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Dktechguy112
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 01:32 pm: | 
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+1 on the dirt bike, i learned on a klr125 when i was 10, it really helped me learn how to ride. Plus, if u lay down a dirt bike, you pick it backup, and its no big deal, if you lay down an 1125, then it could cost you a lot of $$$.
I must say that the 1125cr is the easiest bikes to maneuver at slow speeds that I have ever been on. Every review I have seen for the 1125 says the same thing. what bike have you been on that is easier then the 1125? |
Father_of_an_era
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 01:43 pm: |
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Yes! Do all that has been said. Follow all directions to the letter. Because if you don't, something bad will happen. lol Its great to have advice but haw many different variants of the same situation can we cover here? The poor guy just wanted a little advice about a simple issue, not a thousand different conflicting points of view and pampas ideas and arguments. How can he follow advice when those who are offering it are also arguing about it and claiming that their advice is correct and the others are all incorrect? |
Captain_america
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 01:46 pm: |
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LOL everyone is wrong!
Basically Sinjhin, dude man. haha read this over and take or do what sounds best to you. |
Thefleshrocket
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 01:46 pm: |
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The bottom line is that if you crash and it wasn't directly somebody or something else's fault (such as someone pulls out in front of you without enough distance to stop, or a part on your bike just plain breaks, causing a crash--these are just examples), then it's your fault and it could have been avoided.
I'm not trying to be a hardass--I've crashed and it sucks, especially when it's on a bike that was nice and pretty before the crash. But every time I've crashed, it's been the result of something I did wrong. (Well, except the time I crashed at GIR by St. Louis--I'm blaming that one on the track's seam where it goes from the infield to the outer oval and my bike's suspension having a disagreement.)
Point being that whether you crashed because the parking lot was wet or there was an oil patch or you tried to turn too sharply or you used a little too much front brake, all of those were avoidable. A good rider makes a point to know how much traction a given surface has available and stays within that amount of traction.
Regarding starting out on an 1125R (or some other hardcore sportbike), I do advise against it. The fact is that inexperienced riders have a lot less ability to finely control a motorcycle and haven't trained their bodies to have the right reflexes. Yes, a rider can control how fast the bike goes with the throttle or how quickly it slows with the brake, but that doesn't take into account outside factors.
For example, a new rider on a sportbike probably places more weight on his wrists instead of using his legs and torso to hold himself up. When that rider is going around a corner and hits a bump, that tight grip on the clipons is going to translate into unwanted throttle input. On a torquey, powerful bike, the rider might find that the little bump caused him to accelerate the bike pretty significantly. What happens next? Maybe the rider runs wide in the corner, or maybe he panics and grabs a bunch of brake and locks up a tire. If that rider was on a smaller displacement bike, that throttle input probably wouldn't have done a whole lot and the chance of something bad happened would be a lot less.
Can a new rider hop on a high-performance motorcycle and learn to ride it without any mishaps? Certainly. But is it a lot less likely than if that rider started out on a smaller-displacement bike? Indeed.
And Captain America, didn't you post a thread with pictures of damage to your bike from crashing it while doing a wheelie in the highschool parking lot? Not only is that just plain squidly, you probably wouldn't have crashed had you been a more experienced rider. (Even if you did decide to one-wheel it.) |
Pariah
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 01:50 pm: |
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My DR-Z400SM is quite a bit easier at slow speeds, but it's about 100 pounds lighter, too, so that's to be expected. Don't get me wrong, the 1125R isn't difficult at slow speeds for most kinds of maneuvering, it's just that my DR-Z is easier.
For certain kinds of slow-speed maneuvers, I notice the difference. Especially when doing lock-to-lock maneuvers and movements requiring counterweighting, the smaller bike is just easier. For example, try doing circles INSIDE a 20-foot diameter circle (without hitting the cones, of course). I can do this easily (until I go dizzy) with the DR-Z, but I find it a challenge with the 1125R... I'm lower to the ground and it seems like I have to lean it over much more.
Also, the clutch on the DR-Z requires much less muscle to keep in the friction zone. With the 1125R, after a while of practicing, I've got to start using four fingers on the clutch lever. |
Thefleshrocket
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 01:50 pm: |
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One more thing--figured I'd add this as a separate post since my last one was so long--it's always a better idea to get your license by taking the MSF course as opposed to trying to take the test at the DMV. In Illinois, at least, if you pass the MSF test, you automatically get your motorcycle endorsement. You take the MSF course using their bikes on a nice open course so there's no chance of hurting your personal bike and little chance of crashing.
If you take the DMV test, it's on a really small pad with sharp turns that you can barely walk through on a sport bike, much less ride through. For example, I tried taking the DMV test on my CBR600F2 many years ago and couldn't get the bike to negotiate the course. It simply didn't turn tightly enough to do it. I then borrowed a Suzuki GS500E from the local dealer and I breezed through the test, because that little bike handled a lot better at parking lot speeds. I can only imagine that it's even worse trying to take the DMV test on a bike like the 1125R. |
Duphuckincati
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 01:57 pm: |
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Well Sinjhin, your turn now. Just about an hour after giving you some crap about dropping yours I JUST DROPPED MINE!!! Turning around at the side of the road in some gravel and at about .25 mph bam! I've not done that since before you were born! And in front of a bunch of my riding buddies. You got a voodoo doll on me or something? |
Myotherbike
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 02:09 pm: |
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+1 on the MSF course. I took it in IL also and it was much easier using the bike you practiced on for to days to take the test on. |
Father_of_an_era
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 02:09 pm: |
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I second that! MSF is the only way to go. After failing the DMV test on my 800 lbs Harley Road Glide, I promptly attended the weekend class by MSF and not only did I learn a lot, but the testing process was top notch. The MSF course gives you a real world perspective on ridding and offers some very good insight on how to avoid or handle some troublesome situations. |
Sekalilgai
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 02:19 pm: |
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aaargh I'd better quite reading this or I'll be JINXED too!!! |
Father_of_an_era
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 02:24 pm: |
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Hey Duphuckin, do you ride a Ducati? If so, can you give an honest comparison between the Duc and the 1125r? Would love to have an honest opinion because there are sooooo many biased ones out there and I do like the Duc as well as the 1125r. I just don't like the price tag of the Ducati 1098. |
Captain_america
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 02:48 pm: |
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@Thefleshrocket... Nope, that wasn't me in the school parking lot. I have not crashed or layed my bike down yet.... I agree that would be a squid move haha.
Guess it really depends on the person, and if they have the natural skill/talent. Some guys can get on one of these and be a rocket and others will crash it in a straight line at 25 mph, and never be good or grasp the concept.
Also, the dirt bike skill helps a lot in weight placement and weight transfer through corners...
Haha, no squid here! |
Father_of_an_era
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 02:56 pm: |
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Does anyone know if there is an exhaust out there that looks stock but performs and sounds better. I like the stock canister but hate the small stainless tips and I want something that sounds great and performs better. The high end is great but my 1125r has a need for torque..... |
Black
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 06:28 pm: |
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Sinjhin,
I am sorry man that you dropped your bike. I was parking mine the other night, turned too hard right as I locked the front brake and nearly dropped mine. Sheer adrenaline helped me pick it up before it slid out from under me. My 1125 was hit by a car in a parking lot Thanksgiving a year ago. Did a lot of damage....fortunately ALL was cosmetic. I replaced the fairings and a pod cover....surprisingly cheaply. Stuff happens. Just be glad you didn't get hurt. That's a heck of a first bike. Just be safe and if asked for advice in riding I would give one piece (other than to never give up the opportunity to take a pee) I would say to never forget that the guy you just passed might start racing with you, and therefore, make sure your head is on a swivel as he might be right beside you when you think he is way back. Good luck and don't be too hard on yourself. This is supposed to be fun you know? |
Duphuckincati
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 08:50 pm: |
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Father of an era, I sent you a pm re: Duc vs Buell. Long story short, mid-nineties 900SS rules! |
Thefleshrocket
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 09:06 pm: |
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Sorry Captain America. It was Ridenusa4l who crashed the parking lot wheelie and also blew up his motor. About halfway down this page for pics:
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/546089.html?1268287602 |
Captain_america
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 09:28 pm: |
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No problem dude. I hadn't seen that b4.... WOW     haha |
Sinjhin
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 09:29 pm: |
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Thanks for the advice everyone. The backstory on this seems relevant. I actually cam from the MSF class. we got there and apparently my shoes were not high enough. They come up about halfway over my ankle bone, but they turned me down... I spent a lot of time making sure I got into one of the first MSF classes and was really looking forward to it... Guess I should have bought some boots to. So... I had some boiling blood for sure.
At this point I decided screw it, I am gonna go to the DMV and practice the test, go get my license the next day, then take the MSF class at the end of the summer.
Looking back, I think it might have gotten kinda frosty on me without my realizing it... it got down to below freezing last night so I am guessing I hit a patch of forming ice. As far as braking goes.... I wasn't. I was going slow enough that I was only using the clutch for acceleration as we tried to figure out what was sparking.
So, thanks for the advice everyone. I read it all and took what I could out of it.
I would love to get a dirtbike, but I am a poor college kid... took me about 4 years to save up for the 1125cr in the first place. My plan is to get the replacement parts and leave them off for a year or so while I learn the bike. Then I will make her pretty again.
And Duphuckincati, I am sorry man. Hope the damage was minimal... and I promise I don't have a Voodoo doll of you. Mwuahaha...
Anyway, here are the pics.
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Captain_america
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 09:37 pm: |
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Whew. Worse than I imagined. Oh well, doesn't matter whether its one scratch or lots on a part... they are still scratches.
You said the perfect thing: "My plan is to get the replacement parts and leave them off for a year or so while I learn the bike. Then I will make her pretty again." . . . When I first got my CRF I went and bought new plastics to make it look all badass, and what did I do? Crashed that bitch all over the place. Falling on rocks, gravel, sand, into ditches. Blah blah blah. That plan of yours is perfect. Wait till you stop crashing b4 you make her all sexy like...}} |
Father_of_an_era
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2010 - 11:53 pm: |
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Damn Sin Jin, that sucks! But, most of that is relatively easy to fix and fairly inexpensive. A few hundred and your back in style. Well, when you are ready to be anyways. Don't beat yourself up too bad though, when I bought my first bike about 4 years ago, I gave it too much gas while releasing the clutch and blamo, I was on the ground and the bike kept rollin. After she jumped a curb and smacked into a tree, there was over a grand worth of damage to repair. It sucks but it happens to a lot of us. Good times!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Froggy
| | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 01:23 am: |
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Wow, that looks like a bit more than 10mph, you sure someone didn't drag it behind their truck when you weren't looking? 
Buell's crash well, the damage minimal and mostly cosmetic and can be repaired cheaply. Only exception is the stator case, that requires you use preventative protection. |
Sinjhin
| | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 02:54 am: |
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It was no more than 10mph, it did slide a good 5 feet though. I am guessing the stator case is going to be the most expensive part by far out of my crash, yeah?
The cosmetic stuff I can fix over time, the main thing I am worried about is the spark we were seing the bike make (before the crash) and the footpeg. Also, do you think the stator case is still structurally safe? |
Ridenusa4l
| | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 05:07 am: |
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glad i could be of some sort of a learning tool...
hahaha but seriously i was young and STUPID and my cockienss got the best of me, it was no doubt a squid move and i learned my lesson from it! My 1125r is my FIRST bike too, and before i got it i took thw MSF course which was worth EVERY penny!! It seriously through my confidence through the roof!! also (at least in AZ) if you take the MSF course then you dont have to take the DMV course...btw the engine wasnt my fault actually lol FWIW
Hope you get your bike and everything back together and take that dang course!! it saves lives!!
Jake |
Redbuell1203
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 01:25 pm: |
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Sinjhin sorry to hear that you went down and hope you find the parts you need soon cause woulld like to meet up to you and do some practising around. Austin |
Kirb
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 03:17 pm: |
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I know you have heard it before, but a light bike that you can drop without costing you big $$ is a good idea. Lighter and lower powered bikes can keep the 'ohhhhSHIIITTTT' factor to a minium. The 1125 can seem like a nice low key ride and then it hits like a rocket.
You can learn so much more from trying to wring out speed out of slow bike than trying to keep a fast one in control.
I would suggest a cheaper dirt bike set up supermoto style. Easy to practice on and won't break the bank when you drop it.
A guy at work picked up a used Ducati 600 monster over a firesale 'R' for his first bike. He is glad that he made that choice as the duc was cheap and easy for him to control while still being fun. |
Benzo_mike
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 05:10 pm: |
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I have that turn signal and OEM spool sitting around, signal/mirror is NIB. Willing to hook you up for MSRP or maybe a little lower. You pick up or cover shipping. |
Sinjhin
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 07:03 am: |
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Benzo, thanks. I am not really interested in the mirror as I plan on replacing mine with bar-ends anyways. By spool do you mean the engine cover? I would definitely grab that from you, though it might have to wait til I get back from China end of May. What is MSRP on it? |
Benzo_mike
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 08:56 am: |
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You really are a noob. Re-examine your damage pic #4. |
Syonyk
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 01:04 pm: |
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Tried to post this yesterday, board was acting up.
Part of the reason the more experienced/older riders typically suggest a cheap, older bike as a first bike is that the first bike will go down. It's not an "if," it's a "When, and in what manner."
Someone will knock it over because you parked too close to a car along the side of the street.
You'll put the kickstand down on a hot summer day on some soft asphalt and come down to a bike sitting on it's side with the kickstand a foot under.
You'll lock up the rear coming into a stoplight on a newly wet road that had an oil spill you didn't know about, and slide 'er in sideways.
Or, whatever.
The difference is, on an old bike, you'll typically bend a clutch or brake lever and add a few scratches.
On a new bike, with plastics, you're looking at $1000+ of damage for just putting it on it's side.
And, bonus, an old bike has already been down. You're just adding scratches to it. |
Sinjhin
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 02:48 pm: |
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Benzo, the entire reason I took pic #4 was to show the damage to the spool. Sorry, I didn't know that is what they are called.
And, besides the fact that I have stated it myself twenty times, thanks for calling me out as a newb again?
Anyways... Syonyk, yeah, I know this. I explained it in more detail somewhere else, but my original plan was to get a cheapo bike then trade it in after a couple years for the 1125cr (my dream bike). Then I found out Buell was being cancelled and saw the prices on them. I am the kind of person who says that I will never buy a new vehicle ever... but ended up doing it anyways just because of the value.
Haven't really looked at it this way, but I got the bike new with tax, title, license and registration, and doc fees for $6100.
Being that the bike had an MSRP of $12k I saved $6k... so, I figure if I don't do any more damage than that during the learning phase I will still come out ahead.
But, yeah... I agree with everyone on here. It is WAY too much bike for me as a beginner not for it being new, but also for being as powerful as it is. And yeah... I am a "newb" Benzo. My specific situation just ended up with this bike being the best decision for me...
Heh, the first thing I said after I got the bike back up was "Damn, I knew that was gonna happen, but I didn't expect it to happen this early." |
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