(Sorry this is double posted from the introduction section because I think it's valid here too and will get more response...Thanks).

Hi,

I just got on two wheels at the beginning of this year, starting with a 100cc scooter and then moving on to my superb Aprilia RS 125 race replica motorbike.

If you don't know this bike, you might write it off, but for a 125 it would do over 100 mph / 160.9 kph....0-60 mph / 96.5 kph in 6 seconds and it was so light you could throw it into corners at speed. You may have guessed, I don't have it anymore....Some scumbags stole it.

I'd been riding it for 4 months before this happened and, to be honest, I was very confident with it and wanted more power.

Basically, the R6 has similar attributes as the Aprilia RS 125, but with obviously faster acceleration and top speed. I'm confident with doing my own maintenance on bikes as I fitted a new carb and other bits to my RS.

I just need some advice though.....Do you guys think the R6 would be a good next step for me?

I've not riden one yet, but purely in terms of looks and what I read about performance, I don't think I want anything else.

Also, what are common problems with the bike? What should I look out for in jumping from (a fairly powerful) 125 to a 600. Don't worry, I know not to open the throttle too quickly Should I buy private or trade?

I guess I have some experience with bigger bikes because I've riden one of my friend's Honda CBR 600 F3 and another friend's Suzuki SV-650.

I would appreciate any advice.

Cheers!

I say go for it but keep in mind, this bike is a huge step up from a 125.
I went from a Suzuki Gs-500 to an 05 R6 and it was a step up no doubt! But I'm sure you would respect the bike's power so you should be fine. :D

Go for it. I went from riding a 1100 Honda Shadow to a 2005 R6. As long as you respect it you will be fine. Everyone always says that they are too fast for a first sport bike, remember you are the one who twists the throttle, just don't be a jackass on it too soon before you know its limits.

I think you will be fine. As mentioned above, just respect the bike for what it is and what it can do.

I think you will love the R6......a lot more than the RS. I have been on one of those and you are right, they are great little bikes with a fair amount of power, but keep in mind the R6 is on a whole completely different level.

My overall feeling is that once you get down how to ride a bike, you can ride just about anything, however, the newer sportbikes are fairly unsafe if you get careless or too carried away.

Go for it, just take your time buiding up your abilities. Good luck mate.

i think the r6 would be a good bike to get for you, and these guys are right, as long as you you treat it nice, it treats you nice. i gotta question for you, i want to get my girlfriend riding, do you think that 125 you had would be a good starter bike?? is it smooth on power. ive been warned that on some 125s the power band can kick in hard and make her run wide on a turn and end up in the forrest.

yea i would say go for it, just respect the power and do what you are comfortable with, its just gonna have an ass load more power than that 125 will ever have. And if your not careful it will come up and bite you in the ass.

What more can be said? The R6 is just a great bike. You be gentle with it and it will be gentle back. I just bought my girlfriend an 05 R6 (ravin) about 3 weeks ago. This is her first bike and also her first time driving any bike. If she can get on it and go by herself after only a few days, you should feel real comfortable allowing your abilities grow on an R6. Good luck!

To be honest I would err on the side of caution with this one. I went from a TS50x (excuse for a traily) to a Kawasaki KR1-S which was one hell of a bike. 60bhp weighing only 135kg was awesome. Moved from that onto an RVF400 NC35 which again was sweet and could keep up with the bigger bikes on the twisties. I now have an R6 and it is a world apart from the smaller bikes. 117bhp is a hell of a lot more than your RS would have made (around 33 I believe) and could easily bite you in the ass if your not careful.
After riding for 6 years I've always recommended progression - get your no-claims up and then get a bigger bike. You will learn a lot more by working your way up than by scaring yourself with the chassis/engine/brake set-up. To be fair the RS is a toy compared.

Of course, if you do get one, follow the advice above or you won't last 2 minutes on the road!!

i went from riding a 750 streetbike to an 01 r6, and i will be the first to tell you that it was a little itimidating. i have been racing motocross for years, and i still get nervous everytime i crack the throttle on my r6. however, the r6 is managable power. i recently rode an r1 and it was alot harder to control-that thing really moves. buy an r6 you will love it and it will not take long for you to get comfortable on it.

Well i had a 50cc honda dirt bike from the 70's and bought an R6 after not riding for 5 years. I bought it took a riding class and been riding for 6 months. I sold my car when i got my bike because i wanted it more than a car. i just took it easy and got used to the bike and progressed in turning faster and going faster. im still progressing. the fastest ive gone is 109 and that was a straight open highway. SO get one and ride the **** out of it!!!!!

109!! come on my son, twist the throttle! I've seen 99 in second so maybe try changing up!!
163 so far........great fun.

If you're new though, obey the law :x