I want to get a more powerful motorcycle

[disenfranchised]

So, I'm upgrading from my 250 (that I love) to an 865 or so. Haven't ridden it yet, but have ridden something similar and I'm worried (an understatement). A friend advised that when they upgraded they, "had to learn to ride all over again."

Another friend said every bike is different, and it's like driving a new car. But you know new cars don't bother me. A new bike scares the s*&^t out of me

It's not as bad as learning to ride again. Some things will be different and you have to adjust.
I've just upgraded, and found it was little things like where the clutch engages, and how much throttle provides steady cornering power were the main things which were different.
Other little things were that the new bikes rear brake actually works, so is dead easy to lock up.
Cornering feels different too....so I'm progressively working on that.

[Kiri]

It's not as bad as learning to ride again. Some things will be different and you have to adjust.
I've just upgraded, and found it was little things like where the clutch engages, and how much throttle provides steady cornering power were the main things which were different.
Other little things were that the new bikes rear brake actually works, so is dead easy to lock up.
Cornering feels different too....so I'm progressively working on that.

Thanks. That's reasurring. When I test rode the similar bike I loved it, although I felt a bit clumsy cornering, i think because the weight and balance of the bike was so much bigger than I was accustomed to. I guess I'll have to remind myself to take it easy as I've gotten into the habit with my 250 of throwing it around corners and full throttle everywhere. Hehehe, I'll have some power to actually get past stuff

[R-Soul]

As far as 250's go..... the Hysoung is a gutless wonder, sure it looks the part, but if you want a 250 with some balls.... any of them, other than the Hysosung. The new Kawasaki ninja 250's are awesome bikes. So is the Honda VTR.

and definately buy through a dealer. That way you know its up to scratch and have some recourse if something goes wrong. If you're buying off trade-me, its buyer beware.

Or if you want bikes with MUCh more power, that dont lose value, but are older, then go for the Honda CBR2500RR's or the Kwakka ZXR250's. They have about 45hp and rev to 18k - they sound awesome on song at redline, handle really well and are prettry reliable for their age (if you have the Honda). They are very sports orientated though with a far forward position - tough on your wrists until you getused to it. They are probably great fon on track days too.

[miloking]

So, I'm upgrading from my 250 (that I love) to an 865 or so. Haven't ridden it yet, but have ridden something similar and I'm worried (an understatement). A friend advised that when they upgraded they, "had to learn to ride all over again."

Another friend said every bike is different, and it's like driving a new car. But you know new cars don't bother me. A new bike scares the s*&^t out of me

i got my learners on my bandit 400, upgraded to litre bike and when i rode it for the first time it felt like i rode it all my life!

Then went for ride on my bandit after about month (before i sold it) and it was actualy little scary...

So iam sure you will be fine! Each bike is different so dont let the "nay" sayers put you off!

[R-Soul]

.... I guess I'll have to remind myself to take it easy as I've gotten into the habit with my 250 of throwing it around corners and full throttle everywhere. Hehehe, I'll have some power to actually get past stuff

Trust me- you wiill scare the crap out of yourself on a litre bike (evena reasonably tame one) if you do that...
It took me a good few months (about 8 months) before I had the guts to open the throttle full on my bike (much less take it around the corner full throttle!). When the front wheel goes light, your hand automatically backs off!