Love Sportbikes (crotch-rockets), but HATE the image

Vhayne · May 2010

When I was in high school, all I could ever dream about was being rich, owning fast cars, and riding an awesome bike. I just LOVED the '96 GSXR750. It was my dream bike. Time went by, I graduated, things didn't turn out how I had wished, and I eventually grew out of the bike dream.

Since that time, nearly every time I see one of these types of bikes, I can't help but admire it, however, I usually can't stand the punk riding it lol. It's that whole image thing. The one that's associated with single, no morals, "I'm out for p---y" kindof thing. Then you get the thugs. Seems like they're always out looking for trouble or something.

When I dreamed of the bike, I seriously wanted nothing more than to appreciate the power (no top speed stuff here), and just cruise around on the curvy backroads we have so much of in this area. I don't want anyone on the back, and I don't want anyone riding with me. Just alone, wide open views and power on tap.

Now, I'm finally able to get one. I swore I never would, especially since being married and having kids. The risk of injury or death is so great. But I find myself becoming curious to the possibility of it again. I'm just not sure.

My brother has suggested I get a Harley. Well, I do love the sound of them and I happen to actually like the looks of some of them. However, it's just not my style. Harley compared to a GSXR is just not even close to me. I'd gravitate toward the Suzuki in a heartbeat.

Varny · May 2010

Over here in the UK everyone owns a sports bike and people who own Cruisers are generally looked down upon. Problem I have with Cruisers is they have no power, their engine has alot of torque but the speed quickly dies. On a Sports the engine just pulls and pulls and never seems to wanna stop, you just keep gaining so much speed. Also Sports are so much better at handling and the fairing stops the wind from blowing on the side and you can wheelie. Cruisers are just all noise and nothing else really, pretty ugly too when you compare them to Italian bikes such as the Aprilia RSV4 ot the Ducati Desmo.

tvalentine · May 2010

tbh if all you wanna do is go out for rides on curvy roads and enjoy the scenery, why not get a harley (or something equivalent ... harleys are kinda meh). I'd think that its more comfortable as well. Sports bikes seem more for getting from A to B quickly, or just going fast period.

Cleffy · May 2010

I think their is a style difference between the European Cruiser, and an American Chopper or Harley. The European Cruiser has a very flat looking front and mixes rounded shapes with a fat looking shell that is ugly, while an American Chopper and Harleys are more angular and has sharp shapes using minimalistic body covering. Sports bikes have a different shape to them at well which can look appealing. American Choppers and Harleys are ofcourse popular in the US and in Japan.

Varny · May 2010

If I had £40k

SoulSurfer · May 2010

My new style! Honda Fury $10,000~

Illius · May 2010

Well I kind of grew up on bikes. I would ride on them with either my dad or my uncle when I was very young and when I got older I got a small mini bike of sorts and have always been fascinated with them. Now that I'm becoming more financially stable I'm thinking of buying one especially now that I've taken a look at that Aprilia mentioned above. Looks real nice. I know all about the inharant dangers of owning a motorcycle and that crashing is all but inevitable and armed with this knowledge I would at least like to own a bike stronger then 600CC just for once season so that I can say "yeah I had one" and would know for sure if I still like it or not. I keep putting it off every year, but the way things are going I'm on track to buy something for next year.

Daywolf · May 2010

Image? First bike a sport bike? Hmm..

There aren't just sport bikes and Harleys these days. Been riding for decades, I don't think I'd take a sport bike first, and a Harley only if I had money to burn on repairs. Also keep in mind that your insurance will be 3x higher compared to a cruiser or enduro, because sport bikes are a major hazard if you ride them in town or cities, and everyone does so they all pay insane insurance.

Unknown · May 2010

I don't know. I have the same feeling about the dangers of those sport cycles as you do, but I wonder how much of that is the vehicle, and how much is the idiots riding them. Most of the horror stories I hear about those things are due solely to the lunacy of the people riding them. Hell, I frequently go over a large bridge late at night where packs of them like to go back at forth at insane speeds doing insane things (they think the cops can't nail them because it's a bridge and they can't set up a trap...which is wrong, they nail them all the time). The worst is one night some guy was doing a...I don't know what you call it, a reverse wheelie I guess...his rear tire was off the ground and he was balancing on his front one. Just insane.

So I think if you like it and you're not going to be a lunatic about it, it's probably something you can enjoy and damn what other people think. You can't beat yourself up because other people make something you like look negative. Just watch out for cops, I bet they key into those bikes like cats watching mice.

Karmakazi · May 2010

get a cruiser dude, there's no reason for you to get a crotch rocket. Cruisers are where it's at anyways, smooth ride and a good time. Remember, loud pipes saves lives

daeandor · May 2010

My bike Aprilia Falco:

Not really a "crotch rocket" but good enough. Sadly, it was discontinued in 2005. For a beginner who is looking for a solid bike, I like the Suzuki SV650, a great V-twin that isn't too much to handle, comes pretty cheap, but yet still has some decent power to get up and go. If you are looking for something with a little more zing (and $$$), you could look at the Triumphs, Ducatis, and BMW's, as they all have nice mid-range bikes which don't tend to carry the Japanese sportbike image.

Edit: And do NOT get a cruiser unless that is just your style.

MOST IMPORTANT:

Also, if you haven't riden in some time, make sure you go and spend the time to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Ridercourse before you go out and start riding on the streets. Not only will it save you some money on your insurance, but it might just save your life.

deviliscious · May 2010

I actually used to ride bikes.. until My cousin was run over by a semi at a stop sign. He was stopped, the Truck didn;t see him. Luckily he survived at the time, but came out with a metal hand from it. He has since passed away, but ever since that accident, I have been too spooked to ever get on one again.

* sticks to jet skiis now* that way, I can get it up to 65-70 mph, cut it hard and go "splash!" come up and have it sitting right there waiting for me.. water is much better than concrete.

deviliscious · May 2010

Originally posted by Vhayne
When I was in high school, all I could ever dream about was being rich, owning fast cars, and riding an awesome bike. I just LOVED the '96 GSXR750. It was my dream bike. Time went by, I graduated, things didn't turn out how I had wished, and I eventually grew out of the bike dream.

Since that time, nearly every time I see one of these types of bikes, I can't help but admire it, however, I usually can't stand the punk riding it lol. It's that whole image thing. The one that's associated with single, no morals, "I'm out for p---y" kindof thing. Then you get the thugs. Seems like they're always out looking for trouble or something.

When I dreamed of the bike, I seriously wanted nothing more than to appreciate the power (no top speed stuff here), and just cruise around on the curvy backroads we have so much of in this area. I don't want anyone on the back, and I don't want anyone riding with me. Just alone, wide open views and power on tap.

Now, I'm finally able to get one. I swore I never would, especially since being married and having kids. The risk of injury or death is so great. But I find myself becoming curious to the possibility of it again. I'm just not sure.

My brother has suggested I get a Harley. Well, I do love the sound of them and I happen to actually like the looks of some of them. However, it's just not my style. Harley compared to a GSXR is just not even close to me. I'd gravitate toward the Suzuki in a heartbeat.

So if that is the image of a male riding one, what is the "image" of a female riding one? LMAO!

SoulSurfer · May 2010

Originally posted by Sawtooth
). The worst is one night some guy was doing a...I don't know what you call it, a reverse wheelie I guess...his rear tire was off the ground and he was balancing on his front one. Just insane.

That is called a "Stoppie" fyi sir.

http://www.dumb.com/videos/Stoppie_Crash

This is what happens when stoppies go wrong!

Vhayne · May 2010

Hate to ressurect a dead thread but I wanted to update it.

I have decided to screw what anyone thinks and get a bike. I'm not getting any younger, and it's not like there's a "reset button" or a "re-roll" in life. I won't ever be 18 again, but if I don't do it now, I'll regret it in years to come, and I'll just be even older.

It's not a crotch-rocket (although I did consider them), but I decided on a Ducati Monster 796. Just placed the pre-order yesterday. Taking the MSF course next weekend. I'm so freaking excited now!

SoulSurfer · May 2010

Originally posted by Vhayne
Hate to ressurect a dead thread but I wanted to update it.

I have decided to screw what anyone thinks and get a bike. I'm not getting any younger, and it's not like there's a "reset button" or a "re-roll" in life. I won't ever be 18 again, but if I don't do it now, I'll regret it in years to come, and I'll just be even older.

It's not a crotch-rocket (although I did consider them), but I decided on a Ducati Monster 796. Just placed the pre-order yesterday. Taking the MSF course next weekend. I'm so freaking excited now!

good for you sir.

When I was younger I rode a Honda CBR 600 F3 through the desert from Phoenix AZ, to Las Vegas, NV in the middle of summer once during spring break in college. (lol April is not middle of summer) but it was hot...

I will never forget that trip, as it was something I always wanted to do before I died. check!

Daywolf · May 2010

Ducati is good My fav was that one they used in The Crow: City of Angels. Though that was a limited edition, something like 100 made. Was a sweet street bike though.

Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy32tfmdEqw