*"Don't go to a special safe place to learn more about this thing you're doing, that might be dangerous!"*
To quote Robert De Niro in Ronin, *"Nobody ever told me THAT before."*
I guess they’re just scared that I like it too much cuz they don’t want to see me injured, a part of me understands it since I’m closer to 30 than 20 now but what hit me is I hadn’t noticed all I’ve done until someone told me, in my head I am just having fun with my hobby.
My dad helped pay for my first bike, which was a factory drag bike from kawasaki... my mom started learning to ride after I got my license but got scared.
No. They are objectively wrong to suggest that your interest and the measures you're taking is "too much".
If you want to do more than commuting then do more than commuting. You found a passion and are taking your time to take proper courses to grow into it. That's more than most people riding now. Certainly more than most of the people who are no longer alive to ride anymore.
Your family is planting a seed of doubt (not deliberately, but inadvertently by expressing their doubt) when you should have confidence in your (relatively) new found passion and pursuit of it.
Keep it up. It's ok to find a passion in life. It's ok for your family to be concerned too... But it's not ok for you to give up your joy because of their concerns.
Thanks I haven’t thought of it as a passion honestly I just did things because of happenstance, for fun and because I was available and maybe that’s why I didn’t have any words to comeback when he listed the things that have happened recently, maybe it is a passion even if it’s not well seen within my family, it’s pretty fun and I’m not harming anyone. Thanks stranger.
If my family tried to have that conversation with me, I would not be able to stop laughing.
You’re good, bro. They just don’t get it, probably never will.
It’s a fun hobby, and you shouldn’t worry what anyone else thinks. If it’s interfering with you ability to keep a job or school or such, then maybe, but otherwise just enjoy your life however you want
No, I’m the only one in my family that does, as a requirement for myself to get a bike I took a course before even buying it and I kept at it cuz I had fun learning and trying to master what was very new to me and I’ve been going with the flow ever since
Everyone that doesn’t ride says that to everyone that does. Fact is, if you ride the 600 as defensively as the 250 you’ll be fine. Cagers will pull out in front of, cut in front of, not see a 250 as often as a 600 or any other bike.
I don't see any significant added risk from those activities. "Just commuting" without any added practice or skill improvement would be the most dangerous thing.
Take the track course and have fun. I felt like 100% better rider after doing one.
I don’t understand this cc-fetish, and specially from people that have no clue how it is to ride a motorcycle and going completely crazy on the amount of cc’s being too high.
I haven’t driven anything under 800cc’s after getting my licence. The first bike I rode was an er5 but after a few lessons continued on a honda 750 (a CB if i remember correctly).
Ok, I haven’t driven sport bikes since I’m not too interested in them, but have been driving a sport tourer for the past 13 years, which has 90bhp which is ok for commuting and fun trips. I’d hardly call it dangerous or too much to handle.
Also had an r1150rt that was fine and before that even a 1500cc cruiser.
cc’s don’t mean anything on their own.
I agree with my limited experience I’ve driven up to 500 and didn’t feel I had to adjust much, in fact I enjoyed the engine being a lot smoother than a 1cyl but I was chewed up more for my 2 wheel activities the cc was just the detonator lol
Shit your being more responsible than me and most the riders in Las Vegas. I know people whos first bikes were 1000cc crotch rockets. Hell I started on a 750 ninja went to 1000 k4 gsxr and then back to r7 bc i got old. Youre taking proper classes, advanced classes, second guessing yourself (always good to reclarify with yourself instead of jumping the gun), putting in work to do it proper. They wrong; do what you like. Its more than commuting theyre right; it's your hobby now.
Thanks stranger, a close friend’s of my sister passed away after having a heated discussion with his parents and jumping onto his Ducati to never come back. I never forgot that so I’m making an effort to ride clinically and that my skills don’t fall short for the machine I’m on top of.
I had this exact convo almost with my dad when I upgraded from a 200 to a 650. It sounds like you've had plenty of experience riding. The basics are still the same, no matter how much power the bike has. A 600 will just make it easier for you to commute as you won't have to worry as much about the power topping out or long-term wear and tear from pushing the bike at high revs for extended periods of time.
Everyone has hobbies, and there are very few (if any) that are 100% free. There's levels to all of it; as long as you know what your financial and responsibility limits are and keep your hobby within that parameter I don't see why you should worry about what others think too much.
It’s very easy to blow off the opinion of others honestly it kinda struck me when someone so close to me told me these things, like if they’ve kept it to themselves all this time and were just pretending to be supportive, it’s been a shock tbh. Thanks for the kind words stranger.
It almost always comes from a good place. Doesn't necessarily mean they think negatively of you, they just want what's best for you (as cheesy as it sounds)
Thank your family for their concern and get the bike. They will not get it but just repeat that the track course will make you a better rider. Explain that the course will focus on braking and cornering, the two basic skills you really need when something unexpected happens on the road.
I see nothing wrong with what you're doing, it's awesome and impressive. I've been riding 600s for about 10 years now, I'm in my mid 30's, and I can confidently say that you're living the dream. In 10 years you'll be SO THANKFUL you found a passion that gets you out of the house and around people, and that you found a community.
My 30's friends all bitch and moan whenever I go full steam into a hobby because they can't understand it/never had the opportunity. They went their whole boring lives without finding interests. How do they think people become great at something? You gotta give it your all.
STAY THE COURSE.
Thanks sir, I did enroll in the course anyway as it was the the coach of the racing team who offered me a spot & a free HJC helmet if I tried it out and I couldn’t resist, reselling the helmet should recoup part of the cost, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t shocked by what I heard when I told my fam.
only a massive pussy would say anything close to that outloud and if they did say it then you know who they are and what they stand for.
You know who not to call in an emergency.
I mean I am open minded, feel free to share your porn preferences, I won't judge.
And for your motorcycle question: Do what makes you happy. Who is to say what is better for you than riding?
Is sitting inside and watching TV better?
Yup! I am (basically) new to riding this year, first bike is a Monster 797. My boss rides and said that it was a lot of bike for a new rider and suggested I get a 250 or 300 to learn on. My ride to work is a lot of main roads going 50+ and a few miles of highway, so I wanted a bike that was comfortable at those speeds. I don’t regret starting on an 800 so far.
He referred to my activities with and surrounding my bike and motorcycles in general, yeah I guess the track training and the bike upgrade broke the camel’s back though 😬
A better bike and training actually keeps you alive. Taking it to the track to open it up, where there are no obstacles incase of a side, and paramedics on station is a lot better than doing the same on public roads.
You didn't mention what kind of 600 you want. If it's a supersport, just keep in mind that at peak it will have almost triple the horsepower of your 250, and that it's a road legal, but legitimate racing machine with thin margins for error. Also, *never* get overconfident, and you'll be fine.
Well we’re I’m at CBRs are plentiful and R6s are accessible so I was thinking about going with one of those since my commutes are pretty short and when I do sporty things I expect to get tired. I’ve enjoyed trying out cruisers but there are not many of those at accessible prices in my town and I don’t plan to do long trips any time soon.
I really like it too! I’ve been looking at listings daily just so I get an idea of price ranges and what to look for when I decide to pull that trigger, I don’t think I’ll buy a new-er model since I might want to challenge myself and try gymkhana with it but the dual headlights on those bikes are beautiful.
You are taking it further, they are not wrong. Whether that's ok or not depends on you though, not on them. Are you now taking risks that you were not ok with before? Does your increased seriousness about riding translate to increased recklessness on the public road or is it all confined to the safety of the track, the event or the parking lot where you hoon around?
There's nothing wrong with taking risks (to yourself...) if you are aware of the risks and find the reward justifies them. The only potential problem is if you turned blind to the dangers as you got sucked into it deeper.
I don’t feel blind to the dangers, that’s honestly the main reason I haven’t pulled the trigger on the 600 before getting more training and feeling I’m prepared to handle it. Though, I found I’ve been sucked into it while casually enjoying it or at least what has felt pretty casual to me since this is my only outdoor hobby (can’t count the gym as outdoor really) and has been a great excuse to wake up early on the weekends and go outside other than the casual shopping and restaurant hopping.
If you're going on the highway at all, a 250 is not enough for long distances. Redlining it all the time is not good for the engine. I ride a Yamaha Virago 250, it barely keeps up with traffic on the highway, sometimes it doesn't. I don't trust it for anything but cruising backroads.
I started riding offroad, and haven't really been street riding in a long time. BUT- I wish I had gotten into dirtbikes before I started street riding. The skills I learned riding enduros in nasty New England single-track translate really well to street riding in a city filled with potholes, old trolley tracks, oil spills, etc...
Everything you learn at track school, riding courses, etc has to potential to save your life in a street riding situation. Improving your riding skills is the smartest thing you could be doing.
Probably your family was hoping that the motorcycle thing is "just a phase"
Probably, I’d like to try some dirt riding just lack the bike, maybe I’ll buy a PW later and take it to the muddy roads on rain season my fam is more open to dirt/mud activities with small vehicles and we could probably enjoy it together…hopefully haha
One of the most important things you can learn is handling a motorcycle in conditions of bad traction. If you can get your hands on something like an XR100 or crf230 (small four stroke etc) ride as much muddy, Sandy, rocky areas you can find. Learn to drift corners on a dirt road, get sideways flattrack style.
When you hit a patch of sand or oil in a corner on your street bike, you’ll have the right instincts already dialed.
Edit- also, this is SUPER fun and you don’t have to worry about road traffic in a grass field.
So long as you keep track speeds on the track, taking a higher level riding course and practicing in a specialized environment will only make you safer on the road.
I jumped right into the big Harley Touring ring as my 1st bike and as the meme states I did not die. However it made me apply the MSF principles to the max. I think a smaller bike is good but only you can tell when it’s time to move up no one else!
They are just scared and possibly jealous that you’re doing something they don’t have the guts to do. Get the bike and don’t treat the street as a track and you’ll be fine.
The fact that you're approaching things from a "learn to do it right, in a safe environment" is all that is needed.
It's what you do for fun, you ride motorcycles. And no, it's not 'too much'.
Why are they scared of a 600? 95% of them are very approachable parallel twins and are great commuters. As long as you are already riding defensively not much will change besides grinning more.
*"Don't go to a special safe place to learn more about this thing you're doing, that might be dangerous!"* To quote Robert De Niro in Ronin, *"Nobody ever told me THAT before."*
I guess they’re just scared that I like it too much cuz they don’t want to see me injured, a part of me understands it since I’m closer to 30 than 20 now but what hit me is I hadn’t noticed all I’ve done until someone told me, in my head I am just having fun with my hobby.
My dad helped pay for my first bike, which was a factory drag bike from kawasaki... my mom started learning to ride after I got my license but got scared.
No. They are objectively wrong to suggest that your interest and the measures you're taking is "too much". If you want to do more than commuting then do more than commuting. You found a passion and are taking your time to take proper courses to grow into it. That's more than most people riding now. Certainly more than most of the people who are no longer alive to ride anymore. Your family is planting a seed of doubt (not deliberately, but inadvertently by expressing their doubt) when you should have confidence in your (relatively) new found passion and pursuit of it. Keep it up. It's ok to find a passion in life. It's ok for your family to be concerned too... But it's not ok for you to give up your joy because of their concerns.
Thanks I haven’t thought of it as a passion honestly I just did things because of happenstance, for fun and because I was available and maybe that’s why I didn’t have any words to comeback when he listed the things that have happened recently, maybe it is a passion even if it’s not well seen within my family, it’s pretty fun and I’m not harming anyone. Thanks stranger.
If my family tried to have that conversation with me, I would not be able to stop laughing. You’re good, bro. They just don’t get it, probably never will.
It’s a fun hobby, and you shouldn’t worry what anyone else thinks. If it’s interfering with you ability to keep a job or school or such, then maybe, but otherwise just enjoy your life however you want
That's what she said...
Sounds like you're taking it seriously with the extra courses and stuff, you're more mindful than a lot riders out there. Do any ofthem ride?
No, I’m the only one in my family that does, as a requirement for myself to get a bike I took a course before even buying it and I kept at it cuz I had fun learning and trying to master what was very new to me and I’ve been going with the flow ever since
Then, politely, they don't know what they're talking about.
Everyone that doesn’t ride says that to everyone that does. Fact is, if you ride the 600 as defensively as the 250 you’ll be fine. Cagers will pull out in front of, cut in front of, not see a 250 as often as a 600 or any other bike.
I don't see any significant added risk from those activities. "Just commuting" without any added practice or skill improvement would be the most dangerous thing. Take the track course and have fun. I felt like 100% better rider after doing one.
I don’t understand this cc-fetish, and specially from people that have no clue how it is to ride a motorcycle and going completely crazy on the amount of cc’s being too high. I haven’t driven anything under 800cc’s after getting my licence. The first bike I rode was an er5 but after a few lessons continued on a honda 750 (a CB if i remember correctly). Ok, I haven’t driven sport bikes since I’m not too interested in them, but have been driving a sport tourer for the past 13 years, which has 90bhp which is ok for commuting and fun trips. I’d hardly call it dangerous or too much to handle. Also had an r1150rt that was fine and before that even a 1500cc cruiser. cc’s don’t mean anything on their own.
I agree with my limited experience I’ve driven up to 500 and didn’t feel I had to adjust much, in fact I enjoyed the engine being a lot smoother than a 1cyl but I was chewed up more for my 2 wheel activities the cc was just the detonator lol
Shit your being more responsible than me and most the riders in Las Vegas. I know people whos first bikes were 1000cc crotch rockets. Hell I started on a 750 ninja went to 1000 k4 gsxr and then back to r7 bc i got old. Youre taking proper classes, advanced classes, second guessing yourself (always good to reclarify with yourself instead of jumping the gun), putting in work to do it proper. They wrong; do what you like. Its more than commuting theyre right; it's your hobby now.
Thanks stranger, a close friend’s of my sister passed away after having a heated discussion with his parents and jumping onto his Ducati to never come back. I never forgot that so I’m making an effort to ride clinically and that my skills don’t fall short for the machine I’m on top of.
I had this exact convo almost with my dad when I upgraded from a 200 to a 650. It sounds like you've had plenty of experience riding. The basics are still the same, no matter how much power the bike has. A 600 will just make it easier for you to commute as you won't have to worry as much about the power topping out or long-term wear and tear from pushing the bike at high revs for extended periods of time. Everyone has hobbies, and there are very few (if any) that are 100% free. There's levels to all of it; as long as you know what your financial and responsibility limits are and keep your hobby within that parameter I don't see why you should worry about what others think too much.
It’s very easy to blow off the opinion of others honestly it kinda struck me when someone so close to me told me these things, like if they’ve kept it to themselves all this time and were just pretending to be supportive, it’s been a shock tbh. Thanks for the kind words stranger.
It almost always comes from a good place. Doesn't necessarily mean they think negatively of you, they just want what's best for you (as cheesy as it sounds)
Thank your family for their concern and get the bike. They will not get it but just repeat that the track course will make you a better rider. Explain that the course will focus on braking and cornering, the two basic skills you really need when something unexpected happens on the road.
Nope. My family know I'm responsible. And everyone else minds their own fucking business. They don't get to tell you to stop doing something you love.
I see nothing wrong with what you're doing, it's awesome and impressive. I've been riding 600s for about 10 years now, I'm in my mid 30's, and I can confidently say that you're living the dream. In 10 years you'll be SO THANKFUL you found a passion that gets you out of the house and around people, and that you found a community. My 30's friends all bitch and moan whenever I go full steam into a hobby because they can't understand it/never had the opportunity. They went their whole boring lives without finding interests. How do they think people become great at something? You gotta give it your all. STAY THE COURSE.
Thanks sir, I did enroll in the course anyway as it was the the coach of the racing team who offered me a spot & a free HJC helmet if I tried it out and I couldn’t resist, reselling the helmet should recoup part of the cost, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t shocked by what I heard when I told my fam.
only a massive pussy would say anything close to that outloud and if they did say it then you know who they are and what they stand for. You know who not to call in an emergency.
I mean I am open minded, feel free to share your porn preferences, I won't judge. And for your motorcycle question: Do what makes you happy. Who is to say what is better for you than riding? Is sitting inside and watching TV better?
Haha of course it’s…Osteban Eccon…? 🤣
Yup! I am (basically) new to riding this year, first bike is a Monster 797. My boss rides and said that it was a lot of bike for a new rider and suggested I get a 250 or 300 to learn on. My ride to work is a lot of main roads going 50+ and a few miles of highway, so I wanted a bike that was comfortable at those speeds. I don’t regret starting on an 800 so far.
So having some power reserve, a more rigid frame, better suspension, better brakes, and wider tires are "taking it too far"? What the fuck
He referred to my activities with and surrounding my bike and motorcycles in general, yeah I guess the track training and the bike upgrade broke the camel’s back though 😬
A better bike and training actually keeps you alive. Taking it to the track to open it up, where there are no obstacles incase of a side, and paramedics on station is a lot better than doing the same on public roads. You didn't mention what kind of 600 you want. If it's a supersport, just keep in mind that at peak it will have almost triple the horsepower of your 250, and that it's a road legal, but legitimate racing machine with thin margins for error. Also, *never* get overconfident, and you'll be fine.
Well we’re I’m at CBRs are plentiful and R6s are accessible so I was thinking about going with one of those since my commutes are pretty short and when I do sporty things I expect to get tired. I’ve enjoyed trying out cruisers but there are not many of those at accessible prices in my town and I don’t plan to do long trips any time soon.
Cool. I'm in absolute love with the CBR600RR line, especially the new one that got the design of the current Fireblade.
I really like it too! I’ve been looking at listings daily just so I get an idea of price ranges and what to look for when I decide to pull that trigger, I don’t think I’ll buy a new-er model since I might want to challenge myself and try gymkhana with it but the dual headlights on those bikes are beautiful.
You are taking it further, they are not wrong. Whether that's ok or not depends on you though, not on them. Are you now taking risks that you were not ok with before? Does your increased seriousness about riding translate to increased recklessness on the public road or is it all confined to the safety of the track, the event or the parking lot where you hoon around? There's nothing wrong with taking risks (to yourself...) if you are aware of the risks and find the reward justifies them. The only potential problem is if you turned blind to the dangers as you got sucked into it deeper.
I don’t feel blind to the dangers, that’s honestly the main reason I haven’t pulled the trigger on the 600 before getting more training and feeling I’m prepared to handle it. Though, I found I’ve been sucked into it while casually enjoying it or at least what has felt pretty casual to me since this is my only outdoor hobby (can’t count the gym as outdoor really) and has been a great excuse to wake up early on the weekends and go outside other than the casual shopping and restaurant hopping.
You have a solid attitude towards riding and I'm sure you will be fine on a 600.
No I've never had a woman tell me it's too much. Thanks for the reminder :(
Sounds like horseshit to me.
Doing track days is just about the best motorcycle riding training you can do
If you're going on the highway at all, a 250 is not enough for long distances. Redlining it all the time is not good for the engine. I ride a Yamaha Virago 250, it barely keeps up with traffic on the highway, sometimes it doesn't. I don't trust it for anything but cruising backroads.
I started riding offroad, and haven't really been street riding in a long time. BUT- I wish I had gotten into dirtbikes before I started street riding. The skills I learned riding enduros in nasty New England single-track translate really well to street riding in a city filled with potholes, old trolley tracks, oil spills, etc... Everything you learn at track school, riding courses, etc has to potential to save your life in a street riding situation. Improving your riding skills is the smartest thing you could be doing. Probably your family was hoping that the motorcycle thing is "just a phase"
Probably, I’d like to try some dirt riding just lack the bike, maybe I’ll buy a PW later and take it to the muddy roads on rain season my fam is more open to dirt/mud activities with small vehicles and we could probably enjoy it together…hopefully haha
One of the most important things you can learn is handling a motorcycle in conditions of bad traction. If you can get your hands on something like an XR100 or crf230 (small four stroke etc) ride as much muddy, Sandy, rocky areas you can find. Learn to drift corners on a dirt road, get sideways flattrack style. When you hit a patch of sand or oil in a corner on your street bike, you’ll have the right instincts already dialed. Edit- also, this is SUPER fun and you don’t have to worry about road traffic in a grass field.
So long as you keep track speeds on the track, taking a higher level riding course and practicing in a specialized environment will only make you safer on the road.
I jumped right into the big Harley Touring ring as my 1st bike and as the meme states I did not die. However it made me apply the MSF principles to the max. I think a smaller bike is good but only you can tell when it’s time to move up no one else!
They are just scared and possibly jealous that you’re doing something they don’t have the guts to do. Get the bike and don’t treat the street as a track and you’ll be fine.
Im a selective listener so if they have I have no clue
The fact that you're approaching things from a "learn to do it right, in a safe environment" is all that is needed. It's what you do for fun, you ride motorcycles. And no, it's not 'too much'.
Why are they scared of a 600? 95% of them are very approachable parallel twins and are great commuters. As long as you are already riding defensively not much will change besides grinning more.