New rider tips?

I'm new to riding and i just got a 02 yamaha R6, yes i'm aware its not a great choice for 1st bike but it was the bike i wanted and i got a good deal from a friend. I am enrolled to take the MSF basic riding course in two weeks, but is there anything i can be doing before then to start getting the skills nesaccery to ride this bike. I'm open to any helpful info.  

Safety Logic dictates that you park the R6 in the Garage for now.  Go find a Smaller Bike to practice on, and use it for your MSF Course.  Once you have a good feel for Riding the Smaller Bike, the R6 will be waiting, and you will be far more ready for it, in addition to having a much greater appreciation for it.

Bull Headed Logic dictates that you ride the R6 in your Nieghborhood, eventually branching out for short rides on the busy streets in town as you get a feel for it.  There are some Pros/Cons to this approach;
Pros: You learn the Bike you own right now, and don't need to get another.
Cons: You may stack the R6 in learning how to ride, potentially ruining the Bike, and you in the process.

The choice between these options is up to you.  No one can tell you what is Best for You as an Individual, however, in offering advice I suggest that you approach Learning How to Ride with Safety First!  Keep in mind that you have just purchased the equivalent to a Street Legal Formula 1 Race Car, and it will take some time before you are qualified to ride it.  Take your time!
If you do choose to ride the R6, make certain that you have someone experieced along with you for guidance.

Best of Luck, Wear Gear, and Ride Safe!  

Thanks for not bashing me on the bike choice, getting another ride isn't possible wish it was, but i know others that started on this bikes and have read other posts of people saying that they started on these bikes also, so i know it's not an impossible task, i figured it was the approach one takes that makes the difference, so i'm tring to do it the right way. I have ridden it for about 30 mi. so far (back roads no real traffic) and i've been working on throttle control and braking just trying to be smooth, and keeping the bike in higher gears with the rpm's lower so it's more managable, haven't been past 8 on the tach.

As far as gear goes i've got the basics Arai helment, Alpinestars jacket w/elbow & shoulder armor, and some cheap gloves but they have some padding and knuckle armor.  

I don't think you're starting with anything too crazy. If you have a knack for learning new things and have your head on straight, a 600 should be a good start without leaving you wanting more after the first 2 months.

You sound like you are going about this the right way and have some responsibility about you.

You will enjoy the MSF course, they will teach you a lot.

Consider getting some decent riding boots, you're not much without feet that's for sure.

I don't recommend riding on anything other than reasonably calm streets for the first month or so ( depending on how much riding time you get in ). Obviously starting out small and working your way up.

There is just so much to learn and the more you ride the more knowledge you will attain if you pay attention. It really is a good feeling to start to "feel" your bike.

I bought my first bike brand new back in September '07  (suzuki SV650S '07 ). The good thing about that was that I had to break in the engine so I really couldn't accelerate that fast or ride freeway. This forced me to take it easy on the streets and learn the fundamentals first. I think that helped a lot.

I highly recommend reading the article on this website called "Urban Gorilla". It makes some very good safety points that most people probably wouldn't think about on their daily commute.

Have fun man and try not to push it too hard in the first couple months... it can be very hard to hold back.  

0069:
Thanks for not bashing me on the bike choice, getting another ride isn't possible wish it was, but i know others that started on this bikes and have read other posts of people saying that they started on these bikes also, so i know it's not an impossible task, i figured it was the approach one takes that makes the difference, so i'm tring to do it the right way. I have ridden it for about 30 mi. so far (back roads no real traffic) and i've been working on throttle control and braking just trying to be smooth, and keeping the bike in higher gears with the rpm's lower so it's more managable, haven't been past 8 on the tach.

As far as gear goes i've got the basics Arai helment, Alpinestars jacket w/elbow & shoulder armor, and some cheap gloves but they have some padding and knuckle armor.

You get an 'A' for Grade, as a Learning Rider, dealing with the realities of Real World Finances, and still trying to get out there on a Bike!  Sometimes being Bull Headed is the only way to get out there.
You are off to a good start here 0069, just remember to take it easy, although from the sounds of it, I don't need to tell you.  Having gone 30 miles now so far, you also know just how much of a rocket that R6 is!  It is a good Bike to learn on, IF you are mature, can maintain your restraint, and are level headed/realistic about what you are doing.  I don't think you need anymore advice as to taking it easy, and feeling out your machine, however, I will remind you to be divided in your attention, watching your surroundings while still getting used to the controls of your rocket.  And as a last note, since you are riding already, before the MSF Course, the one thing that may trip you up is Panic Stops.  Find a Quite Street, and practice some imaginary events, in which you need to stop quickly.  30-0 is easy once you master it, although it can lay you out if you don't have the experience of doing it, or can't recognize that it is time to do so!  Riders that get into trouble (too fast into corner, sudden obsticles, bad drivers) and Panic (hesitate)... well you get the idea.  It is really simple to go fast, knowing how to stop is a skill!
Your Grade would been an 'A+' if you had mentioned Boots!
Boots can save your Ankles, Feet, and Toes, in the event of something bad happening.  I also recommend Pants as well, as it has the Armor in the Hips, and Knees.  Dressing for Success on a Bike is Dressing to Survive, with minimal damage!  Check on Craig's List for used Gear, and keep an eye out for some Mesh, as Summer is near!

Ride Safe, and Best of Luck!  

Thanks for the advise and encouragement guys, it's cool to have a place to interact with other riders with knowledge and experience.

Quote
"I highly recommend reading the article on this website called "Urban Gorilla". It makes some very good safety points that most people probably wouldn't think about on their daily commute.

Have fun man and try not to push it too hard in the first couple months... it can be very hard to hold back."

Ya the whole rider skills series is great lots of good info., i plan on reviewing it periodiclly. One thing i've learned from other ventures is that after time when you start to get comfortable you tend to forget the basics its always good to review.

And i've definitly got boots and pants at the top of the wish list. One question on the boots, I occsionally find myself hunting for the shifter or the brake, moreso the brake will riding boots make these more dificult to feel?

Also Thanks renaissance_man for reminding to pay attention to the surrounding, thinking back I probably was a little to caught up in the bike.  

MSF Course, Motorcycles for Dummies, patience, ego-checking, and enjoying the learning process.  You'll do great with these things first in your mind.  

Thanks 0069.  It is good to have someone actualy listen, and respond to advice!  Most are too headstrong, and think they will just figure it all out on the fly!  I veiw that behavior as something of a Gene Pool Cleansing.

Riding Boots will help, beleive it or not.

Although they will take some getting used to until they are broke-in (being stiff to walk in, and tight on your Ankles while you ride) they do make it easier to operate Foot Controls.  A good set of Boots will have a Pad on the top of the Foot, which corrisponds with the Gear Shifter, acting as a grip when Up Shifting.  As you ride more, the Shifter will become Second Nature, and when you include Boots, you will wonder how you ever did without them!
As for the Rear Brake, the Soles of a Quality Pair of Boots should be fairly thick.  This is for long life of the Tread, and gives some 'meat' to grind away should you have to put a foot down at speed, although it also helps with the Rear Brake Lever, in that you don't need to press your foot down as far as you would with Tennies.  It will also enlarge your feet a bit, as the Boots are larger than normal shoes, which also helps to be in the correct position for Foot Controls.

Don't fear the Boots..... Fear Tennies!  Regular Shoes offer no protection what so ever, and may be slick when placed in Road Oils mixed with rain.
The sooner you get a pair the better, as the more that you get used to riding in regular shoes, the more distracting it will be to ride in Boots.  Check on Craig's List for a used set.  They will cost less, and likely be more comfortable than a new set.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/
Try a Copy/Paste to find the Site.  Locate your City, and look under Motorcycles.
Feel free to ask further questions.

Best of Luck to you 0069!  

0069, I'm a new rider myself and am slightly ahead of where you are at.  I bought an '07 R6 about a month ago.  You sound like you are taking the same approach that I did.  I put about 15 miles on in parking lot where I started to get familiar with the bike, throttle and brakes with zero traffice.

I then moved up to neighborhoods and sub divisions where I could go a tiny bit faster, but still have very light traffic.  This helped with stop and go, learning to not stall, etc.

My MSF course starts tomorrow (I couldn't get in any sooner) and I'm excited for it.  I now have about 400 miles on my machine and have graduated to city streets.  It was nice having a new bike to start, because as someone said, it forces you to stay in the lower rpm range for the break in.  My manual says an 8000 rpm break-in, I've hit 10 a few times, but generally I've been staying around 6 or 7.

I just wanted to let you know that I have gone through a process similar to you and it has worked well.  Just don't move up to anything too quickly.  Make sure you know your bike inside and out (shifting, breaking, turn signals, horn, etc) before you get out in traffic.  When you're out in traffic, you can't afford to be stumbling through your controls trying to find something.

Good luck and ride safe!!!  Also, if you want a good safety read, get "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hough.  It's got lots of good stuff.  

Swiggs21, its good to hear i haven't jumped off the deep end alone. I'm approaching 300 mi. of riding my R6 so far, smart move on taking the MSF course I haven't found anyone who has taken it that doesn't recommend it, mine got delayed a week so i'm still waiting. I hope i don't pick up any bad habits i have to unlearn during the course, but i've definitly got the bug, i've got to ride.

I'm getting pretty comfortable on the bike and the controls with exception of occaisionally sounding the horn when i'm trying to light my turns, a bit embarrassing but not a magor problem.

Ride safe & enjoy the ride Swiggs21!  

0069:
Swiggs21, its good to hear i haven't jumped off the deep end alone. I'm approaching 300 mi. of riding my R6 so far, smart move on taking the MSF course I haven't found anyone who has taken it that doesn't recommend it, mine got delayed a week so i'm still waiting. I hope i don't pick up any bad habits i have to unlearn during the course, but i've definitly got the bug, i've got to ride.

I'm getting pretty comfortable on the bike and the controls with exception of occaisionally sounding the horn when i'm trying to light my turns, a bit embarrassing but not a magor problem.

Ride safe & enjoy the ride Swiggs21!

0069, I had the MSF course this weekend and it was great!  Lots of good info!  

Glad you're taking the approach that you are.  It has worked really well for me.  Too many people get a bike and go right out into the street with a need for speed.  I understand the itch you have to ride because I was the same way when I got my new baby.  Just continue to take it slow until you have your MSF course and practice technique during the course.

The little 250s that they have you ride are very easy to control and maneuver, so it's a good time to focus on your riding technique.

Continue to ride safe and enjoy your new toy!  Report back after awhile and let us know how it's going!    

0069, my last piece of advice that I, as a novice, can offer is to continue to read as much info you can get your hands on, especially advice to new riders.  Even when you become more experienced because advice to new riders will keep you modest and help you to not get over confident.

Every time I get out there, I start to gain more confidence.  Confidence is good, but that can sometimes lead to being over confident in your abilities.  Getting on these forums and reading some comments and experiences helps to remind me that these bikes demand respect.  That's one thing we must not ever forget.  Respect.

Articles like the sticky post on this forum (linked below) are good reminders that our bikes are powerful and can cause us severe problems the second we lose respect.

Good luck, 0069!!

http://forums.sportrider.com/70/591801/new-riders/new-riders-please-read-this-updated-2-13-06/index.html  

im a new (ish) rider, open licence for 18months, have done around 20,000k's on my first bike a cbr600rr 2004 and now 2007 zx10, and i read about every single magazine out there, fast bikes, superbike, rapid, two wheels etc. and read everything on the net about bikes, everything, i ride every single day, I can beat more experienced riders on 1000's in tight sections simply because i love every second im on a bike and i learned how to ride properly on my own by asking and reading everything i could, iv scraped pegs, got my knee down, can do a stoppie, know how to look through a corner know how to look ahead at the road condition can spot diesal spills, dirt, oil on the road, im all self tought and have avoided many accidents simply by making myself visible on the road and watching what other road users are doing and not riding along blindly like u think alot of "show off" riders do that can afford a 200/month bike, im 22 and love flash new bikes and the attention girls give me but i do know how to ride and thats why i ride, when ur in first gear and ur coming out of a nice corner and ur looking through it and u get on the power nice and early and feel urself slingshoted out a sweet corner nothing beats it!! as u would know!  

Hopefully you live near a rural area where you can go on rides with no traffic. Ride slow, use your head, know your limits, and get as much experience you can. Read Keith Codes books. Go to some track days where they have intructors who will help you. They will put you in a rooky group and keep an eye on you. This is actually a safe environment since there will be no vehicles to pull out if front of you and there will be people to tell you what you are doing right and wrong.