Discussion
600s are quick enough, i went bigger as im lazy basicly. when covered in luggage i was having to use the gearbox too much to keep it on song for steep hills etc. the 1400 ive got now goes everywhere in 6th. much easier to be lazy on. plus if im having to work the engine i tend to slip into a more trying mode & push it more everywhere which isnt good with all the cameras about.
Right I'm starting the 3-day course tomorrow, with the test itself on Thursday. I think we'll be using Kawasaki ER-5s, which should be pretty interesting since these have a similar power-weight ratio (inc rider) to a 300bhp 1500kg car, and the fastest thing I've driven so far is a 110bhp Clio 1.8 8v RSi.
Weather looks set to be 'interesting' too http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?id=1000, just hope my new jacket/trousers will hold up!
Weather looks set to be 'interesting' too http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?id=1000, just hope my new jacket/trousers will hold up!
Are you sure, really sure, that you're twisting the 675s throttle all the way around? I though i was, then went on track, and realised i wasn't. Funny that. Second gear, rip it open. It rocks.
It will take the 600s out of corners, and then do them on the brakes. Sweet.
Note: "it will" not "I can".
It will take the 600s out of corners, and then do them on the brakes. Sweet.
Note: "it will" not "I can".
robstvr said:
Are you sure, really sure, that you're twisting the 675s throttle all the way around? I though i was, then went on track, and realised i wasn't. Funny that. Second gear, rip it open. It rocks.
lol i'm opening it up until the bumpstop. As I said later on in the thread, it's by no means slow, it's just stupid how quickly you get used to the speed (in my case 20 minutes but my trackcar will do a 4 second 60 run)Point to point on a b road I don't think there are many faster bikes than the 675 (note I said bikes, not me :P)
Well, despite the rain today I managed to pass the test on the ER-5. 3 minors. Yet for some bizare reason I don't feel as satisfied/relieved as I thought I would be 
When doing U-Turns during the DAS I was relying on the idle (ie not slipping the clutch or using the rear brake) which was fine on a perfectly level surface and under no pressure. After a few screw ups this morning my instructor drilled into me to use a bit of revs/clutch/rear-brake, and managed to wobble through the U-turn during the test missing the kerb I think by about an inch or so. Also the f
king radio supplied by the DSA was full of fking distortion, a couple of times I had to guess which way the tester wanted me to go at junctions. And if the distortion wasn't bad enough my brain seemed to enter 'dumb blonde' mode since I was focusing on my riding so much, several instructions via radio or otherwise seemed to go over my head and/or where forgotten after a few seconds 
. I think I must have really annoyed the tester, but didn't do anything seriously wrong, and apart from one moment when I was screaming in my helmet when I didn't get another instruction I was surprisingly calm during the test. Well, either that or the tester didn't want to see me again 
Its just odd I feel somewhat unsatisfied, that I almost lucked through the test, especially as it took 3 attempts to pass my driving test years ago, and when I did I got at least 6 minors.
I think some advanced training is definitely being done, and I'll probably join a local motorcycling club (Grampian Motorcycling Club?).
So, jon, would you recommend a 675 as a first bike?
When doing U-Turns during the DAS I was relying on the idle (ie not slipping the clutch or using the rear brake) which was fine on a perfectly level surface and under no pressure. After a few screw ups this morning my instructor drilled into me to use a bit of revs/clutch/rear-brake, and managed to wobble through the U-turn during the test missing the kerb I think by about an inch or so. Also the f
king radio supplied by the DSA was full of fking distortion, a couple of times I had to guess which way the tester wanted me to go at junctions. And if the distortion wasn't bad enough my brain seemed to enter 'dumb blonde' mode since I was focusing on my riding so much, several instructions via radio or otherwise seemed to go over my head and/or where forgotten after a few seconds . I think I must have really annoyed the tester, but didn't do anything seriously wrong, and apart from one moment when I was screaming in my helmet when I didn't get another instruction I was surprisingly calm during the test. Well, either that or the tester didn't want to see me again Its just odd I feel somewhat unsatisfied, that I almost lucked through the test, especially as it took 3 attempts to pass my driving test years ago, and when I did I got at least 6 minors.I think some advanced training is definitely being done, and I'll probably join a local motorcycling club (Grampian Motorcycling Club?).
So, jon, would you recommend a 675 as a first bike?
Edited by MarkRSi on Thursday 10th July 16:19
MarkRSi said:
So, jon, would you recommend a 675 as a first bike?
If you want a 600 supersport as your first bike it's one of the more drivable bikes out of the bunch, and as their British and beautiful why notCongratulations. It's a lot like driving, now you've passed you'll really learn to start to ride as you'll focus less on bike control and more about what's going on around you.
I wouldn't peg a 675 as an ideal first bike. It's forgiving (without the Super corsas on - hell in the cold, wet) but it's a bit painful if your body isn't used to biking. If it's a weekend toy, then maybe.
The power deliver is great for a newbie, as it's so smooth, but i think it may be a wee bit too focussed, and the steering a bit too immediate to instill confident learning for someone new. Something a bit softer would be a better way to pick up the skills you need, and to allow more attention to stay on the road ahead, and not on what the bike is doing. There could be some sensory overload, there.
A naked 600 is the way forward for starters.
OK, bring on the dissenters....
The power deliver is great for a newbie, as it's so smooth, but i think it may be a wee bit too focussed, and the steering a bit too immediate to instill confident learning for someone new. Something a bit softer would be a better way to pick up the skills you need, and to allow more attention to stay on the road ahead, and not on what the bike is doing. There could be some sensory overload, there.
A naked 600 is the way forward for starters.
OK, bring on the dissenters....
I was looking at naked 500/600 as my first bike and I've just bought an Aprilia Pegaso Trial 650 so very upright 50bhp and a thumping single.... I'm not allowed anything even vaguely sporty.
This should suit my requirements perfectly. In reality I'll never know till I've ridden it a bit.
This should suit my requirements perfectly. In reality I'll never know till I've ridden it a bit.
Rode many bikes in my past, my favourite was my 1948 500 Triumph and a 650 BSA. Not ridden now for at least 35 years, and, because of ridiculous petrol prices here bought a YBR for short commutes. What a lovely little bike! Yes slightly more unstable in wind, but agile, and all I need for my few miles to work, also had it on the autobahn, 110kph flat out (new) isn't enough but I usually don't use the AB so no worries! Back to a bigger bike? not at my age (a wrinkly now!)... but can feel the urge of all the ones who want their arms ripped out!!!
I'll probably get a 600 supersports eventually, but as Rob said maybe a bit too hardcore for a first bike/commuter. I've been mainly looking at Hornets, ER-6s, FZ6s etc.
The local Honda dealer has a 07 (56 plate) Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (ABS) for 4k, 500 miles. Bike was apparently too big for previous owner. Doesn't look like it has been dropped (no obvious dents). Does it sound like a good deal (they were 5.5k new)? Should I bite his hand off or haggle? Anything I should be looking for with an FZ6? Will probably take a closer look sometime next week.
The local Honda dealer has a 07 (56 plate) Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (ABS) for 4k, 500 miles. Bike was apparently too big for previous owner. Doesn't look like it has been dropped (no obvious dents). Does it sound like a good deal (they were 5.5k new)? Should I bite his hand off or haggle? Anything I should be looking for with an FZ6? Will probably take a closer look sometime next week.
It'll wear off, some get used to it quicker than others. I thought the YBR 125 I took my CBT on was nippy for the first five minutes around the car park, but then I realised how utterly dog slow and gutless it was. I'm now riding a 65/70 bhp Kawasaki ZXR 400 and although it's definetely not slow I'm again used to the power and would like something with a little more grunt lower down in the gears.
MarkRSi said:
I'll probably get a 600 supersports eventually, but as Rob said maybe a bit too hardcore for a first bike/commuter. I've been mainly looking at Hornets, ER-6s, FZ6s etc.
The local Honda dealer has a 07 (56 plate) Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (ABS) for 4k, 500 miles. Bike was apparently too big for previous owner. Doesn't look like it has been dropped (no obvious dents). Does it sound like a good deal (they were 5.5k new)? Should I bite his hand off or haggle? Anything I should be looking for with an FZ6? Will probably take a closer look sometime next week.
Hey mark, are you in the aberdeen area? (figured this out as you said about joining a Grampian club)The local Honda dealer has a 07 (56 plate) Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (ABS) for 4k, 500 miles. Bike was apparently too big for previous owner. Doesn't look like it has been dropped (no obvious dents). Does it sound like a good deal (they were 5.5k new)? Should I bite his hand off or haggle? Anything I should be looking for with an FZ6? Will probably take a closer look sometime next week.
I have just passed my test along with a few of my pals, and i just picked the bike up thurs. I got a CBR600RR. I would definately recomend either honda or yamaha eccose for getting your bike. Martin the guy that owns both is a top bloke and will give you an excellent price, think i got about £330 of the bike then a further 15% off all the gear, nice friendly people to, keith at yamaha is a great bloke to. He actually seemed genuinely worried when I picked up my bike on thurs in the rain and told him its the first bike I have riden since passing my DAS
About your choice of bike, i was going to go for hornet or something like it but decided that i would probably get bored and decided to just get a supersports. I have found it to be easy enough to ride and not all that uncomfy, it's been dry once when i have been out on it wet the rest of the time. I have found that if you just take it real easy you will get on fine.
anyway when you get a bike if you want to come out a run with us one night/ weekend just drop me a mail and we can get something organised, like i said we have all just passed our tests so we are still all learning so you won't have to feel to worried about us being idiots
p.s. there is a lovely green ninja sitting in the honda dealer for 4500 just now.
Gratz on all passing tests!
Hey Fish, want to to a BikeSafe? Currently doing some research to find out the best one and the dates. Lincs do one for £25 which is the current favourite.
Besides I am a 'Captain Slow' so Mrs F can be assured there will be pootling rather than hooning going on
Trace
Hey Fish, want to to a BikeSafe? Currently doing some research to find out the best one and the dates. Lincs do one for £25 which is the current favourite.
Besides I am a 'Captain Slow' so Mrs F can be assured there will be pootling rather than hooning going on
Trace
Just got my first bike, a Kawasaki ER-6N 
(so much for wanting a 125 lol). Probably post some pics later.
Anyway weather looked ok so I had a run out this evening to get familiar with the bike. However when I parked up I managed to lose my balance and tipped over
. Fortunately I had stopped and it more a comical lowering the bike on it side rather than dropping it, and only the footpeg got damaged. Definitely glad I got a second hand bike with mushrooms on the side rather than a brand new Hornet or that Fazer I was considering.
Apart from that I really enjoyed the run out even if I was riding slowly everywhere lol.
(so much for wanting a 125 lol). Probably post some pics later.Anyway weather looked ok so I had a run out this evening to get familiar with the bike. However when I parked up I managed to lose my balance and tipped over
. Fortunately I had stopped and it more a comical lowering the bike on it side rather than dropping it, and only the footpeg got damaged. Definitely glad I got a second hand bike with mushrooms on the side rather than a brand new Hornet or that Fazer I was considering. Apart from that I really enjoyed the run out
even if I was riding slowly everywhere lol. 
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