Re: Flame on sports bike enthusiasts
Hey man, I was in the same boat about 2 years ago when I was looking to get a bike. A buddy of mine bought a Ninja 250 and I was supposed to follow right behind. After talking to some of my other friends who also rode, they talked me out of getting the 250 and into getting a 600cc bike. The logic was that I would get extremely bored with a 250 and I would just want a 600 anyway. As a result I picked up the Yamaha r6s which is basically the 2005 r6 carried on into 2006-2009. I really didn’t have much riding experience when I bought the bike and when I first got on it, it was far more capable than I was as a rider. While that is still the case, I have learned how to tame it a little better. It may have been a good idea to get a 250 to “learn” on but my friends were right, I would have gotten really bored on a 250. I’m not going to say I’m the smartest rider and I do stupid shit. I don’t stunt, but I am a speed junky. Its real easy to get into triple digits when passing people, and since I live in an area with a lot of two lane highways, there are a lot of passing opportunities. In hind sight, there is no way I would have liked a 250.
With that being said I always wear my gear. I don’t wear leathers, because textiles have become just as effective on the street and they are much more comfortable in the climate that we live in (VA,MD). I feel like it’s better to wear something I’m comfortable in rather than nothing at all. I know guys that have gone down in textiles and as long as you’re not driving in the triple digits, they will keep you protected. From what I’ve found, helmets are a source of a lot of controversy. Just read up on them and learn as much as you can. I don’t think there is any argument, you should definitely get a full faced helmet. Anything DOT approved should do just fine, but like I said read up on what SNELL means and make your own call. In my opinion, SNELL certified helmets are too hard. Good luck riding and stay safe.
Hey man, I was in the same boat about 2 years ago when I was looking to get a bike. A buddy of mine bought a Ninja 250 and I was supposed to follow right behind. After talking to some of my other friends who also rode, they talked me out of getting the 250 and into getting a 600cc bike. The logic was that I would get extremely bored with a 250 and I would just want a 600 anyway. As a result I picked up the Yamaha r6s which is basically the 2005 r6 carried on into 2006-2009. I really didn’t have much riding experience when I bought the bike and when I first got on it, it was far more capable than I was as a rider. While that is still the case, I have learned how to tame it a little better. It may have been a good idea to get a 250 to “learn” on but my friends were right, I would have gotten really bored on a 250. I’m not going to say I’m the smartest rider and I do stupid shit. I don’t stunt, but I am a speed junky. Its real easy to get into triple digits when passing people, and since I live in an area with a lot of two lane highways, there are a lot of passing opportunities. In hind sight, there is no way I would have liked a 250.
With that being said I always wear my gear. I don’t wear leathers, because textiles have become just as effective on the street and they are much more comfortable in the climate that we live in (VA,MD). I feel like it’s better to wear something I’m comfortable in rather than nothing at all. I know guys that have gone down in textiles and as long as you’re not driving in the triple digits, they will keep you protected. From what I’ve found, helmets are a source of a lot of controversy. Just read up on them and learn as much as you can. I don’t think there is any argument, you should definitely get a full faced helmet. Anything DOT approved should do just fine, but like I said read up on what SNELL means and make your own call. In my opinion, SNELL certified helmets are too hard. Good luck riding and stay safe.