Even Experienced Riders on New Bikes need to Learn

One of the statistics that the Hurt Study (early 80's study on motorcycle accidents) showed that one of the highest number of accidents by motorcyclists were riders with experience on new bikes (usually more powerful bikes). As a purchaser of a 1000cc sportbike coming from years of riding a 600 (and an assortment of other bikes) I've realized that you have to develop a level of trust and experience on your new steed that you may have taken for granted on your old more forgiving bike. Bigger CC bikes obviously have more power than smaller bikes but also have different tendencies such as sharper handling, higher gearing and different throttle mapping which may surprise you. Getting beyond any apprehension you have will take patience and practice.  

One of the things I learned quickly on the 1000 due to its very strong brakes is that I had to lay off (even keeping one or two fingers on the lever) during initial turns (i.e. turnning from a stop). To avoid a potential (subconcious) slight drag on the front brake which with other more forgiving bikes may not be a problem.