Can't decide...2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 or the Yamaha YZF-R1
avatar gangsta
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 646
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From: Norfolk, VA
Re: Can't decide...2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 or the Yamaha YZF-R1
No, not every noob drops their bike...I rode for 16 years without doing so. But then again I started on a GS450L, then went to an EX500 before stepping up to a 600.
I will recommend the 600 for the simple fact that I believe the R1 has too much power for most beginners. I understand that you will get what you want no matter what anyone says, so if you get the R1, be careful. And take a MSF course...TCC has a good one in this area, but there is usually a long waiting list. Some insurance companies will even give you a good discount for taking it. Knocked 15% off of mine, so that was around $150/ year!
And as for the Kawi's win or lose, I still love them. You do see more Gixxers on the track, but Suzuki pays for the top ten spots, so one else does. So if you plan on racing, get a zook, the odds of you getting paid are better.
Don't worry about what all the magazines say, most people will never see the true potential from their bikes, especially on the street. My 600s will still do triple the posted speed limits, and can get me in trouble just as quick as any liter bike. The thing is, the 600 is way more usable for me, and I have a lot more fun on it than any 1000...and I have been riding street bikes for over 20 years.
I will recommend the 600 for the simple fact that I believe the R1 has too much power for most beginners. I understand that you will get what you want no matter what anyone says, so if you get the R1, be careful. And take a MSF course...TCC has a good one in this area, but there is usually a long waiting list. Some insurance companies will even give you a good discount for taking it. Knocked 15% off of mine, so that was around $150/ year!
And as for the Kawi's win or lose, I still love them. You do see more Gixxers on the track, but Suzuki pays for the top ten spots, so one else does. So if you plan on racing, get a zook, the odds of you getting paid are better.
Don't worry about what all the magazines say, most people will never see the true potential from their bikes, especially on the street. My 600s will still do triple the posted speed limits, and can get me in trouble just as quick as any liter bike. The thing is, the 600 is way more usable for me, and I have a lot more fun on it than any 1000...and I have been riding street bikes for over 20 years.
hatrs make me famous
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: va beach/ 757
yard man
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 971
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From: Hampton, VA
Re: Can't decide...2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 or the Yamaha YZF-R1
I was reading a post on another forum and thought of the OP (Nathan D.)
This guy went and got a R1 because he was "curious of lies on the other side"
http://katriders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30168
Here is his original post
http://katriders.com/forums/viewtopi...918&highlight=
and a quoted section from his original post
This guy went and got a R1 because he was "curious of lies on the other side"
http://katriders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30168
Originally Posted by Mojoe
Do any of you remember djkale? He posted on here a while back ...as in last July, about getting his new R1.
It was one of those topics about a new rider who decided and R1 was the way to go.....and one of those topics where I made it clear it was more bike than he could handle.
here is the topic.
http://katriders.com/forums/viewtopi...918&highlight=
anyway, I received an email from his mom today. it seems the advice he was given was ignored, and he decided to mix alcohol and riding without a helmet into the situation.
now I am not going to say anything bad about his decisions, because quite frankly, I shouldn't have to. hopefully what happened to him will not have happened in vain, and others might think before deciding to buy a bike that is much more than their experience level can handle. and for pete's sake, wear your gear and stay away from the booze.
RIP dj, and my the lord look after your family.
the letter from his mom:
It was one of those topics about a new rider who decided and R1 was the way to go.....and one of those topics where I made it clear it was more bike than he could handle.
here is the topic.
http://katriders.com/forums/viewtopi...918&highlight=
anyway, I received an email from his mom today. it seems the advice he was given was ignored, and he decided to mix alcohol and riding without a helmet into the situation.
now I am not going to say anything bad about his decisions, because quite frankly, I shouldn't have to. hopefully what happened to him will not have happened in vain, and others might think before deciding to buy a bike that is much more than their experience level can handle. and for pete's sake, wear your gear and stay away from the booze.
RIP dj, and my the lord look after your family.
the letter from his mom:
Hi,
I was reading your posting to my son, dj kale and would like to thank you for your advise to him.
Unfortunately, my son died due to a motorcycle accident on 14 Oct 06. He rode without a helmet and had been drinking before he got on his bike, hit a curb, hit his head and died at the scene.
We as his family are all devastated, and the fact that his two children, 14 and 3 yrs old will indeed grow up without their father is a reality that could have been avoided had he followed the proper safety rules.
I hope you will continue to encourage others to be safe. Even tho my son didn't take your advice, maybe someone else will.
You are free to share this email however you wish.
Thank you again for what you are doing. I wish you much success.
Sinecerely,
Dee Kainoa (djkale's mom)
I was reading your posting to my son, dj kale and would like to thank you for your advise to him.
Unfortunately, my son died due to a motorcycle accident on 14 Oct 06. He rode without a helmet and had been drinking before he got on his bike, hit a curb, hit his head and died at the scene.
We as his family are all devastated, and the fact that his two children, 14 and 3 yrs old will indeed grow up without their father is a reality that could have been avoided had he followed the proper safety rules.
I hope you will continue to encourage others to be safe. Even tho my son didn't take your advice, maybe someone else will.
You are free to share this email however you wish.
Thank you again for what you are doing. I wish you much success.
Sinecerely,
Dee Kainoa (djkale's mom)
Here is his original post
http://katriders.com/forums/viewtopi...918&highlight=
and a quoted section from his original post
Originally Posted by djKale
Well guys I broke down and sold my 2005 Katana 600 a few days ago and bought a 2006 Raven R1 as a replacement. The Kat was my first bike and I hated to see her go, but I was too curious about the R1 to resist. If you are a relative noob like me and are wondering what lies on the other side I hope you will find this info helpful. Why did I go with an R1? Here's why:
Registered Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 754
Likes: 0
From: Hampton
Re: Can't decide...2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 or the Yamaha YZF-R1
I was reading a post on another forum and thought of the OP (Nathan D.)
This guy went and got a R1 because he was "curious of lies on the other side"
http://katriders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30168
Here is his original post
http://katriders.com/forums/viewtopi...918&highlight=
and a quoted section from his original post
This guy went and got a R1 because he was "curious of lies on the other side"
http://katriders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30168
Here is his original post
http://katriders.com/forums/viewtopi...918&highlight=
and a quoted section from his original post
damn...
Thread Starter
Registered Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Re: Can't decide...2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 or the Yamaha YZF-R1
I'm not trying to be ignorant, but you can't use DJ Kale (RIP) as an example. He was drinking and therefore, that cannot be used to persuade anyone to not get the R1; the same could happen on any bike (hell, a bicycle).
I'm definitely listening and comprehending everyone's suggestions. I went to a local shop today to look at the 07 R1 and R6. I love both bikes and yes I've ridden before but I'm definitely a beginner. Even so, with my understanding that the R1 has almost twice the displacement of the R6 and more horses than my car, I keep saying to myself that I should get what I want to get which I'm leaning toward the R1; the only reason I'm even considering the R1 is because I feel I could control myself and the RPMs low until I gain experience on the bike. I'm not the kind of person to disregard the bikes performance and "think" I know how to handle it. I definitely want to be a safe, respected rider and learn more and more with the R1.
Do you guys really think I should just forget about the R1 and stick to the R6? I've heard several people tell me that they started on an R1 and did fine. Is the risk worth it for an intelligent person? They are both extremely fast and both require control and maturity. If I'm going to take the chance of getting an R6, why not take the chance of getting an R1 if they both require extreme control and maturity?
Please don't get me wrong; I'm not fighting your opinions. I just want the straight facts and I want my point to be considered if it makes sense.
Thanks again guys for your continued help in my decision. Hopefully soon I'll be riding with the locals.
I'm definitely listening and comprehending everyone's suggestions. I went to a local shop today to look at the 07 R1 and R6. I love both bikes and yes I've ridden before but I'm definitely a beginner. Even so, with my understanding that the R1 has almost twice the displacement of the R6 and more horses than my car, I keep saying to myself that I should get what I want to get which I'm leaning toward the R1; the only reason I'm even considering the R1 is because I feel I could control myself and the RPMs low until I gain experience on the bike. I'm not the kind of person to disregard the bikes performance and "think" I know how to handle it. I definitely want to be a safe, respected rider and learn more and more with the R1.
Do you guys really think I should just forget about the R1 and stick to the R6? I've heard several people tell me that they started on an R1 and did fine. Is the risk worth it for an intelligent person? They are both extremely fast and both require control and maturity. If I'm going to take the chance of getting an R6, why not take the chance of getting an R1 if they both require extreme control and maturity?
Please don't get me wrong; I'm not fighting your opinions. I just want the straight facts and I want my point to be considered if it makes sense.
Thanks again guys for your continued help in my decision. Hopefully soon I'll be riding with the locals.