Could a 1000 cc Sport Bike Really Work for Novices?
Ducati Minor
I was having a lengthy discussion was a buddy of mine, a far more devoted biker than me. Along with a discussion was a mutual acquaintance who discussed her desire to buy a sportbike. She asked me what kind of bike she should buy. I promptly suggested a Ninja 250R as a starter. She expressed her desire for something with more power. My friend quickly replied suggesting a liter-bike.
I was taken back. 1,000 cc for a novice?
The more I thought about it, the more I accepted the idea as possible. I met a kid, around seventeen, who was running around on a ZX-10 as his first bike. The friend I just mentioned quickly outgrew a Yamaha FZ6 and jumped to a FZ1-R1. Maybe I'm too cautious. I recommended to the gal she check out a 500 to 650 cc sport-touring bike. I was still chuckled at over that.
How about it? Is a liter-bike really acceptable for beginners?
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Otto
If they have a death wish, sure. A beginner shouldn't be looking for a powerful bike, they should be looking for a learning bike. Motorcycling places more demands on the driver than a car, and the last thing they should be worried about is going fast. A smaller bike allows them to focus less on throttle control and more on, say, observing traffic. She may be a quick learner and outgrow the bike quickly, the solution? Buy a used bike first. After she gets a few thousand miles under her belt she can sell it and buy a more powerful machine.
My first street bike was (and still is) a 750, but I have been racing dirt bikes for 8 years and know how motorcycles operate. When it comes to motorcycles, you can NEVER be too cautious.
Anonymous
I would agree that getting a smaller cc model would be best for a beginner. I and my wife own zx6r ninjas
and after a year I have upgraded my bike and will be looking for something more powerful and my wife is comfortable on the six. That fact of the matter is the throttle response is much more forgiving on a 600 cc than 1000cc and so on. You don't want the bike to get away from you as you are still in learning mode which can be fatal.
Anonymous
My first bike was a 1200cc. Like most anything it all depends on the person. People don't fit into nice neat groups. Everyone is different. I know of a least one rider that probably should have never graduated to a larger bike even though he's been riding for years. I for one am glad I didn't bother with a smaller bike.
phoghat
It isn't about going fast, it's about real life. IF you take the MSF course and pass, IF you know you will control your right wrist until you know what you're doing, IF you are a sane and mature individual, then why not?
Just because you can go 180 mph doesn't mean you have to.
It also allows you, IF you're a fast learner, not to have to sell that small bike when what you really wanted was something a bit larger.
ckways
Some people learn better when there adderinalin is pumping high so in this case there can be an acception who knows. try it and if it not working out then just gradually increase .
Motorcycle Helmet Lock
Amit
I agree with Otto. Get a twin like the SV 650 first. Learn on that and then gradually move up the bigger bikes. You will find that a 750 or 900 can be as satisfying (read "fast") as a liter bike.
So, you might spend a few thousand dollars more if you upgrade. But chances are, you'll live.
My first "real" bike was a 750 - but I'd been riding/racing smaller motorcycles for many years before then.
VII
Couldn't have stated it any better. Too many babies are jumping on bikes recently using the excuse of high gas prices...most of them without helmets and on high performance sport bikes of 600cc and above. I wouldn't even suggest a 600 for a beginner because the new 600s are reaallly powerful compared to the ones of just five years or so ago. My little brother has a 07 CBR 600 and it'll keep up with any 1000 up until 160mph or so. You simply don't need all that power if you're a beginner. It'll just get you injured or dead. Period.
~TheDarkWind
RedRover
Mega-dittoes here. But, if you prefer new, the Suzuki SV650 is an excellent sporting middleweight twin for both the experienced rider, and someone just starting out.
Anonymous
I think that there needs to be an initial understanding of how motorcycles work. Its not like riding a bicycle. Before even considering the engine size, determining the style is the first thing. Motocycles can be very heavy, and the need to understand how to control a motorcycle at low speed will be very sobering to those that have not riden before. The handling characteristics of a crusier versus a sportbike are very different. Longer wheelbases, different riding positions all have an effect on the leverage that you have to control the bike.
The easiest style would probably be a street bike...not sport, not touring. The equivalent of an old Honda CB100. I have ridden 1000cc sportbikes before, and own my 2nd 600cc...the power of todays 600 nears that of the 1000 of a few years back. The weights are down, and they are fast.
The first thing you need to know before you choose a bike, is what you are capable of, are you afraid of it? If you say your not, then your going to get hurt. I have been riding for several years, I have always maintain some degree of fear...it keeps me safe. I will say that I can have more fun riding the hell out of my 08 600RR, than riding with sweaty palms on a 1000RR. The slightest mistake in gear choice or throttle input...could mean your life. Quite honestly, the same can be said for a 600 these days.
Anonymous2
I agree with this. I'm bout to go buy my first sportbike and it's a 600 and I'm scared to death but excited at the same time. I'm going to get comfortable with it for a while before I get it out in major traffic. I ride my friend's R1 sometimes and I dont feel comfortable on it at all. I've been riding dirtbikes and ATVs and such for years. Ive ridden cruiser style bikes also. I still see no need for any novice to have a 1000cc bike. As a matter of fact, I dont believe i'll ever upgrade past a 600. I dont see the point but my buddy disagrees.
motorcycle helmet lock
If you are a true biker you cant be scared you have to show lots of courage, bear in mind there is a difference between brave and stupid. stay safe. good luck
Morrobayboy
Beginner on a liter bike is a worrisome combination. Unnecessary weight, power and expense. Also, even for experienced riders, it is pretty generally true that across virtually all brands and types of bikes, there is very little difference in ultimate performance between a 650-700cc bike and a liter bike. For example, the Honda road bikes, 600RR and 1000RR as mentioned in posting above, the 650 and 1000 V-Strom in dual-sport bikes, and even cruiser bikes. Generally, because of lighter weight (also read easier to handle, easier to pick up when beginner dumps it, etc.) the 600/650 bikes keep up with their liter bike brothers up to about 80 mph--beyond that a beginner shouldn't be concerned.
Buy the 600/695 bike, and spend the savings on a good MC school, like Lee Parks Total Performance school, Reg Pridmore's, California Superbike, etc. That will be the best $300-400 a beginner will ever spend. Use the remainder of the savings to conform the bike to the ergonomics for the rider, like bar risers, bars, seat, grips,windscreen and comfortable protective riding gear. All of this will add immeasurably to the safety and pleasure associated with the riding experience for beginner or advanced rider. Depending on the bike, the next in importance to spend money on after ergonomics is suspension.
Marco
Would you advise a supercharged Corvette for a first-time driver?
Well, the litrebike is far quicker and the consequences of a mistake are far more serious.
Personally I'd never suggest a litre sportbike for a beginner because I wouldn't want their death on my conscience.
Morrobayboy has great advice. Pick a great bike and a good performance riding school. The 250 Ninja is a great choice. I'd suggest a twin like the SV650 rather than a four cylinder. Better torque means low rpms means fewer surprises for a beginner. They are available used for cheap, and they can be easily sold for nearly as much as she pays. Riding is nearly free as a result and the insurance is cheap. If she wants the cool factor a litrebike would give her, try the Ducati 696. Cool plus it won't kill her.
RLW
My garage holds five two wheelers, scooters, a 250 ninja, and a 1050 tiger and 1k vstrom. My wife is learnin the ropes on the ninja.
I have been riding since I was 15.5 year and now am 60. I totally agree that the idea of a newbie on a 1k sportbike is potentially a lethal combo. Not only are the previous posters correct in saying a mistake in throttle or clutch control can be disaster, but also the sense of speed that a machine designed to approach 170 or more mph means that your sensation of speed at speed is much less.
The poster who mentions learning to read traffic is so correct. Get a small bike, a 250-650 vertical or v-twin, and learn to ride. There is always time for more power. And consider not just a inline four for the future, think out of the box, think about the kinestetic enjoyment of a sport v-twin, be it a used RC51 Honda, a Ducati, a Buell, or some other smaller and lighter v-twin. These machines have a soul and fun of riding that is different but as good as the hell for leather fours like the gsxr1k or the kawi ninja 10.
You'll find as you ride more you'll join the older and old guys/gals in their quest for the "perfect bike" and it doesn't exist, but the trip, the rides are wonderful. As has been said about canines, there are no bad bikes out there today. Only different. And most of them -- personal opinion exempts cruisers from this -- are just great.
So start smaller, learn the skills or riding, take courses, and don't buy into any preconceived ideas of what you should be riding in a year or two. Try the sporting twins, and try to dual-sports, and try the triples and fours. Then decide. Don't just jump in because something is the fastest.
Soul is what riding is about.
But take your time.
Father of a daughter
I agree with most of the comments, my first "real" bike was a Honda 250CB72E and in today's terms was extremely underpowered, yet I managed to reach the top speed of 96 mph on her (I was lighter then than now). It was a great forgiving bike and often forgave my mistakes which a bigger bike would not have done. If the rider is of smaller stature, it is especially important to select a bike that will fit the rider and make it comfortable i.e. fit the frame to the riders size. I would also select a bike that is not top heavy and that the rider is able to lift by him/herself in case it tips. I personally think it is best to move up the power scale once we are comfortable and have mastered a smaller, less powerful machine. The riders school and safety equipment is also very important.
Anonymous
Did you make up that scenario? I think anyone suggesting a liter bike as a first bike should be beaten about the ankles (need them ankles for shifting and holding the bike up at lights). Everyone goes through the cycle of careful, careful, ah its easy . . . oopps . . . better slow down again. On a liter bike you may not get chance to slow down again.
Faithback
Power & Novice just don't belong together.
The question of throttle control is of utmost importance. I learned to ride in a Yamaha RX350. To this day I remember the frightening experience when I unintentionally saw the front wheel rising. I was on the rear wheel for over 20 metres. My inexperience mingled with fear cause me to forget which way the throttle worked. So I decided to do nothing and wait till the bike came down on its own. How fortunate that the road was clear!?
Another friend was not so lucky, he flipped and fell.
In terms of balancing the bike, it's also worth considering the relative inertia of the bike vs. the rider.
Faithback
Correction: Yamaha RZ350.
John Bramble
The idea of starting to ride, on a powerful motorcycle is out of the question.
I started riding at 14 rode for years before I progressed to anything powerful. At that time it was a Harley sportster. Even tho I had years of practice on smaller bikes, I still made a shift mistake and damn near killed myself. Only years of experience saved me from a near fatal accident.
Do not over ride your abilities on these monsters, no matter how attractive they seem now. I believe, that learning to ride on a 1 liter bike is like learning to surf on a monster wave in Hawaii.
jb
Anonymous
Oh boy, I'm going to get a lot of heat here....I bought my first moto a year ago and have put about 5K on it - it's a Ducati ST3 - their sport/touring model (500 lbs wet, 107hp, 32 inch seat height, 1000cc). I commute to work on it and ride the canyons in Colorado on the weekends. My rationale was that I didnt want to buy 2 bikes in a short period of time and knew that once I was more experienced (notice I didnt say experienced) I would want I something more capable. I also reasoned that all bikes can be dangerous if you're not responsible - 80mph on a 1000cc is the same as 80 on a 250 (ok, you do get there a bit quicker), and 600's and 750s didnt weigh that much less than 1000s. I did take a private MSF course and really took my time once I got out on my own. I also wear a lot of protective gear - full armour head to toe - always. In retrospect I think a smaller, lighter bike like the Duc Monster would be a great choice - but its really about seat height, size and weight more than displacement. A benign, or forgiving bike also helps - in terms of braking, handling and throttle response. Bottom line -by buying a bigger, heavier bike I had to adjust my learning accordingly but in the end I have a bike I love and the fact that its 1000cc didnt really impede my progress or increase my risk because the bike was easy to learn on and I took it real easy.
Gary Hope
I believe it depends a lot on the indiviuals character type, as this will dictate their initial riding style. Personally I would recommend somthing like the SV650 twin,or even the Firestorm 1000 twin, as they are more forgiving and offer less suprises.I started on a Firestorm but I had many years experience in the offraod arena, this gives a good foundation and I also believe equips a rider for the unexpected. I progressed to a SP1 then SP2 and now a 1098. I am a firm believer that v-twins are safer motorcycles in the way that they deliver their power to the tar, being more predictable.
Rod MacLeod
Perhaps we all forget that today's 250cc performs like yesteryear's 750cc. And if this person had wanted to ride a 750cc 15 years, we would have been horrified, but are happy to suggest she starts on a modern 250cc.
In my experience, it has all been to do with useable torque band. A race ready Aprilia 250cc will be infinitely more difficult to ride than a Harley 1200 sportster, a bike that most women can ride, even as beginners.
Anonymous
I think that it is all down to a riders size - for example a 10st female is going to find a ZX250 R much faster than i a 19 st 6ft 6in male will find a zx6-r
you have to be confident on what you ride and when i chose my first bike which is a 1200 incidently i chose what i felt comfy on, the bike is as quick as the rider!
alan Jones
How fast does she want to go ? . 130mph is acheivable on a 600cc
And a beginner doing that is a bit silliy I think.
For torque the suzy SV650 but for smoothness try the IL 4 Bandit (I know its naked but a lot les tiring on the wrists than asports bike,
Mind you depending if she is a 112lb sylph or a 240lb heffer that would make a difference .
A Harley 'sports' bike for a heffer methinks.
A 600cc anything for normal girl.
Anonymous
I've been a avid rider for nearly 25 years and the first thing to understand is that not all liter bikes are equal. Are we talking a ZX or GSXR or are we talking a bike with more manners? Is this a girl that can single track a mountain bike with her eyes closed or the "I haven't touched a bicycle since I got a driver's licence" type. There are too many variables to address in a simple forum.
My gut feel is that a liter bike is too big for most first time riders but remember that most women have better fine motor control than men so would be less ham-fisted on the throttle. I would say - take a MC safety course on a loaner bike (most schools have them) and then gauge aptitude and ability.
Anonymous
New to riding myself and surrounded by other new riders, I'd suggest the compromise of a 600-750cc bike. I know of at least one person that started out on a Ninja 250 and swapped it out for a 600 within a few short months because she outgrew it. A liter bike for a beginner? No way. It's easy to get drunk on the power and speed of these things, which leads to stupid behavior behind the handlebars and ultimately, serious injury or death. I myself went with a Ducati Monster 695 and haven't looked back. Great power but just as easy to ride as the 200cc Yamaha I learned on over a year ago. Plus, she's beautiful!
dan
Here's the issues: A 250 cc bike needs plenty of work to keep it in the power band. I use that word lightly, however it is perfect for learning how to take turns and shift and stop. The bigger and heavier bike feels solid and stable at speed but is a hand full under power because stopping aint going to happen that quick thus you need to always be one step ahead of traffic. Your mind actually can do this after a while. That's why bikers hate those drivers who pull out with their nose in traffic at a stop sign. That's our biggest red flag. Also be sure not to take off at green lights until you look both ways. Learn on what ever just learn on back roads in farm land where ever there is not much traffic. Speaking of traffic speed up and pass all traffic and settle in , then do it again as you approach more traffic. Remember you aint going to stop that fast in traffic so stay back! It's a rush enjoy. Speed is addicting however!
philo.sophi
Here is my two cents. First approach is 600cc to 750cc to 1000cc. Second approach is 250 to 600 to 750 to 1000. It is a question of how quickly you would like to end up in the ER. The bigger, the quicker. The common sense thing is always gradual to truly appreciate. Like many, my first car was not a 1000 horse muscle car but rather than any old hand me down econobox. As time goes by I acquired a bimmer m3 and a porsche 911. Right now, both cars are under wrap and I drive around on my wife's beat up honda civic since she prefers her honda odysee. I have fun on all these cars but truly appreciate the simple civic and its good utilitarian and gas mileage. I also had a lot of fun on that suzuki 250cc at the riding class to get the license. Small thing was responsive and fun to toss around. I don't think anything can say the same about trying to toss around a 1400cc harley cruiser and forget about trying to pick it up if you accidentally drop it (ouch back and ouch pocket). Hope this help any...
Anonymous
I bought a new 2005 Yamaha Warrior (1700cc sport-cruiser) as my first bike. Learned how to ride a motorcyle the night I brought it home ;) As long as you are respectful of the power of the motorcycle, and ride smart, you should have no issues learning on a powerful bike. That being said, I believe that someone who has driven a manual transmission car before trying to learn to ride a bike will have a much easier time (and also less risk of injury).
Anonymous
You are seriously fooling yourself if you think you are a safe rider after having taught yourself the night you brought home that Warrior. Shame on you for even suggesting that this is a sane<\strong> much less acceptable approach. You should get
yourself<\ul> to a MSF training course ASAP. The course teaches you survival skills, not just riding skills. Do you really know what to do when presented with extraordinary situations like evasive maneuvers? I don't think you do - but the MSF course teaches this. You should not recommend a foolish course of action even if you think it worked for you - ignorance does not make you an expert.
Once a rider
Many coutries have capacity restrictions for learners and provisional license holders - typically 250 or 350cc
That seems very sensible
BMWrider
I have been riding for more than a few years and have taught several other people how to ride. Novice riders have no idea how much they have to learn.
One major consideration in the stature of the riders. She must be able to get both of her feet firmly on the ground when the bike is stopped for safety reasons. This alone might determine what bike she can ride safely.
I live in a state that does not have a helmet law, but I will not ride without a helmet and leathers. Many years ago, while I was still bulletproof, I would ride without leathers and I still carry the scars. It was really a nothing accident, a simple low side get off. Now, if I am going to slide on skin, I want that skin to be someone elses. Make sure she invests in a good helmet and protective clothing. It is mighty cheap insurance. Much cheaper than a trip to the emergency room.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers one of the best courses for the novice rider. They will teach her proper riding techniques before she learns any bad habits. From there, if she wants to learn more advanced riding skills there are many high performance riding schools around the country, after she has learned and perfected the basics.
Another good thing about the MSF course is that you get to practise riding skills with their bikes. So, if you drop it, it is their bike and not your new one.
Insurance is another issue. The larger the bike, the larger the bill. Insurance bills for 1000cc bikes can be as much as, or more than, the payments for the bike.
Good luck.
GrJ
I am a longtime rider in North America. I have ridden dirt and street bikes for 3 decades. I believe your recco for a Ninja 250R is a great starter bike. I also think regardless of bike, attending a rider safety course is an excellent way to get safely up to speed and keep your eyes open while on the road. There is much to learn in a short time when you're first hitting the street. To combine this with the tremendous power and speed of a litre bike is too big a leap for a novice. My two cents . . .
Anonymous
I've ridden 145,000 miles on motorcycles. 1000cc's for a beginnner? I say nay! Unless you want to make the engine available for a legend car after the novice puts it into the trees after 4000 miles. That's how long it takes for a novice to feel(think) he's capable of negotiating curves at 130. I don't want to be negative or derogatory, but I DO have some knowledge of this after talking to proprietors of shops selliing used engines. Take it in steps............
JoeEE
Just finished Basic Riders Course. The instructors recommended a 400-700 cc as a first bike. The specific bike depends on the rider's physique and what they want to do with it. Starting at age 65, I will get a scooter to use in town (speed limits up to 50 mph), and avoid highway riding. I know my reflexes are not as good as they once were, nor is my physical capability. The choice of starting cycle is really dependent on many non-motorcycle factors. I would recommend the cycle decision to be the final one for a new rider.
Anonymous
First off a true sport bike is not the easiest style to learn on. Way too twichy! As for the power, that's strictly a matter of maturity. A lot of 'kids' don't have it at 50! If everyone could learn to ride in the dirt first, they would be oh such better riders ultimately. You just don't have the opportunity to learn how a bike really responds and how to handle it in tough situations when all you're ever done is ride a 500-800 pound beast on a public street.
Anonymous
Anyone who recommends a liter bike or a 600, for that matter, for a beginner is doing them a huge disservice. Even if you only ride the small bike for a couple of months the experience will last a lifetime. Sure a lot of folks can handle a big bike in all sorts of situtions but it's the unforseen emergencies that will always get you in trouble. And if you think learning the nuances of power delivery and handling aren't affected by having to muscle a heavy bike around you are severely misguided. Forget about all the pressure to have a cool bike for your first one because that cool bike isn't so cool when its all rashed up and you find out how expensive they are to fix. Eveyone should try dropping a cheap(er) used bike a couple of times first. Hopefully it's only in the parking lot. But you should get all the novice stuff out of the way and then move up to the bigger bikes then you can appreciate all the advantages (and disadvantages) of a big heavy bike.
jeffzekas
My son nineteen year old son died, riding his first new bike: a Honda CBR1000.
My advice: don't buy a motorcyle, ANY motorcycle.
poorbob
I have been riding since 1954 on everything from Whizzer,through Indian Triumph, AJS, Norton and lots of Harleys. For my 70th birthday I was attracted to a Yamaha FJR1300AE which has a paddle shifter and no clutch lever (which suited my physical infirmities). Now you would think that going from a 1340cc Harley to a 1297cc FJR would be a chinch, I was doing wheelies on day two, however they were not intentional, I don't think the Harley and FJR are of the same speices. My point is; the size of the engine is not as important as the quickness of the speices. If the novice rider must have the look of a sport bike go with something no larger than 600cc, if a cruser is acceptable 1200cc's will be tamer than a 1000cc sport bike. PS: my beast finally tamed me and we get along fine now!
Mark Goddard
No No NO!! I only started riding two years ago (at 54 years of age). I started on a Hyosung 250 naked and found it to be an ideal starter bike. Not too powerful, but comfortable and easy to ride. I now have a Ducati Monster and am glad I didn't start out on it. I've never ridden a litre bike, and I'm not really in a hurry to do so. A friend of mine has a Buell that he's built up to 1700cc. He's offered me a ride but I declined. I know myself well enough and the temptation to open it up would be too great. Same applies to a novice on a litre bike. Start small and learn how to ride first.
Mark Goddard
No No NO!! I only started riding two years ago (at 54 years of age). I started on a Hyosung 250 naked and found it to be an ideal starter bike. Not too powerful, but comfortable and easy to ride. I now have a Ducati Monster and am glad I didn't start out on it. I've never ridden a litre bike, and I'm not really in a hurry to do so. A friend of mine has a Buell that he's built up to 1700cc. He's offered me a ride but I declined. I know myself well enough and the temptation to open it up would be too great. Same applies to a novice on a litre bike. Start small and learn how to ride first.
Rich Mardell
Are you nuts !!!
Ninja Lover
My very first motorcycle was a 1986 Kawasaki 250R Ninja, which I rode everywhere for a couple years.
11 motorcycles later I was riding a 1100cc BMW Sportbike. I'd also been a certified instructor and rode professionally.
When you start out small, you learn more about how and when to properly shift and how the motorcycle responds to your inputs.
I personally would not recommend a 1000cc as a starter bike, particularly a sport bike.
Donny
I have been riding motorcycles since I was 8 years old, and I am 33 now. I really do not believe anything above a 250cc motorcycle would be appropriate for a novice rider. I had a friend who bought his first motorcycle when he was 22, it was a Yamaha R6, I told him it was to much for a first bike, he should start off small and then work his way up as his experience got better. We were both in the Air Force at the time, we both went our seperate ways and three years later I talked to someone who knew him and he told me he got killed on that motorcycle, he did get the R6 for his first bike and that is what killed him, he took a corner to fast and hit a tree. I think it is really dumb when a person goes out and buys a big cc bike for there first bike, I think they should have at least three years of constant riding to ride something that big. The wanting to buy a big cc bike for the first bike is the main reason why so many people get killed on motorcycles every year, you have to be a lot more observant on a motorcycle than when you are driving a car. People in cars do not see motorcycles very easily, so you have to constantly be alert as to what other drivers are doing.
Paul Peterson
One of my favorite stories was of the guy who walked into the local dealership that I frequent and bought a CBR1000, having never ridden before. He could not test ride it because he did not have an endorsement. The sales person offered to deliver it to his house but he insisted that he would ride it home. He got it across the parking lot, to the driveway, stopped, looked both ways and launched it across the street and into a fence. The dealership then offered to take it into their repair shop to replace all of the bodywork and several other pieces. He again declined but took them up on the offer of delivering it to his house. From what I have heard it is still sitting in his garage.
One of the most depressing stories is of the local kid who stuffed his R-1 into the back of a van at about 130.
I think the best thing we could do in this country would be to adopt the graduated licensing system that is common in Europe.
CBR1100XX
My first bike after I took the 2 day WA State Motorcycle endorsement course on a 125CC bike was a CBR1100XX. The reason I bought the bike was me and my buddy decided we would save money by not having to start with smaller bikes and just go directly to the bike we both loved - a CBR1100XX Blackbird.
Prior to this I had never riden a bike before but the course and the instructor really programmed it into my head that when in trouble always pull in and that had saved me so many times.
Its been five years now and knock on wood I have never dropped my bike and never had an accident on the bike thanks to the course I took and the fact that the power scared the crap out of me. Fear does wonders on being safe.
It took me 3 riding seasons before I was comfortable with such a powerful bike and now that I think about it ; I would never recommend anyone to start on a 1 liter bike as it is so easy to get into trouble when you have so much power that you don't know how to control.
Its like lighting a fuse on a rocket and then deciding - opps - I made a mistake - too late and splat!! I love 1100CC bike but I respect the power and also fear it and that has kept me alive.
Throopspeed
Ducati man, you know in your heart that you were right on the bike recommendation. Motorcycles are a learned skill and like surfing, it looks easy but really takes years to master. Litre sportbikes are the epitome of bike riding with unbelievable capabilities to those who CAN RIDE them. But the issue of reaction time vs correct reaction is particularly unforgiving with what is essentially a race bike. Best anyone, male or female , learn on a bike that is more about the ride than how fast the lap time. Braking and accelerating on apexs, rain, oil, diesel spills, steel road grates, gravel, et al all require a learned hand. I used to live by a navy base and the number of stacked sportbikes was sobering. These kids who never even rode a minibike go and buy a crotch rocket and its a tie, lose the license or the bike (or more). As the old bikers say "ride to live, live to ride"
Ducati Minor
I think I was correct. I helped guide my uncle in riding and with his Suzuki cruiser, which was 700 to 800 cc. I don't remember because he ended up selling it out of neglect.
airrascal
I struggled with the same question before buying a Honda 919. I'm a big guy and one consideration that should be obvious is that the bike should fit the rider. I looked rediculous on the Honda Rebel used in the rider safety course that I had taken.
The rider's temperment is also an important factor. I was concerned that the 919 would be too much bike for me but after discussing the issue with my MSF Basic Rider Course instructor I changed my mind. Self control and self restraint are important in ensuring a rider doesn't ride beyond their skill level. The 919 would be less than ideal for a novice with little or no self restraint or maturity.
With a bit of maturity and a proper grip (bent down wrist) one would be less likely to summon an excessive amount of thrust and all of the potential calamities that could accompany such an error.
Anonymous
its okay to ride 1000cc for a first timer so long its on a straight road on dry surface, but it takes more skill and prudence on the throttle when the liter bike is taking corners in the wet,and making judgements on the road as well as taking compensationary actions for mistakes of other road users: thats where one should actually start off with a smaller bike and graduate slowly to a larger capacity engine..in Singapore a first timer only gets to ride up to maximum 200cc, one year after that, another course to pass before being allowed to ride up to 400cc,thereafter another year before a final course before being allowed a licence to ride bikes above 400cc...
Bandit1200 rider cat from Singapore