5 Used Bikes Too Dangerous For New Riders

I remember when I brought home my 2001 Yamaha YZF-R1 at the ripe age of 19 years old. My father, who had been riding all types of motorcycles for the better part of four decades, decided he wanted to take it for a ride around the block. It had easily been 10 years since he last rode a sportbike, so he wasn’t sure what he was in for. I was expecting him to pull up from his short test ride grinning ear to ear, but instead he pulled into the driveway shaking his head in disbelief. He promptly parked the bike and stepped away from it like it had bit him. As he took off the helmet, he looked at me and said, “You are absolutely crazy to ride this. If I had any machine like this when I was your age, you and I wouldn’t be here.” I remember those words when I see some new riders picking up used bikes far beyond their skill level. Here are five bikes that new riders should avoid while they hone their skills on the street.

2002-2003 Honda CBR954RR

This baby brother of the 1000rr was only made for two years, and it has an appetite for speed and also has a stout hardware list. As with most bikes of this generation, the only rider electronic aid you will find on this machine is a low fuel light. The raw and mean powerband, combined with a shorter wheelbase means new riders can unintentionally lift the front end too high. It also comes stock with 330mm discs with a four pot grabber, which is more than enough to lock up the front or toss you off in an emergency braking situation. With a heavy front end, this bike isn’t forgiving if you enter that turn too hot either. It's better for new riders to consider the 600rr before this one.

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2004-2005 Kawasaki ZX10R

The bright green liter machine from this generation is well known for being an ill-mannered, pissed off rocket on steroids. This insane bike had class leading horsepower, the lowest class weight, and the shortest class wheelbase—resulting in a wild ride for even the most experienced riders. It was notorious for vicious headshakes since the front wheel was frequently not connected to the pavement and it didn’t come stock with a steering damper. The smaller brake discs also caused brake fade slowing down from warp speed. If you're a new rider with a death wish, this is your bike.

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2009+ Ducati Streetfighter 1098