So, where does that leave me? Is this thing so powerful that I could just never put it in first and just start off the line in second every time? Is there any level of adjustability or configuration that can add some tempering to the unbridled torque in lower gears? Am I guaranteed to massacre myself on this by accidentally gripping too high on the throttle?
Okay, I might get I trouble here. So first I will be a bit responsible. I'm going to pretend your my younger kid brother though and shoot straight also. Your question deserves a pontification :nerd:. My brother would know to run now. He knows I'm the one without any common sense.
I wouldn't recommend your first purchase to be based on a style or image. I wouldn't even recommend the Triumph or the Moto Guzzi, and I like both. I would point someone to a Honda/Yamaha/Ninja 300. If they just had to have more power due to physical size or highway riding, I would suggest the new Honda 500x. All have ABS options.
The KTM duke mentioned before:
cool. I don't know anything about their maintenance (or ABS), but you are looking at a Ducati
.
When I hear the question: Is this a suitable bike? The person asking the question (and on the internet) has really already made up his mind. They are typically just wanting an Okay. I can really only say: Be smart, Be careful.
It's your decision, your responsibility.
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Now that being said, I do wish I had started with this bike. As I said before though, I come from the Don't do as I did crowd.
But yes, you can start with this bike. Some whom I know personally, I would tell yes - others no. Some I would suggest start with a bicycle. I can't judge your riding or capability through the web. You really don't know mine.
Of the three bikes you mentioned which would have been my initial list: the Scrambler.
During my first purchase, I went out to look at mopeds.
When the salesman saw me making love to the Monster on the floor :x , it was over. If it was me all over again, the Scrambler. But would you really follow me or anyone else here into a dark back room >
.
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So back to the power issue. It's not all that unbridled.0
The snatchy throttle will most likely be sorted with an ECU mapping in the future, but the power will still be immediate - but smoother.
It is a little snatchy, but it's not that snatchy. At the same time, I picturing that front tire lifting as someone gooses it the first time.
The bike handles so well, I feel like a kid with a scooter in the parking lot. This is the feeling everyone wants you to have with a new bike. This is one reason why the lower power is recommended.
[Writer deleted flaming remarks about skill level and riders complaints about slow maneuvering problems, not handling well in traffic due to the snatchy throttle, throttle guards. Really, it just isn't productive
]
My hang up is that the bike handles so well, you forget the power. Which can get you into trouble. The bike is deceptively cute. Many times I have looked down at the speedo and well >
.
I mentioned before it is easy to go from 0
to >
with this bike. Part of the fun. But it is just as easy to go from 0
to >
to
to :crying:. But no, you are not guaranteed to massacre yourself due the throttle. (You usually made the mistake long before then)
I am assuming when you said auto clutch experience that meant no auto traction assist. Would even be better if you had no ABS.
Why? It meant you gained the the subtle skills of correcting your car and not depending on the electronics.
Think back to when you started. All those skills you had to learn over the years: how to correct a skid. When to break, How much to break, or Even not to break and just steer. The first time you hydroplaned towards a wall. Not to stop on a snow covered hill. Learned four wheel drive is not going to stop you on ice. Etc.
Well, as a beginner motorcyclist, you are that kid again. Even if you are starting at 50. More so, because you have preconceived notions. It's going to take time in the saddle. Different motor skills. Target fixation anyone?
Experience should be measured in terms of miles riding in an environment (100,000 plus to be mature). City riding is different than canyon which is different than interstate touring, etc. Which still makes me a still a young rider.
When your riding a motorcycle, there is so much happening in the environment that controlling your throttle should be not be taking too much of your attention. You only have so much. When things go wrong. You won't have any.
What starting with a lower power bike gains you is a margin of safety/error. Think of someone learning to handle ice starting with a clutch rear wheel pony car vs a front wheel drive base fiat. Which car would you recommend your kid start with?
Remember, it's all about risk reduction. The initial decision is not sane: you are a bag of jelly on a hunk of metal going ## mph down the tarmac
.
