I just bought a 2004 gsxr600. I live in mass adn this state sucks for off road so I sold my dirt bike and bought a street bike.

I have been riding motorcycles in general since I was about 13, bout 17 years, but never an on road bike like this gsxr. This bike performs
a lot more than any street bike I have ever ridden.

I know that I can "operate" the bike, bike can I ride it?

I was just wondering if any one had any advice for me. Now I do not plan on ripping this thing, my safetey equipment is limited right now to a helmet, jeans and gloves.
On a dirt bike I know how to handle things if I find I am going to fast or am about to lose control,I can tell when things are about to go wrong, but maybe not on a street bike.

I was just looking for any advice specific to the higher performance street bikes. Thank in advance!

I know how you feel. Been riding dirt bikes since 1980 but NJ sucks ass for dirt biking, I sold my Husky and bought a GSXR750. One thing to remember is sport bikes handle way different than dirt bikes. I found that out the first time I rode the GSXR. Sport bikes make enough power stock so I would, and did, invest heavily into proper riding gear. Don't ride over your head and you should be alright.

just relax at first. take your time and get use to the ride. i guarantee you will soon get your first "oh shit" experience for me it was forcing a pass and missing the bumper of a car by inches. Have fun and dont try to show off.

The speeds are a lot higher, the road is a lot harder then dirt, and you have thousands of other people that aren't paying attention trying their best to smash into you with their 4,000 pound 80mph sledgehammers. Protect yourself as much as possible: First thing I would do is to get some more gear.

Lets see:

Be super careful with the rear brake. You probably have some dirt bike learned reflex to hit it in "Oh shit!" situations, well on a street bike that will put you down, maybe kill you. I'm working on that one myself.

Your bike is fast as heck but if you aren't concentrating and on your game, a mini-van might might out brake you. If its wet out, it definitely will. Give your self a lot of following distance and don't let the quick acceleration fool you.

Other than that, just the normal stuff. Remember cars are insane and don't view you or other cars as humans. Just objects in their way. Same guy who would smile and hold the door open for you outside of a car will run you off the road to get to work 2 seconds faster. Remember the consequences for a wreck are dire, so be super careful. Oh! and remember that you are riding something that can jump from legal to lose your license speeds in about 1 second flat. Speed limits suuuuccccckkkk. Youll learn that quick. They ruin any shot for fun. Basically you are going to be driving around the supreme sports machine at booorrring speeds. Really takes all of the fun out of it.

Edited by Oic0, 01 May 2012 - 06:47 AM.

Drive fast, take chances.

crazy_dave, on 01 May 2012 - 06:42 AM, said:

Do Not Do This.^^^^^^


1. Don't be an idiot.
2. Pay attention.
3. Slow down and leave lot of following distance.
4. Look ahead.
5. Keep both wheels on the ground.

cheers
dangerous dave

Don’t forget a Mohawk for your helmet.

Edited by crazy_dave, 01 May 2012 - 09:10 AM.

the power delivery is a lot different.  this will throw you at first, the power band is after about 8k rpms whereas on a dirtibke it makes power down low.  use the clutch more, and watch out for gravel...remember it sucks having to tell your parents you crashed, don't be that guy.  check out my latest thread, yes it can happen to you.

Take the MSF safety courses. They will teach you a lot about the basics of street riding that you may not think about on your own. Street riding is a whole different animal compared to dirt. They have both a beginner and advanced courses. I highly recommend both.

Get full leathers asap, I never even go to the store without em. That and get to a track asap as well. You will learn more in one day than you will in several years on the street, and you can go fast! Don't wast money buying exhaust and go fast stuff until you do the leathers and track day first.

busted bones, on 10 May 2012 - 01:36 AM, said:

I concur with the above.  I rode off road bikes for eons and then switched to sport bikes due to lack of off-road riding areas in NJ.  They are quite different in handling, but take the MSF course and take your time in adjusting.  Respect the bike and power and watch out for cagers!

summary of previous posts;

Get training,

Get gear.

be carefull.

take it easy.

learn at you own pace.

have fun.

One thing I like to tell my friends is that as soon as you get confident/cocky/comfortable, check yourself before you wreck yourself. You seem pretty level headed so just keep it that way and take it easy. that bike is made to be ridden on a track and you cannot ride it that way on public roads. If you feel the need to test your skills, get set up for a track day and go have a blast. The msf course is a must for all new street riders no moatter how qualified they are in the dirt. Have fun and always wear your gear.