Motorcycle Advice

[TVRs4eva]

Okay guys, Andrew has a big dilemna here:

I've ridden different types of motorcycles (mostly dirt bikes) on and off for about six years. However, I'm going off to college next year and I want to purchase a streetbike of some sort before I leave. Two people I know are selling their old bikes right now, a 2004 Yamaha R6 and a 2003 Yamaha R1, both in the ballpark of $4,000-$4,500.

Now then, the R6 was ridden hard its whole life and has some minor maintenance issues such as leaks and sketchy cables here and there. The R1 has low miles but the guy had to put it down at a high speed two months ago, so it's got some scrapes along the side and the crash may have caused unforseen internal damage, but for now it runs fine.

On top of this all, I live with my mother who hates all things motorcycles (my parents are divorced so I ride with my father), and she might flip out when she sees I bought one, because this last year two of her students were killed on bikes.

I just wanted to see your guys' thoughts, I've never purchased any automobile by myself and I truly appreciate any advice that anyone could give me.

Thank you.

[my porsche]

I would definitely start with the R6 if it's your first road bike. Most dealerships won't even sell a liter bike to an inexperienced rider. Plus you'll have more than adequate get up and go on the R6. Plus the R6 is the bike I'm buying the day I go to college if I go to UCSB or Pepperdine.

EDIT: Inexperienced with street bikes. I've ridden dirt bikes most of my life, too.

[sleekeywoowoo]

I would start withthe R6 aswell, for my first bike me and my brother bought a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r and its a perfect size for beginners as well as for ruising in the city and the rest of the island. Only way I'd suggest buying the R1 as your first bike is if you're confident enough with your riding skills and desire power over everything else. Personally I find the 600cc is easier to handle in corners and such but the 1000cc leaves you behind in the straights. I'd reccomend a 600cc bike for your first one though.

Those are amazing prices though for the bikes.

(Brother on the Bike, all the scratches are on the other side , you can sort of see the front fender where the plastic was welded together...the black blob on it )

[TVRs4eva]

Originally Posted by sleekeywoowoo

Those are amazing prices though for the bikes.

Yeah, the only reason i'm getting the ridiculous deals is because i know the people selling them. I'm pretty confident in my riding skills, but i suppose every person who ever crashes is confident until they're flipping over the handlebars. Nobody expects to become a statistic.

I appreciate your guys' input, i'll be looking at the bikes next week and i'll let you know what i decide on. and i'll post pictures when i can, such as of the damage to the R1 and possibly the leaky parts of the 6

[Egg Nog]

Get a 250 Ninja and learn to ride, then get an R6. Life is precious.

[Quiggs]

Start small. Very small.

[TVRs4eva]

Originally Posted by Egg Nog

Get a 250 Ninja and learn to ride, then get an R6. Life is precious.

Yeah, the bike i've had for six years is a Yamaha DT250, street legal dual purpose, so i've got a fair amount of both dirt and street experience, but much more street experience. It's a two stroke, so I'm used to the unexpected power "zing" in the high rpms, so I know how to work a motorcycle.

Originally Posted by Quiggs

Start small. Very small.

I'm pretty sure I've started small enough tho... we'll see

[Quiggs]

I don't know if jumping from a 250 to a 650 would be smart though. Find something in between, even if it's only for a few months.

[KingNothing]

The 6 id say, i've heard that they have more than enough power for anything youd wanna do with it. Plan on gettin a GSXR 600 in December if i can find a decent deal on one. Good luck, you'll need it to get past your mother if she's like mine.

[coolieman1220]

what about a CBR arn't those easy to ride? but they are expensive

[my porsche]

CBR600RR... *drool*

[rev440]

Get a ninja 500 or if you really think you can trust yourself get a 600. If you can truly pace yourself I dont think a CBR600RR, Gixxer6, ZX6R, or a R6 is out of your skill level. A early R1 is prone to picking up the front and hard to control I would not suggest a litre bike to anyone for there first bike.

Heres some eye candy for you MP. The 07 CBR600RR is one of my favorite bikes.

[clutch-monkey]

start small..other than that, i call dibs on your liver.

[TVRs4eva]

Originally Posted by clutch-monkey

start small..other than that, i call dibs on your liver.

Hate to say that it really won't do ya much good at this point... I party a fair amount, and it looks like I'm going to CSU San Diego next year

[Cyco]

I'd normally be in the start small crowd, but sounds like that bike will cost you in the wallet department