Newest member questions

[ThatBikeGirl]

Hi everyone!!

Ok I know that you probably get the same questions over and over so I'll try to spare your feelings....

There's a waiting list for the MSF beginner course, but I paid so I'm in. My class is set for the middle of September which gives me 2 months to prepare. I have minimal riding experience as a passenger and none whatsoever as a rider. Oh...I'm 5'5" and a half and I weigh approximately 130-135 lbs. My goal is to purchase a used Ninja 600 and eventually a brand new one maybe a year later. I don't want to get a 250 or a 500 as of now, but I know I may change my mind after the class. Two of my guy friends, one of whom is my height, took the class as a first time rider and got a 600 right out and both of them were fine.

My first and highest priority is to go purchase a helmet because I don't want to use one from the classes. If I want a simple, no graphics, less expensive helmet...what would you suggest? As for basic riding gear..I was thinking to get gloves and a jacket. I have jeans and the proper shoes/boots to wear.

Secondly....what are some of the more common problems/issues people face when they become first time riders? I have excellent coordination, am a fast learner, don't get frustrated easily, lots of horseback riding experience, and I used to drag race an import car. So I really understand timing and hearing the gears in an engine. The only thing I can see being a problem for me is my height. Two of my good guy friends have bikes. I got in the driver's part of an R6 and my toes barely touched the ground....is that going to be a big problem?

Also, does anyone have any suggestions on websites that can give a beginner the understandings of the mechanics and engine parts of a Kawasaki Ninja 600? I want to know some technical stuff when I go to take the class.

Thanks for any and all help/suggestions!!

[cudaosix]

HJC makes an excellent inexpensive helmet. I own two AC-11's and am very happy with both. You really should try on several different models to find one that fits well. Here's a link to a site that sells gear at decent prices and the service is very good. Check out the closeout section.
http://www.newenough.com/index2.htm
As far as the common problems/issues people face, from what you listed in your post you should be fine.You'll figure out what your strong and weak points are after taking the course, everyone is different. Starting on a 600, you know your limits better then any one, some people will think its cool, most wont, your call, after all its your *** on the line. I'm not the best person to recommend a first bike, if you listen to me you'll end up riding an old KZ1000 OR 900
Enjoy the course, ride safe.

[ThatBikeGirl]

I found a picture of me on the bike I was talking about. My toes BARELY touch the ground Would a bike like this pose a safety issue?



But I heard someone about having the "itch" ahha That's me for sure! Everytime I see a bike parked or ride past me, I get sooooooo excited!!!

[ThatBikeGirl]

HJC makes an excellent inexpensive helmet. I own two AC-11's and am very happy with both. You really should try on several different models to find one that fits well. Here's a link to a site that sells gear at decent prices and the service is very good. Check out the closeout section.
http://www.newenough.com/index2.htm
As far as the common problems/issues people face, from what you listed in your post you should be fine.You'll figure out what your strong and weak points are after taking the course, everyone is different. Starting on a 600, you know your limits better then any one, some people will think its cool, most wont, your call, after all its your *** on the line. I'm not the best person to recommend a first bike, if you listen to me you'll end up riding an old KZ1000 OR 900
Enjoy the course, ride safe.

Thank you so much for your help. I actually was thinking about an HJC. I will check out that website!

[cudaosix]

Thank you so much for your help. I actually was thinking about an HJC. I will check out that website!

Your Welcome. Whatever you end up buying can be lowered so the issue of not being able to reach the ground isnt a big deal. Generally the idea is to start on a smaller bike thats easier to handle then move up to something bigger when your ready. Talk to your instructor about it after the course since he/she will have a good idea of what your abilities are and whats best to start with.

[orangemug]

i prefer the scorpion exo helmets over hjc...they have more vents and r lighter with more comfortable liners... also they are about $50 cheaper.

you should be fine with a used 600 if your a responsible rider..however the "tippy toes" may be an issue on emergency stops and such since r6's r the shortest bikes. it is alot harder to keep be bike at when it tends to lean to a side with only toes... but if worst comes to worse u can lower the bike... i took the msf coarse with a girl that is 5' 2" id say and she has a new 05 r6 she lowered and is doing fine.

but all in all i think u sould be fine..

[luvda6R]

uh oh....I'm staying out of this one....two threads were shut down yesterday because "idiots" (I'm one of them) weren't sternly opposed to a newbie possibly starting on a 600...we idiots were trying to take into consideration some factors you mentioned (and others) such as inherant coordination, strength, feel, learning ability, experience trying other new and similar hazardous activities, and other characteristics only the person themself can assess. To put it another way, our/my take was that it depends on the intentions of the person, how much of clue they have, how coordinated they are, and how much of an accident waiting to happen they are...basically. But, maybe the default answer would be that a newb should not start on a 600. Guess I'm not "staying out of it".....I may have just ticked of a lot of people...oh well...Gotta speak your mind!

Anyway, good luck with your decision...in terms of potential problems, they're all over the place. It's all about feel, staying within your limits, looking out for hazards (i.e. road hazards - gravel, oil, potholes, etc. - and human hazards), knowing the throttle and brakes, they're application, how strong/touchy they are, smooth shifting, cornering technique, watching your entry speed, low-speed maneuvering, and alot of other things. And you always want to ride with the assumption that no one around you has a clue that your there. Don't ride next to cars, that's known as the "death zone".... and stay out of car's blind spots. At least that's my take on it. Again, good luck, hope it goes well for you.

[orangemug]

luvda6r,



speaking your mind is part of going on and posting on forums right?

speak your mind buddy.




bikegirl,

tip for you, ride with your high beams on in the day. helps u be seen.

[luvda6R]

luvda6r,



speaking your mind is part of going on and posting on forums right?

speak your mind buddy.

right on

[cudaosix]

uh oh....I'm staying out of this one....two threads were shut down yesterday because "idiots" (I'm one of them) weren't sternly opposed to a newbie possibly starting on a 600...we idiots were trying to take into consideration some factors you mentioned (and others) such as inherant coordination, strength, feel, learning ability, experience trying other new and similar hazardous activities, and other characteristics only the person themself can assess. To put it another way, our/my take was that it depends on the intentions of the person, how much of clue they have, how coordinated they are, and how much of an accident waiting to happen they are...basically. But, maybe the default answer would be that a newb should not start on a 600. Guess I'm not "staying out of it".....I may have just ticked of a lot of people...oh well...Gotta speak your mind!

Anyway, good luck with your decision...in terms of potential problems, they're all over the place. It's all about feel, staying within your limits, looking out for hazards (i.e. road hazards - gravel, oil, potholes, etc. - and human hazards), knowing the throttle and brakes, they're application, how strong/touchy they are, smooth shifting, cornering technique, watching your entry speed, low-speed maneuvering, and alot of other things. And you always want to ride with the assumption that no one around you has a clue that your there. Don't ride next to cars, that's known as the "death zone".... and stay out of car's blind spots. At least that's my take on it. Again, good luck, hope if goes well for you.

luvda6r...good post....looks like I'm in trouble then since i dont think starting on a 600 is a terrible thing, and didnt advise strongly against it, plus I mentioned a KZ1000 Thats just the way I feel about it.

orangemug... did you buy your scorpion helmet online? If so, can you post a link so I can check em out?

[BleedGreen]

alright well regarding about your height. your height should be fine and as you could bearly get your toes on the ground on that one bike. thats not a huge issue. the bike you sat on was probably stock height. you can get lowering links to lower the back and you can lower the front as well. if you lowered it like an inch to two inches you should be just fine. and as for anyone telling you not to get a 600. remember its your choice. any bike is fine as a learning bike as long as you understand that you will probably drop it once or twice and that as long as you ride safe and dont do anything crazy or dumb you should be just fine. the main thing is to be safe.

[BleedGreen]

especialy be carefull here in cali. we got some crazy people out on the roads. and im not talking about on bikes. plus remember that if you wanna go fast save it for the track. cause alot of these cali roads arent in good enough condition to be going fast on. so dont even bother

[luvda6R]

looks like I'm in trouble then since i dont think starting on a 600 is a terrible thing, and didnt advise strongly against it, plus I mentioned a KZ1000

double uh oh
I myself think a liter is a bit much, basically because to me a 600 is middle of the line. But, to each their own, definitely. The most important thing i think is that the rider assesses and knows what they can do, and what they can handle.

orangemug... did you buy your scorpion helmet online? If so, can you post a link so I can check em out?

I can help you out....I have a scorp helmet. You can check them out and order directly from their website and stores are starting to get them in also. They're really good helmets and not a bad price. Here's a few links:

http://www.scorpionusa.com/
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...nufacturer=574

[BleedGreen]

that must be nice to have that 636 up in tahoe. alot of good twisties up there. i used to go up there every year for the 4th of july

[luvda6R]

And just want to make clear...I'm not suggesting she get a 600, and it's true she'd be safer on a smaller bike as a new rider. Just putting the arguing points out there... To me, the fact that it's safer is not 100% a reason to avoid getting a 600.

hope we didn't scare you away bikegirl the most important thing is to be safe and have fun

[luvda6R]

that must be nice to have that 636 up in tahoe. alot of good twisties up there. i used to go up there every year for the 4th of july

ya, it's a great place. So much to explore, and like you said, some great twisties...only problem is that nowadays there's a lot of traffic from people visiting the area, so it's hard to get some space to let'r rip a little. Great area though.

[BleedGreen]

either this year or next year im taking my firebird up to hot august nights. im just glad tahoes only like a 1 -2 hour drive

[ThatBikeGirl]

I just found out my friend, the one who's yellow bike I am on in that picture, just crashed it on the way to a motorcycle event!! an hour ago
Apparently he's just a little banged up, but his bike is "Bleeding" So this has given me a little fear.

I'm going for no more then a 500 even if I feel secure in my riding abilities and safety. That's 2 friends since 4/2005 that have crashed now. My other friend wasn't so lucky and has a halo and tracheotomy. But he's expected to fully recover. I think the difference between them and me is I don't plan on being some hotshot rider going 100mph.

So forget about me askin if a 600 is too much for a beginning rider. Yah that's cool that you can lower them.

Do they teach you the correct ways to fall like in karate? Do they tell you how to correct yourself if you start sliding on dirt? It's pretty crazy because now that I've been a passenger, and I know how scary it can be going between cars, I'm ALWAYS on the lookout for riders. If I am driving and I see one coming, I always move over to give them room.

For me my plan is to do mostly riding in areas where it is common for bikers...like small canyons and along the coast.

Also I noticed that when I would ride as passenger, when he would go really fast, the wind would push against my helmet and sometimes my neck would start hurting. Is that normal? Is it because I am a passenger?

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!! IT MEANS A LOT!

[camneely8]

I took the MSF class which was great stuff and the instructors will be super helpful with many of your questions. I bought a Ninja 500R and its perfect for me. If I do outgrow it, which will be years from now probably I will upgrade the bike but from what I have read and seen so far, its gonna last me a long time. I would def suggest that you have a bike or get the bike lowered so that you can stand on the soles of your feet when holding up these bikes.
I bought a Scorpion EXO Warhawk and I love it. I also have a Fieldsheer Paddock which is a kewl jacket. Might get a leather one when the weather gets cooler but only time will tell. JRocket gloves cause they were on sale and a good fit for me.

[BleedGreen]

i feel sorry for your friend. just recently near lake bareassa near davis and vaccaville one of my friends died. he was going 90 in the twisties and was on the other side of the road and hit a truck head on comming around a corner. the thing is, it was his fault for being irresponsible. thats all you have to remember. people may think a bikes a toy but its not. as long as your responsible you should be safe no matter what you choose. but yea a 500 would be better for you cause the riding positions arent as aggressive, its more upright. or you could get a zzr 600. its basicly a 01-02 ninja zx6r but with a nicer riding position