Disclaimer - I am in no way affiliated with KawiForums or it's parent companies. The thoughts and opinions below are my, and mine alone.
I am writing this due to the amount of NEW riders I have seen on this forum alone, who seem to think that somehow thinking that simply "respecting it" will keep you out of trouble.
It's just not that easy, guys. It's not an issue with respect. That shiny new 600 or 1000cc supersport does not give a fuck what you think about it. It's mechanically less forgiving than a smaller/less powerful bike, and it can injure or kill you if YOU mess up.
The reason that smaller machines are hailed as better learning tools are quite obvious (or, apparently not). Less powerful, lighter, cheaper, more comfortable, and the list goes on. VeX has a couple great articles regarding the 250 here: http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r/159549-vexs-observations-purchasing-250-a.html which should definitely be given a read through, no matter what you are starting on. Maybe it will get you thinking. And here's a community driven thread spearheaded by Bubbleboys, with some tips about things that new riders probably have not come across yet: http://www.kawiforums.com/newbie-corner/170695-advanced-tips-street-riding-minor-things.html.
Motorcycle riding is as real and as dangerous as it gets, and there is a definite amount of real skill involved to it. Learning and practicing these skills will keep you the safest that you can be, and as comfortable as you can be while riding out in the real world. Almost every member on this forum has a story about themselves or something else crashing their bike, and some of us have stories about friends or loved ones losing their lives on these things.
Simply coming here and saying you respect something you know nothing about, just isn't going to cut it.
Take your time, be smart, be safe, and respect the information and knowledge from people are legitimately trying to help you to be the safest you can be.
I guess that's all for this rant at the moment.
Here's a reply I got a bit down the page, which is another way to look at what I said:
I am writing this due to the amount of NEW riders I have seen on this forum alone, who seem to think that somehow thinking that simply "respecting it" will keep you out of trouble.
It's just not that easy, guys. It's not an issue with respect. That shiny new 600 or 1000cc supersport does not give a fuck what you think about it. It's mechanically less forgiving than a smaller/less powerful bike, and it can injure or kill you if YOU mess up.
The reason that smaller machines are hailed as better learning tools are quite obvious (or, apparently not). Less powerful, lighter, cheaper, more comfortable, and the list goes on. VeX has a couple great articles regarding the 250 here: http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r/159549-vexs-observations-purchasing-250-a.html which should definitely be given a read through, no matter what you are starting on. Maybe it will get you thinking. And here's a community driven thread spearheaded by Bubbleboys, with some tips about things that new riders probably have not come across yet: http://www.kawiforums.com/newbie-corner/170695-advanced-tips-street-riding-minor-things.html.
Motorcycle riding is as real and as dangerous as it gets, and there is a definite amount of real skill involved to it. Learning and practicing these skills will keep you the safest that you can be, and as comfortable as you can be while riding out in the real world. Almost every member on this forum has a story about themselves or something else crashing their bike, and some of us have stories about friends or loved ones losing their lives on these things.
Simply coming here and saying you respect something you know nothing about, just isn't going to cut it.
Take your time, be smart, be safe, and respect the information and knowledge from people are legitimately trying to help you to be the safest you can be.
I guess that's all for this rant at the moment.
Here's a reply I got a bit down the page, which is another way to look at what I said: