Sportbikes don't look too comfortable

RSX · #1 10-08-2002, 07:04 PM

I've been thinking about getting a sportbike, but they don't look like they'll keep me comfortable for long periods of time. They also look like they might hurt my back if I stay curled down like that all the time. So could someone whose had or has a sportbike.

Thanx

RSX · #2 10-08-2002, 07:23 PM

I meant to say "so could anyone who had or has a sportbike tell me if they are comfortable and/or how long they can stand the position until it starts hurting.":sun:

speediva · #3 10-08-2002, 10:17 PM

Some sportbikes aren't comfortable, and some can be.

Just keep in mind what many of the sportbikes are made for: racing. You don't need to have a comfy seat and body position for a race; You want aerodynamics. But many companies realize that racing isn't what some of these bikes are actually used for.

Many manufacturers offer "sport touring" bikes that have the "get-up-and-go" of the sport side with the comfort and body positioning meant for riding the long haul. Not to mention these bikes attract a slightly different crowd of riders, and insurance on them is often cheaper.

Just know your body's limitations, and shop to cater to you, not what your brain says "looks so cool".

RSX · #4 10-08-2002, 10:24 PM

I really appreciate the information you gave me and will take it into consideration :sun: I could probably handle it, but I just want to look at every aspect before I go about purchasing one of these. I don't want anything unexpected happening

Well, thanx again, and if anyone else has an opinion...

R1-rider · #5 10-09-2002, 12:26 PM

My R6 was a little uncomfortable when I first got it, but after awhile you build up resistance to the weight on your front arms, and taking long trips becomes quite easy. The best way to tell what bike will be more comfortable for you, is to just go and sit on it at a dealership.

btw, have you owned a motorcycle before?

RSX · #6 10-09-2002, 05:21 PM

Thanx

Well, I'll probably get a sportbike and can probably fgure out a good riding position. And no, I have never owned one.

speediva · #7 10-09-2002, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RSX
Thanx Well, I'll probably get a sportbike and can probably fgure out a good riding position. And no, I have never owned one.

When bike shopping, don't forget to factor out a solid $500+ for helmet and gear. Please, no squidly "I'm too good for that..." Cause that's when you hit the asphalt and wish you hadn't been too good

Maryland Outlaw · #8 10-09-2002, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by R1-rider
My R6 was a little uncomfortable when I first got it, but after awhile you build up resistance to the weight on your front arms, and taking long trips becomes quite easy. The best way to tell what bike will be more comfortable for you, is to just go and sit on it at a dealership.

btw, have you owned a motorcycle before?

R1-Rider's right, go to the dealer and sit on a few of the 600's to determine which one is the most comfortable. Ask the salesperson to anchor the bike by the handlebars so you can sit on her as you would if you were riding. After the salesperson has held you up, place your feet on the floor and slowly rock the bike side to side to determine how heavy she feels between your legs. Remember, the majority of Sportbikes aren't for long rides like Touring Bikes but one of the more comfortable Sportbikes would be the Honda F4i. It combines decent power with a very comfortable riding position. Also, you can pay a little extra and buy a Corbin seat which will provide your tush with a more comfortable seat. One last thing, don't get caught up in the "cc" hype! If this will be your first bike, I suggest you purchase a 600 and throw that around town for a season or two and then upgrade. DON'T LET YOUR FRIENDS INFLUENCE YOU TO BUY SOMETHING LARGER! I've met more beginner riders than I can remember who have jumped out there and bought the current "beasts" of Sportbikes - GSX-R100 (Gixxer 1K) or R1 and cracked the throttle and that's the last thing they remember. Power is good but without experience and control, it will cause you to have an accident. These two bikes have a tremendous amount of torque-to-weight-ratio and will come up very easily without the clutch if your not careful. If you have any other questions regarding Sportbikes, shoot me an email or PM.

Outlaw

R1-rider · #9 10-09-2002, 06:17 PM

Well if you have never owned a motorcycle, or have never seriously driven one for over a year, then do not buy a sportsbike.

You do not need to tell me you have ridden motorcycles or dirtbikes before, if you have not owned a motorcycle, then you do not have the necessary experience to handle a sportsbike. There are plenty of motorcycles out there that are very fast, but to just hop on a sportsbike is suicidal, not kidding. I am not trying to scare you, although that would probably be more helpful, but please don't let your ego get the best of you.

If you would like some more help and suggestions please feel free to ask as I am more then willing to give my time, but only if your intent is on buying a motorcycle within your limits.

Also talk to SaturnTangerine, she may be a girl

, but she has a good head on her shoulders.

doughboy748r0925 · #10 10-10-2002, 01:01 AM

a honda hornet would be a nice bike to learn on. or maybe you could even go for a 400cc bike. when you've gained enough experience then thats the time to go up if you ever choose to.

sometimes bike size can be tempting but you got to learn to walk before you can run.

just something intresting. just came from the local track and there were guys practicing for a race. these guys were on ducati 748s, 998s, honda f4i, r6s, r1s. the current champion was also on track and following all these guys at their tails... and i mean that close. guess what the champ was riding? he was on a scooter!!!!! damn baby!!!

RSX · #11 10-10-2002, 05:14 PM

Quote:

One last thing, don't get caught up in the "cc" hype! If this will be your first bike, I suggest you purchase a 600 and throw that around town for a season or two and then upgrade. DON'T LET YOUR FRIENDS INFLUENCE YOU TO BUY SOMETHING LARGER! I've met more beginner riders than I can remember who have jumped out there and bought the current "beasts" of Sportbikes - GSX-R100 (Gixxer 1K) or R1 and cracked the throttle and that's the last thing they remember. Power is good but without experience and control, it will cause you to have an accident. These two bikes have a tremendous amount of torque-to-weight-ratio and will come up very easily without the clutch if your not careful.

Thanx sooooooooooo much for the words of GREAT advice

And thanx to everyone else also :sun: I will take in everyone's advice in thoroughy! I still don't really know what bike I want; though

Oh, WAIT

I know. I can get the new Honda CBR600F4i or Honda CB600RR. They both look extremely cool (No, that's not all that I'm looking for. It's an added bonus, I guess :sun: ) and they are 600 cc's or less. Check 'em out, (This is for the 600RR)
http://www.hondamotorcycles.com/moto...EE&w=545&h=434
and, (this is for the 600CBRF4i)
http://www.hondamotorcycles.com/moto...elId=CBR600F43
Well, thanx again everybody

speediva · #12 10-10-2002, 05:22 PM

Um, go F4i out of those 2. The new 600RR is meant to WHIP azz on the track, NOT nice on newbies...

You can buy my bike. Perfect beginner's bike at 500cc's, and with pipe and jet it could be upgraded to be a lil more of a beast.

RSX · #13 10-10-2002, 05:28 PM

Yeah! I was leaning more towards the F4i anyways :sun: By the way, what do you think about the Yamaha YZF-R6? And could you show me some pictures of you bike or something? Thanx :frog:

Kennedy200 · #14 10-12-2002, 09:30 PM

I know its tempting to go buy a sport bike. In my opinion, a 600cc sportbike is too much for a new rider.

These bikes can accelerate faster than almost every car on the road.

A new rider getting on a 600 would be like a 16year old learning to drive in a Ferrari F50. Eventualy something is going to go wrong.

If you decide to get a bike, please take the MSF course. www.msf-use.org

You will learns lots of valuable info in the MSF course.

I will make my usual recomendation.. look at the Suzuki SV650. It is a decent bike. It has been very succesful at the track.

Getting to the topic....
The Honda CBR F4 has a more upright position than other sport bikes. I can be better on long hauls.

THe GSXR and R6 are race replicas. They are meant to be raced. They are not very comfortable on long trips.

On my GSXR 1000, I can do about 400 miles in a day max. I found that if I go about 90 or so, the wind helps lift my body weight off of my wrists. But, the cops dont like people traveling at that speed.

RSX · #15 10-13-2002, 01:17 AM

Thanx, and, uh, I have a quick question

How long did you ride before getting a GSX-R1000? And, I think that it would cost alot of money to keep buying bikes like that to fit your level. So, could someone tell me a good bike for my money and skill that would last me for a long time (And I also wouldn't mind it looking a little bit appealing)? And also, how long would I probably need to ride before getting something like a Hayabusa (Which is my dream bike). I really like the 2003 all black one (which I attached a picture of). But aside from that, I just really need some recommendations and suggestions on skill level and what I should do.[IMG]C:\Documents and Settings\xp\My Documents\My Pictures\1300c.jpg[/IMG]

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