Too soon?

[Dangsta]

So on June 20th last year I got me first bike. I was a complete noob to the extent that I had to get a mate to ride it home for me because I didn't even know how to change gear. Pottered around the block, did the basic handling and L test. 6 months to the day later I got my restricted (over 40 yrs old)...then promptly bought a 750 Shadow and hoped I didn't run into a cop. 6 months to the day after that I passed my full...waited a couple of weeks and bought a Suzuki S83. I know I've gone down the cruiser path and my old bikes felt...well kinda sluggish but the S83 feels a bit of a beast for a cruiser. The torque is pretty insane and the acceleration above 100 Kph is something I've never felt before. My question is, given that I've gone from zero experience to full licence in the minimum time and am now blatting around on a 1400, have I got this bike too soon? I don't know many people with bikes so thought I'd give the forum a go. Cheers, D

[Katman]

So on June 20th last year I got me first bike. I was a complete noob to the extent that I had to get a mate to ride it home for me because I didn't even know how to change gear. Pottered around the block, did the basic handling and L test. 6 months to the day later I got my restricted (over 40 yrs old)...then promptly bought a 750 Shadow and hoped I didn't run into a cop. 6 months to the day after that I passed my full...waited a couple of weeks and bought a Suzuki S83. I know I've gone down the cruiser path and my old bikes felt...well kinda sluggish but the S83 feels a bit of a beast for a cruiser. The torque is pretty insane and the acceleration above 100 Kph is something I've never felt before. My question is, given that I've gone from zero experience to full licence in the minimum time and am now blatting around on a 1400, have I got this bike too soon? I don't know many people with bikes so thought I'd give the forum a go. Cheers, D

It's all up here.

[darkwolf]

Depends... what experience have you had in the 12 months you have been riding? Have you had any instruction from anyone since you did your BHS? If not, then now might be a good time to spend some one on one with a trainer in your area to spot any bad habits you've developed before they become ingrained.

[Subike]

Oh boy this is going to be interesting.
IMO, your head is in the right place, 50% of your safety on the road is whats going on inside of your head.
Your thinking about safety from the start,
Now that's a whole heap more experience than a lots of learners out there.

[Gremlin]

How many km have you done. What sort of conditions have you ridden in (wet, dry, traffic, country etc). Yes, some riding instruction with a professional would be good to see where you're at.

And yes, it's also all about your mentality.

[SMOKEU]

Engine size is NOT necessarily proportional to power output. This concept is extremely difficult to grasp by many people, and if you don't believe me, then take a Hayabusa or ZX14 out for a test ride. Your bike puts out less power than a decent 600cc sports bike, and weighs a whole lot more, and the power delivery is much more linear so you have nothing to worry about.

A good 250cc 2 stroke would be more dangerous.

[James Deuce]

I love the RVF400 a mate's lent me. I feel like the boss, not a passenger and I've been riding for 25 years. Katman done said it perfectly.

[ducatilover]

It's all up here.

What he said.
It's only as dangerous as you make it.

[Dangsta]

How many km have you done. What sort of conditions have you ridden in (wet, dry, traffic, country etc). Yes, some riding instruction with a professional would be good to see where you're at.

And yes, it's also all about your mentality.

Hi, thanks. I've pretty much rode in most conditions but tried to avoid wet after doing a ride to New Plymouth and back and getting caught in a downpour. My leathers got drenched and got so heavy I had trouble getting off the bike. I just sat on the thing laughing until I got my leg over. I've probably got around 6000k's experience on a combination of 10k commutes and the odd 2hr fun ride by myself. Thanks. D

[Dangsta]

Engine size is NOT necessarily proportional to power output. This concept is extremely difficult to grasp by many people, and if you don't believe me, then take a Hayabusa or ZX14 out for a test ride. Your bike puts out less power than a decent 600cc sports bike, and weighs a whole lot more, and the power delivery is much more linear so you have nothing to worry about.

A good 250cc 2 stroke would be more dangerous.

Thanks, yes totally get it. Putting engine size to one side it's more like I've got a years experience on slow bikes and now I have something where I really appreciate the power of a bike. Because ive not gone with sport bikes ive never really felt it before. It's a bit of a wake up call and I wondered if a years experience is enough before getting something powerful. Cheers D

[Maha]

Use the power when you need to, but mostly, its all about the fun had between points A and B.
What goes on inside the helmet is also under your control...and determinds the outcome of your time on the bike.
Harness that control wisely grasshopper.

[GrayWolf]

Thanks, yes totally get it. Putting engine size to one side it's more like I've got a years experience on slow bikes and now I have something where I really appreciate the power of a bike. Because ive not gone with sport bikes ive never really felt it before. It's a bit of a wake up call and I wondered if a years experience is enough before getting something powerful. Cheers D

I have to agree K/man said it perfectly....it's in the top 2 inches...
Power? What you really need to do is decide WHAT your riding type is... do you prefer comfort and enjoying the scenery/ride? Do you want to cover big distances in relative comfort at high average speed? Do you want to be a 'Rossi wannabe'?

The power of even the 'considered' low power bikes of today are AS powerful as the OMG machines of 25-30yrs ago. YOu Susook 1400, has ample torque for easy overtaking in top gear, and will have a nice 'relaxed' feel to its power delivery.. a ZX1400? Would feel like sitting astride a rocket booster from a space shuttle.. the 'horizon' would arrive faster than you can say 'faaaaaark me'.....
A sport Tourer... (travel big distances at high average speed in relative comfort).. would still have a big element of 'faaaaaark me' with a good dose of the flexible torque your used to from the 1400.
The 1400 has AMPLE power for everyday riding, and for covering distances.... its more about your preference as a rider....... and as my post from last night shows... you dont need 'high power' to fuck up.

[Old Steve]

Agree with so many before, it's your mental attitude and your right hand that will control your riding.

Also agree that it might be a good time to do a safety course. I did the Roadsafe one day course organised by ACC while on my 6R license, enjoyed it and took a lot away from it. Contact your local ACC office to see if they are organising a local course (ACC subsidise half of the cost) or you could look at the Roadsafe website at roadsafe.co.nz (they are Wellington based but do courses all over NZ).

Also, check your local bike shop and see if they do group rides, especially if they have someone who provides mentoring. Check on here if there is a local KB mentor and get in touch with them. 6000 km and one year riding isn't a lot of experience. Take it easy and remember that everyone out on the road is trying to kill you.

[Dangsta]

Agree with so many before, it's your mental attitude and your right hand that will control your riding.

Also agree that it might be a good time to do a safety course. I did the Roadsafe one day course organised by ACC while on my 6R license, enjoyed it and took a lot away from it. Contact your local ACC office to see if they are organising a local course (ACC subsidise half of the cost) or you could look at the Roadsafe website at roadsafe.co.nz (they are Wellington based but do courses all over NZ).

Also, check your local bike shop and see if they do group rides, especially if they have someone who provides mentoring. Check on here if there is a local KB mentor and get in touch with them. 6000 km and one year riding isn't a lot of experience. Take it easy and remember that everyone out on the road is trying to kill you.

Thanks for the wise words. I've got in touch with Freedom Suzuki and got myself on a mailing list for some group Boulevard rides. I've also touched base with a mate in ACC and got the details for a local person who runs a riding safety course. Cheers for the subsidy heads up as well, I'll be sure to take advantage of that.

Thanks to all who've answered for the advice. Very much appreciated.

D

[caspernz]

The type of bike you ride doesn't mean much, you can get into loads of trouble AND/OR have loads of fun on any size/style of bike.

Some decent rider training is well worth the time and expense, even if it's just for peace of mind to confirm you're doing the basics right. Has nothing to do with denying Katman the opportunity to say I told you so...