Hi all

[wastedyears1981]

Im new to the forum and after riding 125s on and off for years,

Finally taking the plunge and planning to DAS at some point over the coming months.

 

I've never ridden anything above a 125cc so feeling quite anxious getting on a 600cc. What was people's experience and thoughts when getting on something larger for the first time?

[Bender]

Welcome and good luck 

 

I was on a 600 straight after my CBT, was great

[Guest]

Welcome. You'll love it. Feels more stable and strangely easier

[Steve_M]

I went from a 100cc Yamaha to a 500cc Honda. But not one of those light, nimble things that are around now. No, it was a heavy old CX500 (fabulous bike, by the way. Don’t listen to the naysayers ).
 

The bike felt substantial and gave the impression of having a far greater presence. The performance was surprising. My (then) wife took me to collect the bike and we had a bit of a rolling drag race on a nearby stretch of B road. The bloody thing walked away from the car. A Peugeot 205GTi… It was only at this point I really appreciated the performance of motorbikes ‘cos the CX was never rated a fast bike.
 

However, don’t be intimidated by the performance potential. You’re the one in charge of the throttle. 
 

As an addendum. I would suggest doing a Police Bikesafe course as soon as possible after buying the bigger bike. Worth every penny. 

[wastedyears1981]

I think once I've been on for the first few hours, I should be OK. 

 

I'll have a look at the BikeSafe course, not only for the reduced insurance..... but it may keep my backside on this mortal plane for a little while longer 

[bonio]

I found the bigger bike a lot more confidence-building. It holds the the road better and you no longer feel like your rightful place in the gutter. You'll do fine on it. I'll give you 15 minutes and you'll wonder you didn't do it sooner 

Bikesafe is a great course: a chance in a lifetime to ride with (and hopefully a bit like) a copper.

[wastedyears1981]

11 hours ago, bonio said:

I found the bigger bike a lot more confidence-building. It holds the the road better and you no longer feel like your rightful place in the gutter. You'll do fine on it. I'll give you 15 minutes and you'll wonder you didn't do it sooner 

Bikesafe is a great course: a chance in a lifetime to ride with (and hopefully a bit like) a copper.

Not been on a 125cc for about a year and a half, but rode them most of my life on and off. Suppose it's anxiety about the unknown. I think once I'm on.... and the first time I've set off, got used to the clutch, throttle, and weight of the bike, I should be OK. It's just that fear of the first time setting and pinning the bike/myself into the yard fence.

 

Spent 13 years in Police prior to a complete career change, so I know how exciting (or pants-filling) that can be when out on the road (had a fair few near misses, albeit not on a bike.

 

Was once sat in the rear crew seats of a Vivaro van and someone had not shut the sliding door properly after jumping out to chase someone on foot. We set off again to go round the block to cut them off, doing about 70mph through an estate and the door slid backward and completely off its hinges going round a corner. Thought it was game over as you don't generally wear seat belts so you can get out of the vehicle quicker when needed. Luckily I fell on my arse onto the van floor in the other direction when the van went around the opposite bend.

 

The best thing was when we went back for the door, all the local 'lovelies' were jumping up and down on it and taking the p**s 

[geofferz]

You'll be fine, big bikes aren't scary. Enjoy! 

[RideWithStyles]

Weight, size and presence will really jump out and will be noticeable before you start.

biting points and area will be narrower, rev starting point will be lower.

real bigger difference is throttle use will need less of and power bands to make progress will be lower too.... like sooo much less .

 

Ive had all sizes and the misses still has the 125 which i get to play on now and again...

Just do the course, when u pass and even if u think a 600 might be a bit much for now you could just get a fit 400-500 with 45hp which will still be a revelation and wonder why you didnt do it sooner!!!