Joined Jan 2010
31 Posts | 0+
Valrico, Florida
First, I'm not looking to start a war, but the original poster asked about buying a T as his first bike. Also, I apologize for the 'beat your *** on the track' comment. Bad day and I needed to take a bite at someone. That said, I'd still like to have a go on the track - all in fun. Another thing, I'm not a gramps, but probably old enough to be one, just hate the idea of getting old.
All of that said; my 17 year old son is looking to get into riding street - he's been riding dirt bikes for years. I don't care is he is 17 or 25, and I know that it may sound boring, but I'll make the following points without writing a novel:
1. The chances are high that you'll lay your first bike down. Some haven't, but I expect that the odds are high that you will. Hopefully, it will be a slow low side.
2. Because of #1, buy something used and cheap (no or little fairing which are bloody expensive to replace). If it's used and not in bad shape, you could get most of your money back when it's time to upgrade.
3. Start out on something lighter and not quite as powerful as the T. IMO you'll learn how to ride to a higher level quicker. Plus a 300 pound bike hurts less if you end up sliding down the road under it.
Once you have some miles under your *** in the saddle, then upgrade to a T. Could you buy a T as your first bike? Absolutely, I just think that you will not learn to ride to your limits as fast and it's a blast to flick smaller bikes through the turns. Oh yes, wear a good helmet. I know that it sounds like an old man here, but I have three old scarred helmets in my closet to remind me to wear one. I also know from first hand experience that the treatment for road rash hurts more than the original injury. Debriding (spelling) the wound friggin hurts and almost makes you cry like a girl. The scars are pretty ugly too.
Old Man Out.
All of that said; my 17 year old son is looking to get into riding street - he's been riding dirt bikes for years. I don't care is he is 17 or 25, and I know that it may sound boring, but I'll make the following points without writing a novel:
1. The chances are high that you'll lay your first bike down. Some haven't, but I expect that the odds are high that you will. Hopefully, it will be a slow low side.
2. Because of #1, buy something used and cheap (no or little fairing which are bloody expensive to replace). If it's used and not in bad shape, you could get most of your money back when it's time to upgrade.
3. Start out on something lighter and not quite as powerful as the T. IMO you'll learn how to ride to a higher level quicker. Plus a 300 pound bike hurts less if you end up sliding down the road under it.
Once you have some miles under your *** in the saddle, then upgrade to a T. Could you buy a T as your first bike? Absolutely, I just think that you will not learn to ride to your limits as fast and it's a blast to flick smaller bikes through the turns. Oh yes, wear a good helmet. I know that it sounds like an old man here, but I have three old scarred helmets in my closet to remind me to wear one. I also know from first hand experience that the treatment for road rash hurts more than the original injury. Debriding (spelling) the wound friggin hurts and almost makes you cry like a girl. The scars are pretty ugly too.
Old Man Out.
