First 1000 miles

Today, I surpassed 1000 miles on the odometer of my '07 R6 - got it with .2 miles.  Hard to believe I've only had the bike about 6 weeks (riding for about 4-5).  I pretty much have to ride at least a little bit every day the weather permits it.

I've started riding it to work when there is no chance of rain and continue to try and practice my skills on a regular basis.  It took me about 750 miles to enter the interstate for the first time, and that was early in the morning with hardly any traffic.  I still get a little nervous on the highway and refuse to get on if the traffic is heavy.

I haven't had any really close calls yet but have had several cars pull out in front of me and a car turn into me on a four lane road.  Practicing the quick stop has already become valuable.

I continue to learn every time I get on the bike.  I come on the forums everyday to read comments, advice, close calls and the like and it has all contributed to my knowledge and respect for my bike.  So thanks for that.  Just want to share a little as I'm stoked to bypass my first 1000 miles on a motorcycle.    

Wait, so you bought an r6 for your first bike? I really want to but I am afraid I am going to set it down.  

What’s up Swiggs, glad to her you’ve keep it on the wheels so far. I have as well but I’m only a little past the 500 mi. mark most of my free time has consisted of rain. Just wondering if your having any trouble holding back cause I sure am, the other day I was riding on an open road no real traffic and got in a long straight I was riding tucked next thing I know I felt my head starting to be pulled back looked at the speedometer and I was doing 125 without even thinking about it. There has been a couple of times I’ve just parked it because I was riding way to hard for my skill level, it’s never my intention to ride that way it just feels natural to. I grew up drag racing and street racing and have always been around fast cars not sure if that’s way or not, but I definitely have too much fun sometimes.

I did have my first real scare the other day I wasn’t riding hard at all, I was on a really rough and curvy road I knew it was bad but It felt a lot worst on my bike than in my car I was going around a sharp curve about 35 mph just before the apex I rolled on the throttle a little bit to settle the bike when I started going over a series on bumps then the  rpm’s shot up a little then I felt the rear step out what felt like about a foot over and in that split second I thought this is it I’m going down, but I stood the bike up just a bit and rode on through a minute or two later  I breathed a sigh of relief and unclenched.

So far I have no regrets about getting the R6 for my first bike every ride is definitely a learning experience and I’m continually trying to apply the techniques I’ve learned and become a more proficient rider.

It’s cool to have another rider going pretty much the same route as I am, so I hope you keep posting and sharing your experiences.  

T.Lynch:
Wait, so you bought an r6 for your first bike? I really want to but I am afraid I am going to set it down.

Yes, I bought an R6 for my first bike.  I'll be the first to admit that it wasn't the best decision I've ever made, but it has been working out so far.  I still have a lot to learn!!!  The only thing that has kept me off the pavement so far is taking the MSF course and practicing in parking lots, ALOT.  It took me nearly 20 miles of parking lot work to get used to the throttle response in 1st and 2nd gear alone.

Starting on a super sport is doable, but not advisable.  Don't get me wrong, I love my R6, but if I had to do it all again, I probably would have went with the SV650.  

What's up 0069?  We've been fortunate here with the weather.  It's been beautiful the last couple of weeks so I've really had a chance to put some miles on it.  

And to answer your question, it is definitely hard sometimes to resist the urge to open it up.  It's weird to me that on a bike, I feel like I'm going much slower than I really am - which is scary.  I haven't broke 100 yet, but have hit 90's in a few straight aways, with no traffic of course.  Overall, I just try to read as much as I can in an attempt to set myself straight and not get overconfident.  That's a big fear of mine at this point.  I need to be confident, but not too confident.

As far as your scare, glad you didn't put it down.  It sounds like you did the right thing.  I had something similar happen to me when I was going slow.  I think I had little too much lean for the speed and my tires weren't really warmed up and I felt my back tire start to slip.  Luckily it was a one way bend and I was going slow so I immediately got out of my lean and stood the bike up.  It's a disturbing feeling having a tire slip.

I don't have regrets about my R6 either.  It hasn't been the easiest thing to learn on, but I love it.  Good luck as you continue to rack up miles.  Definitely come on here and post updates!  Have fun and be safe out there.  

Sorry to ask a question, it was supposed to be your thread.  Congrats on 1000 miles and I hope that you keep that r6 on the rubber!  

Lynch, no problem man - questions are what the forums are all about.  Let us know what you end up doing with your first bike!