Well I'm finally going to sign up for my MSF course this Friday with a couple friends. The thing is, I DON'T KNOW JACK ABOUT BIKES. Does anyone know any good websites that can show me the basics to what a sport bike is, what brands and specs there are, how to take care of it, etc...

I basically want to know what are the differences in sport bikes are. I can tell you the difference between the the civic dx, ex, si, etc and the integra rs, ls, gs, gsr, itr... but can't tell you the difference between what a honda cbr or a yamaha r6 is??? I don't want to go mistaking what a sport bike is, like a non honda person saying yeah I would rather have a Civic DX instead of an S2000...

 

try places like
http://www.motorcycle.com

You can look at their shoot outs where they compare comperable bikes. Also you can look into threads here where people are asking about what type of beginner bike to buy.

There are a ton of other sites, also magazines do comparisons in every issue.


J

 

IMO, it's a good idea to go in to the MSF class with no preconceptions of the layout of the bike. If you did, then you might think you're the **** (as I did), and think you don't need to pay as much attention when the instructor(s) is/are explaining. Just pretend your mind is a blank and be receptive to what the instructor(s) are saying.

Take deep breaths when you're out on the practice course, and don't get too nervous. And always, always, look to where you want to go.

I have one of those "Idiot" books (Idiot's guide to motorcycles), and it provides good general info (if somewhat dated) about the motorcycle sport. If you plan on doing your own work on the bike, get a service manual. There's usually an online mail group regarding the specific bike you're interested in getting. You can get some pretty helpful info there.

As for telling the difference between bikes, just look around a lot. You're not going to learn about every single bike in one night. I'm sure the owner will be more than happy to tell you why his/her bike is the best choice. And if they don't, just remember Yamahas are the worst (kidding!! just thought i'd stir the pot a bit).


[Modified by marmaladeboy, 10:31 PM 8/1/2001]

 

WORST! What are you talking about. Marmalade YOU HAVE NO CLUE!


ahhh just kidding. Since we all know that Yamahas are the best, there really is little reason to have this discusion

J

 

best at what? Falling apart? They arent Kawis by any means, but come on people, lets put some quality into the workmanship.

 

Whoa now. My Yamaha is reliable and has never given me any problems. Except for middle C. It gets stuck sometimes. You just always have to keep it "tuned."

Oh wait, this isn't the Piano forum??

 

I see a Kawasaki vs. Honda duel starting up... I finally got some info on what bikes I might actually like. I have been eyeing the CBR600. Now all I have to do is find one in decent shape, condition and price.

 

f4i is nice starter bike. But the GSX-R 750 is always going to be a bike in it own class. Small and light like a 600, power like a 900. I personally own a tl1000r for its nasty torque off the line, and ride on the gas mid-range and she stands up and roll out! But I think you made a great choice. Honda seems to make a comfortable 600. I had a a f3 it was a good bike, and turn where it need to go. Had to drop 2 gears and preaty much redline her to run with 900. But after awhile you get tired of the being the last guy with all the tickets.. holla

 

I would get an F4i if I was already a little bit more expereinced. But since I want to get a bike that I won't feel too bad dropping once I was thinking of picking up an F2 or possibly an F3.

Does anyone know if I can buy a sport bike in Cali without having a permit or license? Just in case I find an good deal on a sportbike before I start my classes.

 

there are no laws requiring a license or a permit to purchase a bike. There is no one in thier right mind that is going to let you test ride the bike, but you can buy it.

 

Well I have a friend who may be able to get me that cbr for a really good deal. I'll just have to trust his judgement and have him look over and test ride the bike for me.

The reason I ask is because my mom was going to buy my brother a used car at the dealership but they wouldnt let her be the primary owner since she doesn't have a license.

 

.

Not to the best of my knowledge. I just see a ton of Yammys in the shop. Just as many yammys for diferent problems, but I see GSXRs in for seocnd gear all the time. They suck at keeping second intact. 929s had a problem clutch, but Honda made a fix it kit and offered it free to owners and dealers. Thats how it should be done IMO.

 

i dunno about you guys..but my second gear is still as strong as the day i bought it home...second gear stand up wheelies and nac nac's are a cinch So new guy, if you wanna bad bike, stay away from the CBR, you'll be tired of it real fast. ( this comming from someone who's owed a cbr f2, and a f3, so dont slander me yet hahaha )Hope this has been helpful.


err..aye since im new to this board, can someone tell me how to setup them cute looking icon thingie and a smart azz remark after each post? HaHaAHa


[Modified by gsxr for yo momma, 8:43 PM 8/9/2001]


[Modified by gsxr for yo momma, 8:43 PM 8/9/2001]

 

signature and avatar under "my profile".

 

hey thanks dude..i fink i got it now.


err...signiture came out all jacked..


[Modified by gsxr for yo momma, 11:17 PM 8/9/2001]

 

We will see next year with the CBR1000. Gixxer 1K was getting lapped by over a full second on the test track with the same riders on the new CBR.

What year 750 you got? All the new ones(750) have been in for second gear. It seems to give out pretty easy. Especially with wheelies and stuff.

The 600 CBR series is a great line setup for comfort and sport. The Gixxer series is all about track time. If you want a real world bike you can never go wrong with a CBR600. Now the old 900RR is beast. Awsome bike

 

After you finish the MSF course and get a liitle time in the saddle go read a book called "Twist of the wrist" it's also a bit dated (80's) but it has a lot of good info that can help you out. It's what i was told to read when I first started riding, seemed to be some kind of right of passage.

 

hey romeo i'm selling my bike after this summer's over. let me know if you're interested

rclee337@sbcglobal.net

 

Actually, I'll be in the market for a bike in September. Let me know the details (price, mileage, etc.).

 

info:

'00 CBR600 F4
Silver/Red
4500 miles
new Dunlop D207ZR's
Jardine RT-One slip on, aluminum w/ race baffle (stock can also)

$6500 obo
add $300 for Dainese Imatra leather jacket (3 months old)
add $200 for Arai Quantum/f 'Okada' helmet or Arai Quantum/f solid red helmet

 

Hey Rich, thanks for the offer. But I was looking for a first bike that I wouldnt feel bad about dropping once cuz I know I'm gonna drop it at least once.

Your F4 is just too nice to mess up. hahahaha If all goes well I might have an F3 for around 3k by next week! Depending on my friend if he can come through for me.

But you gonna roll with me in San Jose right Rich?

And one more thing what does everyone here think of Salvaged SportBikes?

 

haha no prob romeo. i just moved into a new place in berryessa, we can go riding whenever. no canyon carving for at least a month ok??

i wouldnt get a salvaged bike, there's just too many things exposed that could have been damaged. a crooked frame won't handle right and the geometry could be all screwed up too, definitely not safe!

 

Berryessa?? That's pretty close to me. Although I don't currently have a bike anymore, I still roll up there in my car and have some fun. Those twisties are a blast, although the loose gravel would give me ******* if I was on my bike...

 

Dang we're practically neighbors now then Rich. Is that why I saw you on Tradezone and Capitol a week ago?

Thanks for the tip on the salvaged bike. I was just asking cuz they said they could find some for aroun $1k for me.

marmalade: How often do you come to san jose? BAAE is planning a meet this coming saturday at blackhawk...

 

FourDoorGSR: not at all. i used to a lot, but lately i just don't have the time. plus, i'm moving back home to LA in September, so i'll have lots of moving on the weekends...dammit...

Yeah, don't bother with a salvaged bike. You never know what has happened to the bike...