Beginner - Never rode, excited but so many questions | GTAMotorcycle.com

Beginner - Never rode, excited but so many questions

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yanb1979

Active member
Hi guys !

Here's my story. I quit smoking (after 18 years) and I decided to treat myself with a motorcycle. I've always wanted a motorcycle. My dad had many bikes when I was a kid and I loved riding, as a passenger of course. Also, I recently moved from Québec to Ontario and the licensing system here is a lot better.

I got my M1 a few weeks ago. I bought some gear already, full face, gloves, boots and a leather jacket. I registered for a safety course at the end of April so if everything goes well I shall have my M2 in May! After that, I am planning to buy a motorcycle. I have tried a few insurances quotes online and it seems to vary a lot (from 800 to 2500). I will have to make a few phone calls and get some quotes. I have read some threads on this board about insurances which were really helpful.

-Am I right to assume that the first year with the M2 is the most expensive ?

Now for the motorcycles. Although I might use my motorcycle to commute I mostly want to ride for pleasure and do some touring.
For ergos, I am 33 years old, 6'2" around 200 pounds.

I am planning to buy used (however, I am also waiting the arrival of the new Honda CB500F, as it may be reasonnably priced for what it is).

Concerning used motorcycles, in the perspective of getting a reliable (if well maintained) motorcyle :
-Private seller or dealership (pros-cons) ?
-Mileage ? (as low as possible I suppose but otherwise how much preferably)
-Year ? (as recent as possible but how old preferably)

My dream bike is something like a Triumph Speed Triple. :)
But back to beginner bike, my first choice was a sport bike. However, after sitting on a few (Ninja 250, CBR 600...) I am concerned with comfort. Unfortunately I am not 20 years old anymore and I think it would be hard for me to ride more than a couple of hours on a sport bike.

So I restricted my choice to standard motorcycle (sport/touring, naked etc). I think they meet my needs and I sat on different models and I like the ergonomics of an upright position. I also like the looks of the naked bikes.

Here is a list of the models that I prefer so far. I would really appreciate any inputs at this point as I am still having a hard time making up my mind. Of course money is not infinite so that matters.

Yamaha XJ6
Yamaha Fazer
Kawasaki ZR7
Kawasaki ER6-N
Honda CB500F
Honda NC700X (or S)
Suzuki SV650
Suzuki Bandit

More expensive...
Ducati Monster 696 (heard it might be a bit rough for a beginner as it doesnt like low RPM)
BWM F650 (F800)
Triumph Street Triple (not R) - I love it
Aprilia Shiver 750

Thanks in advance for any advice/answer.

An enthousiast beginner
 
I'm surprised that you didn't have the Suzuki gladius on your list of bikes, I love the styling of the er6n too! Great position on these bikes for great comfort. You got it about right with the 2nd year of m2 on insurance... And about how sporadic their rates are, just shop around. I've had experience with both private sale and dealer sale on bikes. I can't say anything different with the experience. Best resource for info is this site I have found. Best advice to forward is to keep the rubber on the ground, safe riding!
 
Ninja 250R, Ninja 300R, CBR250R, and CBR500 (all versions) are pretty much 'standard' bikes in terms of riding position even though they might not exactly look it.
 
Oh and I started with a 92 Yamaha with 36k on the clock, ran great for the 3 years I had it. And hopefully get another few out of it down the road
 
Welcome!!
Wheelie.gif
 
No love for the GS500? :(

Sounds like you got it all figured out and made all the right calls. You will have some aches and pains when you start, no matter what bike you choose. Obviously those'll be more severe with a more aggressive riding position.. when I switched to clip-on bars on my bike, it took weeks to adapt and get comfortable. Later last season I was pulling 700km days with no issue, so it's just about building the right muscles and keeping good posture.

As for buying used... it is better for your first bike, in my opinion. You may be too cautious of dinging it up if its new, and that might add even more stress.
 
tricky said:
No love for the GS500? :(
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dsburfitt said:
I'm surprised that you didn't have the Suzuki gladius on your list of bikes, !
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List was not exhaustive, I am definitely considering both the Gladius and GS500 and also the VStrom. I didnt want to list every Suzuki under 700cc and I havent been to the Suzuki dealership yet to sit on a them and get a better idea :)

How do you like your GS ? Good beginner bike ?

Not getting a new motorcycle makes a lot of sense. I don't even buy my cars new !
 
Yep, I like my GS500 a lot. I'm headed into my 3rd season with it. I found it to be great to learn on, really forgiving but it has just enough pep to put a smile on my face. Remember... even the slower bikes give most cars a good run for their money ;)
 
Well I've sat on all of the current selling sportbikes (250's, 300) and they sit very upright, now the supersports (CBR 600, GSXR 600, R6 etc) sit in a much more aggressive riding position. Oh and the Suzuki SV 650 sits like a supersport too so you may want to stay away from that one in terms of comfort.
 
Been in the scene quite a while, and have been on almost every different type of bike available.
I'm 6'2" as well, about 210 now (less when I started riding :p) and I can confirm that for tall people sometimes the supersport bikes feel very cramped. 2 hours to my cottage is usually very painful by the time I get there on my GSXR.

My vote though, for a beginner would be the SV650. It's sporty enough it wont make you "feel" any older than you already do lol. Also, it's very forgiving, which is important in a beginner bike, but it's also not underpowered. Great all around bike that you potentially could keep for many many years, or a great stepping stone to something larger.

I'd suggest taking the course right now as soon as you can, first round starts soon if they haven't already. Then perhaps try out some demo rides? Its that season again!

As mentioned in the post above this, the GS is very forgiving as well and very comfy. Personally, if you are mature enough (and it sounds like you are since you are here asking about a beginner bike) you are probably mature enough to handle the additional power of the SV650 and when you get comfortable on the bike a year from now you will be glad you have that extra bit of umph :)
 
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amp3d said:
My vote though, for a beginner would be the SV650. It's sporty enough it wont make you "feel" any older than you already do lol. Also, it's very forgiving, which is important in a beginner bike, but it's also not underpowered. Great all around bike that you potentially could keep for many many years, or a great stepping stone to something larger.

I'd suggest taking the course right now as soon as you can, first round starts soon if they haven't already. Then perhaps try out some demo rides? Its that season again!
:)
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First thanks a lot everyone for your inputs this is much appreciated.

Someone mentionned that the SV650 sits like a supersport, is it upright or not?
Now I am in the Ottawa region and the first available safety course is at the end of April. I am registered to it.
I know the thing to do is to wait until I complete the course before buying a motorcycle but at the same time spring is coming and people are starting to list their bikes like crazy.

For example this one, which is a GS very well priced I think for the year and mileage on it.
http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...touring-2008-Suzuki-GS500F-W0QQAdIdZ468432580

Basically my concern is that I dont want to be missing too many good deals!
 
amp3d said:
Been in the scene quite a while, and have been on almost every different type of bike available.
I'm 6'2" as well, about 210 now (less when I started riding :p) and I can confirm that for tall people sometimes the supersport bikes feel very cramped. 2 hours to my cottage is usually very painful by the time I get there on my GSXR.

My vote though, for a beginner would be the SV650. It's sporty enough it wont make you "feel" any older than you already do lol. Also, it's very forgiving, which is important in a beginner bike, but it's also not underpowered. Great all around bike that you potentially could keep for many many years, or a great stepping stone to something larger.

I'd suggest taking the course right now as soon as you can, first round starts soon if they haven't already. Then perhaps try out some demo rides? Its that season again!

As mentioned in the post above this, the GS is very forgiving as well and very comfy. Personally, if you are mature enough (and it sounds like you are since you are here asking about a beginner bike) you are probably mature enough to handle the additional power of the SV650 and when you get comfortable on the bike a year from now you will be glad you have that extra bit of umph :)
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I would have to agree with the SV650 :D
 
In my opinion there is no specific time for "deals" in Canada. Everything is overpriced. I wouldn't rush it :)
Take your time picking a bike and you will be happy for years to come.

The sv is considered sport touring, not super sport. It's definitely not as aggressive riding position as a super sport, but not quite as straight up as a gs.

Your best bet is to visit a showroom and sit on some :)
 
amp3d said:
In my opinion there is no specific time for "deals" in Canada. Everything is overpriced. I wouldn't rush it :)
Take your time picking a bike and you will be happy for years to come.

The sv is considered sport touring, not super sport. It's definitely not as aggressive riding position as a super sport, but not quite as straight up as a gs.

Your best bet is to visit a showroom and sit on some :)
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Would you recommend the naked or the S version and why ? Personnaly I like the naked style better. The position on it seems better too. I'll definitely go at the dealership as mentionned before.
Also, my intended uses are commutes and weekend rides and touring once in a while ? Can that bike do this ?
 
yanb1979 said:
Hi guys !
Concerning used motorcycles, in the perspective of getting a reliable (if well maintained) motorcyle :
-Private seller or dealership (pros-cons) ?
Click to expand...

Welcome!

In terms of buying used from a dealer...you're somewhat more protected than going the private route. There's usually a warranty, which is good. And, if something goes wrong, and you think you were screwed over by the dealer, then you can turn to OMVIC (and at no additional cost to you). The con, of course, is that the dealer will charge you more.



More expensive...
Ducati Monster 696 (heard it might be a bit rough for a beginner as it doesnt like low RPM)
Triumph Street Triple (not R) - I love it
Click to expand...

I ride a M696. It's true that the bike tends to rumble at low rpms (b/c of so-called tall gears), but it's manageable. If I'm going slow, I'll just ride the clutch more, which settles her down. Other than that, you might encounter "monster balls". But, it's an easy solution: just sit further up the seat. I'm happy with my Monster (had her for almost 3 years now), and don't plan on selling her anytime soon.

I'd say, if you really love the Striple, then why not go for that one (even if it's your first)? I know, ppl are going to poo-poo on me for suggesting the Striple as a first bike. But, it's not like it's a 1199 Panigale R. If you buy something else, you're just settling for something less than you want.

Someone suggested the GS500...that was actually my first bike. Good bike. Had her for a few months. But, you may find yourself wanting more--very quickly.

Anyway, hope you find your bike! :)
 
yum yum said:
Welcome!



I ride a M696. It's true that the bike tends to rumble at low rpms (b/c of so-called tall gears), but it's manageable. If I'm going slow, I'll just ride the clutch more, which settles her down. Other than that, you might encounter "monster balls". But, it's an easy solution: just sit further up the seat. I'm happy with my Monster (had her for almost 3 years now), and don't plan on selling her anytime soon.

I'd say, if you really love the Striple, then why not go for that one (even if it's your first)? I know, ppl are going to poo-poo on me for suggesting the Striple as a first bike. But, it's not like it's a 1199 Panigale R. If you buy something else, you're just settling for something less than you want.

Someone suggested the GS500...that was actually my first bike. Good bike. Had her for a few months. But, you may find yourself wanting more--very quickly.

Anyway, hope you find your bike! :)
Click to expand...


Considering the M696 and the Striple are "similar" bikes and that you started riding on a GS500 do you think it would have been reasonnable/safe to learn to ride on the M696 ?
 
yanb1979 said:
Considering the M696 and the Striple are "similar" bikes and that you started riding on a GS500 do you think it would have been reasonnable/safe to learn to ride on the M696 ?
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Hmmm...I guess it all depends on how comfortable you feel on a bike. And, more importantly, your dropping-bike tolerance (and, yes, I did manage to drop my first bike, and you likely will, too). So, if you won't be able to live with yourself if you dropped your Striple, then get it as your second bike.

For me, if I had to do it over again, I'd still start off with the GS500 and then move up to a bigger bike. But, I'd only start off with a smaller bike, b/c of my comfort factor (very low) and the fact that I really sucked as a newbie. At the safety course, I didn't feel at all comfortable on those d-inky CBR125s and had trouble internalizing the riding skills.

If, however, things were the opposite (me feeling comfortable on a bike and rocked the safety course), then I'd probably would have just gone with the M696.


I'd say don't get the Striple as your first bike, if:
  • You can't bear the thought of dropping her
  • While doing slow speed turns, you have a tendency of using your front brake
  • You downshift too late, and release the clutch while into a turn
  • You have to put too much conscious effort while shifting/downshifting
  • You forget which side is the clutch and which side is brake
  • And other points I can't think of now...

And, get the Striple as your first bike, if:
  • Hmmm...probably one for you to answer :)
 
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Try SV650 - nice bike.
Now for the rest - go to Humber- sign up for the course. Boot around on their brand new CBR125s - get your M2. Write it off on your income tax next year.
 
yum yum said:
Hmmm...I guess it all depends on how comfortable you feel on a bike. And, more importantly, your dropping-bike tolerance (and, yes, I did manage to drop my first bike, and you likely will, too). So, if you won't be able to live with yourself if you dropped your Striple, then get it as your second bike.

For me, if I had to do it over again, I'd still start off with the GS500 and then move up to a bigger bike. But, I'd only start off with a smaller bike, b/c of my comfort factor (very low) and the fact that I really sucked as a newbie. At the safety course, I didn't feel at all comfortable on those d-inky CBR125s and had trouble internalizing the riding skills.

If, however, things were the opposite (me feeling comfortable on a bike and rocked the safety course), then I'd probably would have just gone with the M696.


I'd say don't get the Striple as your first bike, if:

  • You can't bear the thought of dropping her
  • While doing slow speed turns, you have a tendency of using your front brake
  • You downshift too late, and release the clutch while into a turn
  • You have to put too much conscious effort while shifting/downshifting
  • You forget which side is the clutch and which side is brake
  • And other points I can't think of now...

And, get the Striple as your first bike, if:

  • Hmmm...probably one for you to answer :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.
I will keep these in mind for sure.
In the meantime, I got insurance quotes for a few bikes. Striple was 2500$ as opposed to 1200$ for SV650 and 750$ for a 250cc. These are huge differences.

And, unfortunately, I got my first speeding ticket in 18 years of driving last weekend. 115km/h in a 90km/h zone. Hopefully it will not affect insurance too much, *sigh.

Have you guys started to ride yet in the GTA ? 3 weeks until the safety course, can't wait!!
 
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