula - Sounds like a plan for next year. I have been reading sportbikes.net all day today. I would like a 700+ bike so the only choices I have is a GSXR 750+, R1, or the 954.

I must say that everyone seems to think the Honda is the best pure STREET bike that is out.

 

If I were you I would not start her out on a 600cc racing bike. I don't care how sensible she is with power. A 600 bike is still a really fast bike. My 2000 Honda F4 ran 11.7 @ 118 stock! If I were you I would look at a Kawasaki 250 for her or something under 500cc that isn't a racing bike. That will be plenty enough power for her. Trust me. For you I would recommend the CBR 954R or the GSXR 1000. The 954s are a really nice bike and kick *** but the GSXR 1000s are too. I believe the GSXR 1000 has been bike of the year for the last 2 years (if I'm not mistaken, but you have to remember that they rate them on nothing but racing aspects and nothing about cruising). It is a 99xcc motor in the 750 frame. So you have all the speed of the R1 but it handles like the 750 so its not such a load to lay down in the corner since its lighter. If your not going for all the speed then the 750 is the one to look at. Still a fast bike and easy to handle but you dont have "all" of the power and torque of the 1000 class bikes. If you are going for comfort then I would go for the Honda 954RR. Hondas sportbikes are the most comfortable of them all. The gas tank isn't as wide or long as the other bikes and the handle bars are a bit higher. As where the GSXRs (600,750 and the 1000) gas tanks are much wider and a tad longer. Also the handle bars are bit lower too, so it feels like you are straddling a bull and you are always crouched over since the handle bars are lower. The R1s are very nice bikes, but like stated above in a previous post are very top heavy so they don't handle as well in the corners. Also they have had no major modifications in the past 3-4 years (haven't heard about the '03s though). A buddy of mine had a 2000 R1 and wasn't very happy with it handling wise. He said that when he tried to lay it over in the corner it was constantly fighting him. So I guess what I would recommend as far as power, performance, handling and and comfort is the Honda 954RR. I know that a couple of inches on the handle bars and gas tank might not seem like a lot as far as comfort, but TRUST ME IT IS! Also the Hondas tend to have a higher resale value, just something to thing about. But please do not start you g.f. out on a 600 class racing bike. They are built for nothing but speed. They were developed in the wind tunnel to become more stable at higher speeds hence they are unstable at lower speeds. Thats why they don't recommend you taking you're road test on one. Also if she lays it down or drops it you're looking at quite a bit more to get it fixed. This is just my .02 but that is what I would do. If you're still stuck on getting her a 600cc bike then go with the Yamaha FZR600. Still a sportbike with side fairings and the whole 9 yards but it dosen't have "all" the power of a racing bike, but is still VERY fast for the beginner. This is the same model my buddy got killed on at over 120 mph in less than a 1/2 mile. Well I've given you all the info and thoughts that I can think of. Good luck on your decision and always watch the other people on the road!

THE END

 

Rich - Thank you for all the info.

I really like the GSXR 750 and that is what I have wanted, but with todays bikes, I just dont know.

The new 1000 is a bit much for me. I have been reading alot of people having the bike come back over on them.

I am REALLY leaning towards the 954. Seems to be that everyone thinks it is the best built and best street bike.

The 03 R1 is now fuel injected and looks nice. I really think this is the nicest looking but that is not everything.

I agree with the way the handle bars are on the gixxer, along with the tank. Feels like you are laying down. The R1 seemed REAL comfortable. Standing flat footed, I still had bends in my knees. Still have not sit on the 954.

I do NOT want to get her a 600, but that was all I was seeing in the sport class. I am leaning toward the Ninja 250 or 500. She is fine with that, but she is being stubborn and wants a white bike. Women

Thanx again for the advice.

 

Have you thought about an RC51?? It is an awesome bike plus can you say torque monster. I have heard the 954's need a steering damper. I have heard of a few people getting hurt pretty bad because due to tank slappers. I currently own a 2002 Ducati 748s and I think for next year I will be looking at either a RC51 or a Ducati 999. All the liter bikes are nice but I think alot of them are overkill for street.