[ervins]

Change minds NO...The key is to see both sides. I see both sides. But yes, in the end everyone has a side they will pick over the other. Like Yankees over Boston...Yankees all the time.

Originally Posted by likearock4x4

OK, I gotta ask...

Is anyone being convinced to change their minds by any of this conversation???

Do the statistics help to make anyones points??

I tend to doubt it. I can see both sides of it.

Not that you asked, but my opinion is that a SUPERSPORT is NEVER the bike to learn on!!! I'm not saying that a 250 is... that would be ludicrous, I can see a 500 or a 650, but nothing more powerful. There's just too much chance for the new rider to freak out at the sudden rush of power in the event that the twist more than they planned on--especially when learning to corner or weave. Of course the rider's size, build, maturity, age, experience, training, and many other things have to be considered when making a recommendation. AND, as others here have said... the new rider is going to buy what he wants... I'd say that as the experienced rider, it is your responsibility to at least try your DARNDEST to make him/her WANT to buy the proper bike. (Just remember that if he were to get hurt badly or killed because he made a mistake on a bike that he was steered to by you, you'd have to live with your consciense for that.) One additional thing to consider when deciding what bike to recommend: If the bike is too small or too large physically for them, they will be uncomfortable, and will be distracted by this discomfort. This takes away some of their attention from what they should be concentrating on (the road and what's on it) and diverts it to the area of discomfort. (I can say this it true first hand... I went through that situation.)

I'd say my position is somewhere between the two sides being argued here.