This has been a long time in the making.
I've wanted a a street bike for quite some time now, probably as long as I can remember. Everyone said DON'T get a sport bike. I couldn't afford one anyways, so I didn't.
3 years ago I got a 82 CM250 from my buddies Dad for free. It didn't run. I spent some time getting it going and was hooked after the first ride. I put 2500 miles on in 2 season. Doesn't seem like a lot, but for a 250, it's quite a bit, considering I did most of my cruising at 50 or 55 MPH.
I wanted something bigger, mainly so I could go anywhere. I couldn't really take the 250 on the highway. I had trouble trying to decide what I wanted. I really liked the look of a sport bike, but didn't really need that much bike. I was also worried I would be uncomfortable. (I am 6'4")
The 250 was really a good bike to learn on. It taught me to plan even farther ahead, as I wouldn't have the power to get out of a sticky situation. It's amazing how many idiots are out there. They all seem to want to kill you.
I was thinking about a SV650, a FZR6, or a R6. I sat on a bunch of them, but it was so hard to tell without riding them.
I ended up getting a 07 R6S on Friday. I love it. Its such a fun bike. I had ridden YZF450 dirt bike in the past that scared the crap out of me and was afraid the R6S would have too much power.
All stock except for the flush mounts, fender elim, and yoshi exhaust (which sounds awesome)
The first ride was on Saturday. I did about 50 miles. It was a little nerve racking in the begining. All my muscle memory was from riding the 250. It was uncomfortable at first as I wanted to hold on more with my hands than my legs. I kept wanting to honk the horn when going for the turn signals. Another result of the muscle memory. I'm starting to pick it up now, surprisingly fast.
I put 220 miles on it yesterday and it was surprisingly comfortable. I did stop a couple of times. Biggest problem was my ass getting sore, but I am starting to get used to the bike. I have been babying it. Shifting like a grandma, way before I should the bike does well, even shifting sooner than I should. I've ran it higher into the power band and it amazes me the power it has. I can't imagine a litre bike.
Took it through some "twisties" and it was such a blast, even at "normal" speed. The bike rides so nice.
Now, for a few questions.
The clutch... The clutch doesn't want to engage until the lever is almost all the way out. Is this normal? The bike only has 3800 miles. When I rode that YZF I spoke of earlier, the clutch was engaging as soon as I let the lever out just a bit. Which is correct? I want to get it "right" before I get used to something a setup that is wrong.
Suspension... Any sort of suspension tutorials out there? I'm sure there are, but not sure where to look. I want to get it adjusted for myself. Do you need any special tools?
What else should I know? I know I won't be riding without the gear. It was nearly 90 yesterday and it wasn't too hot as long as I was moving, so no excuses.
I do want some protection for the bike in case I go down. I plan on getting some frame sliders, but should I get anything else?
I've also got a Zero Gravity Double Bubble on order, since I am so tall.
I think that's about it for now.
So happy to be a member of the sport bike club. I was surprised how many of the Harley guys even waived.