1000cc Bike for BEGINNERS? The Truth About Liter Bikes... 

There’s a guy here on RU-vid started on a Ducati Panagale V4. Based his RU-vid channel on the experience. He started in low power mode (about 130HP). He respected the bike and had no problems. Never crashed it nor dropped it. He now rides a v4 streetfighter. The channel is ‘Coolin With Jay’.

I started on a gsxr 1000 and I'm still commuting on as I leave for work in about an hour. 3 hours each day, it's all about mentality.

I started on an R6. Seemed fast at the time. Then bought an R1 and now I know what fast is. But I'm glad I didn't start on a litre bike.

I have an R1 and 2 R6's , I love then ALL . I think discontinuing the R6 platform is a BIG mistake !!!!!

I don't know about that 600cc theory bro! I got a 2017 R6 as my first bike and I love it! Glade I didn't go smaller and question if I should have gotten the 2017 R1. The modes on these new bikes make a big difference. Rode my R6 around in the lowest mode first few weeks and gradually gained confidents. Now it's been in A mode(fastest) for about 3 years 🤣. With in the first year I figured out I could have did the same thing with the newer R1🤦🏾‍♂️. Best thing I can say to beginners is take MSF course figure out your capability and go from there (note these bikes are fast, but I'm sure you know that if you did your researched). 😉

Great video, my first sport bike was an R6 and I really enjoyed it. The weight and seat height was good. Because the power didn't come on till 10,000 you could ride it around town without scaring yourself accidentally.

this is actually a good video when talking about beginner riders who wants a 1000 cc bike . alot of channels that i see either tell u not to get or get a 1000cc bike . u give a proper explanation and much clearer advice and info . at the end of the day if ur gonna get a 1000cc just ride it on low power mode for atleast 6 to 3 months and within those 3 to 6 months just practice drills refresh the basics that u learn in riders school n don't full throttle it and take it slow . once u buy the bike its not gonna go anywhere . 2 main points and very important points are:1-dont go on group rides until u get used to riding a bike and have good control over ur bike 2-dont listen to ur frens when they tell u to go faster ,ride at ur own pace and ur comfort zone . if ur frens have been riding and have experience they might laugh at u for riding slow and tell u to go faster . but plz take ur time cuz at the end of the day its ur life that u will be putting in danger n not ur frens so just take it slow keep practicing drills n njy those baby steps ur taking cuz the feeling that u feel when ur just starting only happens 1's . these points also apply with any cc bike u r buying just taking slow . its dangerous enough for us riders anyways so baby steps guys baby steps. 🏍😁✌

I started on a brand new 2019 CB1000-R which i bought last year. I am 43 Y/O who last rode a 125cc scooter when i was 20 years old. I am riding my CB1000-R in Standard mode all the time going from south Carolina to NYC, NH and Maine. I've already jacked 10,000 on the Odo. Keeping my distance, good control of the throttle and speeding only when on open highways away from Traffic Clusters 🙂 2 chanel ABS Tokico brakes, Traction control, engine brake & slipper assist Clutch all come to the rescue with liter bikes so it is up to the rider to be in charge of his/her ego. I personally ride while keeping in mind that those safety modes don't exist.

The biggest reason for me for going to a liter bike is the quality of life, I had a Ninja 650, and I wanted a touring bike, now if I went for a Versys 650 it's nearly identical to my Ninja 650 save for a bit comfier seating position and maybe the 12v lighter port. However the S1000XR I got instead has lean sensitive abs, cruise control, heater grips, adjustable windscreen, remaining range indicator, dynamic suspension, all of these you just simply dont get on sub 1 liter bikes. Even BMW's own F900XR misses 80% of these features, and this doesn't even mention the significantly higher quality components (4 piston radial brembos vs 2 piston nissins etc ), and significantly better suspension

Love the vid bro keep up the great work. Be safe out there 💯🖤

Let’s be honest. The answer, as always, is “it depends”

My first bike was the 390 Duke and it’s been amazing. I’ve ridden my dad’s 790 Duke a bunch of times and it’s so crazy fun having all that power on tap, but the lightweight 390 is so much better for honing my skills and teaching me to ride well, not just fast. I think the 400-500cc class is where it’s at - enough power to have an amazing time, but not too much to just be relying on it all the time to have a good time before you know how to brake and corner like a champ.

That glorious R1 sound🔥

Love the channel man, and that s1000rr, is beautiful

Started on an R3 and loved it. Learned to wheelie which I think is better on a smaller bike. Waiting for my R6 to be shipped to my local dealer now 😬

I feel like yamaha should keep the R6, yamaha fans should have options I feel, I already have an R1 but I know one day I will want one of the newer model R6 🏍️👌🤞

My first bike was a fz6r and it felt super fast to me. I had it for a year until I had to sell it, rough time. Now I am looking to get a liter bike soon!! But Ive been around bikes a lot of my life.

Super happy you posted this cause i was in the process of buying a 600 and the day before i was supposed to go pick it up the guy said he didn’t want to sell it anymore. I told him it was a little messed up but i wasn’t too hurt about it because i was already second guessing getting a 600 vs a 1000 because i know i can leave it in b mode for a while till i get use to the bike. Plus how much you get for the very little price difference is totally worth it.

If you know you want to end up on a liter bike, get a liter bike to start. As a new rider who never rode anything, I listened to all the noise and got a SV650... great bike... and I outgrew it and got bored in one month. I did dozens of hours of research, watched dozens of YT videos, read many forum posts and literally everyone was saying the same thing, so I figured they must be right. For me, THEY WERE ALL WRONG! I now regret it every time I ride. I have to save up for my next bike, which is a BMW S1000rr, and I'm stuck with this slow bike. I listened to all the people who said, "a liter bike is way too much bike for a beginner", "you can have just as much fun on a 650". This is absolute garbage. It's like saying you can have just as much fun in a V6 Honda Accord, as you can a Ferrari. Total nonsense. Everyone's different though. If fun to you is moderate acceleration, you have no interest in going faster than 120mph, and/or you know you are reckless and have no inherent coordination and skills... then YES get a starter bike 100%. If you know you want to end up on a liter bike, you want to go 140mph, and have even a fair amount of confidence in your maturity and composure; then get the liter bike. I never rode and was entirely dependent on other's experiences and was totally unsure and apprehensive; if you're on the fence and unsure if you can handle a liter bike, but have a good feeling you can, YOU CAN! Most all modern super sports have low speed modes to learn on, like the guy said in the video. Even if its an older 1000, just take it easy and start slow... you'll be up to speed in literally 2 weeks. Even though 95% of riders will tell you different, 95% (probably much less) of riders aren't interested in super sports, and they're NOT talking about riders like me, and potentially you. Don't let anyone scare you off your path. For someone like me, a "beginner bike" was a complete waste of time, and NO, it's nowhere near as fun. I rode my friends GSXR1000R and my 650 is nowhere in the same universe of fun.

Supposed to be 77 and sunny here in FL tom. I will be on my S1R.

I started on a 1200cc Triumph Bobber and I would never look back. Starting on a faster, heavier bike teaches you things that most riders don't understand for years down the road. Whenever you do get on a smaller bike, you feel like you have absolute control of everything. Getting back on a bigger CC bike is just memory at that point. My Bobber is the best thing I could've asked for. Definitely NOT for starters but I said to hell with it. Now I'd never go back.

I currently got a 2019 zx6r and want to upgrade to a zx10r but insurance is the only thing holding me back. Liter bike insurance is crazy for younger people

I think it depends on the person and there ability to learn and adapt also how mechanically minded they are. If you a fast learner you can ride just about anything. When it comes to riding a 1L bike on the road it is very fun and also not at the same time if you consider other road users, we have a lot of SH#T drivers in my country and a lot of traffic. Some days I wish i was on a 600cc so i guess it all depends on your situation. Great video man !

The great strength of 600s that you didn't mention though is the price. Like you said, a 600 and a liter bike are basically the same thing unless you're really ripping the 1000 or going over 120mph but you can get a used 600 in good condition for 6 or 7 grand, less if you will take a more beat up example. 1000s are inching towards 20k new, a good example will be costing a pretty penny if you are going for the used market.

Started on an 07 gsxr 600 had it for 2 months and rode 1500 miles and sold it

Last year I sold my Tuono, which is a 170+ hp 1077cc bike. I bought a 2019 R6. So much happier with it. No longer feels like it's always trying to kill me but still plenty of power for street riding. If you lust after a litre bike watch how fast he's actually riding here. If you don't actually want to ride 100+mph everywhere, you don't need it. And you don't. It's fun, but it's going to get you in trouble

I needed this video. Thanks man!💯

My first street bike was a r1 but I had 20 years experience riding and racing dirt bikes

Watching til the end (like always) and coming across a street triple compliment just warms the heart

Thank you for making this video. Im in my early 40s and buying a friend's 05 R1. I rode some in my early 20s some street bikes and dirt bikes but never anything above a 600cc. I never rode consistently either. But this video helped put my nerves at ease. I figure 90% of its mental getting back riding again, and many videos on here say stay away from the 1 litters when starting out.

Really been thinking about getting a Buell 1125r as a first street. I've had a ton of 2 stroke dirt bike experience. I know it's a terrible idea but I really want one, they're hard to come by and one has come up for sale recently

i started on a 2006 zx6r... rode that for 6 years then got a 2011 zx10r. i think you can start on whatever you like if you can afford it and your right hand is connected to your brain. i rode a scooter in ibiza on holiday and it was soo much fun, but was that because i was on holiday? or because i have a zx10r at home? who knows. bikes are just fun. stay safe. love from scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

My first bike is a 390 KTM, plan on buying a Z H2 next year. For all things mentioned in this video, I'm not worried about managing its power, helps I'm older and pretty responsible. God, can't wait.

The only reason why starting on a 600cc vs a 1000cc is the throttle being twitchy and heavy. These aren’t the case with the newer liter bikes. They’re lighter and have diff power modes so it’s more forgiving.

I oficially started on a '05 Fireblade with streetfighter setup back in 2014 and I still ride the same bike today. I must say that if you have a good functioning brain, this specific liter bike is very friendly towards beginners. Above this, you'll never feel the need for another bike once you get the hang of it as It can be stupidly fast, put out Ferrari like acceleration, heck it goes to 299km/h with stock settings, and more with mods. Ride smart and you'll be safe ;)

Started on a s1000 rr two months ago i ride with no safety mods i love it up here in paradise

There are alot of options out there for new riders today. The Kawasaki ZX4RR is a great choice. Yamaha has the R7 if you're not set on a 4 cylinder bike. Honda has the CBR650R. Just to name a few with less power than a 600cc supersport but have the styling of one.

I have a gsxs 750 atm but I kind of lust fairings again after some significant highway use lol(rode an R3 before upgrading). I've been wanting a litre bike but the cost is ooofff. I think given the newest model bikes all have electronics(traction control/abs/etc) it does make sense why manufacturers would want to cut costs and push people to buy the litre versions since they DO have those modes that basically reduce the bike to a 600. It made more sense in the past for sure to have both since they didn't have electronic aides.

Just saying, I started on a 08 CBR600RR. First season was awesome! Second season added Toce exhaust, ECU flash, K&N filter, Arrow header. WOW 😳....that made it a different bike 💯

My 1st bike was a Z750S. So I started with a naked bike. Loved it. But now I have a 06' R1, and won't ever look back.

I actually started on a R3. I'm a responsible guy though and probably could have started on a R6. but the R3 allowed me to make mistakes without it biting me in the ass and I could pull back the throttle and still have some fun with it. I plan to get a R6 next even if it is discontinued, still a sweet bike and plenty of power for the road still. (I'm no Rossi haha) I would like to get the R1 one day but it's mostly cause I want that crossplane under me haha!

I love it. A definite move in the right direction.

What I’m doing is, I got a 2016 s1000rr and paid for it in full so I can afford full coverage. I’m also going to get a 650 to start on because they're cheap. But mainly for learning how to ride in traffic. I’d be keeping in in rain mode for a hot while. Didn’t get a 1000 to go super fast. Just so it can comfortably do a little over in not that high of rpms. (Obviously not right away, that’s just pretty much all I want) but I don’t plan on riding it quickly. I just know the s1000 had a lot of rider aids. I have a decent amount of throttle experience, just not a not in traffic. Which is why I’m getting a 650 as well. I didn’t want to get a 600 because I didn’t want to spend that much for a step and on a bike I didn’t want. Also, I got the s1000 before the 650 because it was a really good deal and didn’t want to wait and pay more

I started on a GSXR 750 moved to CBR 1000RR and now I ride a Hayabusa and I enjoyed every Motorcycle I’ve ridden!

What's your audio set up ? Really clean audio 👌🏽

Great video this has convinced me to get a liter bike as my first!

I found the R1 more road friendly than the R6 because you could do everything on the R1 that you could do on the R6 at a lower RPM, which meant more linear power and predictable throttle response. Still not really beginner friendly, but really no less than the R6. I wouldn't recommend either though.

I started on a S1000rr and I love it

Learning on my brothers busa, no issues so far. I'm familiar with machinery and driven all over the place. Respect the machine, don't go outside your skill envelope and you'll be fine

If I’ve been riding a cruiser bike ( Yamaha v star 1100 custom) since I got my license ( like 3 years ) a sports liter bike shouldn’t be too much for me right ? I wouldn’t need to drop to a 600 and then work my way back up to a R1 or something ?

I have a question, I have always wanted a street bike and alot of people say to start on a 600 but I am 6'5 and 210 I was told I'm a little to big for that bike🤷‍♂️ so I could possibly start on a GSXR 750 but to stay away from a 1000cc bike because it's been about five years six years since I've been on a bike. Looking for a second opinion if anyone has a better idea. 🤙

I just started on a cbr honda 1000 I was a little nervous but I'm good now o don't even get off the bike my wife ask me when I'm coming home 🤷🏼

I have an r6 and bro I hate when a semi truck comes up on me I try to stay in front or 2-3 lanes over

enjoyed the video!

You’re never safe on a motorcycle. A slower bike will keep you “safer” from your own stupidity, but that’s it.

Started on a r1 had a blast with it, I don’t regret starting on it, but I do believe the 600 would’ve been a better option. With that being said I rode dirt bikes growing up so I was familiar with motorcycles.

I’ve got a Honda Africa twin 2021 manual and I’m 5’9 and my inseam is 32 IN with boots. This is my first bike and I took a driving course last week. And now have my license. The bike is so huge and heavy it’s so scary turning it. The power is fine I can go shift into second and come to a clean stop. I practiced going up and down a hill no issues and stopping at an incline and going without rolling backwards got all that down. Got onto the road and practiced going and turning around within two lanes to the left and right but it’s so scary I don’t think I am going to be able to master it on this bike. In class I was doing circles at 25 mph no problem. I guess I’m gonna pay it off and sell it to buy a new one maybe I’ll be riding in a year if I’m lucky.

Ride on bro 💨

What about old litre bikes ? Without ABS . Traction control and Modes ? I don't think it's better to take litre rather than 600cc

Started 2 yrs ago on my zx10r... love it but its not fancy its an 04 first gen lol... and i went with 1 of the most powerful so i can have fun bud..... going 180+ ughhh so hot...now looking to go opposite and get like a z125/grom so i can practice stunting

I started on a 07 r1. And now I'm riding 14 s1krr. It depends, but be honest, 600cc is better for beginners.

sad to see the R6 go. they say that having an R1 (just used for context cause the R1 is the only liter bike i'd own) is like having an R6 cause of the modes is better. but, the insurance on an R1 is going to be that of a liter bike. i looked into it and having the modes doesn't get you a brake on the outrageous insurance lol. insurance would still be hella cheaper on the R6 just cause of the cc's. still tho, if i ever win the lotto, the only liter bike i'd own would be the R1 cause ... i mean that sound lol

Started off with a grom, went to Harley Davidson forty eight sportster (1200), then to a Harley David Dyna street bob (1600) those being V twin motors would anyone here help with a recommendation, debating between an R6 or R1 I feel like because of the Harley’s I’m right in between both bikes

If you're located in Canada the insurance for a litre bike is just crazy...

I’ve been riding for over 40 years. I remember considering my first road bike back in 1986 and I never considered anything other than a 600. I knew I didn’t need anything more than that, I was very concerned riding anything bigger and no way considered a 1000. So, I definitely agree with you. My first bike was a ninja 600, then a gpz 750 then gsxr750, cbr929, R1, ventured into harleys for the past 10 year but now I have an S1000rr and a Harley. Best of both worlds but have the experience to handle both. Great info video right here.

I started on a 300 and should've gotten a 600 cuz I already had a little background in bikes but I just rung that thing out so much cuz I wanted to go fast and I ended up blowing the motor. First time I rode my gsxr 750 I scared myself so bad I was going to be safe lmao

I haven’t rode a ton but I need an opinion, I’m on a 250cc Honda rebel (1985) and it does what I need it to but I really want a sport bike, I don’t want to have to upgrade again from a 600 so I’m wanting a r1, what’s the opinion on this?

I started out with a zx14r, and mainly because of how comfortable it was to ride. Plus I’m 6’3 220lbs. So a 600 was not an option at allllll. After my zx14r I got the bike I really wanted a bmw s1krr. And to be honest starting out on my zx14r was probably the best decision I made when I first started riding. It’s all about the person riding some people can’t handle a stupid powerful bike and don’t have discipline to control and some people do.

I just got back from riding my Grom on the beach in south padre island. And it was the most fun I’ve had on a motorcycle. I would never do that on a bigger cc motorcycle

I started on a 115cc scooter then an r3 now I'm on a 07 zx10r and riding slow bikes fast is more fun

Litre bikes can be as tame or as wild as you want. They have the potential for outrageous performance, but ultimately it's the rider that's in control. Riding a bike (any bike) is all about risk mitigation. It's an inherently dangerous activity, but you as a rider can actively do things to lower the risk. Picking the right moments to go fast (road with good visibility, little traffic, good conditions), and proper lane positioning depending on the situation are two huge examples. I started on a Ninja 400 before getting a 2018 RSV4. I'm glad I went that route. I made some noob mistakes on the Ninja, and that bike was very forgiving. However, I've come to realize the RSV4 is just much more pleasant to ride on the street. It has around 5x the power (45 vs 201 hp), but it has very linear power delivery that's easy to control. With that power and torque you don't have to rev the nuts off the thing to get up to speed. The clutch is also so much better on the Aprilia. The super light clutch on the Ninja felt like a toy, and was hard to modulate. The brakes on the RSV4 will actually slow you down, as well. The current crop of litre bikes is just amazing. They have great frames, great brakes, fantastic electronics, and are easy to ride. I still advise a beginner to steer clear of them. Things can happen fast on the street, and a powerful bike gets you there quicker.

I just got a GSX-S1000F for Christmas. Its my first bike and I absolutely love it.

I am getting a cbr1000rr this year as my 3rd bike. This is going to be my first sports bike.

Love it!!!

I started on an Fz-09. Can't wait to buy an S1000rr. glad I started on the Fz, taught me how to corner, lean, and control my weight. Also I don't have to worry if anything happens because the bike is cheap and super easy to work on. I dropped the bike and lowsided it trying to learn corners, it's all apart of the process and good thing it wasn't a liter bike on that I crashed. Better to buy a cheap beater first

"Sir" the exhaust-endpipe look very well 👍🍀

My first bike when I was 15 (actually my profile picture still hahah) Was a 2003 Suzuki SV1000s and I think that’s a perfect bike to start on Comfortable Tons of torque Same “fast” as a 600 And you won’t outgrow or get bored of the bike after a few months The ONLY downside for me when I got it being 120lbs teenager was the bike is heavy for a sport bike so I wasn’t comfortable walking it around if I wasn’t sitting on it A true true beginner, I would say the 650 over the 1000 I’ve been “riding” since I was 5 so like

Food for thought. The discontinuation of the R6 and all 600’s in the future is because MotoGP have stepped up to the 765. Also the introduction of the 800 and 900 cc bikes it makes no sense anymore for 600’s. With exception of the triumph Daytona 675r all the other 600’ s would have to be at high rpm to make any power. Thanks for the content your bikes are amazing. Keep up the great work.

I didn’t know swagbucks was still a thing🤣 I used that shit in like 2008

I started on a 125 at 17, rode that for 2 years before I did the test at 19 allowing me to ride anything up to 74bhp, so I bought a 2nd hand MT-07 and had that for near 3 years where I took another test at 22 to allow me to ride anything I want. After that I bought a brand new 2019 MT-09 and I've been happy ever since, now I have 6 years of experience and still don't have a litre bike, but want one. Also, U.K. license rules are tough.

Will they be selling the “track” R6 in the US? If so, couldn’t you potentially just turn that into a street legal R6 (headlights, then signals, tail light, etc)?

Started on a R6 and never looked back 😎

I liked the vid because it started on the R1 actually 2 seconds in

The r1 is a monster the shreds things apart and the s1000rr is a fine gentleman that cuts things down very precisely with a sabre

I thought you were linking the r6 first ride

I love the looks and performance of yamaha bikes, i currently ride a 2019 CBR 500R. I am planning on getting a R6 or R1 in the near future but still have no clue what to go with. I LOVE the looks of sportbikes! I also have many years of experience riding dirtbikes.

Here in germany we have diffrent licenses for diffrent ages so you are forced to ride a specific amount of HP and ccm depending on your license, so in my opinion I think it's kind of weird that the US allows 16-18 y/o to start on litre bike

I have a CBR 500r parallel twin as my first bike and my dream bike is a BMW s1000rr

Started off on a 02 r1 have a 2020 s1000rr now

just talked to a friend and he would recommend starting a on 600 if you don't want to do anything smaller then that. said there's actually a major difference from a 1000 and a 600cc engine. he's had many close calls that he wouldn't recommend a liter bike to start with if you have no experience. me personally would start w a r6 which i am this coming year. and really cant wait to get that experience. and if you have little experience, go for a used 600 instead of something cleaner that you might drop

I just started on a new liter bike for 3 months now and it's my first motorcycle. So far so good plus I'm riding safe and not crazy.

I started on a cbr1000rr. I bought it for commuting to work/school. Buying the liter bike was cheaper than buying a series of beginner bikes 1st. It is was, and still is, incredibly fun to ride. It was easy for me to ride. I have decent balance, and I showed restraint at first. I would go out at 3am and practice riding in empty parking lots. Straight line speed is easy; corning and U-turns require more finesse and discipline.

It depends in my opinion. If u ride in the mountain, 600cc are so much fun and u will notice the difference between 1000 and 600 for sure. Highway run yes 1000 cc is fast

WOW !!! That quickshifter.. no clutch up or down ?! Wow, game-changer.

Do you use wide, linear or superview on your gopro?

I am an experienced 50cc rider after watching this video I am gonna upgrade to a Turbo busa

What about transferring from a good mx rider to street?

I started on a 600(still have it today). modern 1000's have the modes, the old ones however....

As much of a thrill seeker I am, and as crazy to a lot of people I may seem because of my rodeo career, the statement you started making at 8:08 all the way past “smiles per gallon...” just saved me from buying a liter bike for my first bike. I just like having fun doing things that seem as exciting as riding motorcycles. I rode dirt bikes in my youth for quite a while, but I know it’s a totally different ball game still. Eventually of course I would LOVE to get a liter bike. But in doing my research, I have found beginner bikes now do seem more fun than when I started looking at motorcycles 10 years ago. Now I’m grow and can “do what I want”😂 but you seriously just helped me be responsible and have a better chance at coming back home to my kids every day. Thank you bro!!💯🙏🏽🤘🏽

But Is it a good idea? I just see a bunch of people jumping on litre bikes then going to something with less tech and ending up in a hedge. The speed of a litre bike seems insane when you are used to a 600 or 650. I suppose it’s different here in the UK though our roads are narrower, bumpier so make for more technical riding. You can’t stretch a litre bike on our roads. I would say anything sub 100bhp is great for a first bike.