4 Bikes that might make new riders want to jump the gun | Stickman Vinyls

4 Bikes that might make new riders want to jump the gun

Riding motorcycles is easy enough to learn, but like any craft, mastering it will always take time. Experience isn't something that can be fast-tracked, especially with the subtle nuances of individual motorcycles.

If you're a new motorbiker, being safe, cautious and conservative is a good idea to stay safe, but there are some motorbikes that can be less forgiving than others when it comes to making learning mistakes.

These are four such rides.

1. 2002-2003 Honda CBR954RR
A bargain if bought used, the CBR954RR is, unfortunately short on driving aids. High low-end power and a short wheelbase can combine to create front wheel lift. Without anti-lock brakes, it's easy to lock the front wheels on an emergency brake.

2. 2004-2005 Kawasaki ZX-10R
Anyone who can ride the ZX-10R is an accomplished rider and the bike will return the favour with a rich experience.

But if you're not a seasoned rider, this wild buck will do its best to throw you off its back – it's lightning quick and light, and its smaller disc brakes aren't enough to compensate the forward momentum.

It also has one of the worst collision loss rates for bikes, nine times higher than the average.

3. 2009 onwards Ducati Streetfighter 1098
Don't let its multitude of driver aids fool you. This mean machine has its engine lifted straight out of a race bike. At 155hp and 85 pound-feet of torque, its potentially a dangerous machine. No windshield at high speeds mean you tire faster. Tired riders make more mistakes.

4. 1999 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R
The Hayabusa is notorious for being top of its class for raw speed and acceleration, but the 1999 edition is an exceptionally poor choice for newbies.

It has no limiter so is completely capable of reaching its 200mph potential. That's bad news on public asphalt, where difficult handling and steering at super accelerations can spell disaster.

And there you have it.

Remember, though, the most dangerous factor for safety is the rider, not the bike. Even a Honda Shadow 750 is dangerous in the hands of a reckless rider, and an inexperienced-but-conservative new rider can probably do well on incredibly powerful bikes.

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