I had to send him a message. Not to chastize him but to warn him of the dangers of those bikes he listed as a first bike. I can't believe that he seriously wants any of those to learn on, especially an R1. Nucking Futs!

Dave  

Never hurts to try. Some people are not as close minded as you might think.
If 20 years ago someone would have said "Dude a GS 750 is just too big to start out on and this is why". I would have given it a lot more thought before getting that bike.  In todays world the GS500 with its gee wiz fairings looks just as good as any crotcher, IMHO. Besides, who knows. Might turn into another GSer for the list!

I sent him an email and got this response this weekend:


Subject:    Re: Reconsider


thanks a ton David for your email. I appreciate your
advice. I have modified my motorcycle choice set to
exactly what you suggested.
Thanks and take care
vikram


--- David  wrote:

> I would not choose any of those as a first bike. I
> don't know if you've been watching Judgement Day or
> other stunt videos to see these guys on CBRs and all
> that, but these guys are pros with years of
> experience, many of whom grew up around motorcycles
> and learned on a dirtbike. I am telling you that the
> odds of you getting hurt and/or killed on a
> sportbike are much too great. If you must get a sportbike,
> look at the Ninja 250 and 500 or the Suzuki GS500. I have
> an '05 GS, and it's fully-faired like a Gixxer but is
> easy to handle and is great to learn on.
>
> Again, please, for the sake of you and your family,
> do not get anything with R or XX or anything like that
> in the name. No CBR, no R1 (honestly, most experienced
> riders can't even handle 1000CCs on two wheels), no
> Gixxer. You will thank me later. Get a used Ninja or
> GS500, learn for 2 years and sell it for what you
> paid, if not more; these bikes hardly depreciate.
> Then get your 600cc and up machine. It's the best move.
>
> Dave

Hey, looks like we got through to him!

Dave  

A friend of mine got his first bike about 5 months ago.  A brand spankin' new R6.  

He is still alive and hasn't dropped it yet.  Amazing.  

He commutes on it every day, too.  Maybe we rush to judgment.

and how is his riding form... does he lean through the corners or damn near stop to turn then gun it when the road is straight again?

That was a great letter you sent!!! Kudos to you for caring!!!  

pandy  

Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDXI had to send him a message. Not to chastize him but to warn him of the dangers of those bikes he listed as a first bike. I can't believe that he seriously wants any of those to learn on, especially an R1. Nucking Futs!

Dave  

Suzuki owes me a favor. Both for pushing him that way (a little towards Kawi, but I had to be fair   ) and for saving them the bad press of another dead rider on a GSX-R 1000. Phew, close call! I'll accept an SV650, and year is of no importance. Thanks.

Signed,

David Q. Arbuckle

I just talked to Suzuki, and they said the check's in the mail.  

pandy

Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDXSuzuki owes me a favor. Both for pushing him that way (a little towards Kawi, but I had to be fair   ) and for saving them the bad press of another dead rider on a GSX-R 1000. Phew, close call! I'll accept an SV650, and year is of no importance. Thanks.

Signed,

David Q. Arbuckle