I had an R6 as my very first bike. Never bothered riding a 125 other than for my cbt. Being young or new as in your case doesn't mean you will crash. There's people out there that relentlessly go on about how stupid it is etc which isn't strictly true. Yes it isn't an ideal newbie bike, it's a bit like taking up flying lessons and it being in a f16 lol. There is an argument that you will learn faster on a slower less capable bike and certainly sports bikes aren't as easy to learn on or forgiving, but in my opinion buy what you want. Reality is some people could crash a PW 50 let alone a Panigale. Keep a firm grip on your ego, and remember that your name isn't Valentino and you will be fine. Take your time and work up to speeds and remember that these bikes exaggerate abilities. The 899 is an easy bike to ride and you'll love it, I imagine you will keep it in wet mode for perhaps one ride before you give up with that idea lol. Just bung it in sport and don't go being a hero. Get used to sport then start messing with the modes and sub modes etc. I'd steer clear of race in the early days personally, the sport throttle mode is much more forgiving but still gives you the full power but not as 'abruptly'. Enjoy the bike mate, I'm sure you will. Probably not relavent to yourself but my father in law always told me (this sticks in my mind when I'm beginning to ride like a tit) "there's plenty of fast riders down at the Graveyard".
I learnt a lot riding on my own to start with The urge to keep up when with others is strong and could well end in tears Take your time and learn to gel with your bike then venture out with someone who will ride at your pace and maybe give you feed back too
Thanks really helpful and encouraging, after the Harley the 899 felt so manoeuvrable and just more compliant I've had a chequered past to get here....I did a cat and bought a 125 about 5 years ago and it scared the life out of me! Had it 2 years and did under 100 miles......lol madness I know! So I sold that as new and vowed never to get on a bike again! Then I just woke up last year, bought the Harley then booked up for a DAS and had to wait over 6 weeks for the part 2 as the 1st one got cancelled.....probably did me a favour tbh as I squeezed in a few lessons between. Funny what a difference a few years make! I'm definately no Rossi or hero in the making but have always been into the sound and look of vehicles/cars etc so it had to be the 899 Thanks
Sensible advice thanks I'm in no rush to be in the hospital bed with pins in me. Will get as many miles under the belt as Poss and your right some feedback is always well received
We're all different and you have to go with what feels right for you, regardless of who says what, so if you find yourself doing something you're not comfy doing then back it off a bit. Give it time and you'll get there. It's not a race. Staying safe is the most important thing you can learn and, while rider skill is obviously important, it's less important than not being a dick. Of course you can never make it completely safe and that, for me at least, is a big part of why I enjoy it.
I rode and still ride a lot with my father in law. What's been mentioned above is spot on, ride at your own pace. You will end up straight lining a bend otherwise. We all nearly do it early on lol. I learned a lot from following experienced riders. Maybe consider doing a iam or rosper course. I'd recommend it.
Yeah that would be cool thanks, few miles under the belt and some sun will help me get out a bit. I'm on the other side of the Estuary Sarfend/Thorpe Bay Mike
