How soon is too soon?

ArtemisR6 · 02-22-2012, 01:07 AM

I got my endorsement in early November and started on a 250 ninja, it was awesome. I was hooked. I put about 1000mi on it and was looking for a bigger bike in January, I decided on a lovely 2003 R6, and just put a a little over 4000mi on that and have done a few mods. I am still in love with my R6 but im now finding myself drooling over the Suzuki Hayabusa1300 (so hot

!!!!). I have fantasies about doing some track days on the R6 this summer and I know i need to wait a little while longer before I try to trade in my R6.....but, Im wondering what peoples opinions are on how long to wait? also if i should invest any more money in aftermarket parts on my R6?

Stizz · 02-22-2012, 04:06 AM

I just bought my first bike, a Ninja 250r and am looking to trade also cause its too small. I won't though just because I would rather get more experience before I jump on something I am not ready for, even though I think I am. I'm military, so I have a lot of co-workers that also ride and have even given them my two cents on wanting to do more to the bike (exhaust, fender eliminator, etc...) but they all told me the same thing, "Don't do too many mods that no one wants... Let them mod the bike after you sell it to them.". I'm a new rider so you don't have to take a bite on my advise or my co-workers' advice, but I wouldn't invest on something you might not get a full return on.

Michael of Burien · 02-22-2012, 05:41 AM

Originally Posted by ArtemisR6

I got my endorsement in early November and started on a 250 ninja, it was awesome. I was hooked. I put about 1000mi on it and was looking for a bigger bike in January, I decided on a lovely 2003 R6, and just put a a little over 4000mi on that and have done a few mods. I am still in love with my R6 but im now finding myself drooling over the Suzuki Hayabusa1300 (so hot

!!!!). I have fantasies about doing some track days on the R6 this summer and I know i need to wait a little while longer before I try to trade in my R6.....but, Im wondering what peoples opinions are on how long to wait? also if i should invest any more money in aftermarket parts on my R6?

You're already riding (We're all guessing sucessfully) one of the most capable motorcycles on the planet. I'd say do what you want. If the Hayabusa is your thing, why wait? I hear Suzuki is having fantastic deals right now. Stimulate that economy (Thats what I keep telling my wife when she asks what I'm doing in the garage. "I'm stimulating the economy honey.")

But I would guess the big H is not a great track bike like the R6 is. But I don't race yet so what the hell do I know. I do hear they are nice for long, hi-speed road trips.

Lone Rider · 02-22-2012, 06:58 AM

I dunno,when I got back into street riding I went from having a Ninja 250 for 3 weeks (3000 miles commuting and never getting the lil thing) to a ZX14.

Oh yea, I had 25 yrs prior street riding experience and a mx racing past.
And I am really thick (in the head)
And like pain and am addicted to adrenaline (being scared silly)

I'd suggest the Ninja 650 or EN650 as a better learning tool to develop riding skills on.
Or a monster 696.
Twins are easily to ride on street due to their lowend torque where sport 600 4cylinders require lots of clutch skills and rpms.
A formerly newbie friend of mine went that route and still has his 650. (Now it has trick suspension and he has done dozens of track days)
I suggest that only if you want to enjoy your riding time and develop into a good rider.

If you want to look badass and are concerned about how you look to others then by all means get a high rpm killa 600 or a hyperbike!
There is a member here that started on a ZX14. Then built it into a Turbo Bike. But He is outside the norm. By a whole bunch!

Ambulance drivers need to make a living too and there are many here that are looking to buy lightly used sportbikes or salvaging wrecks for track bikes......,

Ask yourself 2 questions, why ARE there so many low mile bikes for sale? More importantly, why do you ride?
If you tell us why you ride, how much experience you have on 2 wheels and how you intend to use your next bike, we could probably give you a better answer.

Most folks buy too much bike ( Sport or cruiser) and end up selling them in a year or 2 and get out of the sport. Hence all the Low mile sportbikes and Harleys on Clist.
There,
I answered the first question for you. You gotta figure out the second answer for yourself.

rpappi · 02-22-2012, 07:28 AM

i would suggest hanging with the R6 for a while longer. not that the busa is a bad idea.. but you have a great bike learn to ride the wheels off of that at the track then think about switching it up.

FuNCHun · 02-22-2012, 07:35 AM

Do whatever you want.

With that said, I went up to 1000cc, then back down to sub 100hp. I have more fun on the smaller bikes.

Flaerion · 02-22-2012, 07:58 AM

I started with an SV650 and the things I've learned from this "it won't exceed 135mph" bike could likely fill a novel. In some ways, a "slower" bike makes you work that much harder to be fast. In the end, you'll learn more with less, than you will with more. Making what you have exceed its own apparent abilities is about the greatest feeling in the world on a bike.

There is also the issue of... "oops, I pinned it for a moment and got a 150mph speeding ticket.. fuck me who's a good lawyer?" associated with "faster" bikes.

There's a lot of things to consider when choosing your ride. The main thing to consider is, its your ride, you'll be stuck with it for a while. Either way... its your ride, life and such.. But for fun factor, less is more until you hit the track, then its whatever your skills can handle beyond that. Life in your hands...

Bluuu · 02-22-2012, 08:10 AM

Is there something you can do that your R6 can't? Maybe you already have the right bike.

Jims08Z06 · 02-22-2012, 08:26 AM

You have made smart choices so far, the 250 to the 600. There is nothing wrong with pulling out all the stops and purchasing the "Big Dog." It really boils down to your experience and maturity. You will be the one controlling the throttle, whack it too hard in the wrong situation and you will be down before you can figure out what took place. The 600 is fast, but lacks that explosive power and torque of the Busa. You know your abilities and maturity level, you will ultimately need to make the decision and live with your choices. Personally I darn near went back to a 600 over the winter. Had the dealer not jacked the deal there would have been a CBR 600 with ABS (Black) in my shop, as I write. Good Luck, be safe...AJ

LostTheFront · 02-22-2012, 08:45 AM

I say go for it, a Busa will scare the crap out of you whether this year or next. Dumping money into the R6 will only make it louder and slightly faster near redline, unless we're talking suspension (which people are rarely referencing when talking mods). If you are looking for midrange you have to get away from the 600's. You'll be pretty much kissing off the racetrack, and you'll still become a much better rider quicker on the r6 especially it you do some track time. But do you have enough seat time for a Busa? It seems likely you're no worse off than a majority of us.

racinjason44 · 02-22-2012, 09:23 AM

I am absolutely amazed at how many "just go for it dude!" responses this guy has received.

Originally Posted by ArtemisR6

I got my endorsement in early November and started on a 250 ninja, it was awesome. I was hooked. I put about 1000mi on it and was looking for a bigger bike in January, I decided on a lovely 2003 R6, and just put a a little over 4000mi on that and have done a few mods. I am still in love with my R6 but im now finding myself drooling over the Suzuki Hayabusa1300 (so hot

!!!!). I have fantasies about doing some track days on the R6 this summer and I know i need to wait a little while longer before I try to trade in my R6.....but, Im wondering what peoples opinions are on how long to wait? also if i should invest any more money in aftermarket parts on my R6?

So you ran what, three tanks of gas through the 250 before you mastered that? You didn't spend enough time on the 250 to really learn how to ride that before you jumped to the R6, and now you are thinking about a Hayabusa?

anthonycbr · 02-22-2012, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by FuNCHun

Do whatever you want.

With that said, I went up to 1000cc, then back down to sub 100hp. I have more fun on the smaller bikes.

i agree with this statement i rode a cbr 600 for a little over a year then moved on to a cbr1000 for another year only to go back to the 600 a little less weight and is funner in the corners ive come to the relization that theres no need for that much power it was fun but got me in more trouble then i needed lol. and if you plan on doing some track riding stick with the r6

Pvster · 02-22-2012, 09:37 AM

no such thing as the ninja 250 being "too small" (unless ur a freakin beast or something). if you haven't mastered riding on a 250 ninja, then you're not ready to move up. that simple. the 250 ninja is one of the best bikes for learning the skills of harnessing everything a bike is capable of and cornering well with it. i previously owned a 250 ninja and i intend to own another one again someday! one of the most fun i've had on a bike.

lazyeye · 02-22-2012, 09:44 AM

Have you done any track days?

Karburized · 02-22-2012, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by ArtemisR6

I got my endorsement in early November and started on a 250 ninja, it was awesome. I was hooked. I put about 1000mi on it and was looking for a bigger bike in January, I decided on a lovely 2003 R6, and just put a a little over 4000mi on that and have done a few mods. I am still in love with my R6 but im now finding myself drooling over the Suzuki Hayabusa1300 (so hot

!!!!). I have fantasies about doing some track days on the R6 this summer and I know i need to wait a little while longer before I try to trade in my R6.....but, Im wondering what peoples opinions are on how long to wait? also if i should invest any more money in aftermarket parts on my R6?

5k miles? double that within a year and you're possibly approaching the level of "proficient".

Keep the r6 and learn to ride.

Or not.

We're not here to validate your purchases.

dizzle · 02-22-2012, 09:50 AM

Two words: Throttle Control

Your body, your money, your bike. Go for it if you're so inclined to get the bike, and if/when you crash because it's a busa (and last I heard, they're kinda fast), you'll have nobody to blame but yourself.

Do it.

Frill-dog · 02-22-2012, 10:19 AM

This....

might be too soon.

yard sale · 02-22-2012, 11:16 AM

its never too soon to go full busa.

Burphel · 02-22-2012, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by racinjason44

I am absolutely amazed at how many "just go for it dude!" responses this guy has received.

So you ran what, three tanks of gas through the 250 before you mastered that? You didn't spend enough time on the 250 to really learn how to ride that before you jumped to the R6, and now you are thinking about a Hayabusa?

Concur. I may be wrong. You may be the fastest learner in the history of learning. You may be God's gift to safe motorcycling. But going on mileage alone, I think it's a lot more likely you're a n00b who already has a history of ratcheting up the horsepower too fast. 1000 miles before you decided there was nothing left to learn on a 250? There's a lot of people here who have ridden that in a day, Sparky. 5000 miles on a 600 and you think you're ready for something with a small car engine? I got news for ya. Not only have you not mastered either bike, YOU HAVEN'T GOTTEN A FEEL FOR EITHER. You haven't ridden either bike long enough to need a freakin' oil change.

Save your money, get some good leathers and a good helmet. Go to advanced street riding classes, give the track a shot, go on a week long road trip, buy some tools and do your own oil change at least once, get some reasonable upgrades for the R6 to keep things fresh. But mostly, put some mileage on a bike that doesn't eat n00bs for breakfast.

heyjackrun · 02-22-2012, 02:10 PM

am i the only one that thinks this is a trolololol?


02-22-2012, 01:07 AM	#1
ArtemisR6 Training Wheels Joined: Jan 2012 From: Portland, OR	How soon is too soon? I got my endorsement in early November and started on a 250 ninja, it was awesome. I was hooked. I put about 1000mi on it and was looking for a bigger bike in January, I decided on a lovely 2003 R6, and just put a a little over 4000mi on that and have done a few mods. I am still in love with my R6 but im now finding myself drooling over the Suzuki Hayabusa1300 (so hot!!!!). I have fantasies about doing some track days on the R6 this summer and I know i need to wait a little while longer before I try to trade in my R6.....but, Im wondering what peoples opinions are on how long to wait? also if i should invest any more money in aftermarket parts on my R6? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-22-2012, 04:06 AM	#2
Stizz Training Wheels Joined: Feb 2012 From: Kent, WA I Ride: 2012 Ninja 250R	I just bought my first bike, a Ninja 250r and am looking to trade also cause its too small. I won't though just because I would rather get more experience before I jump on something I am not ready for, even though I think I am. I'm military, so I have a lot of co-workers that also ride and have even given them my two cents on wanting to do more to the bike (exhaust, fender eliminator, etc...) but they all told me the same thing, "Don't do too many mods that no one wants... Let them mod the bike after you sell it to them.". I'm a new rider so you don't have to take a bite on my advise or my co-workers' advice, but I wouldn't invest on something you might not get a full return on. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-22-2012, 06:58 AM	#4
Lone Rider Streetfighter Joined: Feb 2009 From: Pennisula backroads Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: A ZX14 in the rain...., OMG!!	I dunno,when I got back into street riding I went from having a Ninja 250 for 3 weeks (3000 miles commuting and never getting the lil thing) to a ZX14. Oh yea, I had 25 yrs prior street riding experience and a mx racing past. And I am really thick (in the head) And like pain and am addicted to adrenaline (being scared silly) I'd suggest the Ninja 650 or EN650 as a better learning tool to develop riding skills on. Or a monster 696. Twins are easily to ride on street due to their lowend torque where sport 600 4cylinders require lots of clutch skills and rpms. A formerly newbie friend of mine went that route and still has his 650. (Now it has trick suspension and he has done dozens of track days) I suggest that only if you want to enjoy your riding time and develop into a good rider. If you want to look badass and are concerned about how you look to others then by all means get a high rpm killa 600 or a hyperbike! There is a member here that started on a ZX14. Then built it into a Turbo Bike. But He is outside the norm. By a whole bunch! Ambulance drivers need to make a living too and there are many here that are looking to buy lightly used sportbikes or salvaging wrecks for track bikes......, Ask yourself 2 questions, why ARE there so many low mile bikes for sale? More importantly, why do you ride? If you tell us why you ride, how much experience you have on 2 wheels and how you intend to use your next bike, we could probably give you a better answer. Most folks buy too much bike ( Sport or cruiser) and end up selling them in a year or 2 and get out of the sport. Hence all the Low mile sportbikes and Harleys on Clist. There, I answered the first question for you. You gotta figure out the second answer for yourself. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-22-2012, 07:28 AM	#5
rpappi Knee Dragger Joined: Dec 2007 From: Puyallup, Wa I Ride: SHINKO's	i would suggest hanging with the R6 for a while longer. not that the busa is a bad idea.. but you have a great bike learn to ride the wheels off of that at the track then think about switching it up. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-22-2012, 07:35 AM	#6
FuNCHun Pit Crew Joined: Feb 2007 From: Seattle, WA I Ride: 2001 VFR 800fi	Do whatever you want. With that said, I went up to 1000cc, then back down to sub 100hp. I have more fun on the smaller bikes. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-22-2012, 07:58 AM	#7
Flaerion Peg Dragger Joined: May 2009 From: On a hill over looking a valley. I Ride: one with 116whp/liter	I started with an SV650 and the things I've learned from this "it won't exceed 135mph" bike could likely fill a novel. In some ways, a "slower" bike makes you work that much harder to be fast. In the end, you'll learn more with less, than you will with more. Making what you have exceed its own apparent abilities is about the greatest feeling in the world on a bike. There is also the issue of... "oops, I pinned it for a moment and got a 150mph speeding ticket.. fuck me who's a good lawyer?" associated with "faster" bikes. There's a lot of things to consider when choosing your ride. The main thing to consider is, its your ride, you'll be stuck with it for a while. Either way... its your ride, life and such.. But for fun factor, less is more until you hit the track, then its whatever your skills can handle beyond that. Life in your hands... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by Flaerion; 02-22-2012 at 08:00 AM..


02-22-2012, 08:10 AM	#8
Bluuu Señor verde Joined: Mar 2011 From: Kirkland I Ride: behind the girls.	Is there something you can do that your R6 can't? Maybe you already have the right bike. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by Bluuu; 02-22-2012 at 08:26 AM..


02-22-2012, 08:26 AM	#9
Jims08Z06 Knee Dragger Joined: May 2009 From: WA I Ride: 08, R1	You have made smart choices so far, the 250 to the 600. There is nothing wrong with pulling out all the stops and purchasing the "Big Dog." It really boils down to your experience and maturity. You will be the one controlling the throttle, whack it too hard in the wrong situation and you will be down before you can figure out what took place. The 600 is fast, but lacks that explosive power and torque of the Busa. You know your abilities and maturity level, you will ultimately need to make the decision and live with your choices. Personally I darn near went back to a 600 over the winter. Had the dealer not jacked the deal there would have been a CBR 600 with ABS (Black) in my shop, as I write. Good Luck, be safe...AJ __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by Jims08Z06; 02-22-2012 at 08:30 AM..


02-22-2012, 08:45 AM	#10
LostTheFront Licensed Joined: Feb 2009 From: Bellingham, WA I Ride: 2007 CBR1000RR	I say go for it, a Busa will scare the crap out of you whether this year or next. Dumping money into the R6 will only make it louder and slightly faster near redline, unless we're talking suspension (which people are rarely referencing when talking mods). If you are looking for midrange you have to get away from the 600's. You'll be pretty much kissing off the racetrack, and you'll still become a much better rider quicker on the r6 especially it you do some track time. But do you have enough seat time for a Busa? It seems likely you're no worse off than a majority of us. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-22-2012, 09:37 AM	#13
Pvster Licensed Joined: Jan 2011 From: Portland, Oregon I Ride: 2002 honda 919/cb900f/hornet: the REAL naked bike....	no such thing as the ninja 250 being "too small" (unless ur a freakin beast or something). if you haven't mastered riding on a 250 ninja, then you're not ready to move up. that simple. the 250 ninja is one of the best bikes for learning the skills of harnessing everything a bike is capable of and cornering well with it. i previously owned a 250 ninja and i intend to own another one again someday! one of the most fun i've had on a bike. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-22-2012, 09:44 AM	#14
lazyeye Peg Dragger Joined: Jul 2010 From: Corvallis, Oregon I Ride: '99 R6	Have you done any track days? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-22-2012, 09:50 AM	#16
dizzle buttsecz man Joined: Jun 2007 From: Newcastle Blog Entries: 2 I Ride: like an asian. You scurred yet?	Two words: Throttle Control Your body, your money, your bike. Go for it if you're so inclined to get the bike, and if/when you crash because it's a busa (and last I heard, they're kinda fast), you'll have nobody to blame but yourself. Do it. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-22-2012, 10:19 AM	#17
Frill-dog Joined: Aug 2005 From: Tigard, Oregon I Ride: ≠	This.... might be too soon. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-22-2012, 11:16 AM	#18
yard sale snowshoe kitten... prrr... Joined: Mar 2006 From: 4to5 Blog Entries: 7 I Ride: slow in the fast lane like everyone else...	its never too soon to go full busa. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-22-2012, 02:10 PM	#20
heyjackrun Peg Dragger Joined: Mar 2010 From: lynnwood I Ride: hondasaki cbr600rr	am i the only one that thinks this is a trolololol? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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