CBRWorld.net

F4iNewbie:

My first bike was my '01 CBR600 F4i. It's the same one I ride today.

I started riding only a year ago (hence my username) and I would tend to say that it was a dumb decision that I didn't start on a smaller bike first.

I had virtually no experience before buying my bike, besides riding a couple of dirt bikes that my friends owned.

Within the first month, I had a bad spill and I was in the hospital for a week. Since then, I've dropped it several times, and it hurts to ride on it for long periods of time, because of the metal rod in my left leg from the accident.

Looking back, I would have gotten a CHEAPER, less powerful bike to start with. I'm just now starting to feel a little confidence on it, but that's assuming it will even start for me. I'm still trying to repair everything on it from the wreck.

Yep, bad idea!

Man, that sucks! I hope things get better for you.

As for me...

Does a BMX count as my first bike? Yeah, didn't think so...

My first bike is the one I ride now, my '06 F4i.  I definitely see why people don't recommend a bike like this as a first machine but it's been good to me and I'm grateful.

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Never follow, Never lead

www.myspace.com/nyansapo

2003 Derbi Atlantis 50 (scooter) --> 1987 Yamaha SRX250 --> 1991 Honda CBR600 F2

Started with the Scooter in Italy, but wasn't able to get anything bigger till i moved to the USA (we have a progressive license there: 14-16yr 50cc (limited to 45km/h), 17-18yr 125cc (limited to 11kw approx. 15hp), 19-21yr 250cc (limited to 25kw approx. 34hp) and 21+ anything

Balance was most useful to learn on the scooter, since it is automatic (well, mine was, if you get an old school Vespa, you can find 4-speeds). I did all my falling and stupid mistakes on that. I feel that i could have skipped the SRX, but it was cheap, and kept me company for a summer

 

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~Limits exist only in your minds~
*1987 Yamaha SRX250 (Sold..... For Cash and Neon Beer signs!!)*
*(1991 Honda CBR 600 F2) + (1997 Saab 900s) + $1350 + (my last un-sold Beer sign) = (2006 Honda CBR600f4i)*

My first bike also was/is my F4i. Bought it in 2005 when I was 24.

I'd probably be a better rider if I started with something smaller. Too late now I guess. If I would have known about this forum I probably would have taken the advice from here and got a 250 or something. But I didnt even know what a forum was until 2006 when I was doing some searching.

I've had 4wheelers since I was 13, rode tons of dirtbikes, and a few of my friend's street bikes quite a bit before getting my own.

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96 Ninja ZX6R

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N0F4T3

2001 CBR 600 F4i with full muzzy exhaust, power commander, and geared down a sprocket. I just got it and it's wayy too fast for a first bike. I had it up to 155 my second day ever riding, no dirt bike experience or anything. I know it isn't a good idea but its so hard to hold yourself back!

Well I guess I also had a Yamaha Razz when I was 14 but that thing topped out at 30mph so I don't think that counts. I really need to stay off the throttle for a bit, I don't regret this bike but I know it is giving me too much confidence too fast, I haven't had any close calls, just be careful if you decide to get a 600, I didn't think I was an adrenaline junky and definitely didn't think I would go 155mph second day riding but I did...

That's really scary...

My first bike was a 01 F4i...It lasted for 2 1/2 months...before I wrote the thing off.  My confidence built up faster than my ability to ride....

Go take a riding safety course.  It will teach you many things that you will not learn by "just riding your bike" on the street.  ie proper lane position, lane change, what to be looking for while riding,....etc.  I highly recommend it.  I definetly felt more comfortable riding after taking the course

Here in Ont, Canada, we have an M1 exit course(graduated license), which will allow you to get your M2 license after you complete the course, and a parking lot ride test. Then there's a  M2 exit course, which will allow you to get your full M license, after you pass the course, and the final drive test.(before you can proceed through the M2 exit course, they first re-test you on the M1 exit parking lot test!).  I've taken both tests, and would recommend them to anyone who's starting out.  Now you can book a test with the ministry of transportation, and get your license that way, but they don't teach you anything.

Just remember...the throttle works both ways....when you hear that little voice in your head saying WTF am I doing, I should probabily slow down......Listen to it...it's usually right!

Jeff

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My bike-2002 F4i-With OEM CCT......And no rattle
"Life would be boring if everyone was perfect"

1991 cbr 600 f2...wouldn't change my decision for the world. A lot of bikers will whine like "oh a 600 is too big"...yes....todays 600 is significantly stronger than yesterdays...my bike gets like 80-90hp to the wheels and won't power wheelie for crap...has power but i respect it so that it doesn't get out of hand. I love riding and will probably ride until i'm old and can't ride anymore

DJFury:

Since I am going to be getting my first bike very soon (probably a Ninja 500R, no experience whatsoever but will be taking the MSF course) I would love to hear what other people's experiences were with their first bike, whether it was on a 250, 500, 600, or liter. 

Did you have any prior experience before you got that first bike?  Any mistakes you've made or situations you found yourself in that you want to share?  Looking back would you have done or gotten anything different?  What should I look for and look forward to?   Any and all feedback is more than welcome! 

My first bike was a Ninja 250 back in December.  Now, everyone is different, but for my size and learning curve I would NOT recommend a 250.  You will grow tired of this bike in only a few hundred miles at most, so if you want to take this route I would suggest trying to pick up a very affordable (CHEAP!!) used one.  I bought mine new and got a new bike in two months.  The 250 never made it to 1k miles.  You can try the 500, I've never ridden one but I've heard they are nowhere near the bike a 600 is, even though you'd think they'd be close.  Honestly, what you should do is take the course (on a 250 cruiser, most likely) and then get a 600.  If you understand the concept of throttle control and the friction zone you will be fine.  After taking the course I taught my little brother how to ride on my Ninja in about 2-3 hours.  Then I let him hop on my shiny '06 600RR with not a scratch on it.  Stupid of me?  Maybe, but he's family.  Anyway, I was nervous that either he'd drop it because it's heavier, or let out the clutch too fast, loop it, and kill himself.  I never said I liked my brother.  J/k.  Well, not only did he not hurt himself, he was actually smoother on the 600RR and enjoyed riding it much more.  Bottom line is, see how you feel AFTER the class.  A friend of mine actually teaches the MSF course in this area and told us all not to go out and buy a bike until we took the course.  He said motorcycling isn't for everyone and we may decide we don't like it.  If you do get into riding, you have a lot to look forward to!  Standing out, saving gas, making new friends, freedom, the list goes on and on.  Good luck.

J

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J

2006 Honda CBR 600RR, Yoshi carbon fiber RS-5 undertail exhaust, PCIII, Zero Gravity dark smoke DB windscreen, Hotbodies smoke flush mount front turn signals, fender eliminator w/ LED signals, Pro Grip CF tank protector, Galfer blue SS brake lines F/R, Diablo Stradas F/R, Pazzo levers, Driven grips
*********This b*tch is fast!!!**********

Thanks for the post jferguso. It made me really interested in taking the course now and finding the right bike for me. I used to ride passenger on a 600RR for a year and I love the feel on that bike even from the back. But now I really want my own bike. So this summer I plan on taking the course and getting one soon after. Everyone literally says when u buy a bike you need to start off on a 250. What do you think I should do? I am only 5' so I am guessing a 250 would probably still be a really good idea to start off on? But what after I get bored with that bike. Does the 250 still give the exhilaration and freedom I feel on a 600RR? Feedback.

I learned on a Nighthawk 250, bought a 600 F4i. Love it as much as my girlfriend haha

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'02 F4i Yellow/Black (Custom Paint Soon)
All Stock (Corbin Gel Seat)

1976 Yamaha DT100B.

I can't believe I remember the model!

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OldMan

'01 CBR6004Fi
'06 Ducati MTS 620 Dark - SOLD!
9 Piece Premier Artist Maple Double Bass Drumset

a late 80's yamaha XT600 dual purpose. then a '91 XT600 dual purpose. then nothing for 18 years, and now a 2000 F4 that i bought used in august. i figure it'll hurt less(emotionally and monetarily) if i drop an inexpensive used bike compared to a brand new one.

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Have a nice day.

My first bike was a 90 Suzuki Katana, then bought a 96 Yamaha YZF600r that I currently own.  And now my 97 F3

My first bike was this puppy



Portuguese brand, 2 speed "Casal Boss"

50cc modded to 80cc!!! Stuff of champions.