Can be a r1150r the first choice of a ...??

[burakozel]

Hi riders,

Can be a r1150r the first choice of a newcomer-to-the-motorbike-world?

I don't even have motorbike-licence...

Can I manage that bike at the very beginning? or I am supposed to ride, firstly, some 150cc's to level up?

[Capt. Blackadder]

I would not recommend it. An R1150R is close to 600 pounds fully fueled and fairly tall. A smaller, lighter bike would be a much better way to start.

[burakozel]

the thing is I've already bought the bike (2002) and awaiting me very blackly in my garage...
unfortunately it will take for a while to begin to ride..
after getting the licence, ı'll rent, as u just recommended, a lighter one.. in 2-3 months I may be ready to give it a go..
fingers crossed

[Dauntless]

I think it all depends on how coordinated you are. Some people have natural ability to do certain things. For most people, an R1150R is too much to handle as a first time on anything motorized with two wheels.

[DJ Downunder]

I also would not recommend this bike as a first bike..but..it can be done.

There has been many guys..and galls here over the past few years that have bought one as a first bike without any problems.

It is an easy bike to ride IMO...and better that a lot of other bikes out there as a first bike...you should be ok..just take it slow and easy at first.

Be very careful with the clutch..let it out very slowly while changing down gears..these bike have so much engine braking it's easy to lock the rear wheel.

Keep your fingers on the clutch lever while doing slow turns at low revs..it's very easy to stall the engine and if you are quick with the clutch you will not fall.

Find a big empty car park and practice..practise..practice...Good luck and ride safe...ride like all the car drivers can not see you..or are out to get you..

DJ

[dragonmojo]

It can be done, but as many have said, not recommended.

Any struggles along the way in learning to ride more bike than you have the experience for will possibly result in disappointment with riding altogether. It might not become that lifelong commitment (as a lifestyle).

Glad to hear you will consider spending some time with a smaller bike. It may be expensive renting while knowing that you already own a bike... but this may mean the difference between abandoning riding or joining the club.

Our brotherhood (and sisterhood) of motorcyclists.

Good luck and have fun!

[mcollect]

I agree that this bike might be too much for a first bike, but it is the easiest bike to ride that I have owned. Ilike your idea of renting a learner bike, although it might be better to buy a used half a liter bike, asthetics not important . Learn to ride it, then sell it, it will be way cheaper then renting!
Good choice in the bike you will love her.

[dd]

burakozel,

don't be disheartened.

i took my motorcycle safety class last month, and bought my 2004 r1150r with 3000 miles on it one week later.

it is my first bike ever, and i found it very easy to get to learn.

i agree with the previous comment that it is a bit heavy. however, assuming you are physically strong enough to hold it up (i am 5'11" at 180lbs), i think that with a day of practice in a parking lot and a cautious attitude, you will likely do just fine on this as a first bike.

i was also a bit hesitant about a bike this large when i was shopping. but, now that i made the plunge and figured it out, i am so glad that i didn't get something smaller, as i think i would already have been bored with a smaller machine.

also, i think that this is just about one of the most beautiful machines in the world, and i can't stop simply looking at it. nothing smaller has the same visual appeal to me as does my silver r1150.

best of luck,

-daniel.

[Lobo1625]

Your choice of a motorbike depends alot on your attitude. The 1150R was my first bike. I took the MSF class on a 150 honda. The first bike I ever rode was my Fathers R100T. A much easier bike than the 750 Shadow I rode soon after. I have a respect for the 1150 and realized that as long as I'm not stupid on the bike it'll treat me well. I've seen people who bought 600's and that was too much bike for them. I've also seen people start on a 1200 Bandit and not have any problems. If you respect the bike and take your time, I think you'll do well.

[OU812]

Practice in a parking lot, and you will find your abilities in no time.

[burakozel]

rider academy tutors might be another way of figuring out... it will cost me some considerable amounts of dollars.. but as u, r1150r-ists, suggest me, it will be worth...
ı cannot wait for the r1150rists club to join )

[Hendrikus]

instead of renting a lighter bike i would spend my money on an advanced drivers course.

your drivers licence course will emphasize on getting your licence (learning the rules of traffic) an advanced drivers course will learn you how to handle your bike in many circumstances.

take it easy, there is so much fun to come

[thenewcamus]

At walking speeds the bike can feel pretty intimidating for a new rider. At speed on the road it is very easy. I would recommend investing in some cylinder head protectors in case of a low-speed set down. If I would have heeded this advice I wouldnt have a scarred right hand cylinder head

[NCPadgett]

My R was my first bike and when I rode it out of my driveway it was the first time I had ever been on a street bike (yes it came home on a trailer). I have taken the rider's safety course and it did help. I also read alot on the internet about motorcycle riding - do's and don't - which seemed to help too. The most important thing is to resist the urge to do something dumb like ride above your abilities and pay alot of attention in traffic; although it would seem as if these were both important to new and old riders alike. Be safe.

[Sit]

I bought my R, my first street bike, before I even had my permit. Bike came home in a truck and sat for three days until I could get my permit. Then with another rider, I went around the block several times and practiced turns etc. Then within a week, I took the Team Oregon course (MSF) and have been off and running ever since. I did spend a good amount of time after the course in a parking lot practicing what I had learned. Go slow and I think youll be fine.

[Xray28]

One thing I was not ready for on my 2004 was the suddenness of the brakes at low speed. They can grab and stop you way too quick at parkinglot speeds. The bike grabs and drops you just that quick At low speeds and comming to a stop I use the rear (foot) brake almost exclusively.

[OU812]

I almost always use my front brake to complete a stop.I need to get my stubby legs out so as not to tip!