- Joined
- Apr 26, 2015
- Messages
- 17
- Location
- Calgary
So, from what I have read over years and years as a motorcycle fan, usually people when suggesting a first bike fall into 2 groups. The people that say you must start on a 250 or below etc bike that is used and blah blah blah. And then there are the people that say, get whatever bike you want, it will only go as fast as you let it.
Both have their merits. For example, a new rider like myself would undoubtedly feel a lot more at ease on a used 250, for a number of reasons. Less things to worry about, and you won't be as scared/hesitant to ride a certain way, because you don't wanna drop your brand new 20k bike. That point is one of the best.
On the other hand, we have the bike bikes. Hayabusa's, Gsxr 1000s, Zx10R's, R1's etc. Lets say, all pre 2008. These are fine bikes, but they do have an enormous amount of power it could be easy to see someone not pay attention for a few seconds and make a mistake.
Then we have the motorcycles of today. The 1299, the Aprilia RSV4, S1000RR, the new R1. All of these bikes have very advanced traction control, wheelie control, stoppie control systems, as well as cutting edge abs.
In a recent test, I think it was the Suzuki 750 vs Triumph 675 vs Ducati 899. The Ducati was the only one with ABS, and out braked the others from 60mph by around 25 feet. That is a huge amount.
We are coming to the point now when technology can cover a huge amount of rider errors, and at the point now too when, in some cases, the motorcycle is simply faster with the electronics on, because not only do they not hold the bike back anymore they enhance it better than any rider could manually.
So, in your opinion, what is safer, a 250 ninja from say 1995, or a brand new Panigale 1299. Most mistakes that happen on a motorcycle can either trash the bike or end your life. If a person hits you from behind or cuts you off forcing you into a guard rail, won't matter what bike you are on. The 1299 has a wet mode, traction control, wheelie and stoppie control, and advanced abs. Would these things not make up for the greater amount of power that the motorcycle has. Would the Ducati by default because of these systems be the safer bike?
Both have their merits. For example, a new rider like myself would undoubtedly feel a lot more at ease on a used 250, for a number of reasons. Less things to worry about, and you won't be as scared/hesitant to ride a certain way, because you don't wanna drop your brand new 20k bike. That point is one of the best.
On the other hand, we have the bike bikes. Hayabusa's, Gsxr 1000s, Zx10R's, R1's etc. Lets say, all pre 2008. These are fine bikes, but they do have an enormous amount of power it could be easy to see someone not pay attention for a few seconds and make a mistake.
Then we have the motorcycles of today. The 1299, the Aprilia RSV4, S1000RR, the new R1. All of these bikes have very advanced traction control, wheelie control, stoppie control systems, as well as cutting edge abs.
In a recent test, I think it was the Suzuki 750 vs Triumph 675 vs Ducati 899. The Ducati was the only one with ABS, and out braked the others from 60mph by around 25 feet. That is a huge amount.
We are coming to the point now when technology can cover a huge amount of rider errors, and at the point now too when, in some cases, the motorcycle is simply faster with the electronics on, because not only do they not hold the bike back anymore they enhance it better than any rider could manually.
So, in your opinion, what is safer, a 250 ninja from say 1995, or a brand new Panigale 1299. Most mistakes that happen on a motorcycle can either trash the bike or end your life. If a person hits you from behind or cuts you off forcing you into a guard rail, won't matter what bike you are on. The 1299 has a wet mode, traction control, wheelie and stoppie control, and advanced abs. Would these things not make up for the greater amount of power that the motorcycle has. Would the Ducati by default because of these systems be the safer bike?
