RE: First Bike?

["Rick Damiani" <rickd@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-st@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-st@xxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Matt
> Knowles
> Sent: Monday, November 29, 1999 9:32 PM
> To: ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: First Bike?
>
>
> >the Sprint is allot of bike - but is it too much for a realatively
> >inexpirienced rider that feels comfortable on a 600 YZF?
>
> I'll provide the same answer that was provided over and over on the Katana
> list that I used to frequent. Step 1. Ask every biker you know if they
> dropped their first bike (actually ask them how many time they dropped
> their first bike). Step 2. Go to a dealer and price out just the
> plastic on a modern faired bike.

Or just ask some of us listers who have been horizontal. My low-speed
right-side excurision cost ~$2,500.00 (US). It took out three right-side
body panels, the saddle bag, the right clip-on, both brake levers and the
silencer.

> Do you really want a Sprint ST as your first bike? NO, NO, NO! It has too
> much power and weight for a beginner and you will most likely be in over
> your head. Start with a used bike in the 400-600cc range and ride that for
> a year. Then you'll have a better idea of what you want for your
> next bike, and you won't cry nearly as much if you drop a bike you spent
$2K
> on versus $11K.

I'll second that. A Sprint ST makes just over 100BHP but that dosn't tell
the whole story. Unlike the 600cc screamers [1] that also make ~100BHP the
Sprint makes it's power the old-fashond way - 70+ ft-lbs of torque. Add that
to the hyperactive brakes, the 500+ lbs of fully-fueled weight and the high,
somewhat top-heavy seating position and you have a bike that can be a bit of
a chalenge even to an experenced rider.

If you really want an ST, work your way up to it. Get something a little
smaller [2] and less powerful like an old Radian or GS500E and ride that
regularly for a while. Keep it upright for six months and then you'll
probably be ready for the Sprint. Probably won't loose anything on the
smaller bike, either.

[1] Also not good beginner's bikes.

[2] Not too small though. One guy I know says he developed lots of bad
habits by riding a 250 too long.



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