My list of things that beginners (and experts) should know.

[M13]

I fully agree with 1 and 3, however not so much with 2.

Some people will actually be fine on a larger CC bike(NOT LITER) as their first bike.(keyword:some)
If you're getting the bike to increase your penis size(myth), chances are, you can't handle it.

It's physically possible for someone to be ok on a bigger bike. But it's still an amazingly stupid thing to do. And besides safety there are still many other reasons to not do it. So 2 is still a fine rule.

[M13]

why would you start on a small bike if you have the money to buy a bigger displacement?

in the long run you may want to change to a lot bigger and faster bike

The idea with starting smaller is that you'll LIVE long enough to see the long run.
I revved my buddy's GSXR750 the other day to try and hear an odd sound. That throttle was so twitchy that I'd be afraid to ride that bike, and I ride a 600 right now. Imagine if I hadn't ridden anything before? Suicide, plain and simple.

I had 12 years experience on bikes before I bought my first 600cc supersport....and even then I was nervous about owning such a fast bike. And a couple of times when I had the throttle pinned corners came at me much faster than I expected and it was only my past experience with bikes that allowed me to not just lock up the brakes and go skidding off the corner.

[DarkNinja75]

why would you start on a small bike if you have the money to buy a bigger displacement?

in the long run you may want to change to a lot bigger and faster bike

The idea with starting smaller is that you'll LIVE long enough to see the long run.
I revved my buddy's GSXR750 the other day to try and hear an odd sound. That throttle was so twitchy that I'd be afraid to ride that bike, and I ride a 600 right now. Imagine if I hadn't ridden anything before? Suicide, plain and simple.

I had 12 years experience on bikes before I bought my first 600cc supersport....and even then I was nervous about owning such a fast bike. And a couple of times when I had the throttle pinned corners came at me much faster than I expected and it was only my past experience with bikes that allowed me to not just lock up the brakes and go skidding off the corner.

Interesting that you pinned the throttle. I do that occasionally on the freeway, but on most back roads generally a smooth roll-on proves more effective.

[BlackCat13]

well, i have to admit. i have alot of questions that were answered

[Koji Makenshi]

Am I crazy for starting off on my 650r?

I have a honest question tho. Is there a section for passenger riding? I couldn't find anything....
I know m13 made a vid for "Riding bitch" rofl but that was for the passenger. And was really helpfull honestly. Now i know what to tell them.
But, what about the Riders POV? How dose it change the handling of the bike in turns, stoping, etc. I want to know this before i start picking up the women on my bike- or anyone for the matter.

[Tucker]

Am I crazy for starting off on my 650r?

I have a honest question tho. Is there a section for passenger riding? I couldn't find anything....
I know m13 made a vid for "Riding bitch" rofl but that was for the passenger. And was really helpfull honestly. Now i know what to tell them.
But, what about the Riders POV? How dose it change the handling of the bike in turns, stoping, etc. I want to know this before i start picking up the women on my bike- or anyone for the matter.

I've only given 4 or 5 people rides, but weight of the passenger is going to matter quite a bit in my opinion.

With a 125lb girl on the back you'll feel hardly any change.  Of course you won't want to turn nearly as hard as usual.  Unless scaring your date shitless is your goal.  (Hey...this can be helpful because you get to see how hard she can clamp onto you with her thighs!  )

175lb male friend (yeah...I know...)  Will make a big difference in maneuverability.  The best way to describe it is having a really heavy rear wheel that doesn't want to move like normal. 

I think it's important to note that I am riding a 250cc so any changes in power, acceleration etc will be larger than a 650cc bike.

The most important thing is to give your passenger a quick talk about riding rules. 

1. Keep your feet on the passenger pegs, the exhaust pipe will burn the living shit out of you. (make sure to be very strict and severe with this rule.  A pipe can easily cause 3rd degree burns in a matter of seconds, and the last thing a rider needs is a person getting severely burned and freaking out behind them)

2.  When I lean you lean with me, not away.  If they lean away it will affect the turning quite a bit and also is bad for traction.  I tell my female riders to hug my body as closely as they can because I feel that 1 larger solid object is better than 2 smaller but free moving (her at least) objects.

3. Visor down AND locked if we are moving above 20mph.  This rule is just good all around because a passenger could EASILY freak if they get a bug or something in their eye while riding.  I make sure they lock it too, but that is just me.  I have a phobia after my helmet visor came off completely when my helmet fell 3 feet to the concrete below.

4. Figure out some sort of system for "there is a bump ahead, hold on" The passenger needs to feel safe riding with you, not feel that any second you could hit a huge bump and they fly off.  I just do a quick double tap on their leg to let them know a bump is coming.  Then they tighten their grip. 

Hmm...I'll add this to the OP. Good question Koji!

[BlackCat13]

thanks for the info. i actually was wondering about a passenger rider myself.
i know that that they have to move with me rather than just enjoy the ride.
now that i know that will have to tell  my female riders to stay close to me, it will work out in my favor! 

[Koji Makenshi]

Hehe ^^ Lots of questions answerd! Thanks Tucker!

[Tucker]

No problem.  Just make sure that first rule is ground into their head.  Maybe throw something onto the pipe to show them how hot that thing is.  IDK.

[honda 900rr]

take their hand and put it on a pipe...here you go feel it...hot...what did i tell you!!?? always listen to a man)
but yeah great write up...helpfull

[Koji Makenshi]

Hahha. Thankfully the stock exhast pipe on the 650r is under the bike, behind your rear break leaver. I dont have to worry much about that. But of course I'll still tell their dumb asses not to get near it! XD

[DarkNinja75]

No problem.  Just make sure that first rule is ground into their head.  Maybe throw something onto the pipe to show them how hot that thing is.  IDK.

Unless it's carbon fiber 

[zaniack]

Great list of things that beginners like me should know I'm gonna taking my license in Marts/April can't wait. My plans are to buy a kawasaki ninja 250R 

[shem100]

  heyy urm i jus brought my 50cc scooter n i was wondering if anyone had any tips on it
  email or msn me at banditchris@hotmail.com

[suzuki09]

Great thread!! everybody should have to read this