Yamaha R6 first bike
Discussion
usn90 said:
Some reassuring posts.
I’d just rather get the bike I’d prefer to have and take my time getting used to both the bike and riding, rather than rushing from one bike to another.
But just wanted to tap into ph’s experience for a sense check
Are you a relatively “normal” size and weight? If you’re quite tall and / or wide then do make sure that yog’re going to be comfortable with the physical size of whatever bike you pick.I’d just rather get the bike I’d prefer to have and take my time getting used to both the bike and riding, rather than rushing from one bike to another.
But just wanted to tap into ph’s experience for a sense check
airsafari87 said:
But the bike you want rather than the bike you think you should get.
This all the way! If you want an R6 then get one, just be cautious as you learn how to ride it after your test.
Be prepared to be miserable at some point because it's not a super comfy, friendly bike like a lot of people recommend for learners.
On the other hand it'll be fantastic to get right after some practice, and you'll always enjoy owning the thing you want
I’m 6foot 1, and around 13 stone.
I’ve never sat on an R6 or any bike for that matter other than the back of my dads intruder, I just assumed, as a noobie that the majority of the super sport bikes all had roughly the same seating position, and that different seating positions were more
Dependent on the class of bike.
I’ve just had a Quick Look at the GSXR600, I like the look of those also, and with the SC project exhaust (like the R6 I posted) sounds very nice too, so on first glance these interest me also.
I do want to to get a cheap bike as my first, £2-5K sounds about right to me and in the R6 case gets me an early 00’s- 2010ish example, similar i think to the Suzuki
With the R6, I’ve read the engine is basically the same from the early 00’s to more recently, is this still the case with the GSXR’s, or is there say a year they introduced a new better sounding engine?
I’ve never sat on an R6 or any bike for that matter other than the back of my dads intruder, I just assumed, as a noobie that the majority of the super sport bikes all had roughly the same seating position, and that different seating positions were more
Dependent on the class of bike.
I’ve just had a Quick Look at the GSXR600, I like the look of those also, and with the SC project exhaust (like the R6 I posted) sounds very nice too, so on first glance these interest me also.
I do want to to get a cheap bike as my first, £2-5K sounds about right to me and in the R6 case gets me an early 00’s- 2010ish example, similar i think to the Suzuki
With the R6, I’ve read the engine is basically the same from the early 00’s to more recently, is this still the case with the GSXR’s, or is there say a year they introduced a new better sounding engine?
Edited by usn90 on Thursday 6th June 09:54
hiccy18 said:
Have you actually seen an R6? They're very compact, too small for me to be comfortable on.
I'm 6ft 3 and toured on my 2006 R6 no problem. OP - Like others have said, the R6 is only tasty once you get up in the rev range. It can be very docile if you want it to be.
Your comment about not being scared of speed worries me slightly, we should all have a bit of fear otherwise you'll go hot into a corner and then you'll have to lean far more than if you were going slower. Look up target fixation too, it's something that catches out a lot of riders who don't mind speed but have to slow right down for corners.
Finally, book a few track days as soon as you're able. Ease into it. Wet track days are far more useful than dry ones for learning bike control.
Someone mentioned 125s getting it wrong too, which brought me back to around 1979.
There were a load of us on 125s and 100s, all noobies apart from one mate who had a couple of years experience and he was riding a mighty (to us) Honda 250.
So he lead us off from South London down to the coast.
There's a big roundabout on the A217 with the 3rd turn off heading for Box Hill.
So he enters the roundabout and we all follow like a line of baby geese.
He's leaning but we are all upright trying to steer.
So we all understeered to a spluttering halt, some going across the pavement.
That day was like a WW2 bombing mission as by the time we got to the coast we had lost 4/5 of the gang and lost 3 on the way back.
All eventually were found
unharmed.
Of that gang only my mate on the 250 and myself still ride.
There were a load of us on 125s and 100s, all noobies apart from one mate who had a couple of years experience and he was riding a mighty (to us) Honda 250.
So he lead us off from South London down to the coast.
There's a big roundabout on the A217 with the 3rd turn off heading for Box Hill.
So he enters the roundabout and we all follow like a line of baby geese.
He's leaning but we are all upright trying to steer.
So we all understeered to a spluttering halt, some going across the pavement.
That day was like a WW2 bombing mission as by the time we got to the coast we had lost 4/5 of the gang and lost 3 on the way back.
All eventually were found
unharmed.Of that gang only my mate on the 250 and myself still ride.
[quote=Discendo Discimus]
Your comment about not being scared of speed worries me slightly, we should all have a bit of fear otherwise you'll go hot into a corner and then you'll have to lean far more than if you were going slower. Look up target fixation too, it's something that catches out a lot of riders who don't mind speed but have to slow right down for corners.
. [/quote
Ive driven some pretty quick cars in my time, and I’ve previously raced these shifter karts, which again go round a track quicker than most things.
https://youtu.be/rbfaG8N7IDU
However as a poster alluded to above, i appreciate speed on a bike may be a different experience, holding onto the bike whilst
Its trying to throw you off it isn’t something I’ve experienced, and I appreciate braking isn’t going to be as effective as when in a car.
So despite me saying that, I’ll be giving speed more caution on the bike than I’d usually do with a car, as I said in my OP, the leaning aspect to bikes is something I can’t currently fathom having never ridden one, and it’s probably this which is going to keep me in check
I got an R6 as my first bike at about the same age as you and it was amazing loved it!
Being a 600 most the power is very high up in the rev range, in an area that initially isn't somewhere you think to venture.
I found when I first rode it and it felt fast, after a while I realised I was only using half the rev counter, so Id then try a few more and it just went quicker and quicker.
Luckily with all the power up high on the rev counter, I personally myself less likely to get caught out as it took a real conscious decision to rev it that high to get into the power. (A 1000cc superbike is a very different proposition I found.) It did feel a little pointless on the road as all the 'fun' seemed to be in an area not really accessible on the road, then I did a trackday on it and everything made complete sense and I mostly lost interest in riding on the road.
People like to talk a big game, but these things are fine as long as you're a grown up, and you know and understand you limits and those around you. From what you're saying it sounds like you've got some experience of going fast and not dieing, you'll be fine. lol
Being a 600 most the power is very high up in the rev range, in an area that initially isn't somewhere you think to venture.
I found when I first rode it and it felt fast, after a while I realised I was only using half the rev counter, so Id then try a few more and it just went quicker and quicker.
Luckily with all the power up high on the rev counter, I personally myself less likely to get caught out as it took a real conscious decision to rev it that high to get into the power. (A 1000cc superbike is a very different proposition I found.) It did feel a little pointless on the road as all the 'fun' seemed to be in an area not really accessible on the road, then I did a trackday on it and everything made complete sense and I mostly lost interest in riding on the road.
People like to talk a big game, but these things are fine as long as you're a grown up, and you know and understand you limits and those around you. From what you're saying it sounds like you've got some experience of going fast and not dieing, you'll be fine. lol
Edited by Moopig on Thursday 6th June 10:17
Moopig said:
I got an R6 as my first bike at about the same age as you and it was amazing loved it!
Being a 600 most the power is very high up in the rev range, in an area that initially isn't somewhere you think to venture.
I found when I first rode it and it felt fast, after a while I realised I was only using half the rev counter, so Id then try a few more and it just went quicker and quicker.
Luckily with all the power up high on the rev counter, I personally myself less likely to get caught out as it took a real conscious decision to rev it that high to get into the power. (A 1000cc superbike is a very different proposition I found.) It did feel a little pointless on the road as all the 'fun' seemed to be in an area not really accessible on the road, then I did a trackday on it and everything made complete sense and I mostly lost interest in riding on the road.
People like to talk a big game, but these things are fine as long as you're a grown up, and you know and understand you limits and those around you. From what you're saying it sounds like you've got some experience of going fast and not dieing, you'll be fine. lol
Yes this is something I thought would actually help, having most the power up high means I’m less likely to mess up pottering about than having something with more grunt lower down.Being a 600 most the power is very high up in the rev range, in an area that initially isn't somewhere you think to venture.
I found when I first rode it and it felt fast, after a while I realised I was only using half the rev counter, so Id then try a few more and it just went quicker and quicker.
Luckily with all the power up high on the rev counter, I personally myself less likely to get caught out as it took a real conscious decision to rev it that high to get into the power. (A 1000cc superbike is a very different proposition I found.) It did feel a little pointless on the road as all the 'fun' seemed to be in an area not really accessible on the road, then I did a trackday on it and everything made complete sense and I mostly lost interest in riding on the road.
People like to talk a big game, but these things are fine as long as you're a grown up, and you know and understand you limits and those around you. From what you're saying it sounds like you've got some experience of going fast and not dieing, you'll be fine. lol
Edited by Moopig on Thursday 6th June 10:17
And to begin with pottering about is perhaps all i will be doing until i gain more confidence in what im doing
I went from a 125 to an R6 when they first came out, picked it up on a wet day and didn't die yet. You will be as nervous as a kitten, you will thrupenny bit every corner and generally be overwhelmed with the whole experience, whilst absolutely buzzing on adrenaline and getting a massive endorphin hit. Don't forget you are mortal, you control the inputs and you are in no more in danger than on any other bike (some might suggest less so). Go for it!
Then get some training once you know how to work it a bit better, go on a novice track day, tour on it and enjoy yourself.
Then get some training once you know how to work it a bit better, go on a novice track day, tour on it and enjoy yourself.
What does the R6 offer over an R1 nowadays?
It’s a lot of years since I bought sports bikes, but when I last did there was nothing pushing me towards a 600. I found the bigger-engined bike nicer to ride, a relatively similar price, and of course, when you wanted them to be, much faster.
I’d (possibly naïvely) thought that they were mainly popular because for younger riders the insurance was quite a lot less and the bikes themselves also cost a little bit less.
It’s a lot of years since I bought sports bikes, but when I last did there was nothing pushing me towards a 600. I found the bigger-engined bike nicer to ride, a relatively similar price, and of course, when you wanted them to be, much faster.
I’d (possibly naïvely) thought that they were mainly popular because for younger riders the insurance was quite a lot less and the bikes themselves also cost a little bit less.
I remember having almost this exact conversation wtih someone years ago, except they wanted a GSX-R600 as their first bike. I said to them the revvy nature of a 600 supersport engine means if you don't let the revs get too high, it'll actually be very soft and docile as the power only really hits hard once the revs get into 5-figures.
He got that GSX-R, and absolutely loved it. Do it, get yourself an R6, you won't regret it. The fact you're even asking such questions means your head is in roughly the right place.
He got that GSX-R, and absolutely loved it. Do it, get yourself an R6, you won't regret it. The fact you're even asking such questions means your head is in roughly the right place.
Went from L plated 125 to a cbr600 and then a fireblade soon after.
Get something you want to ride but don't try and run before you can walk, can just as easily suffer from target fixation and crash on a sports bike as a commuter bike.
Also probably worth considering whatever you get for your first bike will probably get dropped, slow speed stall or perhaps when not even on it if you are new, it happens.
Since I passed my test I have been through California Superbike School and it has improved my riding and confidence in the corners.
The only thing I would say against getting a super/sports bike for a first is comfort.. or rather the lack of it, it'll take time to get used to the position and it'll hurt/ache quickly (neck/back and if you don't have the core strength wrists because you'll naturally put weight through them which you should avoid doing if you can) meaning you may not want to ride for long distances, especially early on. Or perhaps, like me you'll suffer through it anyway just because sports bikes are cool!
Get something you want to ride but don't try and run before you can walk, can just as easily suffer from target fixation and crash on a sports bike as a commuter bike.
Also probably worth considering whatever you get for your first bike will probably get dropped, slow speed stall or perhaps when not even on it if you are new, it happens.
Since I passed my test I have been through California Superbike School and it has improved my riding and confidence in the corners.
The only thing I would say against getting a super/sports bike for a first is comfort.. or rather the lack of it, it'll take time to get used to the position and it'll hurt/ache quickly (neck/back and if you don't have the core strength wrists because you'll naturally put weight through them which you should avoid doing if you can) meaning you may not want to ride for long distances, especially early on. Or perhaps, like me you'll suffer through it anyway just because sports bikes are cool!
My first bike was a Triumph Daytona 600 which I binned in under a week, then got a ZX6r. I remember riding it up the Baldock bypass for the first time (after using a Honda CB500 for the direct access test) and opening the throttle fully and the front coming up and thinking this ought to be illegal. It was fun but it got in the way of my learning.
I wish I'd bought a more upright bike for 6-12 months because the riding position wasn't ideal for a new rider and it made learning to corner difficult as visibility is less good on a sports bike than a more upright bike.
It's not necessarily the power that makes an R6 inadvisable for a new rider because you can get used to that, it's the handling, suspension, riding position and overall attitude of the bike. Like passing your car test and jumping straight into a 911 and wondering why you have difficulty judging speed, cornering, throttle application etc.
I'd recommend a Kawasaki Z750, Fazer 600 or something like that, much easier riding position, more relaxed power delivery, the bike's handling will be more forgiving but still with plenty of power to enjoy. Any 600cc/750cc bike will give an 11 or 12 second quarter mile time which is significantly faster than any 250bhp car.
I wish I'd bought a more upright bike for 6-12 months because the riding position wasn't ideal for a new rider and it made learning to corner difficult as visibility is less good on a sports bike than a more upright bike.
It's not necessarily the power that makes an R6 inadvisable for a new rider because you can get used to that, it's the handling, suspension, riding position and overall attitude of the bike. Like passing your car test and jumping straight into a 911 and wondering why you have difficulty judging speed, cornering, throttle application etc.
I'd recommend a Kawasaki Z750, Fazer 600 or something like that, much easier riding position, more relaxed power delivery, the bike's handling will be more forgiving but still with plenty of power to enjoy. Any 600cc/750cc bike will give an 11 or 12 second quarter mile time which is significantly faster than any 250bhp car.
You seem to choosing a bike more on what it sounds like/how loud it is than anything else, which is fine, we all like what we like, but that video in your OP is far too loud for the roads and quite honestly makes anyone around think "dick". It will also draw massive attention to you from people you might not want too much attention from (rozzers and/or thieving Irish cousins), and p
s off any neighbours you have.
But in answer to your question, is it too much? Then, no, not necessarily. You can ride it as quickly or as slowly as you like. Would suggest trying a few different things and seeing what you enjoy though, resting half your body weight on your wrists and dancing on the gearbox isn't everyone's cup of tea.
s off any neighbours you have. But in answer to your question, is it too much? Then, no, not necessarily. You can ride it as quickly or as slowly as you like. Would suggest trying a few different things and seeing what you enjoy though, resting half your body weight on your wrists and dancing on the gearbox isn't everyone's cup of tea.
If you are/were into your cars think wankel power like RX8 or even S2000 v-tec
I've had 3 R6's in my late teens when I first passed my test. They are fairly flat and docile on power until about 10k, come alive a bit and then get all angry at 12k until the red line
Are they fast? In the bike world not really but vs most sports cars or lower end supercars upto 120ish mph yes
As already said bike fast is different to car fast as well. You're more connected, engaged and need to think more
Personally I would say yes do it but this completely assuming you are half competent on cars, performance and gauging speed when needing to slow down for corners etc
I've had 3 R6's in my late teens when I first passed my test. They are fairly flat and docile on power until about 10k, come alive a bit and then get all angry at 12k until the red line
Are they fast? In the bike world not really but vs most sports cars or lower end supercars upto 120ish mph yes
As already said bike fast is different to car fast as well. You're more connected, engaged and need to think more
Personally I would say yes do it but this completely assuming you are half competent on cars, performance and gauging speed when needing to slow down for corners etc
Ken_Code said:
What does the R6 offer over an R1 nowadays?
It’s a lot of years since I bought sports bikes, but when I last did there was nothing pushing me towards a 600. I found the bigger-engined bike nicer to ride, a relatively similar price, and of course, when you wanted them to be, much faster.
I’d (possibly naïvely) thought that they were mainly popular because for younger riders the insurance was quite a lot less and the bikes themselves also cost a little bit less.
Having owned both the R6 and an R1, I genuinely think the R6 is more fun and engaging. It’s a lot of years since I bought sports bikes, but when I last did there was nothing pushing me towards a 600. I found the bigger-engined bike nicer to ride, a relatively similar price, and of course, when you wanted them to be, much faster.
I’d (possibly naïvely) thought that they were mainly popular because for younger riders the insurance was quite a lot less and the bikes themselves also cost a little bit less.
With the R1 you can reach 90mph in first gear (sounds daft but it's true), so overtaking can be done in any gear and you could easily keep it in 3rd or 4th all day.
With the R6 you'll be using 1st to 5th quite regularly and overtaking is a bit more of an event having to build the revs.
I'd take the R6 over the R1 any day.
Condi said:
You seem to choosing a bike more on what it sounds like/how loud it is than anything else, which is fine, we all like what we like, but that video in your OP is far too loud for the roads and quite honestly makes anyone around think "dick". It will also draw massive attention to you from people you might not want too much attention from (rozzers and/or thieving Irish cousins), and ps off any neighbours you have.
But in answer to your question, is it too much? Then, no, not necessarily. You can ride it as quickly or as slowly as you like. Would suggest trying a few different things and seeing what you enjoy though, resting half your body weight on your wrists and dancing on the gearbox isn't everyone's cup of tea.
Reading my posts I can understand why you’ve come to that conclusion, as your not exactly wrong.s off any neighbours you have. But in answer to your question, is it too much? Then, no, not necessarily. You can ride it as quickly or as slowly as you like. Would suggest trying a few different things and seeing what you enjoy though, resting half your body weight on your wrists and dancing on the gearbox isn't everyone's cup of tea.
Just to clarify, the choice of bike isn’t solely down to the noise, I want to like what I look at too, it’s just out of all the different classes of bikes, the super sport I.e R6/GSXR etc is the only type that I could see myself on, my dad comes from the classic triumph Bonnie’s and intruders, my friend has a KTM 890 Duke, but just not my type.
It’s from seeing and hearing that type of bike which has given me the desire to ride one.
I currently have a 8 cylinder V8 in one of my cars with a non stock exhaust, my neighbours are ok with it as I’m respectful with how and when’s it’s used, I appreciate I’m probaly giving off the wrong impression in my bike wish list
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