# So i've been thinking about going to the dark side.. **URL:** \ **Category:** Shift518 Automotive\ **Created:** [May 30, 2008, 12:06am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091 "2008-05-30T00:06:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![91teg](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/91teg/32/6304_2.png) [@91teg](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/91teg)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:35am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/81 "2008-05-30T10:35:31Z")
> [@Swifty](#): > > maybe its not the learning that people have issues with, its the self control. I do what i want, if i feel like not speeding, i’ll not speed all i want. I dont think its the bikes, sounds like its the self control. Its a combination of both…you have to understand that that bike will not like 35-40mph its constantly going to wanna accerlate…self control is a nice thing to have but for someone whos never ridden to buy a 848cc fuel injected bike is crazy…take it from me my first bike was a 900 i thought i was bad ass and could handle it till i caught loose gravel…anything can and will happen just remeber that…what ever you do just be safe ---
**Author:** ![Oleg](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/oleg/32/6276_2.png) [@Oleg](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Oleg)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:39am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/82 "2008-05-30T10:39:02Z")
this > [@Swifty](#): > > i’m not 16 and this > i want a sexy good sounding bike that matches me car. contradict each other pretty hard. but hell, you obviously made up your mind before you even posted. if you’re dead set on dropping 13k on a bike you won’t be able to ride up to it’s potential for the sake of having a toy to show off to clueless chicks than more power to you. there are much less expensive ways to get laid. ---
**Author:** ![Swifty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@Swifty](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Swifty)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:39am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/83 "2008-05-30T10:39:37Z")
yeah i hear ya. what bike was it? how heavy was it? and how much do you weigh/how tall are you? i could understand this more if maybe i was like 5’4" and 120lbs. As long as i can control myself, the actual control of the bike shouldnt be a problem. i’m 6’3" 190lbs. I know size/weight isnt everything, but it would help. ---
**Author:** ![Swifty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@Swifty](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Swifty)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:41am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/84 "2008-05-30T10:41:18Z")
> [@oleg](#): > > there are much less expensive way to get laid. i don’t really have probelms getting laid. And those statements, don’t contradict eachother. I dont care how old i am, what looks good looks good. If i wanted a ugly bike that didnt match my car i would sound more mature? ---
**Author:** ![99FRC](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/99frc/32/6335_2.png) [@99FRC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/99FRC)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:42am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/85 "2008-05-30T10:42:42Z")
> [@Vovchandr](#): > > 3900$ bike, 500$ gear, lets say 300$ a year prepaid insurance = 4700$ fixed cost. > > Lets say you put on 6000 miles a year on the bike which you would have put on the Vr4. > > Let’s also say the Vr4 averaged 15mpg and your bike averages 80mpg. > > So that makes 400 gallons in the Vr4, vs 75 gallons on the 250. > > 4$ a gallon would make it 1600$ for those miles on Vr4 vs, 300$, thats savings of 1300$ a year. > > Now even with those Very optimistic numbers and not counting the extra miles you will put on or the cost of tires (6000 miles a year would probably be a 2 backs and one front every two years), and wear and tare and replacement of gear (helmets are good for only 5 years since man. date.), you’re looking at 4 years just to break even with those crude numbers on the most fuel efficient motorcycle available. I pay $100/month for the bike. I am saving $120-160/month in gas by riding the bike suring the summer. During the riding season the bike is in fact paying for itself. Secondly, the resale on these bike is close to what you paid for them new, check it out sometime, but im sure you already know. By next seaon I will not have lost a single cent in this deal and will have saved momey overall. ---
**Author:** ![91teg](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/91teg/32/6304_2.png) [@91teg](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/91teg)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:42am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/86 "2008-05-30T10:42:59Z")
im 5’9 155pds its was an suzuki 94 rf 900r piped and jetted and weighed like 420ish ---
**Author:** ![Swifty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@Swifty](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Swifty)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:43am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/87 "2008-05-30T10:43:23Z")
dont talk about your momey like that. :lol ---
**Author:** ![Oleg](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/oleg/32/6276_2.png) [@Oleg](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Oleg)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:43am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/88 "2008-05-30T10:43:43Z")
> [@Swifty](#): > > i don’t really have probelms getting laid. than why mention chicks at all? > And those statements, don’t contradict eachother. I dont care how old i am, what looks good looks good. If i wanted a ugly bike that didnt match my car i would sound more mature? you sound like a girl who buys a car to match her purse. who gives a shit what matches what? ---
**Author:** ![99FRC](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/99frc/32/6335_2.png) [@99FRC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/99FRC)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:46am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/89 "2008-05-30T10:46:15Z")
> [@Swifty](#): > > dont talk about your momey like that. :lol Woops hehe ---
**Author:** ![n\_cole](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/n_cole/32/6382_2.png) [@n\_cole](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/n_cole)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:46am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/90 "2008-05-30T10:46:29Z")
I think the girl thing started more as a joke… I think that was my fault. :sad ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:47am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/91 "2008-05-30T10:47:20Z")
> [@Swifty](#): > > i’m not 16, and my car is faster than that bike. So i’ve been fast, now i want a sexy good sounding bike that matches me car. > > i’m not trying to be hard-headed. i do understand all of what you have said. No it’s not, the 848 runs a 10.7 1/4 mile. You still didn’t answer my question? Yes you’re not 16, but I only said that because I know a 16 year old wouldn’t have any car driving experience, and him getting in your car as a first car is as stupid as you getting an 848 as a first bike. If you understood what we said, this conversation would be over. Maybe you missed the posts on the first page so I’ll throw them up again. * * * > [@GranMassaX](#): > > purchase price and insurance will greatly offset any savings you see at the pump Amen, you **Cannot** justify buying a bike financially, _especially_ in the northeast. Even a new 250 ninja assuming you bought proper gear will take nearly half a century just to break even on the the initial “investment” by the gas savings. You are going to be riding more as well, so your yearly mileage traveled will increase. Do not try to fool yourself into thinking it’s a smart financial decision. Now with that said you also can’t justify buying that specific bike as your first bike until you openly admit to 1. Wanting to be a showboat. 2. You want to defy logical decision making. If you admit to those two and accept the risks (which you don’t even realize at the moment) then go ahead and buy it, I will look the other way. If you want to do it the right way, you’ll know where to find me. It’s kind of like asking advise about sleeping with a gorgeous girl who has STD’s but doesn’t like to use protection. You really want to do it, even though deep inside you know it’s a really bad idea. Some posts I’ve found > I’ll go on record to say that its a terrible idea. This is an extremely powerful motorcycle and the consequences of you loosing control could cost you your life. My insurance guy told me the mortality rate on GSXR600’s within 12 months for new riders is 20%. Plus as someone already said, new riders WILL drop their bikes (usually in low speed manuevers or at stop lights). My strong advice is to start out on something like a Ninja 250 or something like that which is less powerful so you’ll learn how to control the motorcycle, the weight distribution, etc etc. For example, the riding position of the 848 does not lend itself to either comfort or learning. I would think this one though thoroughly my friend… > The sound advice is wait a bit to get the Ducati or even a Jap 600. Get something used and smaller in cc you can thrash and learn on. Chances are good you’ll drop it. Drop a Ducati and if your dealer doesn’t stock parts your probably waiting a month to have it fixed. Chances are also good you’ll want to squeeze that throttle off a bit to see what it’s like. With a smaller bike you won’t get in as much trouble. > +1 on ALL OF THE NO ANSWERS ABOVE! > Get an older 600cc which can be had cheap. Take some lessons beyond the MSF such as Code or Spencer. (they’re not cheap but the best money you can spend is modding your brain before the bad habits settle in!) Do track days to gain confidence on your cheap easy to fix bike. > THEN get your dream bike. > I believe it’s the responsibility of any experienced rider to suggest against purchasing such a powerful and narrow focus bike as a first motorcycle. It would be irresponsible otherwise to suggest anything else without knowing first hand the skill of the rider. > Money factor aside you don’t get a second chance at safety. So it’s better to gain real world experience on a more forgiving bike. You will acquire the skills to enjoy a long healthy life and long riding history. > You will ride better, smarter and safer. > Ultimately you will appreciate your future Ducati more. That is coming from a Ducati forum There is a reason why all these experienced riders say you should go that route… think about it. There is a million more responses like that as well, I’m not going to post them all. A little more food for thought. > Originally Posted by DucatiJesse View Post > **unfortunately** I am a person who **acted very impulsive** … my brother bought a CBR600 a few months ago, and he let me sit on it and just ride with the clutch(no throttle)…I fell in love with how it felt( **never ridden a bike in my life** )(and actually I **dropped it the first 10 minutes I was on it,** on a slow turn, it was brand new too)…2 weeks later…I signed up for the CHP Motorcycle safety trainning…3 days after that…passed my dmv Motorcycle license test…1 month after that… **brand new Ducati 848.** … > its a beautifull machine…however, you have to respect it and know that it can be a very deadly machine… **if I could go back.** … **I wouldn’t have bought a ducati,** **but a ninja 250(like everyone else told me)**…for reasons that where explain already by other posts.(the first day I rode it(15 mins max) scared the hell outta me…too much power for a begginner…din’t get enough nerves to touch her until like 1 week later) > **I have a friend of mine that was in your exact position less than two months ago, and despite the advice of myself (with 5 years of experience) and our other friend (10 years worth)he decided not to listen and bought the 848 anyway. Now to the present, he has already dropped it twice; done about 10k in damages; dug a hole out of his knee; made himself the laughing stock of some of the guys we are stationed with, and he has only had 2 weeks out of that two months. I hate to say it but it ain’t a bike for beginners. There are much better bikes to buy as a first timer that cost a lot less and will actually make you a better rider in the long run.** * * * **I will be fine if you admit that this is a stupid decision, but you keep going and trying to justfiy it on all different aspects starting with MPG ending with sexiness.** ---
**Author:** ![Swifty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@Swifty](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Swifty)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:47am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/92 "2008-05-30T10:47:25Z")
> [@91 teg b16a1](#): > > im 5’9 155pds its was an suzuki 94 rf 900r piped and jetted and weighed like 420ish thats not that bad… being tall will help w/ the balance. > [@oleg](#): > > than why mention chicks at all? i meantioned chicks because i like them, so i was thinking about them? i duno guys think about getting laid like every 11 seconds or something. And so i guess bikes, lead me to think about all the tail i would be getting. Sorry if thats not normal for you. > [@oleg](#): > > you sound like a girl who buys a car to match her purse. > who gives a shit what matches what? I do… i like white and black, like for example my car. So i would want a bike the same colors? ---
**Author:** ![Swifty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@Swifty](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Swifty)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:49am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/93 "2008-05-30T10:49:03Z")
:lol Vlad, i read all of that the first time. Maybe you missed my post, where i said that people who have dropped their bikes or had bad experiences are the only ones you hear about. How many people post up how excited they are they they didnt drop their bike? none because no one cares unless you drop it or get hurt. So all you see/hear are the bad stories. ---
**Author:** ![91teg](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/91teg/32/6304_2.png) [@91teg](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/91teg)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:50am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/94 "2008-05-30T10:50:30Z")
well swift you seem pretty hell bent on that bike…if you get it i wish you the best of luck ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:51am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/95 "2008-05-30T10:51:02Z")
You don’t hear stories about people not dropping their bikes… because everybody drops their bike. It’s not if, its when. ---
**Author:** ![Oleg](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/oleg/32/6276_2.png) [@Oleg](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Oleg)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:52am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/96 "2008-05-30T10:52:57Z")
> [@Swifty](#): > > i meantioned chicks because i like them, so i was thinking about them? i duno guys think about getting laid like every 11 seconds or something. And so i guess bikes, lead me to think about all the tail i would be getting. Sorry if thats not normal for you. pipe down casanova, nobody’s questioning your masculinity. but since according to you have no problem getting tail, I don’t see what was the point of bringing it up. > I do… i like white and black, like for example my car. So i would want a bike the same colors? great reason to spend 13k for sho ---
**Author:** ![91teg](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/91teg/32/6304_2.png) [@91teg](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/91teg)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:53am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/97 "2008-05-30T10:53:29Z")
> [@Vovchandr](#): > > You don’t hear stories about people not dropping their bikes… because everybody drops their bike. It’s not if, its when. some one once told me there are two types of riders those who have been down and those who are going down ---
**Author:** ![RSXTC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@RSXTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/RSXTC)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:53am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/98 "2008-05-30T10:53:58Z")
> [@oleg](#): > > you obviously made up your mind before you even posted Yep. Anywho, you wanted opinions on the bike itself. Everyone will agree that they’re amazing, probably one of the nicest you can get. As a beginning rider, you are constantly going to have to defend your decision to get this bike, so get used to it. My last boyfriend ran out and _got a brand new Yamaha R1 for his first bike_, and he respected the power, didn’t do (too many) stupid moves, and kept it upright for about 2 years until he went through some oil going around a turn. Luckily, he and the bike are in one piece. So, it can be done. Most people won’t support such a decision, but if you’re extremely cautious… ---
**Author:** ![n\_cole](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/n_cole/32/6382_2.png) [@n\_cole](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/n_cole)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:54am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/99 "2008-05-30T10:54:48Z")
> [@RSXTC](#): > > Yep. > > Anywho, you wanted opinions on the bike itself. Everyone will agree that they’re amazing, probably one of the nicest you can get. > > As a beginning rider, you are constantly going to have to defend your decision to get this bike, so get used to it. My last boyfriend ran out and got a brand new Yamaha R1 for his first bike, and he respected the power, didn’t do (too many) stupid moves, and kept it upright for about 2 years until he went through some oil going around a turn. Lucky, he and the bike are in one piece. > > So, it can be done. Most people won’t support such a decision, but if you’re extremely cautious… Black R1? ---
**Author:** ![Swifty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@Swifty](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Swifty)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2008, 10:55am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091/100 "2008-05-30T10:55:01Z")
i duno, my mom’s boyfriend has been riding for 43years, and he’s never dropped a bike. So it looks like it can happen. Either way, half the time people crash isnt not the bikers fault. It doesnt matter what bike i’m on, if someone cuts me off, or slams on the breaks and i dont have time to react/anywhere to go, looks like i’m gonna crash either way. 10.7 1/4 mile, with a pro driver. 600’s hit 10’s aswell. [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091.md?page=4) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-ive-been-thinking-about-going-to-the-dark-side/237091.md?page=6)