21 year old beginner rider here, started on a BMW 650 GS and I've almost crashed more times than I like to admit. Every time I think I'm about too, I just stay calm, stay with the breaks and envision fast Eddies face. I've been able to save my bike with just a light drop once or twice instead of dying. Thank you for creating this channel really, not joking. Also love that comments are on.
If I can throw another piece of mind, don’t react make sure you’re already on a gameplan on any street. But yes one thing I’ve seen from self experience if you cant brake good yet go slow till your more comfortable. Stay safe and keep riding ! Always remember you gotta make it home
That bike is way too big for a noob like you. You should be on a 300 and learn how to ride first. Then you can step up in power as your riding improves …
Seriously. I love this channel and I like going to the comments because you find some gems from experienced riders. Unfortunately you also get lots of trolls and idiots in the biker community just like any other community
It is so much more fun to learn on bikes that aren't constantly luring you into Moto GP level scenarios or trying to buck you off in parking lots. I went through the gambit of bikes learning to ride beginning with a Ninja 250R. You will make mistakes, crash and ride ignorant of your surroundings such as all drivers waking up with your picture on their bathroom mirror and orders to seek and destroy. A good test to see if your skill matches your ambition is ask yourself, do you know your suspension settings, do you know which tires you have on, do you know how much psi you have in your tires and why? If not, the bike may be riding you and this never ends well. Riding is for everybody! Please take your time walking towards your riding goals 😊
A professional motorcycle racer once told me, Supersports are like driving a F1 race car. They are meant for the track. He said he never takes his sport bikes on the streets, only the tracks. He rides less powerful motorcycles on the public roads. Said the bikes are too fast, there are too many obstacles to watch out for on the streets and the odds are against you. Very interesting comment.
If anybody has any doubt about what MotoJitsu is saying here, just think about this for a second: He had a Fireblade (1000cc) and had all the training anyone could get, and he still crashed. He isn't just talking out of nowhere; he experienced the things he is saying.
I can say that this guy is not as good as he think he is. My first proper bike was Kawasaki ZZR600, done approx 100k in 3 years with it and newer crashed. I continued with Yamaha YZF1000, done another 50k and still no crash. In my carrier I have done more than 400k and had only 3 crashes (1 from doing fast wheelie on R1, 1 from gravel on the tarmac ZX-9R, 1 traffic accident not my fault). I say sport bikes are the most safe to ride since they have the best driving characteristics, problem is in driver.
@@RideWithGecyeah, people love to praise this guy for no real reason. i actually was given my license (essentially, he isn’t the DMV) from MotoJitsu as he was my coach a few years back. He’s not a total idiot but he’s not the “almighty god of motorcycling” that people say he is. he’s just a dude who happens to be a coach.
46 years old. Just bought my first bike after talking myself out of one for 20+ years. I got a 2023 KTM 390 Adventure because it's well-reviewed and... small. I know I know *nothing* but with channels like this and the community around it I'm looking forward to learning. Thanks for all the content!
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve been riding every day for 13 years. And on and off for 25 years. My bike history: - dirt bikes as a kid. - Triumph Thruxton 900 (chill, slow, old low power engine) - MT09 (effing mental. Sold quickly. Waaaaay too much power, even though I’d been riding for 5 years every day at the time) - DRZ400SM - most fun bike I ever owned. Epic. (Except on motorway, then terrible). - KTM 390 Adv ‘23 - absolute winner for 1 up riding. Not as fun as the DRZ, not as pretty as the triumph. But amazing power delivery, super happy up to 160kph. Fun, nimble, super quick around town, countryside and offroad. All this to say, I have a lot of experience, (not saying I’m the best rider obviously), and I still think that I have a LOT more to learn before touching a sports bike again. That MT09 was an absolute monster. 0-60 mph in 2.95 seconds, 0-100 mph in 5.82. Quarter mile in 10.7s. Your brain quite literally cannot process the acceleration. Amazing sensation, but you are 100% accepting a huge amount of additional risk by riding a bike like that without decades of experience and lots of additional learning/training/practise. I say this not to be a dick, but because these are my personal experiences and feelings. I may be a “pussy”, but I just want to share this, so as to make others feel confident in themselves when they plant their flag with a more conservative bike.
Great to see you with comments. Thanks for this video. Started on a 175cc Yamaha and progressed through a CB450 to a 750 Honda. The early learning on the smaller and lower powered bike was really worthwhile. It was also fun trying to get the best out of the smaller bike and me as well. The 750 was great to ride and I was pleased that I had the earlier experience on the 175.
I know a-lot of people say the r3 is not powerful, slow or you get bored of it quickly but tbh I am glad i didnt listen to any of that when I got into the market for buying a bike. Had my r3 for a little over a year and put on 24k miles with ALOT of twisty riding in California and highway commutes to work. I'm literally up the mountain faster than most people on their 600s or 1Ks because it literally shows by the way they ride how afraid they are of the power at their disposal. The r3 is still more than enough power for the highway or whatever type of commute as you are going faster than flow of traffic on a motorcycle anyways. Although I can technically be overtaken by a car on the highway if they floor'd it, I cant recall anytime that has ever happened to me as I am always going 10-15mph faster than flow of traffic, so to say the r3 is not enough is opposite from reality. Now if you want to be the 120-160mph straight line warrior then okay sure have at it. I dont think I will be upgrading my r3 still for a long time as its still a ton of fun in the mountains where riding a sportbike is at its peak enjoyment and its literally soooooo cheap to maintain, like literally I cant stress how cheap it is to maintain this thing its actually such a bang for your buck. You don't go through tires and or chain/sprockets or even gas nearly as quickly as you would on a larger bike. And its freaking easy to work on as everything is accessible and its a good opportunity to learn how to do every maintenance yourself so when you do get a larger bike you know the get around and aren't afraid to mess anything up
Started on a scooter last year and upgraded to a naked cb650r. I’m loving it and the power delivery is so linear. No plans on upgrading for a year or two.
I've had mine for a few seasons and put about 20,000km a season on it so far and she looks and runs like brand new still. I guess you wouldn't expect less from a Honda though. Great bikes for sure!
Here's another thing you may or may not agree with. As a novice track rider, and on street, I can actually corner faster on an upright bike because it's easier (at least for me) to keep weight off the damn bars and keep my arms relaxed. On my zx6r I always find myself having to make more conscious effort on torso and keeping weight off the wrists, and sometimes I'll forget and get tension that way, which of course has bad results. I got rid of BOTH my z1000 ( just too much hp) and zx6r, and got the very comfy new suzuki gsx8-r twin..comfy and easier handling, faster cornering with way less percieved effort!
Started on a GSXR 600 six years ago (no incidents on the road so far, knock on wood), agree with all the points made. It can be done, but realize you're signing up for the additional challenges and temptations.
Adonai bless you Would love to be able to afford any one of theJapanese four 600 r class as a new rider as my position is discipline as I cannot afford buying a smaller motorcycle prior to one I desire. I say apply the lessons taught by DanDan and Motojitsu
@@oariv Are you not listening to MotoJitsu ?? He clearly States to not start on a supersport. The comment made by the guy above only learned skills to survive the bike rather than actual techniques and grow from there to learn more advanced techniques. Nobody thinks you're cool if you're on a r6, you look an idiot and it's embarrassing. Did Valentino Rossi started racing on prototype cutting edge race bikes ?? Of course not.
I agree. Sport bikes are at another level. No wonder manufacturers call them Super Sports. Back in 2014, I got a lightly used gsxr750. It was my second bike. But after the 4th crash in a year, the bike was totaled due to my lack of experience. The combination of training and experience is what keep riders from crashing. Great video! Thanks!
Nowadays, sportbikes are full race machines with a plate and blinkers. Anything with over 150hp at 400lbs and a top speed of nearly 200mph is NOT an ordinary motorcycle or meant for everyone. In fact, why would you even want to ride something like that on public roads where you cannot get the "full" potential of the bike? Racetracks are there for that reason.
I learned the hard way that training was important. I was just lucky. Nowadays I think that a new rider starting on a super sportbike is like a new pilot starting on an F-16.
I'm 29, I got my driver license 1 month ago and even before having the license I bought a brand new ktm duke 390, SUPER HAPPY WITH IT. Is light, fast enough to learn how to overtake vehicles and yes, the wind on my chest when going over 80-90 miles/h I agree with you is necessary to keep speeding down as a beginner! I keep practicing in a parking and I'm going to do a driving course this month, after just 1000 kms on my back.
Have fun man! I got my ninja 400 two months ago and its freaking awesome, in the tight mountain roads you can easily catch up with bigger cc bikes. In the end you save on gas and have more fun revving the engine way up and changing gears, and feels super easy is at slower speeds and U-turns.
My opinion? I was a new rider aswell 3 years ago, started with a cbr 600 rr 03' with no abs etc. The main thing? Age, I was 28 when I begon. Exactly like you say, you where 29, if you start on a sports bike and you are much younger, then it could be a problem
I'm 38, started riding 2 years ago on a used cbr300r and just recently upgraded to a brand new 2024 zxxer 636. The first thing I noticed was the weight difference and how limited the steering was. I am glad you touched base on this in the video because it is very true, smaller bikes have way more turn radius which makes it easier to learn and hone your riding technique. I have been a subscriber for a while now and purchased your app in support and I must say there is A LOT of great information in there from practicing basic techniques to more advanced maneuvers and much more! Also, something you once said in a video a while back stuck with me when I was just starting out and that is "I'd rather sweat than bleed." it is imperative that any rider new or old wear gear! I have had a lot of friends go down, hospitalized and even died because they weren't wearing enough gear or their gear was poor quality in my biker community. The only thing I would add in the video is once you upgrade your bike, upgrade your gear as well! your beginner gear will most likely be cheap and poor quality. We all share a common bond and with that said, stay safe out there family!
hey, same age and started riding 1 year ago, i still riding my honda NC750x with DCT, just super to commute in city. but slowly thinking in riding something cbr660 like, just love the sound. i can really recommend motorbike learn sessions, breaking, swerving, cornering. btw im from austria and here in europe we have alot of training camps.
Started on a 80 PS naked bike, crashed a few times, just fucked up my gear and foot pegs, no injures. Got classes and track days, switched to sport bike, never crashed since and I am fast as duck boi on the track and know what I'm doing know. Starting on the sports bike I have now wouldn't have ended well.
My across the street neighbor has never rode a MC and has never taken a course. Everybody at his "shop" has a Harley, so he bought one too. Watching him and one of his "work buddies" help him try to ride it up and down the block and into his garage was scary, very scary. Thankfully, once parked in the garage, there it has sat. Pride, overweening pride, testosterone poisoning and adrenaline addiction and the fact that dealerships will eagerly talk you into and sell you anything means that there are way more MC deaths and serious injuries than there needs to be. All that and the fact that in my area, only the most basic MC safety classes are taught on a single weekend, once a year, so there is precious little training that novice riders can get or even know about. If I owned a dealership, I would insist that new, unskilled riders buy a beginner's bike in addition to their big monster to both sooth my conscience and increase my profit.
In my country we are limited to slower bikes till we get our full license. I started on an r3 and rode an r6 for the first time recently. Even after 18 months on the r3 the r6 is a completely different feeling beast and I would be dead if I had started on one 100%
Great advise. I grew up riding starting on a Honda Z50 and up. First street bikes I rode were sport bikes. After a couple of Harley’s I went back to to a Ninja 636. After not riding for quite a few years I got my Suzuki GSX-S 750 and now I wish I would of went a little lighter and full sport like a R7. I am 59 and 6’6” and I am still comfortable on a bike the size of a R7, I can even have a ton of fun on a Ninja 400. Use MotoJitsu’s advise, start small and learn and you will be smoking people on there big bikes before long.
Why do some people think that the public roads are for racing? I live in upstate NY. Last week 6 deaths. Started riding last year...having second thoughts
100% agreed. for reference imagine a pilot being rated for a Cessna 172 and then going and flying a high performance aircraft with NO training they will probably be overwhelmed and end up crashing and or dead.
Starting off at 29 myself as well… on a rocket of a bike: royal enfield hunter 350 😂 . I can push all 20 hp without too much risk around the bends. Because of videos like yours and copious amounts of practice, I out handle a lot of these heavier cruiser dudes on tight corners I tried a triumph triple and immediately realized how absurd that torque and power is for a beginner …
I 100% believe you shouldn’t ride or drive a powerful track weapon on the street until you can really master a hunk of junk, and make that slow vehicle go fast. You will be at the edge of its capabilities at much safer speeds, you will learn efficient cornering, maintaining momentum, smooth shifting etc all to keep that slow car or bike going quick.
This is very helpful. I started on a 125 Grom, then went up to the CB300r, now I have the Kawasaki Z400 and Ninja 400. I remember when you posted a video years ago stating that no one should start on anything too high in the CCs, I believe you said, 3-500cc and below. Glad I listened.
Thank God somebody is saying something about this! To many guys get these but cannot stop! Get a dirt bike and hit the dirt a few times, way better than hitting the pavement!! Trust me I know.
I started as a teen on smaller dirt bikes (Honda XR80's and 100's). I just got back into riding after 25 years and got onto a Honda CRF250L; took a lot of time to practice the basics in parking lots before getting back out and opening the throttle... and it has paid off. No way I'd jump into a sport bike first, even now.
My first bike was a Yamaha bolt, technically 900cc but in cruiser. I'm currently (and not happy with) a 1600cc Yamaha road star. So heavy, I would much rather be on a 600 naked after these last two years
All good advice... which I ignored when I was young because there was no such thing as TH-cam. I ride a 1200 CC adventure bike now and I have to say... until this past summer when I FINALLY practiced... I wasn't even a white belt. Yes... rode for 20 years... struggled with a U turn. Humble pie for sure. Taking Champ school in the spring.
I started on a cbr600rr, still on said bike and I've been doing just fine, I definitely don't try to ride out of my skill level. I've slowly progressed on skill and I tend to keep improving. Good video though !
You're absolutely right man. I recently begun to pick up riding again on a Ninja 650R, and I've ended up dropping the poor thing more times than I'd like from simply practicing. The weight of the bike is mildly overwhelming and so is the posture. I've sold it to a good friend and opted to begin practicing again on a cruiser instead and it's making a world's difference.
How right you are. I got my motorcycle licence in 1963 and rode all sorts of bikes, with a few 'bikeless' periods here and there. I rode off road on farm-bikes for a while then went ten years without a bike and over 20 since I had ridden a street bike. Then in 2013 I got an old (1988) CBR600, (it was a gift and needed work, which I did) it only makes 88hp and weighs 200kgs, but even with all that expeirnce it was a bit of a handful at first. First stop was the shop for gear as I didn't have any...helmet pants, jacket, gloves and boots. Expensive, but I'm an ATTAGAT girl. That old Honda can still top 140mph. I went on an advanced refresher course too; best $50 I have ever spent. I was pretty rusty...... I am 81 now and getting a bit brittle, so I am doubly careful to keep the rubber on the bottom.
I started on a DR650. No auto anything, no ride modes, nothing. Started a year ago (48 yrs young mainly cause i assessed my risk and realize my blood is no longer 100% piss and vinegar). I also heard a similar thing to what you said, no other bikes for 1 year. I did that. Not having abs is awesome for practicing skills. Got in the dirt and pushed till i started sliding my rear, washing out my front and forcing myself to learn what happens when things go sideways. I have a lot to learn still, but thanks to you, your app, and other youtubers im slowly getting more confident with every ride/practice session.
I sold my GSXR 1000 and decided to downgrade to the 2024 KRT 636 because 1000cc isn't necessary even though I'm 9 bikes in now. 600cc is more than enough for an experienced rider and the new 600s do 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds which is faster than a Lamborghini hurrican. Buy a ZX10R and your looking at 2.5 to 60. It's just not necessary.
I started on a 1100cc Africa Twin. At was a little heavy and tall for a new 5'6" rider but I have a far amount of experience of 800+hp cars so I am familiar with speed and the dangers associated with it. I've been riding every chance I get this 1st year and hopefully in 2024 I can step into a powerful naked bike and take some advanced rider classes.
I stopped riding motorcycles on the road back in 2005. I have been riding dirt off and on. I took my MSF got my endorsement and started test riding bikes. I road a sport bike and immediately regretted it. There is a lot of riding technique involved with riding them, especially at low speed and on a mixed surface. I have a naked and it’s got enough power to pass but not a lot of power to get into a lot of trouble. Just enough trouble.
Your supposed to get your license first? I did shite arse backwards. Got my bike first, practiced on back roads and parking lots then took my motorcycle license test. Failed the first time because I didn't study, 2nd time aced it, I started studying 3 days everyday before my test. The lady that gave me my test said I did a lot better than most people. I don't drive like a maniac in my truck and constantly checking my surroundings, I take those skills and apply them when I ride my motorcycle so far I have been able to avoid two accidents I've only been riding for a month. I think I'm doing pretty good but I also didn't get a super sport bike I got a street naked, Suzuki GSX-8S
So true. If I had my current bike when I started I would have sent myself into a hedge at the first corner, and my current bike isn’t even a sports bike, just a muscle cruiser.
I started riding 2 years ago when I was 56! Yes I am a 100% newbie putting around on my MT-03. That said, I have not yet been in a situation where I felt in jeopardy in any way. A lot of this is dumb luck, however I believe that my 40 years of experience being a cager has equipped me with a lot of judgement and ability to anticipate danger that a 16 year old simply cannot possess. I don't know how, but somehow I am able to tell if someone is about to turn left in front of me, before they have even moved. Somehow experience allows you to identify people who are non-attentive or simply don't care.
Started riding last year on a 300 at 48 but had to let the bike go in May of this year for some reasons. Missing it badly and hope to get back to it by next season, health and other factors permitting.
Totally agree with this. Started riding at 40 after 24 years of driving a car - and I guarantee that makes a huge difference. I am much safer than a 16 year old because I have tons of experience driving already. I’m transferring skills, not learning all new ones.
@@Wileylikethehawkit's not the going that matters, it's the stopping and knowing how to dump your bike. Yes I said dump your bike. If you can't stop with the rear wheel barely off the ground, you need to learn.
I enjoy your videos. Great advice for riders, new and experienced. It's cool that you are a fellow Marine. I started riding when I was in the Corps back in 1981 on a new Yamaha 250 Exciter. It was a cruiser style bike and I could flat foot it. I'm only 5'4". I was in the Mohave Desert at 29 Plams Marine Corps Base. Light traffic, straight wide open roads and curvy mountain roads within 20 minutes of the base. After 3 months I bought an XS650 Heritage Special Yamaha. Another cruiser, but taller. I was on the balls of my feet. It was a twin so it was not fast like the Seca 650, KZ 650 or GPZ 550, which were 4 cylinder bikes at the dawn of sport bikes. In 1983 I bought a used 1977 KZ1000, my first big fast bike! I probably would have crashed it if I didn't have the throttle, braking, and cornering skills that I developed in the first 2 years and 25K miles of riding. I also had the motorcycle safety courses that the Marine Corps made me take before allowing me to ride on their bases lol. I love riding and after 42 years and many bikes I currently have a 2017 CB500F and a 2021 GSXR1000R. You are a great teacher and your videos are important to many people. Every ride for me is a practice session.
great words right here. i been riding for little over 2.5 yrs now. first bike was mt03 which i rode for 1.5yrs. now i ride r3. thought about upgrading to a bigger bike but i knew i would never realize the full potential of the big bikes so sidegraged to a r3. its fun the r3. i mean i rode my friends liter bikes a few times, but i could never engage the big bikes. whereas an r3, i could use all that power all that torque all the weight, in which i feel very satisfying. what better is passing liter bikes on twisty. lotta big bike riders they do go fast on straights but then slow way the fuk down on corners. i really enjoy slaying those big bikes on winding roads. plus where i am, south korea, bikes cannot go on highways. so.... not a lot of places any bike can really full throttle. did little modding to my r3 so it could go over 125. that's ample enough really. it was great to know that an experienced rider thought on the similar lines as i am. i think i'm taking biking the right way i guess. great to see u on a sport bike! i be sure to check out ur upcoming vids on it
I can relate to this video so bad I started on an r3 for 3 years did 25,000km ( I’m from Aus Melbourne )did 4 advance course and level 1 and 2 of California super bike school also bought your book to do training just bought my dream bike 2023 s1000rr m package and so confident on it now thanks so much ❤❤❤
I agree. Passed my BRC about two months ago and was looking to get a MT-07. Seemed like a good starting point to me. Sat on one, felt good. Went to do a test ride, man did it scare me. Instead I went with it's little brother, the MT-03.
Motojitsu is preaching baby steps ! You can learn on a Sportbike just fine, I’ve done it and many I know have too ! Just be cautious and realize your a beginner ! It’s more about the individual and we’re not all the same. Experience is the key not the type of bike !
Very sound advice, MotoJitsu, for present day traffic conditions. My first bike, after passing my test on a 250 Greeves in 1967, was a brand new Kawasaki 750 H2 two-stroke triple. By some miracle I survived. The risks I took then make me tremble now. On my current Honda CB1000R I have developed into a very different rider, but am still learning to ride safely.
I’m just starting riding. I bought a Yamaha xt250 and am taking the msf course and practicing off road and in parking lots since I live in a rural area. But where the heck can I practice cornering?? We don’t have asphalt tracks here in Idaho!
I wanted to start on a CBR 600 but I had no riding experience I bought a 1998 Yamaha xt350 enduro and I’ve been learning the fundamentals of riding for the passed 6 months. I think I made a smart choice and will eventually upgrade after the first year
I recently started riding, bought a ninja 400 as my beginner bike. Just like you said that kinda bike is still fast but it’ll take much more time to get that speed. I was gonna buy a zx4rr as my first bike cause I just love the inline 4 sounds, but I feel great having a ninja 400 instead. Not just because it’s so much cheaper but the power delivery is so much easier to handle. I’ll keep it for at least two years I think.
I started on a Gsxr 750 been just fine lol I’m 220 pounds tho and getting on them small bikes just wasn’t it . I learned the basics before I got on a Gsxr 750 tho and I’m 32 years old
The power mode on a Gsxr 750 is actaully slower then a 600 and the cat delete this bike weight is like 410 which is not that much weight to handle for a grown man . I think this was the perfect bike for me starting out with throttle control and maturity you can get this as a first bike
Where I live, as a new rider 17 and above you are forced to ride a 125cc for a year. Before you get a full 125cc license, you take a practical test, then you have to hold a full 125cc license before you get your unrestricted license. If you’re riding everyday during that first year you learn a lot
Your a legend man!! Really appreciate how much I have learnt from you over the past few months, learning will always continue. Currently I have a 125cc naked bike which round my area is more than enough speed for the roads, a bigger bike would be ideal for overtaking sometimes but maybe next year :)
I hope your words have the right meaning to as many as possible and save lifes. There are people out there buying 600 cc sport motorcycles as a starter bike and they dont even ever drive a bike at their life so far. I am giving also a very big amount of wrong move at the bike sellers which they are making the worst they can to sell a bike to someone with absolutely no experience, that counts also to guys selling their bikes to people with no experience!
He's right. My first bike was a 2009 R1. Man. I survived but it was very challenging and uncomfortable...in until you get many road hours. Now i ride a 1800cc cruiser. Ridin easy n Training
As a still relatively new rider (2 years in with training and cornering courses) I can absolutely vouch for this. Learned to ride on a Ninja 250R and have only recently upgraded to a 2005 Yamaha R6. Just the ergos alone would have been a huge detriment to my ability to learn my riding technique. These 600cc+ sport bikes are no joke. They are heavier, they are powerful, and they are generally not the most comfortable things to sit on. Learn the fundamentals on a forgiving bike. These 600s can get you into trouble really quick. It isn't just throttle control. It's cornering comfort and confidence. Be safe everyone.
Not to cause any negativity on your post, but why does everyone seem to mention weight? A lot of bikes nowadays are sitting around 380-440, my Honda CB500F was at 410 I believe, if not, 400. A lot of the supersports I see don't usually fly over 440, is it that much of a difference? I've sat them and felt fine, but haven't rode one myself on the street yet.
@@NPurvis7622 fair point. The 250R vs the R6 "feel" farther apart in weight. I think this may be to different centers of gravity. On totp of that, I'm a short and small rider so those smaller changes in height and weight make a bigger difference. For reference, I'm 5'4" and 137lbs. That being said, as I've gotten more time on the R6, the difference didn't feel that bad anymore. Just took some time to get used to.
@@NPurvis7622 also, the weight plays a big part in slow speed maneuvers. You really feel the difference. Ergos also affect this dramatically. Sport bikes have miserable ergos to be able to handle at lower speeds.
@@daebak7370 honestly not a big deal to ride a bike without ABS. Just make sure you take the time to learn proper emergency braking technique. Find an open parking lot or an empty road. Ride at different speeds and practice applying brake pressure. Squeeze the orange. If you haven't done a beginner rider courses it's worth doing. NEVER quickly grab front or rear brake.
I definitely agree. I just chose a 400cc and luckily I’m handling it well right off the bat. Definitely choose a lower cc if you are staying with a sport. 😂 My only issue right now is downshifting from 6th down to 1st and properly rev matching to a stop light 😅 gonna keep watching your videos and of course I’ll shut up and practice
Dude if your Issue Shifting back from the 6 Gear to the first Gear, when you see a Stop Light, My Advice if you have ABS on your Bike ? , My Advice Use first the Front Brake Press it Slowly Than The Rear Brake Slowly. And do That 200 Meters Before the Stop Light and Shift Back that you Can Stop Easly By Hitting The Front Brake Slowly , " We Learn here in The Netherlands first our Theory Than Go to Driver School if we do not have our Driver Licence yet , By a Instructor whom learns us First AVB , Which stands for how to Handle the Bike , " We need to do All Kinds of Tests , Which include Shifting from the First Gear to The 3 Gear , Driving 30 or 35 Km , Per Hour , And Learn a Stop Brake By Shifting Back to the first Gear and Try to Stop between 2 Pions , . Also we need to Learn ' Circle With The Bike between 8 Pions , Driving 50 Km Per Hour , And Using our Hips ' From left to Right , To Get Through the 8 Pions , ETC ETC , if we Succeed ' All Tests . Than we can Get AVD , Which Stands for Hitting on the Road Learn riding on the Highway And Town , ' The Instructor And Examinator , Help us in Both Examinations , If you Succeed in Both , Than its Time to Go to the State Building And Ask for our Driver licence , Laws in Europe are Prity Strickt Since The Euro 5 Law Regulations for Motor Bike's ' Even for Cars or Scooter , ' So my Advice Dont Drive Fast Learn on a Parking Lot How to Handle Braking when you see a Stop Light , Just imagine that in your Head Even While there is not a Stopping Light of Course on a Parking Lot , Or Just Go to a Cheap Driving School Whom can Learn you Handle The Shifting Gear How to Stop before a Traffick Light , ' Hope you Catch my Drift Buddy ? , Which you All the Best And Please Take it easy on the Road , Because A Car can Switch from Traffick Lane Without Watching that a Motor Bike is Behind Him or Her , ' Specially on Highways , ' And if you as a Beginner Rider on your Motor Bike Drive Fast ' You Can Crash into the Back of the Car or Truck or Even a Big Bus , Which can Cost your Life So Please dont do anything Stupid When a Biker Challenge to a Race Just Reject These Kamikazi Pilots -------------- Speeding is not for on the Road its for Circuits ' And Only Experienced Riders can Learn Beginner Riders The Tactics ' This is Specially done in Italië alot , Peaceout Dude 😊
@@DJReckless-q2z you are definitely right and that is smart. I did take an MSF course and passed all my tests. I have been practicing and I don’t have any issue stopping. In fact I’m very good at it, it’s just downshifting from high gear down to 1st. I keep downshifting too early and causing my bike to stall when I’m ready to take off in first. I have to keep practicing matching the rpms with the engines speed 😆
@@esmamelissakaukovic2628are you letting out the clutch each time you change the gear so you will know the gear-engine speed? Like between 6th to 5th do you let out the clutch, then as the revs drop low enough you then change down to 4th, let the clutch out, then as the revs drop you change down to 3rd etc?
@@Google_Does_Evil_Now nope, I’m a complete dumb ass and I was in a hurry because people kept riding my ass. So let’s say I would be in 6th gear going maybe around 65 miles per hour on the high way, stop light turns red, I start downshifting and immediately close throttle and just start downshifting one at a time down to first and come to a stop. When I’m ready to take off in first I over rev the engine and my bike lurched forward and stalled on me 🤦♀️
I agree that the average beginner should probably learn on something with less power and more upright posture. That said… I started in the late 90’s on a ‘96 CBR 600 f3. 90 something horses and sixty something lb ft. It was also known for having a very relaxed riding position compared to other sportbikes of the era. Didn’t crash until 15 years later when a texting driver ran a red light and clipped me on a friend’s bike. Took an 8 year hiatus and returned to riding with the purchase of a ducati icon 803. Less power but more torque than what I learned on decades earlier and even though I’ve cafe’d it up with clipons etc it’s still more upright than the f3 was… and I can’t stand it. Cruisers/adv’s bore me. The “oneness” with a sport bike is just something special. Changing the geometry of the bike with every input and body movement is part of the thrill that keeps me riding. To each their own I suppose. Keep up the important work good sir. Ride safe and God bless.
You are talking about SuperSport not Sport bikes. SuperSport class are mostly inline 4 600 full fairing bikes and higher, however the new ZX4R is a SuperSport inline 4 as well. I learned how to ride street on a Sport bike, 1985 GPZ 550, but I had many years of dirt experience before getting on a street bike. Beginners who want to ride sport should start with a used Ninja 250/300/400 or similar. When using a SuperSport solely for street riding/commuting like me, it is best to get clip-on risers and get rid of the 26% downslope on the wrists. I also lowered the seat height 1 inch. The ride is very comfortable and visibility is excellent. I ride the Blue Ridge mountains roads for 5 hours/200 miles on the weekends when the weather is about 50 and not raining. IMO, too many people get these bikes and don't learn how to ride or don't practice enough.
Started on 600rr, full analog, no aides. It still humbles me from time to time so I have a respect for it being far more competent than I am. For an 18 year old sportbike it is still a functional rocket.
New rider here. First and current bike, after getting my license last year, is a MT-03. Can't imagine starting with more power than that... especially stopping and downshifting from speed, and cornering!
He's 100% right, sports bikes are not designed for the road. Going beyond what he's talking about, how're the gear ratios? 1st gear going to 100mph sounds pretty cool, right? But, in reality your high powered bike is slower off the line than most road bikes out there. Where's the power band? Oh, that's right, if you want to ride under (or close) to the speed limit you'll never see the power band on the road. This makes the bikes less fun, you'll be operating in the bottom 10% of its potential. It's really quite sad. Let's keep going... How're are the ergonomics? Are you happy leaning forward at 40mph? Your body won't love it for very long, to the point where you are not comfortable and are dredding the next ride. How's the seat? I hope it's cushy...nope it's a plank of wood and you won't last 120 miles before needing a break. It's like driving a dragster as your daily driver, sounds like a good idea, right? How many people would actually do that more than once? You can tell beginners not to get a sports bike for safety reasons, but that's not even the major consideration. Bottom line, sports bikes are designed for the track, get a road bike it'll be much more fun on the road.
I love how the GSXR hasn't changed since the 90's lmao, I actually want one. Unfortunately both 750 and 1000 variants have been phased out in my country.
I'm driving first season right now on kawa z250sl. Thinking to buy ninja 400 for next year, but pepople around sayinbg: "'buy 600cc+, it's okay", but i dont think so. And my friend going to buy 750cc after 300cc for next season. I'm scared to lose friend
It's really odd thinking about you as a drill instructor. Can't picture you yelling in someone's face. My senior drill instructor I swear he never smiled once the whole time. I was a kid from broken family, knew nothing about the service. I wanted to go home my first couple weeks but realized I'm not. So in my mind I made up my mind to be a Marine. I been practicing all you teach. Really helps, thanks.
I bought my ninja 400 3 months ago as my first bike and I'm really happy, I'm having a blast with it...the only thing is the highway for a longer ride, I don't feel so secure with it, maybe in the future with a bigger and heavier bike would be much better...but maybe it's just me still learning
At 40 I just got my first bike. 2001 yahmaha wr250f converted into a supermoto. Thing is a blast. I want a faster bike but I still have much to learn thanks to you. I bought full gear and your app. Thanks for your wisdom my friend.
Started riding 6 years ago on an inline 4 600cc with 100HP, put 40,000 miles on it before getting a 160 HP 1000cc, my 600 feels like a 125cc after the litre bike. For new riders it's impossible to explain just how much faster a litre bike is. I'm glad I started on a lesser power bike.
Definitely solid advice, as always. I lusted after a Ducati sportbike for decades, and so, it was my first bike straight out of MSF (Ducati 1098). I dropped it many times, paid too much money for cheap fairings and small repairs, and didn’t learn anything beyond going fast in a straight line and switching lanes. Decided to stab my ego and buy a Honda CBR500R, rode it for two years and actually started enjoying riding and the ease of use, not to mention power I could actually use without warping to another dimension. Of course, I started to fiend for an SuperSport again after enjoying the 500 and practicing a lot, so I went back to a sportbike, this time a 2007 CBR600RR. Needless to say, I’ve been able to maintain control over my mind and limbs since, and doing track days opened up me to a whole new world as well. It’s definitely a good idea to try all kinds of motorcycles, until ultimately, you find your niche. I didn’t think I’d enjoy cruisers either, but I rode an Indian Scout Bobber and loved it. And in keeping myself in check, I refuse to buy ANY 1000CC SuperSport for street use. 600CC SuperSports are enough trouble, and for those that think they need a liter SuperSport for the street, that’s just ego and you’re lying to yourself thinking it’s fun on a daily. I currently ride a 202 CBR600RR daily and MotoJitsu hit the nail in the head about “technique, not technology.” My CBR isn’t even the ABS model and Honda continues to keep it raw (still has cable throttle), so it’s been sensational and an excellent teacher to me.
I totally agree. However, the first motorcycle I rode was a Honda Hawk 647! ❤ That was not too much motorcycle for someone with maturity and discipline. V Twin and first production motorcycle with single sided swing arm. By today's standards it's super tame and a little squishy. My good buddy still owns it.
Yup, truth. Never had a sport bike, hate the way they feel. Getting old now, 64. Street bob 114 fast enough. But I just don’t drive that fast. V45 I had at 140. Felt like I was going to get blown off. Hate the low end, nothing much there. It was Jerry Paladino and you that help me on Electra glide. Got to do 18 foot turn easy. But took practice every day for awhile. Thanks.
Just one data point but back in high school (circa 1987) my buddy got a Kawasaki EX500 sport bike. Ya, it was only a 500 but he let some dude ride it in his neighborhood. That guy slammed into a parked car and died. Be smart people. Bikes can be powerful and hard to handle with little/no experience.
Being a new rider I commend you for giving this kind of information to all the new riders. No one tells you about this. So I appreciate all the information you’re giving to me riders
You’re not wrong. I started riding at 30, on a Daytona 675. Scared me shitless the first 2 years of riding; took about 15,000km’s of twisties of riding behind an experienced rider before I could somewhat ride it the way it was designed for. Not to mention, watching almost every video you have and constantly striving to perfect my riding. Even as avid motor sports enthusiast, understanding line selection and throttle control before even getting on a bike, it was still a hell of a challenge.
scarred shitless is not a thing id like out of a first bike. My meager DR650 has scarred me enough a few times to be grateful i listened to similar sound advice.
Great advice as always. I'm still surprised by your choice (in a good way) A long time ago I used to race one. Now you can fine tune that muscle memory without any extra cooks in the kitchen. I am so happy Suzuki released that machine way they did in this day and age. I need to get another perhaps :)
I started on a ninja 650 which is a sport touring bike best decision it definitely has a great riding position, a good amount of torque and can get up and go but it’s also extremely forgiving. But I’ve noticed riders who start on 600+cc bikes we have better clutch and throttle control compared to those on 250-400cc bikes where they can just hammer on that thing. My friends who started riding the same time as me constantly have problems stalling.
Here in the UK people on 125cc and provisional license for a year or two. Then there is additional training before you get license. If you are 19year old you have to do another 2 years on a bike less than 44kw or something like the 390 Duke. After you turn 23, you can get on a bigger one.
I respect the fact that you as a motorcycle channel (probably the only one) have a video titled "You Shouldn't Ride a Motorcycle". It's not even the suggestive "5 reasons why you should not..." video. It is a skill that takes years, as you said. I took away so much from that video and even considered selling my bike after a year of starting at 40. I made the decision to buy your Motojitsu book (and other safety books), kept watching your videos and putting in hours and hours on just practicing. All gear all the time. I appreciate you and your time very much. Thank you.
I agree with this 100%. When I got back into riding, I started on a Honda Phantom 200. My next bike was a Honda Rebel 500. My current bike is a Suzuki V-Strom 1000. I'm so glad I did it this way. Thank you for great videos.
Great advice, you probably saved many lives, my first bike was a 84 Honda 500 Shadow . I was a complete idiot until I smashed into the side of a car big wake up call for me. I stopped riding 37 yrs later I’m now interested in getting back into it . I planning on buying all my gear before even getting a bike, looking at something no bigger then a 500cc any advice? My goal when I feel I’m ready is the BMW F900xr
I really want an R3. My mil is giving me her old cruiser thats somewhere between 700cc and 1200cc... she doesnt remember lol. It does make me nervous but im taking it as a learning bike.
Thanks Fast Eddie, what great advise, I have been riding for 55 years, and I am still learning. My generation was lucky to start with 50-100cc bikes, I can't imagine how much trouble we would have been in if we started with a 600cc sport bike, at 16-18 years old you already know everything and your testerone level is off the hook. Todays 600 are faster than what the pros were riding 60s and 70s. It is so easy to ride a sportbike fast and run out of talent, lots more fun to ride slow bike fast. Living is SoCal it always scares me when I see T shirt backpack and shorts and flip flops. I always think maybe they have never crashed and don't what road rash feels like. The early days lot us did not gear up, and learned what that felt like. There was not even a helmet lot in Calif. I really enjoy all that you do for out industry and sport, and all the people that you interview, also thank you very much for the service to our county Fast Eddie. Denis Kerechuk.
i started out on a 600RR 11 years ago took the beginner and advanced course and put on almost 20k miles in the first year. I still have that 600RR it has survived and so have i. just have to give yourself time and respect the bike and power and not go nuts with it until you are fully comfortable on it. it now has almost 80k miles and i im on my 3rd fireblade. Only had two incidents at speed due to other cars cutting me off but was able to avoid impacting the cars both times. One incident on a rental bike due to it scraping and levered the rear tire off the ground. Unfamiliar bike and road, but always wore full gear and walked away without a scratch. First blade got totalled out by insurance because of scraped up fairings but could have been fixed. Second blade is up for sale. Rental bike was also fixed and put back on the road.
Thank you for your service in the; Marines and Motorcycling community ! Comments reopened, can also share my experience to add on Started off on an r15, the cost of my gear was 60% of the value of the bike! i was an avid push bike rider and felt first hand how easily you get injured when you come off at speed Slowly progressed to 300 then a restricted 660 now to a 1000, which was over a span of 5 years jumping over to naked bikes its so much more comfortable also you feel the wind along with true sense of speed hence why ive stuck with them along with better handle bar turning as mentioned The +600cc fully faired bike you are talking about are called super-sports bikes; full performance race oriented with parts to fit, especially with these inline 4s once you rev them up, the power then truely kicks in… theres that strange numbers thing that kawasaki and honda mainly have done in more recent times; zx2,4,6 r vs ninja 250,400 and 650 or cbr200rr vs cbr300r, cbr600rr vs cbr650r also suzuki gsxr600 vs sv650s… these being super-sports vs sports, lower capacity but higher revving more cylinders and lighter parts Smaller cylinder bikes have better manuverability with their lighter overall weight you can move quicker in turns, just watch or experience a better/confident rider on a smaller bike vs a bigger bike (with less skill/confidence)
I cant express how good of a decision it was for me to start my riding career on a Honda SCL500. From every angle its making me a better rider in the long run and has plenty of power to be an absolute blast! I didn't want to be a cruiser and I was so tempted to go full blown sport bike...but the moment I sat on each style of bike I knew my lil scrambler was PERFECT to learn on. A month in and 400miles under my belt I still have zero regrets. Ride your own ride friends!
What a great video! My first bike was/is a KTM 390 Duke and within first month I wanted to upgrade to a Ducati Monster(my dream bike). Thankfully I did not, as I proceeded to drop my bike very soon after(nothing serious). I also have hit bumps and the throttle went up fast. If I did that on a monster, or any larger cc bike I probably would've flown off my seat. I'm learning to sit properly, hug the gas tank, push down on my pegs, slow turns, and shifting. All because I have a smaller cc bike, and it's very lite. And to add to your point about slow mode on a bike. Ya that would've lasted 2 minutes with me and my ego. We all know ourselves better than anyone else. Truthfully I would've put that bike on sport mode immediately. One final point on smaller cc bikes, upgrades are cheaper. I put a full race exhaust, piggy back computer on my bike. I'll never do that again, a slip on, good tires and adjustments to make my bike fit me is all I'll ever do. Cheap lesson on my KTM 390 duke, expensive one if I got that Ducati.
21 year old beginner rider here, started on a BMW 650 GS and I've almost crashed more times than I like to admit. Every time I think I'm about too, I just stay calm, stay with the breaks and envision fast Eddies face. I've been able to save my bike with just a light drop once or twice instead of dying. Thank you for creating this channel really, not joking. Also love that comments are on.
Go easy on the brakes. One finger is all you really need unless you're about to smash into a car. Also The bike will always go where you are looking.
If I can throw another piece of mind, don’t react make sure you’re already on a gameplan on any street. But yes one thing I’ve seen from self experience if you cant brake good yet go slow till your more comfortable. Stay safe and keep riding ! Always remember you gotta make it home
That bike is way too big for a noob like you. You should be on a 300 and learn how to ride first. Then you can step up in power as your riding improves …
@@ma3stro681 i convinced my friend to start on an MT-09 😁😁
The 650 is not a big bike. The 1250 Adventure is...😊 If your problem is lower speed, use the rear brake. It makes a huge difference. I have a 750.
Thank you for turning the comments on. PHUCK THE BAD APPLES, it's not fair to the rest of the barrel.
What happened I never heard why he turned them off ?
@@xx_mysticwolf_xx1492trolls we're going hard af and it was stressful
@@xx_mysticwolf_xx1492Haters goin a hate.
Seriously. I love this channel and I like going to the comments because you find some gems from experienced riders. Unfortunately you also get lots of trolls and idiots in the biker community just like any other community
@@giggityeffyou true, and with bikes everybody think they Rossi 😆
It is so much more fun to learn on bikes that aren't constantly luring you into Moto GP level scenarios or trying to buck you off in parking lots. I went through the gambit of bikes learning to ride beginning with a Ninja 250R. You will make mistakes, crash and ride ignorant of your surroundings such as all drivers waking up with your picture on their bathroom mirror and orders to seek and destroy. A good test to see if your skill matches your ambition is ask yourself, do you know your suspension settings, do you know which tires you have on, do you know how much psi you have in your tires and why? If not, the bike may be riding you and this never ends well. Riding is for everybody! Please take your time walking towards your riding goals 😊
A professional motorcycle racer once told me, Supersports are like driving a F1 race car. They are meant for the track. He said he never takes his sport bikes on the streets, only the tracks. He rides less powerful motorcycles on the public roads. Said the bikes are too fast, there are too many obstacles to watch out for on the streets and the odds are against you. Very interesting comment.
If anybody has any doubt about what MotoJitsu is saying here, just think about this for a second: He had a Fireblade (1000cc) and had all the training anyone could get, and he still crashed. He isn't just talking out of nowhere; he experienced the things he is saying.
Truth! Facts!
Some crashes happen regardless of training. What bike you're riding when that happens doesn't change anything.
I can say that this guy is not as good as he think he is. My first proper bike was Kawasaki ZZR600, done approx 100k in 3 years with it and newer crashed. I continued with Yamaha YZF1000, done another 50k and still no crash. In my carrier I have done more than 400k and had only 3 crashes (1 from doing fast wheelie on R1, 1 from gravel on the tarmac ZX-9R, 1 traffic accident not my fault). I say sport bikes are the most safe to ride since they have the best driving characteristics, problem is in driver.
@@RideWithGecyeah, people love to praise this guy for no real reason. i actually was given my license (essentially, he isn’t the DMV) from MotoJitsu as he was my coach a few years back. He’s not a total idiot but he’s not the “almighty god of motorcycling” that people say he is. he’s just a dude who happens to be a coach.
@@KellerFkinRyan I think you are spot on about this guy. He is very average and he teaches some techniques that can harm instead to be beneficial.
Totally right. I have fun on my 300. I don’t have to be worried about anything unexpected with the power and can manage it.
46 years old. Just bought my first bike after talking myself out of one for 20+ years. I got a 2023 KTM 390 Adventure because it's well-reviewed and... small. I know I know *nothing* but with channels like this and the community around it I'm looking forward to learning.
Thanks for all the content!
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve been riding every day for 13 years. And on and off for 25 years. My bike history:
- dirt bikes as a kid.
- Triumph Thruxton 900 (chill, slow, old low power engine)
- MT09 (effing mental. Sold quickly. Waaaaay too much power, even though I’d been riding for 5 years every day at the time)
- DRZ400SM - most fun bike I ever owned. Epic. (Except on motorway, then terrible).
- KTM 390 Adv ‘23 - absolute winner for 1 up riding. Not as fun as the DRZ, not as pretty as the triumph. But amazing power delivery, super happy up to 160kph. Fun, nimble, super quick around town, countryside and offroad.
All this to say, I have a lot of experience, (not saying I’m the best rider obviously), and I still think that I have a LOT more to learn before touching a sports bike again.
That MT09 was an absolute monster. 0-60 mph in 2.95 seconds, 0-100 mph in 5.82. Quarter mile in 10.7s.
Your brain quite literally cannot process the acceleration. Amazing sensation, but you are 100% accepting a huge amount of additional risk by riding a bike like that without decades of experience and lots of additional learning/training/practise.
I say this not to be a dick, but because these are my personal experiences and feelings. I may be a “pussy”, but I just want to share this, so as to make others feel confident in themselves when they plant their flag with a more conservative bike.
Great to see you with comments. Thanks for this video. Started on a 175cc Yamaha and progressed through a CB450 to a 750 Honda. The early learning on the smaller and lower powered bike was really worthwhile. It was also fun trying to get the best out of the smaller bike and me as well. The 750 was great to ride and I was pleased that I had the earlier experience on the 175.
I know a-lot of people say the r3 is not powerful, slow or you get bored of it quickly but tbh I am glad i didnt listen to any of that when I got into the market for buying a bike. Had my r3 for a little over a year and put on 24k miles with ALOT of twisty riding in California and highway commutes to work. I'm literally up the mountain faster than most people on their 600s or 1Ks because it literally shows by the way they ride how afraid they are of the power at their disposal. The r3 is still more than enough power for the highway or whatever type of commute as you are going faster than flow of traffic on a motorcycle anyways. Although I can technically be overtaken by a car on the highway if they floor'd it, I cant recall anytime that has ever happened to me as I am always going 10-15mph faster than flow of traffic, so to say the r3 is not enough is opposite from reality. Now if you want to be the 120-160mph straight line warrior then okay sure have at it. I dont think I will be upgrading my r3 still for a long time as its still a ton of fun in the mountains where riding a sportbike is at its peak enjoyment and its literally soooooo cheap to maintain, like literally I cant stress how cheap it is to maintain this thing its actually such a bang for your buck. You don't go through tires and or chain/sprockets or even gas nearly as quickly as you would on a larger bike. And its freaking easy to work on as everything is accessible and its a good opportunity to learn how to do every maintenance yourself so when you do get a larger bike you know the get around and aren't afraid to mess anything up
Started on a scooter last year and upgraded to a naked cb650r. I’m loving it and the power delivery is so linear. No plans on upgrading for a year or two.
I've had mine for a few seasons and put about 20,000km a season on it so far and she looks and runs like brand new still. I guess you wouldn't expect less from a Honda though.
Great bikes for sure!
Here's another thing you may or may not agree with. As a novice track rider, and on street, I can actually corner faster on an upright bike because it's easier (at least for me) to keep weight off the damn bars and keep my arms relaxed. On my zx6r I always find myself having to make more conscious effort on torso and keeping weight off the wrists, and sometimes I'll forget and get tension that way, which of course has bad results. I got rid of BOTH my z1000 ( just too much hp) and zx6r, and got the very comfy new suzuki gsx8-r twin..comfy and easier handling, faster cornering with way less percieved effort!
Started on a GSXR 600 six years ago (no incidents on the road so far, knock on wood), agree with all the points made. It can be done, but realize you're signing up for the additional challenges and temptations.
Adonai bless you
Would love to be able to afford any one of theJapanese four 600 r class as a new rider as my position is discipline as I cannot afford buying a smaller motorcycle prior to one I desire. I say apply the lessons taught by DanDan and Motojitsu
@@oariv Are you not listening to MotoJitsu ?? He clearly States to not start on a supersport. The comment made by the guy above only learned skills to survive the bike rather than actual techniques and grow from there to learn more advanced techniques. Nobody thinks you're cool if you're on a r6, you look an idiot and it's embarrassing. Did Valentino Rossi started racing on prototype cutting edge race bikes ?? Of course not.
I agree. Sport bikes are at another level. No wonder manufacturers call them Super Sports.
Back in 2014, I got a lightly used gsxr750. It was my second bike. But after the 4th crash in a year, the bike was totaled due to my lack of experience.
The combination of training and experience is what keep riders from crashing.
Great video! Thanks!
Nowadays, sportbikes are full race machines with a plate and blinkers. Anything with over 150hp at 400lbs and a top speed of nearly 200mph is NOT an ordinary motorcycle or meant for everyone. In fact, why would you even want to ride something like that on public roads where you cannot get the "full" potential of the bike? Racetracks are there for that reason.
I learned the hard way that training was important. I was just lucky.
Nowadays I think that a new rider starting on a super sportbike is like a new pilot starting on an F-16.
@@tedmarakas2626people definitely ride these bikes to their full potential on the streets.not the smartest thing to do tho.
I'm 29, I got my driver license 1 month ago and even before having the license I bought a brand new ktm duke 390, SUPER HAPPY WITH IT. Is light, fast enough to learn how to overtake vehicles and yes, the wind on my chest when going over 80-90 miles/h I agree with you is necessary to keep speeding down as a beginner! I keep practicing in a parking and I'm going to do a driving course this month, after just 1000 kms on my back.
Have fun man! I got my ninja 400 two months ago and its freaking awesome, in the tight mountain roads you can easily catch up with bigger cc bikes. In the end you save on gas and have more fun revving the engine way up and changing gears, and feels super easy is at slower speeds and U-turns.
My opinion? I was a new rider aswell 3 years ago, started with a cbr 600 rr 03' with no abs etc. The main thing? Age, I was 28 when I begon. Exactly like you say, you where 29, if you start on a sports bike and you are much younger, then it could be a problem
i have a gixxer 600 too! love it and it's so true about how fast you're going and you think you're doing much less
I'm 38, started riding 2 years ago on a used cbr300r and just recently upgraded to a brand new 2024 zxxer 636. The first thing I noticed was the weight difference and how limited the steering was. I am glad you touched base on this in the video because it is very true, smaller bikes have way more turn radius which makes it easier to learn and hone your riding technique. I have been a subscriber for a while now and purchased your app in support and I must say there is A LOT of great information in there from practicing basic techniques to more advanced maneuvers and much more! Also, something you once said in a video a while back stuck with me when I was just starting out and that is "I'd rather sweat than bleed." it is imperative that any rider new or old wear gear! I have had a lot of friends go down, hospitalized and even died because they weren't wearing enough gear or their gear was poor quality in my biker community. The only thing I would add in the video is once you upgrade your bike, upgrade your gear as well! your beginner gear will most likely be cheap and poor quality. We all share a common bond and with that said, stay safe out there family!
hey, same age and started riding 1 year ago, i still riding my honda NC750x with DCT, just super to commute in city. but slowly thinking in riding something cbr660 like, just love the sound.
i can really recommend motorbike learn sessions, breaking, swerving, cornering. btw im from austria and here in europe we have alot of training camps.
Started on a 80 PS naked bike, crashed a few times, just fucked up my gear and foot pegs, no injures. Got classes and track days, switched to sport bike, never crashed since and I am fast as duck boi on the track and know what I'm doing know. Starting on the sports bike I have now wouldn't have ended well.
My across the street neighbor has never rode a MC and has never taken a course. Everybody at his "shop" has a Harley, so he bought one too. Watching him and one of his "work buddies" help him try to ride it up and down the block and into his garage was scary, very scary. Thankfully, once parked in the garage, there it has sat. Pride, overweening pride, testosterone poisoning and adrenaline addiction and the fact that dealerships will eagerly talk you into and sell you anything means that there are way more MC deaths and serious injuries than there needs to be. All that and the fact that in my area, only the most basic MC safety classes are taught on a single weekend, once a year, so there is precious little training that novice riders can get or even know about. If I owned a dealership, I would insist that new, unskilled riders buy a beginner's bike in addition to their big monster to both sooth my conscience and increase my profit.
In my country we are limited to slower bikes till we get our full license. I started on an r3 and rode an r6 for the first time recently. Even after 18 months on the r3 the r6 is a completely different feeling beast and I would be dead if I had started on one 100%
Great advise. I grew up riding starting on a Honda Z50 and up. First street bikes I rode were sport bikes. After a couple of Harley’s I went back to to a Ninja 636. After not riding for quite a few years I got my Suzuki GSX-S 750 and now I wish I would of went a little lighter and full sport like a R7. I am 59 and 6’6” and I am still comfortable on a bike the size of a R7, I can even have a ton of fun on a Ninja 400. Use MotoJitsu’s advise, start small and learn and you will be smoking people on there big bikes before long.
Why do some people think that the public roads are for racing? I live in upstate NY. Last week 6 deaths. Started riding last year...having second thoughts
100% agreed. for reference imagine a pilot being rated for a Cessna 172 and then going and flying a high performance aircraft with NO training they will probably be overwhelmed and end up crashing and or dead.
Starting off at 29 myself as well… on a rocket of a bike: royal enfield hunter 350 😂 . I can push all 20 hp without too much risk around the bends. Because of videos like yours and copious amounts of practice, I out handle a lot of these heavier cruiser dudes on tight corners
I tried a triumph triple and immediately realized how absurd that torque and power is for a beginner …
Let those big bikes know who is boss xD
I 100% believe you shouldn’t ride or drive a powerful track weapon on the street until you can really master a hunk of junk, and make that slow vehicle go fast. You will be at the edge of its capabilities at much safer speeds, you will learn efficient cornering, maintaining momentum, smooth shifting etc all to keep that slow car or bike going quick.
It should be MANDATORY for sales people to show this video to customers who think about buying sportbikes for their first bike.
If you assume that every single human on earth is dumb, then yes I would agree.
True
@@monkeytheo. 50% of people are dumber than the average…..
It's been my experience that you would turn out to be right a lot more often than you should with that assumption.
@@monkeytheo 81 million votes, J6, COVID vax, Chinese Spy Balloon, Ukraine war, George Floyd, TDS. Yes and yes.
This is very helpful. I started on a 125 Grom, then went up to the CB300r, now I have the Kawasaki Z400 and Ninja 400. I remember when you posted a video years ago stating that no one should start on anything too high in the CCs, I believe you said, 3-500cc and below. Glad I listened.
Thank God somebody is saying something about this! To many guys get these but cannot stop! Get a dirt bike and hit the dirt a few times, way better than hitting the pavement!! Trust me I know.
I started as a teen on smaller dirt bikes (Honda XR80's and 100's). I just got back into riding after 25 years and got onto a Honda CRF250L; took a lot of time to practice the basics in parking lots before getting back out and opening the throttle... and it has paid off. No way I'd jump into a sport bike first, even now.
4:40 wha….?! 50,000miles in one year? He misspelled his words….no f**kin way.
My first bike was a Yamaha bolt, technically 900cc but in cruiser. I'm currently (and not happy with) a 1600cc Yamaha road star. So heavy, I would much rather be on a 600 naked after these last two years
All good advice... which I ignored when I was young because there was no such thing as TH-cam. I ride a 1200 CC adventure bike now and I have to say... until this past summer when I FINALLY practiced... I wasn't even a white belt. Yes... rode for 20 years... struggled with a U turn. Humble pie for sure. Taking Champ school in the spring.
I started on a cbr600rr, still on said bike and I've been doing just fine, I definitely don't try to ride out of my skill level. I've slowly progressed on skill and I tend to keep improving. Good video though !
Thanks for bringing the comments section back 🙏
You're absolutely right man. I recently begun to pick up riding again on a Ninja 650R, and I've ended up dropping the poor thing more times than I'd like from simply practicing. The weight of the bike is mildly overwhelming and so is the posture. I've sold it to a good friend and opted to begin practicing again on a cruiser instead and it's making a world's difference.
How right you are. I got my motorcycle licence in 1963 and rode all sorts of bikes, with a few 'bikeless' periods here and there. I rode off road on farm-bikes for a while then went ten years without a bike and over 20 since I had ridden a street bike. Then in 2013 I got an old (1988) CBR600, (it was a gift and needed work, which I did) it only makes 88hp and weighs 200kgs, but even with all that expeirnce it was a bit of a handful at first. First stop was the shop for gear as I didn't have any...helmet pants, jacket, gloves and boots. Expensive, but I'm an ATTAGAT girl. That old Honda can still top 140mph. I went on an advanced refresher course too; best $50 I have ever spent. I was pretty rusty...... I am 81 now and getting a bit brittle, so I am doubly careful to keep the rubber on the bottom.
I started on a DR650. No auto anything, no ride modes, nothing. Started a year ago (48 yrs young mainly cause i assessed my risk and realize my blood is no longer 100% piss and vinegar). I also heard a similar thing to what you said, no other bikes for 1 year. I did that. Not having abs is awesome for practicing skills. Got in the dirt and pushed till i started sliding my rear, washing out my front and forcing myself to learn what happens when things go sideways. I have a lot to learn still, but thanks to you, your app, and other youtubers im slowly getting more confident with every ride/practice session.
I sold my GSXR 1000 and decided to downgrade to the 2024 KRT 636 because 1000cc isn't necessary even though I'm 9 bikes in now. 600cc is more than enough for an experienced rider and the new 600s do 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds which is faster than a Lamborghini hurrican. Buy a ZX10R and your looking at 2.5 to 60. It's just not necessary.
I started on a 1100cc Africa Twin. At was a little heavy and tall for a new 5'6" rider but I have a far amount of experience of 800+hp cars so I am familiar with speed and the dangers associated with it. I've been riding every chance I get this 1st year and hopefully in 2024 I can step into a powerful naked bike and take some advanced rider classes.
I stopped riding motorcycles on the road back in 2005. I have been riding dirt off and on. I took my MSF got my endorsement and started test riding bikes. I road a sport bike and immediately regretted it. There is a lot of riding technique involved with riding them, especially at low speed and on a mixed surface. I have a naked and it’s got enough power to pass but not a lot of power to get into a lot of trouble. Just enough trouble.
Wise words, passed at 44 years old, KTM 950sm.
Your supposed to get your license first? I did shite arse backwards. Got my bike first, practiced on back roads and parking lots then took my motorcycle license test. Failed the first time because I didn't study, 2nd time aced it, I started studying 3 days everyday before my test. The lady that gave me my test said I did a lot better than most people. I don't drive like a maniac in my truck and constantly checking my surroundings, I take those skills and apply them when I ride my motorcycle so far I have been able to avoid two accidents I've only been riding for a month. I think I'm doing pretty good but I also didn't get a super sport bike I got a street naked, Suzuki GSX-8S
So true. If I had my current bike when I started I would have sent myself into a hedge at the first corner, and my current bike isn’t even a sports bike, just a muscle cruiser.
I always feel the same. I'm so glad I didn't get a sport bike when I was young. I would not likely still be here. Great advice as always.
I started riding 2 years ago when I was 56! Yes I am a 100% newbie putting around on my MT-03. That said, I have not yet been in a situation where I felt in jeopardy in any way. A lot of this is dumb luck, however I believe that my 40 years of experience being a cager has equipped me with a lot of judgement and ability to anticipate danger that a 16 year old simply cannot possess. I don't know how, but somehow I am able to tell if someone is about to turn left in front of me, before they have even moved. Somehow experience allows you to identify people who are non-attentive or simply don't care.
Started riding last year on a 300 at 48 but had to let the bike go in May of this year for some reasons. Missing it badly and hope to get back to it by next season, health and other factors permitting.
Totally agree with this. Started riding at 40 after 24 years of driving a car - and I guarantee that makes a huge difference. I am much safer than a 16 year old because I have tons of experience driving already. I’m transferring skills, not learning all new ones.
@@Wileylikethehawkit's not the going that matters, it's the stopping and knowing how to dump your bike. Yes I said dump your bike. If you can't stop with the rear wheel barely off the ground, you need to learn.
@@gates2122 Dumping the bike seems counter-intuitive.
@@Wileylikethehawkit's definitely not counterintuitive if it's you or the bike 100 if you think you're about to get smashed dump the bike
I enjoy your videos. Great advice for riders, new and experienced. It's cool that you are a fellow Marine. I started riding when I was in the Corps back in 1981 on a new Yamaha 250 Exciter. It was a cruiser style bike and I could flat foot it. I'm only 5'4". I was in the Mohave Desert at 29 Plams Marine Corps Base. Light traffic, straight wide open roads and curvy mountain roads within 20 minutes of the base. After 3 months I bought an XS650 Heritage Special Yamaha. Another cruiser, but taller. I was on the balls of my feet. It was a twin so it was not fast like the Seca 650, KZ 650 or GPZ 550, which were 4 cylinder bikes at the dawn of sport bikes. In 1983 I bought a used 1977 KZ1000, my first big fast bike! I probably would have crashed it if I didn't have the throttle, braking, and cornering skills that I developed in the first 2 years and 25K miles of riding. I also had the motorcycle safety courses that the Marine Corps made me take before allowing me to ride on their bases lol. I love riding and after 42 years and many bikes I currently have a 2017 CB500F and a 2021 GSXR1000R. You are a great teacher and your videos are important to many people. Every ride for me is a practice session.
"you are relying on technology when you should be relying on technique." Absolutely phenomenal statement. This is very wise and eloquent.
I've been riding for about 7 months now and still learning new stuff
I have a 2016 Honda CBR300R
great words right here. i been riding for little over 2.5 yrs now. first bike was mt03 which i rode for 1.5yrs. now i ride r3. thought about upgrading to a bigger bike but i knew i would never realize the full potential of the big bikes so sidegraged to a r3. its fun the r3. i mean i rode my friends liter bikes a few times, but i could never engage the big bikes. whereas an r3, i could use all that power all that torque all the weight, in which i feel very satisfying. what better is passing liter bikes on twisty. lotta big bike riders they do go fast on straights but then slow way the fuk down on corners. i really enjoy slaying those big bikes on winding roads. plus where i am, south korea, bikes cannot go on highways. so.... not a lot of places any bike can really full throttle. did little modding to my r3 so it could go over 125. that's ample enough really. it was great to know that an experienced rider thought on the similar lines as i am. i think i'm taking biking the right way i guess. great to see u on a sport bike! i be sure to check out ur upcoming vids on it
I always love your videos man. They made me a better rider in every aspect. Thanks for being my first motorcycle teacher 🤙🏼
I can relate to this video so bad I started on an r3 for 3 years did 25,000km ( I’m from Aus Melbourne )did 4 advance course and level 1 and 2 of California super bike school also bought your book to do training just bought my dream bike 2023 s1000rr m package and so confident on it now thanks so much ❤❤❤
I agree.
Passed my BRC about two months ago and was looking to get a MT-07. Seemed like a good starting point to me. Sat on one, felt good. Went to do a test ride, man did it scare me. Instead I went with it's little brother, the MT-03.
Motojitsu is preaching baby steps ! You can learn on a Sportbike just fine, I’ve done it and many I know have too ! Just be cautious and realize your a beginner ! It’s more about the individual and we’re not all the same. Experience is the key not the type of bike !
Very sound advice, MotoJitsu, for present day traffic conditions. My first bike, after passing my test on a 250 Greeves in 1967, was a brand new Kawasaki 750 H2 two-stroke triple. By some miracle I survived. The risks I took then make me tremble now. On my current Honda CB1000R I have developed into a very different rider, but am still learning to ride safely.
I’m just starting riding. I bought a Yamaha xt250 and am taking the msf course and practicing off road and in parking lots since I live in a rural area. But where the heck can I practice cornering?? We don’t have asphalt tracks here in Idaho!
I wanted to start on a CBR 600 but I had no riding experience
I bought a 1998 Yamaha xt350 enduro and I’ve been learning the fundamentals of riding for the passed 6 months.
I think I made a smart choice and will eventually upgrade after the first year
I recently started riding, bought a ninja 400 as my beginner bike. Just like you said that kinda bike is still fast but it’ll take much more time to get that speed. I was gonna buy a zx4rr as my first bike cause I just love the inline 4 sounds, but I feel great having a ninja 400 instead. Not just because it’s so much cheaper but the power delivery is so much easier to handle. I’ll keep it for at least two years I think.
I started on a Gsxr 750 been just fine lol I’m 220 pounds tho and getting on them small bikes just wasn’t it . I learned the basics before I got on a Gsxr 750 tho and I’m 32 years old
The power mode on a Gsxr 750 is actaully slower then a 600 and the cat delete this bike weight is like 410 which is not that much weight to handle for a grown man . I think this was the perfect bike for me starting out with throttle control and maturity you can get this as a first bike
Where I live, as a new rider 17 and above you are forced to ride a 125cc for a year. Before you get a full 125cc license, you take a practical test, then you have to hold a full 125cc license before you get your unrestricted license. If you’re riding everyday during that first year you learn a lot
Your a legend man!! Really appreciate how much I have learnt from you over the past few months, learning will always continue. Currently I have a 125cc naked bike which round my area is more than enough speed for the roads, a bigger bike would be ideal for overtaking sometimes but maybe next year :)
I hope your words have the right meaning to as many as possible and save lifes.
There are people out there buying 600 cc sport motorcycles as a starter bike and they dont even ever drive a bike at their life so far.
I am giving also a very big amount of wrong move at the bike sellers which they are making the worst they can to sell a bike to someone with absolutely no experience, that counts also to guys selling their bikes to people with no experience!
He's right. My first bike was a 2009 R1. Man. I survived but it was very challenging and uncomfortable...in until you get many road hours. Now i ride a 1800cc cruiser. Ridin easy n Training
As a still relatively new rider (2 years in with training and cornering courses) I can absolutely vouch for this. Learned to ride on a Ninja 250R and have only recently upgraded to a 2005 Yamaha R6. Just the ergos alone would have been a huge detriment to my ability to learn my riding technique. These 600cc+ sport bikes are no joke. They are heavier, they are powerful, and they are generally not the most comfortable things to sit on. Learn the fundamentals on a forgiving bike. These 600s can get you into trouble really quick. It isn't just throttle control. It's cornering comfort and confidence. Be safe everyone.
Not to cause any negativity on your post, but why does everyone seem to mention weight? A lot of bikes nowadays are sitting around 380-440, my Honda CB500F was at 410 I believe, if not, 400. A lot of the supersports I see don't usually fly over 440, is it that much of a difference? I've sat them and felt fine, but haven't rode one myself on the street yet.
@@NPurvis7622 fair point. The 250R vs the R6 "feel" farther apart in weight. I think this may be to different centers of gravity. On totp of that, I'm a short and small rider so those smaller changes in height and weight make a bigger difference. For reference, I'm 5'4" and 137lbs. That being said, as I've gotten more time on the R6, the difference didn't feel that bad anymore. Just took some time to get used to.
@@NPurvis7622 also, the weight plays a big part in slow speed maneuvers. You really feel the difference. Ergos also affect this dramatically. Sport bikes have miserable ergos to be able to handle at lower speeds.
Would you recommend a kawasaki ninja 300 no abs for a beginner? This is the bike I have on hold by the dealership.
@@daebak7370 honestly not a big deal to ride a bike without ABS. Just make sure you take the time to learn proper emergency braking technique. Find an open parking lot or an empty road. Ride at different speeds and practice applying brake pressure. Squeeze the orange. If you haven't done a beginner rider courses it's worth doing. NEVER quickly grab front or rear brake.
I definitely agree. I just chose a 400cc and luckily I’m handling it well right off the bat. Definitely choose a lower cc if you are staying with a sport. 😂 My only issue right now is downshifting from 6th down to 1st and properly rev matching to a stop light 😅 gonna keep watching your videos and of course I’ll shut up and practice
Dude if your Issue Shifting back from the 6 Gear to the first Gear, when you see a Stop Light, My Advice if you have ABS on your Bike ? , My Advice Use first the Front Brake Press it Slowly Than The Rear Brake Slowly. And do That 200 Meters Before the Stop Light and Shift Back that you Can Stop Easly By Hitting The Front Brake Slowly , " We Learn here in The Netherlands first our Theory Than Go to Driver School if we do not have our Driver Licence yet , By a Instructor whom learns us First AVB , Which stands for how to Handle the Bike , " We need to do All Kinds of Tests , Which include Shifting from the First Gear to The 3 Gear , Driving 30 or 35 Km , Per Hour , And Learn a Stop Brake By Shifting Back to the first Gear and Try to Stop between 2 Pions , . Also we need to Learn ' Circle With The Bike between 8 Pions , Driving 50 Km Per Hour , And Using our Hips ' From left to Right , To Get Through the 8 Pions , ETC ETC , if we Succeed ' All Tests . Than we can Get AVD , Which Stands for Hitting on the Road Learn riding on the Highway And Town , ' The Instructor And Examinator , Help us in Both Examinations , If you Succeed in Both , Than its Time to Go to the State Building And Ask for our Driver licence ,
Laws in Europe are Prity Strickt Since The Euro 5 Law Regulations for Motor Bike's ' Even for Cars or Scooter , ' So my Advice Dont Drive Fast Learn on a Parking Lot How to Handle Braking when you see a Stop Light , Just imagine that in your Head Even While there is not a Stopping Light of Course on a Parking Lot , Or Just Go to a Cheap Driving School Whom can Learn you Handle The Shifting Gear How to Stop before a Traffick Light , ' Hope you Catch my Drift Buddy ? , Which you All the Best And Please Take it easy on the Road , Because A Car can Switch from Traffick Lane Without Watching that a Motor Bike is Behind Him or Her , ' Specially on Highways , ' And if you as a Beginner Rider on your Motor Bike Drive Fast ' You Can Crash into the Back of the Car or Truck or Even a Big Bus , Which can Cost your Life
So Please dont do anything Stupid
When a Biker Challenge to a Race Just Reject These Kamikazi Pilots
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Speeding is not for on the Road its for Circuits ' And Only Experienced Riders can Learn Beginner Riders The Tactics ' This is Specially done in Italië alot ,
Peaceout Dude 😊
@@DJReckless-q2z you are definitely right and that is smart. I did take an MSF course and passed all my tests. I have been practicing and I don’t have any issue stopping. In fact I’m very good at it, it’s just downshifting from high gear down to 1st. I keep downshifting too early and causing my bike to stall when I’m ready to take off in first. I have to keep practicing matching the rpms with the engines speed 😆
@@esmamelissakaukovic2628are you letting out the clutch each time you change the gear so you will know the gear-engine speed? Like between 6th to 5th do you let out the clutch, then as the revs drop low enough you then change down to 4th, let the clutch out, then as the revs drop you change down to 3rd etc?
@@esmamelissakaukovic2628I let the clutch out for each gear so that I can feel I'm in the right rev range for that gear.
HTH.
@@Google_Does_Evil_Now nope, I’m a complete dumb ass and I was in a hurry because people kept riding my ass. So let’s say I would be in 6th gear going maybe around 65 miles per hour on the high way, stop light turns red, I start downshifting and immediately close throttle and just start downshifting one at a time down to first and come to a stop. When I’m ready to take off in first I over rev the engine and my bike lurched forward and stalled on me 🤦♀️
I got a cbr300 and I’ve had a few errors and glad I’m still learning in a smaller CC then a high CC lol
I agree that the average beginner should probably learn on something with less power and more upright posture. That said… I started in the late 90’s on a ‘96 CBR 600 f3. 90 something horses and sixty something lb ft. It was also known for having a very relaxed riding position compared to other sportbikes of the era. Didn’t crash until 15 years later when a texting driver ran a red light and clipped me on a friend’s bike. Took an 8 year hiatus and returned to riding with the purchase of a ducati icon 803. Less power but more torque than what I learned on decades earlier and even though I’ve cafe’d it up with clipons etc it’s still more upright than the f3 was… and I can’t stand it. Cruisers/adv’s bore me. The “oneness” with a sport bike is just something special. Changing the geometry of the bike with every input and body movement is part of the thrill that keeps me riding. To each their own I suppose. Keep up the important work good sir. Ride safe and God bless.
You are talking about SuperSport not Sport bikes. SuperSport class are mostly inline 4 600 full fairing bikes and higher, however the new ZX4R is a SuperSport inline 4 as well. I learned how to ride street on a Sport bike, 1985 GPZ 550, but I had many years of dirt experience before getting on a street bike. Beginners who want to ride sport should start with a used Ninja 250/300/400 or similar.
When using a SuperSport solely for street riding/commuting like me, it is best to get clip-on risers and get rid of the 26% downslope on the wrists. I also lowered the seat height 1 inch. The ride is very comfortable and visibility is excellent. I ride the Blue Ridge mountains roads for 5 hours/200 miles on the weekends when the weather is about 50 and not raining. IMO, too many people get these bikes and don't learn how to ride or don't practice enough.
Started on 600rr, full analog, no aides. It still humbles me from time to time so I have a respect for it being far more competent than I am. For an 18 year old sportbike it is still a functional rocket.
New rider here. First and current bike, after getting my license last year, is a MT-03. Can't imagine starting with more power than that... especially stopping and downshifting from speed, and cornering!
He's 100% right, sports bikes are not designed for the road. Going beyond what he's talking about, how're the gear ratios? 1st gear going to 100mph sounds pretty cool, right? But, in reality your high powered bike is slower off the line than most road bikes out there. Where's the power band? Oh, that's right, if you want to ride under (or close) to the speed limit you'll never see the power band on the road. This makes the bikes less fun, you'll be operating in the bottom 10% of its potential. It's really quite sad. Let's keep going... How're are the ergonomics? Are you happy leaning forward at 40mph? Your body won't love it for very long, to the point where you are not comfortable and are dredding the next ride. How's the seat? I hope it's cushy...nope it's a plank of wood and you won't last 120 miles before needing a break. It's like driving a dragster as your daily driver, sounds like a good idea, right? How many people would actually do that more than once? You can tell beginners not to get a sports bike for safety reasons, but that's not even the major consideration. Bottom line, sports bikes are designed for the track, get a road bike it'll be much more fun on the road.
I’m 57 been riding a while, no no no and no! I’ll just put around on my cruiser. All I need! Thanks for the heads up! Good on ya! 🤣✌🇺🇸
I love how the GSXR hasn't changed since the 90's lmao, I actually want one. Unfortunately both 750 and 1000 variants have been phased out in my country.
I'm driving first season right now on kawa z250sl. Thinking to buy ninja 400 for next year, but pepople around sayinbg: "'buy 600cc+, it's okay", but i dont think so. And my friend going to buy 750cc after 300cc for next season. I'm scared to lose friend
It's really odd thinking about you as a drill instructor. Can't picture you yelling in someone's face. My senior drill instructor I swear he never smiled once the whole time. I was a kid from broken family, knew nothing about the service. I wanted to go home my first couple weeks but realized I'm not. So in my mind I made up my mind to be a Marine. I been practicing all you teach. Really helps, thanks.
Fully support this. Alot of people start of 600 and never learn the basic. They trying to sprint before they can crawl.
I bought my ninja 400 3 months ago as my first bike and I'm really happy, I'm having a blast with it...the only thing is the highway for a longer ride, I don't feel so secure with it, maybe in the future with a bigger and heavier bike would be much better...but maybe it's just me still learning
At 40 I just got my first bike. 2001 yahmaha wr250f converted into a supermoto. Thing is a blast. I want a faster bike but I still have much to learn thanks to you. I bought full gear and your app. Thanks for your wisdom my friend.
Started riding 6 years ago on an inline 4 600cc with 100HP, put 40,000 miles on it before getting a 160 HP 1000cc, my 600 feels like a 125cc after the litre bike. For new riders it's impossible to explain just how much faster a litre bike is. I'm glad I started on a lesser power bike.
Definitely solid advice, as always. I lusted after a Ducati sportbike for decades, and so, it was my first bike straight out of MSF (Ducati 1098). I dropped it many times, paid too much money for cheap fairings and small repairs, and didn’t learn anything beyond going fast in a straight line and switching lanes. Decided to stab my ego and buy a Honda CBR500R, rode it for two years and actually started enjoying riding and the ease of use, not to mention power I could actually use without warping to another dimension. Of course, I started to fiend for an SuperSport again after enjoying the 500 and practicing a lot, so I went back to a sportbike, this time a 2007 CBR600RR. Needless to say, I’ve been able to maintain control over my mind and limbs since, and doing track days opened up me to a whole new world as well. It’s definitely a good idea to try all kinds of motorcycles, until ultimately, you find your niche. I didn’t think I’d enjoy cruisers either, but I rode an Indian Scout Bobber and loved it. And in keeping myself in check, I refuse to buy ANY 1000CC SuperSport for street use. 600CC SuperSports are enough trouble, and for those that think they need a liter SuperSport for the street, that’s just ego and you’re lying to yourself thinking it’s fun on a daily. I currently ride a 202 CBR600RR daily and MotoJitsu hit the nail in the head about “technique, not technology.” My CBR isn’t even the ABS model and Honda continues to keep it raw (still has cable throttle), so it’s been sensational and an excellent teacher to me.
I totally agree. However, the first motorcycle I rode was a Honda Hawk 647! ❤ That was not too much motorcycle for someone with maturity and discipline. V Twin and first production motorcycle with single sided swing arm. By today's standards it's super tame and a little squishy. My good buddy still owns it.
Yup, truth. Never had a sport bike, hate the way they feel.
Getting old now, 64. Street bob 114 fast enough. But I just don’t drive that fast. V45 I had at 140. Felt like I was going to get blown off. Hate the low end, nothing much there.
It was Jerry Paladino and you that help me on Electra glide. Got to do 18 foot turn easy. But took practice every day for awhile. Thanks.
Just one data point but back in high school (circa 1987) my buddy got a Kawasaki EX500 sport bike. Ya, it was only a 500 but he let some dude ride it in his neighborhood. That guy slammed into a parked car and died. Be smart people. Bikes can be powerful and hard to handle with little/no experience.
Being a new rider I commend you for giving this kind of information to all the new riders. No one tells you about this. So I appreciate all the information you’re giving to me riders
You’re not wrong.
I started riding at 30, on a Daytona 675.
Scared me shitless the first 2 years of riding; took about 15,000km’s of twisties of riding behind an experienced rider before I could somewhat ride it the way it was designed for. Not to mention, watching almost every video you have and constantly striving to perfect my riding.
Even as avid motor sports enthusiast, understanding line selection and throttle control before even getting on a bike, it was still a hell of a challenge.
scarred shitless is not a thing id like out of a first bike. My meager DR650 has scarred me enough a few times to be grateful i listened to similar sound advice.
Great advice as always. I'm still surprised by your choice (in a good way) A long time ago I used to race one. Now you can fine tune that muscle memory without any extra cooks in the kitchen. I am so happy Suzuki released that machine way they did in this day and age. I need to get another perhaps :)
Amazing insights dude. It's shows how much you want people to learn from your experience. Glad I learn from you everyday. Kudos to you
Bravo Greg! Well said and very well explained!!!
Thanks for creating and sharing this video. Be well :)
I started on a ninja 650 which is a sport touring bike best decision it definitely has a great riding position, a good amount of torque and can get up and go but it’s also extremely forgiving. But I’ve noticed riders who start on 600+cc bikes we have better clutch and throttle control compared to those on 250-400cc bikes where they can just hammer on that thing. My friends who started riding the same time as me constantly have problems stalling.
When did you start riding on highway after you got the bike?
Here in the UK people on 125cc and provisional license for a year or two. Then there is additional training before you get license. If you are 19year old you have to do another 2 years on a bike less than 44kw or something like the 390 Duke. After you turn 23, you can get on a bigger one.
It's stupid because you can jump straight into any car at 17, there shouldn't be 50 different tests for motorbikes.
totally agree with this advice. respect the power because you can die very easily.
Thanks for saying the things we all don’t want to hear but need to!
I respect the fact that you as a motorcycle channel (probably the only one) have a video titled "You Shouldn't Ride a Motorcycle". It's not even the suggestive "5 reasons why you should not..." video. It is a skill that takes years, as you said. I took away so much from that video and even considered selling my bike after a year of starting at 40. I made the decision to buy your Motojitsu book (and other safety books), kept watching your videos and putting in hours and hours on just practicing. All gear all the time. I appreciate you and your time very much. Thank you.
I agree with this 100%. When I got back into riding, I started on a Honda Phantom 200. My next bike was a Honda Rebel 500. My current bike is a Suzuki V-Strom 1000. I'm so glad I did it this way. Thank you for great videos.
Great advice, you probably saved many lives, my first bike was a 84 Honda 500 Shadow . I was a complete idiot until I smashed into the side of a car big wake up call for me. I stopped riding 37 yrs later I’m now interested in getting back into it . I planning on buying all my gear before even getting a bike, looking at something no bigger then a 500cc any advice? My goal when I feel I’m ready is the BMW F900xr
I really want an R3. My mil is giving me her old cruiser thats somewhere between 700cc and 1200cc... she doesnt remember lol. It does make me nervous but im taking it as a learning bike.
Thanks Fast Eddie, what great advise, I have been riding for 55 years, and I am still learning. My generation was lucky to start with 50-100cc bikes, I can't imagine how much trouble we would have been in if we started with a 600cc sport bike, at 16-18 years old you already know everything and your testerone level is off the hook. Todays 600 are faster than what the pros were riding 60s and 70s. It is so easy to ride a sportbike fast and run out of talent, lots more fun to ride slow bike fast. Living is SoCal it always scares me when I see T shirt backpack and shorts and flip flops. I always think maybe they have never crashed and don't what road rash feels like. The early days lot us did not gear up, and learned what that felt like. There was not even a helmet lot in Calif. I really enjoy all that you do for out industry and sport, and all the people that you interview, also thank you very much for the service to our county Fast Eddie. Denis Kerechuk.
i started out on a 600RR 11 years ago took the beginner and advanced course and put on almost 20k miles in the first year. I still have that 600RR it has survived and so have i. just have to give yourself time and respect the bike and power and not go nuts with it until you are fully comfortable on it. it now has almost 80k miles and i im on my 3rd fireblade. Only had two incidents at speed due to other cars cutting me off but was able to avoid impacting the cars both times. One incident on a rental bike due to it scraping and levered the rear tire off the ground. Unfamiliar bike and road, but always wore full gear and walked away without a scratch. First blade got totalled out by insurance because of scraped up fairings but could have been fixed. Second blade is up for sale. Rental bike was also fixed and put back on the road.
Thank you for your service in the; Marines and Motorcycling community !
Comments reopened, can also share my experience to add on
Started off on an r15, the cost of my gear was 60% of the value of the bike!
i was an avid push bike rider and felt first hand how easily you get injured when you come off at speed
Slowly progressed to 300 then a restricted 660 now to a 1000, which was over a span of 5 years
jumping over to naked bikes its so much more comfortable also you feel the wind along with true sense of speed hence why ive stuck with them along with better handle bar turning as mentioned
The +600cc fully faired bike you are talking about are called super-sports bikes; full performance race oriented with parts to fit, especially with these inline 4s once you rev them up, the power then truely kicks in…
theres that strange numbers thing that kawasaki and honda mainly have done in more recent times; zx2,4,6 r vs ninja 250,400 and 650 or cbr200rr vs cbr300r, cbr600rr vs cbr650r also suzuki gsxr600 vs sv650s… these being super-sports vs sports, lower capacity but higher revving more cylinders and lighter parts
Smaller cylinder bikes have better manuverability with their lighter overall weight you can move quicker in turns, just watch or experience a better/confident rider on a smaller bike vs a bigger bike (with less skill/confidence)
I cant express how good of a decision it was for me to start my riding career on a Honda SCL500. From every angle its making me a better rider in the long run and has plenty of power to be an absolute blast! I didn't want to be a cruiser and I was so tempted to go full blown sport bike...but the moment I sat on each style of bike I knew my lil scrambler was PERFECT to learn on. A month in and 400miles under my belt I still have zero regrets. Ride your own ride friends!
What a great video! My first bike was/is a KTM 390 Duke and within first month I wanted to upgrade to a Ducati Monster(my dream bike). Thankfully I did not, as I proceeded to drop my bike very soon after(nothing serious). I also have hit bumps and the throttle went up fast. If I did that on a monster, or any larger cc bike I probably would've flown off my seat. I'm learning to sit properly, hug the gas tank, push down on my pegs, slow turns, and shifting. All because I have a smaller cc bike, and it's very lite. And to add to your point about slow mode on a bike. Ya that would've lasted 2 minutes with me and my ego. We all know ourselves better than anyone else. Truthfully I would've put that bike on sport mode immediately. One final point on smaller cc bikes, upgrades are cheaper. I put a full race exhaust, piggy back computer on my bike. I'll never do that again, a slip on, good tires and adjustments to make my bike fit me is all I'll ever do. Cheap lesson on my KTM 390 duke, expensive one if I got that Ducati.