Beginner on a R1?

Question

Im 26 years old. I am 6'2 250 pounds. Im taking the Motorcycle saftey class this week. I want to get a R1, Im scared to death, I have no desire to go 120 mph, but the size of the bike feels great. I want to look good, have some power under me, but ride with total caution. As a beginner, is this STILL going to be 2 much bike? I feel like a 600 is way to small, and I will want more bike very soon after learning...what should I do???

Answer 1

If you're mature enough to control your emotions and ego, buy it.

Treat it with respect.

You don't have to wack the throttle wide open every second you're on the bike.

You can easily get just as injured riding a 50cc scooter as an R1.

Enjoy !!!

Answer 2

Just because youre big doesnt mean you need a large cc bike. I'm your size and I do have a r1, I also have a vtr250. I actually prefer riding 600s on the track.  If you have throttle control a R1 can be ridden as slow as you want to go, theyre not high strung.

Answer 3

I don't know man. If you are really worried about it, you should go with a 600. My first bike was a Kawasaki 636r. I am 6'6" 225lbs and reach 145mph pretty easily.  600cc is plenty of bike, especially for a first timer.  There is nothing wrong with getting an R1, but just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to adjust to the bike. The other option is to go in between with a 750 (Suzuki GX-R). Be safe, man.

Answer 4

BAD IDEA!!!!! once you get comfortable on a bike you cant help but get a little silly....and i wouldnt buy a new bike to start with because its probably 95% chance that you WILL lay it down, and you wouldntt want to scuff up such a beautiful machine like the R1.. so go outt and buy a used 600 for about $2500 and go out and ride

Answer 5

R1 is too much for a beginner.

Start with a smaller / less powerful bike.

Answer 6

Considering you're taking a course you should be OK ,being an ex instructor with the Ottawa Safety Council in Canada I will pass on what I told all my students. Ride within your limits,ride defensively,don't be talked into any dangerous maneuvers. Good Luck.

Answer 7

Its not about top speed, its about how quick youre gonna get yourself in trouble if you hit the throttle at the wrong time.  You should get something a little more forgiving and learn throttle control and how the bike reacts in different situations, before stepping up to a r1.  You should get a Suzuki sv650, you can find really nice ones for cheap, ride it for a year then bump up when you feel comfortable.  Dont kill yourself to look cool.

Answer 8

Go for it and you will be fine! I am so happy we have another r1 rider. I just bought my own Yamaha r1 a couple of months ago and I love it. I have been riding for a long time and rode on several different sport bikes which to me were whimpy and did not have much power. Having the r1 is very different then anything else...it does have power and you need to be careful. I would suggest to continue taking the Safety Classes because they will help. Also once you get one the bike DON'T show off and rev the engine and go zooming off...because I can tell you that it won't end good. Take your time in the beginning and once you find how the bike is going to react you will be good. Also what you said about going 125mph don't say that yet....it is an amazing feeling going that fast on the highway! I am 21 years old, 5'6'', and weigh a good weight and I have no problem with the bike.

Good Luck and enjoy the new ride.