Can a new motorcycle rider start on a 600cc supersport bike? Yes/maybe/no!

So, question was asked local Facebook page Halifax Bike Life. (Link here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/halifaxbikelife/

This was my answer and I thought I that I would share it on our blog as well! 

Scott Redden It is definitely doable to start on a 600 super sport bike, but maybe not the fastest way to learn or the safest way to learn to ride. There are a couple things you have to be honest with yourself about, to be able to make it through the learning curve without going strait off a corner, pun intended, haha.

If you can respect the fact that just about any 600 can out perform most supercars that cost 10 or 20 times as much, and keep that in mind when you are twisting the throttle, you will likely be ok. The problem with new riders starting on 600's or lager get into is the fact that the bikes will accelerate so fast and run along at 120km an hour on a back road but it will feel like 70km. This is faster than the skill level for most new riders to handle. So what happens is a new rider gives that bike a big twist of throttle and comes up to a corner and they "think" they are going too fast to make the corner and they end up driving strait off without even trying to turn. Or they do try to turn, but from the lack of experience, they over do the force required for the turn and they loose the front end.  Another scenario is that they come out of a corner without applying smooth quick power and spin up the back and go for a ride over the bars.

These are the questions to ask yourself if it is smart to start on a supersport bike.

1. Can you respect the power and resist the temptation to rider over your skill level? 

2. Can you confidently say you are not intimidated by the power and handling? After all, these bikes are race bikes with headlights.

3. Can you resist "trying" to keep up with the group when they are riding beyond your skill level?

4. Can you force your brain in a fight or flight situation (coming into a corner too hot) to look where you want to go, STAY OFF THE BRAKES and turn the bike?

If you answer yes to all of the questions above, than yes, I think some people can start on a supersport bike and be ok.

Now, if you want to learn to ride and have your skill level come up faster, I would recommend starting on something with less HP. By doing this, you are taking a lot of the risk away because the bike is more forgiving of new rider mistakes. This is because of the fact that it does not have enough power to spin up the rear tire, or go from 0-60 in 3 seconds. This will lead you to learn faster because you will be more comfortable on the bike and if your more comfortable you will increase your skill level faster than the guy or girl nervous as hell strapped to their 600 rocket.

The bike you buy now does not have to be your forever bike. They are easily bought and sold, so don't put too much pressure on yourself when buying something that might not be as "cool" as the race bike with headlights. It will be a lot more cool not to be the one in the ditch or stuffed into the back of a stopped car. I can assure you that!

Hope this helps some new riders thinking of a new bike. In the end all that matters is that "your knees are in the breeze." If I can help anyone with answering any questions about this, feel free to contact me through dm in messenger.

Cheers! 

Scott Redden HFX Motorsports (yes that is me in the picture, photo props to Canadian Superbike photographer, Canadian Superbike nationals AMP August 2007.)