First time poster, and a few questions.

[Ext1jdh]

I think he's already seen the light, Doc. Or at least he's realized that the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train...

[Brian360]

Originally Posted by Ext1jdh

I think he's already seen the light, Doc. Or at least he's realized that the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train...

Yah, i'm still gonna get it though. Let it sit in my garage until I'm ready for it.

Take some classes. ride around for a bit and probably sell it and try to get something smaller. Too good a deal for me to pass up.

[intimid8er]

BTW-Your leaning the bike, would be your first crash.

It wasn't my intent for us to thumb our noses and say look at you, you don't know what you're talking about, but.....it kinda did illustrate that point, and being relevant to your question of are they hard to ride.

Any bike is hard to ride. There is a specific motor skill set you develop, and habits. Granted, I didn't describe terrain surrounding the curve, visibility, and other related items. However, there is far more involved than just leaning the bike over.

Skills and habits such as slowing before the corner, looking as far through the corner/curve as you can with your head up, choosing a delayed apex, a line through the corner that allows you to go outside/inside/outside, choosing a line that gives you maximum control of the bike, and room for errors or environmental circumstances that pop up.

Pushing the steering controls in the opposite direction of the turn. Rolling on the throttle to settle the chassis. Looking through the turn to where you want to be.

Just a whole bunch of skills that we would hope you pick up by taking a $200 class, and maybe a bike that won't constantly tax your limits and abilities. One that is forgiving and a pleasure to ride.

[Brian360]

I'm def. gonna take the course....

[Clint]

Consider this cause lost.

Brian, every rider we've had here who said he was going to buy a bike and hang onto it until such-and-such has reneged. Every one.

[drgibson]

What you get from the MSF is a set of skills to practice. The more proficient you become with those skills the better you will be to handle all the things the road will throw at you. I still go about once a month to an empty parking lot and practice those skills. There is no such thing as being over prepaired when it comes to motorcycles.

[Brian360]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Consider this cause lost.

Brian, every rider we've had here who said he was going to buy a bike and hang onto it until such-and-such has reneged. Every one.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. What was your first bike?

[Clint]

A 1989 Yamaha Radian 600 making about 40 hp. I rode it for several thousand miles over a few years, then upgraded to a 750 Nighthawk making about 60 hp. Both were used as two-up tourers and personal use. I didn't own a bike making more than that for 6000 miles and 12 years. Any other questions?

[Ext1jdh]

I have a few more questions...

What is the square root of pi? What is the average rainfall in the Amazon basin? How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Why is the sky blue?

Lets give him a break from the hammering. Brian, one of our other members has just put his GS500 up for sale (he moved up to a Duc Monster 900). Check around the sale thread and you'll see it.

Be safe.

[Brian360]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

A 1989 Yamaha Radian 600 making about 40 hp. I rode it for several thousand miles over a few years, then upgraded to a 750 Nighthawk making about 60 hp. Both were used as two-up tourers and personal use. I didn't own a bike making more than that for 6000 miles and 12 years. Any other questions?

If you were in my position would you trade? If it never gets cranked up, or driven, it'll be about the same amount of usage as my mustang.


HOW MANY MILES CAN THESE BIKES LAST?????



That pretty much sums it up.

[drgibson]

Originally Posted by Brian360

HOW MANY MILES CAN THESE BIKES LAST?????

If well cared for as long as a car.

[Ext1jdh]

With regular care and maintenance, practically indefinitely. Its just like any other automobile. If you keep it in good shape it'll last forever. If you treat it like crap, it'll last a few years then head for the junkpile

[Brian360]

Originally Posted by drgibson

If well cared for as long as a car.

Thanks.

Also, anything I should look for when I go look at it this afternoon?

[drgibson]

With the mods done to this bike it seem like it is setup for street racing. Check the wear of the tires look for leaks, scrapes, and anything loose. IMHO this bike has probably seen it's fair share of drag races. I think talking to the owner should also give you a good feel for how the bike was treated.

[jbrough7]

How about this, since that bike is a good deal? Go get it and then give the keys to your girlfriend to hide for a year....then go out and buy an old crate of a bike; a 250 enduro or, say a Suzuki Savage. Something with low(er) weight and not much power and not worth much money.

Learn to ride on the cheaper bike. Do some practice panic stops - even in the wet! You sure won't want to be doing with a nice bike. Take the course - try everything with that machine. Ride everywhere...

10000 miles and you're probably ready for the Suzi.

jim

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by Brian360

Thanks.

Also, anything I should look for when I go look at it this afternoon?

A good insurance agent? One that offers Disability, and if you care about those left behind....Life.

[Brian360]

Originally Posted by intimid8er

A good insurance agent? One that offers Disability, and if you care about those left behind....Life.

Thanks again for your helpful posts.

[Clint]

Brian, I commend your ability to remain polite, but you really aren't listening. It's a bad idea. Period.

For the sake of argument, I've ridden over 20,000 miles, been to the track, taken rider courses, currently ride a 110hp, 80lbs-ft bike, and read a thousand pages on motorcycling, and I still consider that too much bike for me. Take it for what it's worth.

[Brian360]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Brian, I commend your ability to remain polite, but you really aren't listening. It's a bad idea. Period.

For the sake of argument, I've ridden over 20,000 miles, been to the track, taken rider courses, currently ride a 110hp, 80lbs-ft bike, and read a thousand pages on motorcycling, and I still consider that too much bike for me. Take it for what it's worth.

Thanks and I appreciate it all. I'm going to get it, whether I ride it soon is a diff. story. Its a good trade. Just wanted some insight as I knew nothing about the bike. If I get it, the guy is going to drive it to my house where I know it'll sit at least three months before I even look at it. I have plenty of $ and do not care about making an investment like this that I wont be able to enjoy for awhile. I will take classes and more than likely learn on a smaller bike.. Not like I'm going to get it and drive it home. You guys have been very very helpful and I appreciate everything you guys have said and your thoughts have been read carefully and understood. I am no dumb teenager, I'm aware this bike is probably the fastest/ most dangerous thing I would ever sit on, or even be around. I will stick around as I'm sure if I get it (pending) and ask questions, If you guys do not mind. I am here to ask questions and generate good positive communication between people with the interest. I know that their are some experts on here who could help out a lot. Just realize, I want to learn, this is a great deal on my part. Hell this bike could sit in my garage for a year and I would'nt even realize that its there. Thanks again for all of your suggestions/feedback as it was all read well. And to the one who made the thread for "new bikers" that was an amazing write-up and any parent would appreciate that, as well as any-one else. However I am an adult, and being responsible is something that I have always been. I know I'm going to have to put forth a lot of effort to be able to learn how to ride this particular bike but all steps/precautions and courses will not be taken lightly. Thanks again guys.

-Brian

[intimid8er]

Be well.