Sportbikes for Newbs

[adrian]

"Should we encourage new riders to get sportbikes?"
Sportbikes for newbs is probably one of the most interesting topics that I read about pretty regular on the internet. I follow several forums, and everyone seems to have a different position on the matter. Many forums feel that the moderators and administrators somehow inherited the onus of deciding for new riders what is "for their own good."

For the record, I am of the opinion that if you have a class M license and some money then you are free to buy what you want... this is America. But, there are a lot of bikes out there that have a very steep learning curve. As a friend, I do my best to help my friends make wise decisions on their first bike purchase, and I offer to do mentorship rides and provide helpful advice. As a friend, I insist that my close friends take the MSF, or I choose to not ride with them, for my own safety and to ease my conscience. These are my choices, as a friend. But my decisions are subject to change, anytime I please.

As a moderator, I have a completely different opinion. As a moderator, I don't feel it is my place to decide for another person what is right and what is wrong. I think it is a bad idea to use moderation powers to silence the opinions of those who disagree with me... no matter what the issue..

Do I think that it is a bad idea for a new rider to get a new Hayabusa as their first bike? Yes, I do. But do I think that everyone who does it will die? No, I don't. Does it really matter what I think? No, it doesn't. My job isn't to save the world, or save newbs from busas or other big bikes. I leave that to other people who are more than ready to school a novice rider:

I see people post up things like, "You better go choose your casket now if you buy a busa, newb".
Or, the other side of the coin is, "Nonsense, I started on a busa, and you can too."
Both are opinions. The argument is usually, "Which opinion is right?" My question is, "Why does one have to be right, and one have to be wrong?" The way I see it: If you disagree with me, defend your position with a sensible argument based on facts. But please don't personally attack me just because you don't like my opinion. For mods: please don't ban me or censor my post just because you have the power. That is like trying to win a debate contest by walking over and punching the other guy in the face just because I can't think of a plausible argument.


What is my opinion on discouraging sportbikes for new riders?

• As a friend I say: Let's find a bike that suits you, and learn together. But it is ultimately the new rider's choice.
• As an internet forum poster I say: Buy whatever you want. It is your money, and your life. Know the risks.
• As a moderator I say: Find a rider friend who has the time and patience to ride with you if you want good advice. Anything you read on the internet is worth what you paid for it.

What is my opinion to posters sharing opinion with newbs about what to ride?

• To normal posters I say: post whatever you please, it is a free country. Be prepared for others to disagree with you.
• To moderators I say: see the advice directly above. Just leave your mod powers out of your opinions.

It is really hard to be a mod when it comes to topics that interest you. I moderate some forums that I don't really have an interest in, and I think I do a really good job. I think I can use a lot of improvement in forums that interest me (like motorcycles) because my judgment gets clouded by my strong opinions.

This is my opinion right now, and it will probably be different tomorrow.
What do you think?

[Mark]

However, I agree with you on the matter of a riders first bike is their choice. I'm a firm believer in saving my skin, so I will of course tote the idea of starting out with a manageable bike, before buying a busa.

However, ultimately it is the buyers decision. Budget and personality will be driving factors in what that person wants or finally purchases. I learned to (legally) ride the streets on an FZ700. Awesome bike. Handled great and I really wish I hadn't gotten rid of it. But I wanted a new gixxer, so it had to go.

[Steamroller]

Neither side of this is "right". There are many variables. As Adrian said, everyone is entitled to their opinion. If asked what my opinion is, I'll say "If I were you....." Invariably that opinion won't be in support of buying the 'Busa.
I just can't recommend all that hp to someone whose last bike had a basket and a bell.
I advocate a moderate first bike with a shallow learning curve. I like mid size bikes around 500 without a "R". I have no access to statistics, just my experiences in life.

[SRiley]

I'm pretty much in line with everybody else but to answer the orginal question.
"Should we encourage new riders to get sportbikes?"
I'd say yes but go small,250-500 cc's gives you more than enough power to get in trouble pretty quick.Plus the light weight, good handling, and reasonable priceing is a bonus. I also usually recommend buying a good used bike. That way you can learn to do some wrenching on your own and when you dump it turning in the drive way (which I still do on occasion ) you're not all tore up about scratching the paint.