Going from 450 to supersport

Acidreamer wrote:

I'm assuming a lot of you ride sportbikes when not at the track. What has your experience been going from a 450 to a 600cc(or higher)...

I'm assuming a lot of you ride sportbikes when not at the track. What has your experience been going from a 450 to a 600cc(or higher) sport bike? I'm looking at some gsxr 600s to get in the spring. Everyone i know rides harleys and tells me i wont be able to control a rocket between my legs. From time to time i take the 450 to the store or something and can easily get above 60mph in 4th gear and still wheelie easily if i sneeze on the throttle. I'm sure those dudes are over exaggerating, but i wanted to ask people who actually HAVE gone from dirt to street. Other than watching out for idiot drivers(which i do in my truck already), how hard can it be? Should just transfer over pretty simply.

Nellyinda803 wrote:

I've ridden 250 2 strokes and 450 four strokes. Start off slow on the street. I have a Suzuki GSXR 1000 but I started on a...

I've ridden 250 2 strokes and 450 four strokes. Start off slow on the street. I have a Suzuki GSXR 1000 but I started on a 600. The street can bite you in the ass if you don't be careful and ride defensively. Cars are not looking for you as often as they should be. You will be able to handle the power don't worry about that. The 450 will feel more powerful sometimes than the 600. Once you get on a 1000, coming to a 450 or 600 Supersport just feels slow!!

Braap19 wrote:

Biggest problem I have going from my R6 to my 450 is the steering. I steer with the rear on the dirt bike which I started...

Biggest problem I have going from my R6 to my 450 is the steering. I steer with the rear on the dirt bike which I started riding fifteen years ago and street only a few years. Usually takes me a few miles if I go from dirt to street, without much time apart from dirt bike to get used to steering with the front tire on the street.

But power isn't something you should worry about. Even a mediocre dirt bike racer can run the dogshit out of a street bike.

JB 19 wrote:

You'll be fine if you are a good dirt rider. .....but, I sold my gsxr when my first kid was born. Riding on the street felt...

You'll be fine if you are a good dirt rider. .....but, I sold my gsxr when my first kid was born. Riding on the street felt irresponsible. On the street your first crash may be your last.

Nellyinda803 wrote:

I know exactly what you mean. Even the first time a rode a motorcycle on the street I took a turn and stuck out my leg...

I know exactly what you mean. Even the first time a rode a motorcycle on the street I took a turn and stuck out my leg!! It's awkward at first but after a while he will start to transition. Do you like your 1000 better than the 600?

Project 2501 wrote:

it's a bike. treat it with respect. when you get comfortable, sign up for a track day. all modern 600cc bikes are incredible to ride on...

it's a bike. treat it with respect. when you get comfortable, sign up for a track day. all modern 600cc bikes are incredible to ride on the racetrack. also avoid riding advice from the internet on forums or in general. exceptions are nick ienatsch and ken hill.

have fun and be safe. no plastic trophies for being a hero on the street.

philG wrote:

If you are a racer , then dont even bother , it screws you over for both. When you get on a dirt bike, you are...

If you are a racer , then dont even bother , it screws you over for both.

When you get on a dirt bike, you are 100% focussed on what you are doing, which most of the time , is you and the track and a few other guys, you are in a zone that you dont get anywhere near on the road, and if you do, you wont do it for long.

The brief period i did both, i either rode too fast on the road, or so slow i didnt have the concentration level i needed, and then when i went racing i didnt have enough aggression, so both sucked.

A 450 Supermoto on the road is a waste of effort, you feel like you can run by the side of it, on track they are better, assuming its a moto track, but the fun is in the corners.

Nobody needs a 1000cc on the road, ever.

kzizok wrote:

For me, I'd rather have a cast on, than be in a casket. It's just my opinion, but something to think about. No street for me...

For me, I'd rather have a cast on, than be in a casket. It's just my opinion, but something to think about.

No street for me. But, racing/riding on a track only, thats a different story.

zehn wrote:

There are a ton of differences between street and dirt, so many that any attempt to type them out would be an abject failure. Biggest thing...

There are a ton of differences between street and dirt, so many that any attempt to type them out would be an abject failure.

Biggest thing is don't try to steer with the back tire. This should seem pretty damn obvious but I've seen enough dirt-turned-street riders highside their fucking brains out to know that old habits die hard.

Take it slow and you'll get used to it pretty quickly. You should have no problem with a 600.

BTW your friends that ride Harleys? Those guys are pretty much the quad riders of the street world.