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Sad old git new to superbikes

Data

Data

Joined May 2015
7 Posts | 0+
Wigan UK
Hi every one. Found this forum it looks good so I decided to join. A little bit a bout myself. I passed my test about 8 years ago had farty little bikes to start with 100 benelli scooter god awful piece of crop. Then droped on a 8 year old suzuki maurader 125 with 137 miles on clock had that for 3 years going to and from work. nice bike to be honest. then some nice blind git decided to pull out of a tescos and park on top of me. sold that once I got it back on the road. I decided to get a bigger bike but could not push myself to get a proper big bike so I got a 1989 kawasaki gpz 250 rebuilt it got it sprayed looked good. had that for a couple of year. then a mechanic friend needed to raise some cash to buy a nice car and needed to sell his pride and joy a 2002 aprilia mille with 2900 miles on the clock with full history. I decided I would buy it as an investment. having had it in the garage for over 12 month and never had my arse in the saddle I decided I needed to get out on it but a little bit apprehensive about the massive change in power I decided to take it slow so here I am trying to get some tips on my new ride. all pointer will be greatly appreiciated
 
Hi Sad Old git from another (56 years young)
I have a 2002 Mille had it for 6 years now.
I went from a Yamaha xs1100 which I still have and was surprised by the increase in acceleration and speed, but thankfully the improved handling of the Mille. It had Metzler racetec tyres on it when I got it and stuck to the road like glue.
Needs to say the jump you are making from a 250 to the Mille is epic. Take it really slow if you wish to remain on the planet.
Pottsy
Oh welcome to the forum
 
Thanks guys. Tips for my safety would go do great at this time. I deffo know I am well out of my depths. My sheer terror will keep the speed down for a very long time.
 
welcome m8. ye these things are big, top heavy bikes , but that tends to disappear once your out on open road. They aren't nervous, tank slapping bikes they hold the road very well.
And improve the faster you go. (depending your suspension, tyres ect are in good order) Try not to be too scared of it or u just wont like it.
Town riding they aint built for but I've found locking my legs into tank while cornering at slow speed really free's up arms to turn and even slipping clutch a little helps.
once you've got to grips with it , you wont look back.:thumbup I've owned 2 in nearly 10 yrs , only other thing I would look at is a duc
 
Modern superbikes are awesome. To enjoy it you just need to get some confidence so get some help from iam or similar. Being relaxed on the bike will make all the difference.

Age has nothing to do with it. ( I'm 53 and the only thing that scares me is losing my licence :) soon I'm going to have to think of getting a classic as its getting a bit cramped on the rsv4 and my knees are starting to cry foul but until then...
 
The first tip I would give is to try to have the bike in the correct gear befor entering a corner. You dont want to be dropping down a gear half way through a corner cus the engine braking can catch you out. Learn to judge your speed and relevant gear choice on roads you know well.

Also as said RELAX or the cramp will set in:thumbup
 
RSV 69 said "The first tip I would give is to try to have the bike in the correct gear beforeentering a corner."

Especially slow corners and at junctions, got it wrong was in 4th thought it was second, bike stalled and I fell over, apart from broken indicator embarrassment was sore

Pottsy
 
I did manage to take the bike out of track mode. I found the wire that was cut and resoldered it. Sound not as bad now. not the devil now. going to go out on it tonight for a proper tootal around if the rain hold off long enough.
 
From another old git. The acceleration and grunt will surprise you but so will the stopping power. When I first stepped up to super bike level all my near misses were from gaining speed so quickly that I nearly ran out of room to brake - I just wasn't used to a bike that could eat up the space so quickly. Soon got over it and still don't think there's a better feeling than when you open the throttle. Good luck and don't be too scared - just enjoy.
 
Bonneville makes a good point about getting used to the acceleration and braking. Find a route that you know well, don't force yourself to ride out of your comfort zone but have a little play with how quickly it will go and stop if you find an empty straight.
 
Good point. My m8 who sold me the bike is going to take me to a place with loads of redundant motorway roundabouts held together with dual carriage ways called Skemesdale very little traffic and loads of straight roads to get used to the bike.
 
The last bike I had was a 98 r1 which I sold 6 years ago to fund house move. I've just bought a 04 rsvr factory and I love it. Smooth power, no loony power bands. Perfect for someone who wants the grunt of a big thou without the fear of big tank slappers
 
Done about 140 miles now very very impressed with the bike. got some advance tuition from my local bike training center made a whole lot of difference to my riding style. Showed me the best and correct line to get the best and safest route to where I want to go. Awsome braking and blistering power but nice enough to tootal about with.
 
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