Am i thinking too big?
 

Hey peeps,

Got my bike test next week and am looking at getting my first big bike, until now i've only ever ridden 125's :(

My question really was that i've been thinking about getting a Ducati 750ss as my first proper bike. Think is people have got me doubting myself now saying i should get something smaller as a first bike (a jap 400 / 600). I'm a bit confused now, have i got ideas above my station, should i start on something smaller and work my way up? What do you reckon?

Well, ... it's an individual thing. If I use myself as an example I definitely prolonged my life by sticking to a 250 for 2 years before getting anything bigger. I used to get up to stupid stuff on that thing that I just wouldn't do now, plus a modicum of self-control is something I posess now and didn't then! Although if yesterday's ride home from work is any example I could accept some debate on that topic.

Having said that, you might be a nice mature person and be fine on a 750SS.

Not knowing you and making a recommendation I would suggest getting yourself a nice 600SS and cruising around on that until it frustrates you through lack of power etc and you become limited by the bike and not the other way around - this is what I did on my 250. This way you enter the Ducati fold and get to prgress at your own pace.

Just remember, no matter how bulletproof you feel it always hurts when you come off!

Always a difficult one this. I'd say you should be OK. Go for your 750 and invest in some more training and get used to the bike on some quiet roads.

I went from passing my test on a CB250 back in 1977 straight onto a Norton 850 Commando but things were a bit slower in those days :lol::lol:

Basically it depends on your ability and confidence.

i would say, go for it, just be careful and only ever ride at you own pace and build up your confidence gradually.

Well i'm a bit of an oldie (28) i've had cars and bikes in the past and got most of the sillyness out of my system me thinks. Thing is i want a bike that i'm going to be able to learn on, not one that's going to scare me or one that i out grow in 6 months. I thought about a duc m600/600ss but figured they're the same size and stuff as the 750, only the engines a little bigger allowing it to grow with me as i get better / more confident on it.

Besides, all the smaller bikes (400/600 jap bikes) seem to be way more powerful than a 750ss anyways. Is it a weight thing? the 750's are much heavier therefore more difficult to ride as opposed to a power thing?

Anyway, i've got my 500 training next weekend on little cb500s so i'll see how that goes and take it from there i think.

Personally i would say that most modern sports bikes,be it a 250,400,600 or whatever,are all capable of "biting back" if you are too aggressive with them,so perhaps the old saying "the throttle goes both ways" is more important than the size of the bike!

Whatever you go for,put into practice what you have been learning on your training,take your time,keep your eyes open but above all,enjoy your riding!!

As a newish rider myself (3years) I took my test on a 125 bought a 500 and rode it "restricted" for 18months re-took test (I know it expired in another 6months but couldn't wait). Bought my ST2 and not looked back. Can't imagine ever getting to the point where I have "outgrown" this bike, although I reserve the right to change my mind (and ride something else).

However the best thing I have done is continued my training and will continue to learn, no one's perfect. :lol:

I love my bike so much I've started learning how to take care of it - cleaning and basic servicing. Getting good at passing spanners to those who know how to use them. ;)

SA

p.s. goodluck with your test - be sure to let us know.

I can't envisage a scenario where you're any less likely to kill yourself on a 600SS than a 750SS. Neither have the power to light up the back end by mistake (we wish!) and they're nearly identical in terms of handling/braking/etc.

I have to agree with saj288, the quicker you get on a bike you're comfortable with, and start focussing on all aspects of training, the better.

Good luck and enjoy.

Ali.B

If you get an older 600 ss they only have one disk on the front and are not the sharpest things on the brakes. But there again they havnt got instant go either:rolleye:

In that case - go for the 750SS. I'm 28 as well and the self-control has kicked in this days - somewhat. Could be having kids too ...

Depending on your weight\size (no dig intended) I would also consider a 900SS if you are looking for a bike that you're going to keep for a few years.

Get the 750. Treat it with respect and take it easy. It has no more power (in fact considerably less) than a Jap sports 600 or even something like a Fazer, so a bigger engine doesn't always mean more scary.

I've never ridden a 750, but I am reliably informed that they have a lovely smooth engine. If it's anything like my Duke it won't have huge amounts of power, but it will have the lovely flexible power that you can use easily with no fear of it spinning the rear tyre (except in the wet of course). The sort of power that you can use most of the time wiithout it getting you into big trouble.

If you take your time learning to ride it, you'll soon get used to the power. As somebody has already pointed out, it'll only go as fast as you twist the throttle, but it will have all the other characteristics of a bigger bike so I reckon it'd be a good un to learn on. The weight shouldn't be an issue. Like all V twins it'll be heavier than a Jap 600 but not by a huge amount, and unless you're built like an elf you shouldn't find it too heavy.

The Suzuki SV650 is a bike that's often recomended to new riders because it's nice and friendly to ride. Since the Suzuki is a 4 valve engine and the Duke is a 2 valver, they'll be similarly powered bikes (except that the Duke will have more grunt in the mid-range courtesy of it's extra capacity and two valve characteristics). So the 750ss will be similarly user friendly - BUT, it'll be a real Duke

Thanks for all your replies - they've been very useful. I'll stick to my guns, the 750 it is then. I'm older and wiser now, had lot's of bashes when i was little on my 125, didn't care too much about the bike or myself for that matter, now i' old, and hopefully the owner of a nice bike i can be proud of i'm sure i have the sense and maturity to go easy and keep both myself and the bike in one bit. Thanks again peeps.

Leave my 750 alone!
 

I am in the same situation - my test is on Thursday. After going through the same type of anguish you seem to be experiencing I came to the conclusion that:

THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES A BIKE SENSIBLE IS THE RIDER - YOU!

I think choosing between a CB500 and a ST2 is like choosing between a Porsche and a Ferrari after passing your driving test. If you have a death wish then pretty much any bike is capable of delivering. Trying to convince yourself that a smaller bike makes you safer is probably tempting you not to accept responsibility for your actions.

Reasons for getting a smaller bike a primarily money: cheapre bike, cheaper insurance, cheaper repairs.

I personally will probably go for a 750SS or ST2, dependant upon test rides.

So, get what you want and:
- put photos of loved one on dash / inside crown of helmet with "daddy slow down" type comment
- choose a few bikes based upon usual criteria: fit, style, riding type...
- do several test rides
- make choice and get bike serviced
- drive carefully and practise
- continue learning through various post test training sessions
- remember that months 2-12 are most risky for new riders

Get the 750, just dont get mine!

Good luck.

Yeah but the big prob is, who in their right mind is going to let me have a test ride on a bike when they know i've only just passed my test and the biggest thing i've ever ridden is a cb500 :D

I'm sure it'll be fine though, as i'm an average sized person (6 foot tall / 13 stone weight). I have no intention of killing myself so i'll deffo take it easy, plus i wouldn't wanna bend the bike ;)

Just gotta pass my test now (Monday morning test), good luck for Thursday by the way!

Good luck for your test Ali_G

750SS
 

As mild mannered as you want it to be and yet still able to run with the big boys when you've got the experience. :D
Just don't try too hard! It's easier said than done but worth the wait.

If you're serious about a test ride on the "new" 620/750/800SS then try talking to your local dealer face to face, you'd probably have to put down a sizeable deposit but lots of places are doing that to everyone now.

750SS - because a small jap 400 demands to be ridden hard and encourages you to push it.

Everton has it right - spend any extra cash on training and good clobber.

good luck:cool:

Well i've already got the clobber which cost me an arm and leg (might effect my balance?:frog:) and i do intend on getting extra training a couple of months after passing once i've gotten used to my new bike. Can't wait, let's hope this horrible weather goes away by Monday as i don't fancy doing my test in gale force winds and rain etc:o

GOOD LUCK with the test.

Get the 750 pretty safe power and ride a LOT in all weathers!! this very important and rubbish weather helps with bike/thought control etc. I got my 'first' Fireblade after only a few months (few years ago now) but i have been doing 20000+ all weather miles a year.

I found a dealer that would let me test ride the SV1000 and an ST2 but they also demanded my credit card for a £1000 in case of dropping it. Of course I didn't drop it and made my choice - ST2 or I wouldn't be here I'd be on the Suz site :lol

Me ride in all weathers? I thought not in the beginning but on a few ride-outs the weather changed - you have to just get on with it. I don't bat an eyelash now. Even in the torrential rain coming back from Cadwell TA1 in May, I was still confident at 70.

Since I bought my ST last May I have done 10k and hope to do many many more in the next 12 months.

Best of luck to you both in your tests, Dennis and Ali G.

SA

It's not until you get the 750 and then start looking about that'll know which bag you really belong in.
For myself, 3 weeks with a Hornet, 3 weeks with a 900ss then a 3 year love affair with the 748.
It did not take me long to know I could grow with the 748 as my steed, and track days fell like nine-pins.
You won't know until you get out on the 750, mind you, we're all putting ours away 'till the warmer, dry weather rolls in again!

Tim

Go for it Ali!...Good luck for Monday!


Dennis is right...Any bike is only as good as the rider. But some of the Jap bikes fool you into thinking that you are quicker than you really are...
I passed, and left it 4 months before I got the duke 750.
I just knew I wanted it and was damn well going to succed on it...4 drops later and an off at cadwell and I still am learning so much about me and the bike. I know I will grow out of it eventually and am hankering after a 748 but I have plenty of time. I only passed 18 months ago. After riding the 750 I feel so confident I think I could get on any bike and have a go due to the gruntiness that a Duke has whether it is a 2V or 4V...I had a go on my Bro-in laws zxr and caned it! It is only a 400 but had such immense power that I was taken in ...after thinking about it, it was a real easy chair approach. The bike just took off and left my brain behind!:o
No...go for the Duke...it'll give you so much confidence, get some extra training, do a track day and then see how you progress from there!
Oh! Initially I did my CBT 6/8 weeks before I took my test and wanted to progress from a scooter!
Set your sites on your goal and GO FOR IT!
:lol::lol::lol:

Ali

I`m almost 104 and I started out on a Honda 50 then went to 500 gold star ................and survived.

Do it and be careful, personally maybee a 600 Monster would be a better stepping stone!

Now is an excellent time to buy as you can't give them away.
I have given up advertising my 748 as it's costing me and there ain't no enquires.

Tim

How do you know that until you get to the end????:devil::puzzled::puzzled::devil:

Pesonally, I bought a 600cc Yahahahaahah the day after I passed my test on a 125 and had never ridden any form of motorised bike before I took the 5 day course. I survived. It's not all about your riding - it's a lot to do with awareness of others on the road and the B4astards who don't see you - Take good care and buy the bike of your dreams - whatever turns you on. Just get a red one cos they're safer.

:P

Because the end would have come a lot sooner!

Ali_G

If you do go for the 750ss, it's not the power you'll need to worry about! You'll need to watch out for the limited amount of steering lock whilst manouvering at low speeds. In this respect it's not like any Japanese bike you'll ever ride - and it's the easiest thing in the world to be caught out needing more lock and toppling the bike. I know this from personal experience (and this was after riding Japanese bikes for more years than I care to remember - so I wasn't wet behind the ears!) Be warned!!

Good luck with the test!
Steve

If it must be a ducati then IMHO go for an ST or some sort. A good alrounder with something to keep the wind off

Maybe a monster.

What are you going to use the bike for.

A lot of commuting year round?

The odd cummute but mainly a fun weekend toy?

Fun weekend toy and leap into trackdays ASAP?

You will be lucky if you don't drop the thing, even if its wheeling the thing round. the more bodywork you have on the bike the bigger the damage might be.

How long do intoend to keep the bike, chopping and changing bikes costs money.

Insurance costs can be horrendous for newbies depending on the bike. Get a quote before you buy.

How confident do ya feel??

I hope I'm not going over stuff you have done already.

Don't rule out a H0nda or something else. SV650, Older CBR 600s, Hornets,

I know of someone who took their direct access and bought a 998r, each to their own.............................


so many bikes so little time!!

Ray.

One thing is for sure: Your taste will change very soon into your biking career and you will probably find yourself hankering after something a little bit more challenging after a very few months. For this reason, I bought a 750ss as my first bike and didn't regret it for a moment. Its a great entry to the Ducati brand. Best of luck Ali G

Go get yourself a 600 Monster or a small Honda or Yamaha or kawasaki or a suzuki to start out on.

I say DONT GET A DUCATI as a first bike full stop. It will end up costing loads more that a jap bike. I had a TZR125 for a couple of years. I then did my DAS (a few days on a GS500) and got an R6. I got t-boned in April and replaced it with a 748. Im only 22 so still feel like i have it all to learn but its true that you control the bike and not the other way around. I nearly crashed the R6 in the first 5 mins because i was so scared of it but that feeling soon passed.

While my 748 had a service they loaned me a 620ie monster which was ok for a couple of days but i was just bored of it after that.

I think that you will adapt to anybike you get within a few rides and as long as you treat the bike with some respect you will be fine. I saw an ad in MCN for an SV1000 for 3K!!!! Bargin mate The 650 is also def worth a look. Better performance than the 750ss and cheaper to buy run and insure.