Just curious on the general concensus of how long it took you to get into a sports bike. I by no means think I'm ready now but I'm just curious how long it took yall.

To put a 600 into perspective, think about the acceleration your Nightster has when you whack open the throttle. Now imagine that going on for 2 times the revs your HD has. Now imagine it "really gets going" at 8k revs up to it's 16K redline...
Then you'll have an idea of when you're ready!

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Have owned - 2001 Suzuki Volusia
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha

Coming from a non-sportbike-rider....

I think as long as you know how to ride, and you know your limits, and you understand what the bike is capable of... I think you're ready. They have a lot of power, and it's easy to get stupid on them, but they aren't some crazy, uncontrollable bike...

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There are two key things that you need to know to handle one:

1.) They are deceptively quick. You will get going faster than you realize, even if you are experienced and must quickly learn to respect the power or die.

2.) Your mind must rule over your testosterone. It sounds simple, but if you are easily sucked in to a race or showing off you can quickly get in over your head.

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HighSides Trips and Pics
http://totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=16003

Yeah someday I'd like to have a Triumph Daytona 675R

Go to a track school and rent one. It doesn't get any better than that.

I actually gave up sportbikes for street riding, and for a guy in his mid twenties that says something. After spending enough time on the track, it didn't feel fun on the street anymore. By the time the bike is just entering the powerband, you're over the speed limit, in and out of traffic and wanting to crack it open more.

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My Blog

I never took a sport bike for a spin. But it took my two years to work up to my current bike.

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Ducati Monster 1100 (Vrooom!!)
Aprilia Shiver 750 (sold)
2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250cc (sold)

It's the rider, not the bike. No different from any other sport. Some are very good right from the beginning, some will improve steadily, and some will still be terrible at it even after 20 years.

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2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100
2006 Kawasaki KLX250S
2004 Honda CBR600RR
2002 BMW R1150R
1996 Ducati 900SS

+1

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HighSides Trips and Pics
http://totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=16003

Been riding for five years and I still don't think I'm ready for one. I just don't have the self-discipline for a sportbike. Fortunately, I don't have the back or wrists for one either, so sportbikes have never really been a temptation.

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"If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be."