Future planning

Greetings to all motorcyclists in the GTA,

Recently, i realized that getting into biking makes sense, money wise, for somebody my age (cool too!)

I would like some assistance in planning the purchase of my next motorcycle from the experienced riders of this forum :)

My M1 i will be doing any day now, followed by driver training and M2.

However while i am still training, i am keeping an eye out for bargains on motorcycles but CANNOT narrow down my search.

I am looking for something no more than 250CC displacement, as insurance is a huge factor here.

Considering it will be my first bike, the CBR125 seems like a good option as i can get a used one for approximately $1,500 and won't worry if i damage an inexpensive bike like that.

There is only 1 thing that is making me doubt the 125 and it is the tires... Can someone justify whether or not those thin tires are safe, especially in the rain? I saw someone trying to stop for a red light on a 125 and he was slipping and sliding, eventually lifting on his front tire, with squeaking of tires throughout the whole stop!

I was also interested in the Aprilia and Yamaha 250CC displacement motorcycle, but it doesn't seem like i ever saw anything of the sort available in Canada... Can anyone confirm this?

Is financing a motorcycle a good idea? Comparing what people are offering for a used CBR250 and a new one, the price is not worth the difference for the used.

I have this thing... where i am not a fan of Kawasaki, i don't know why, but as popular as they are, i do not want one...

Finally, i would prefer carburettors to fuel injectors as i basically know the ins and outs of basic carb system as well as 2 strokes, however this isn't an option with the newer models.

Cheers,

Phil.

P.S.

60 kg in mass (135 lbs in weight)
168 cm tall (5'6")
 
Welcome aboard.

First thing I would do is call up an Insurance company and get a quote. This can be disheartening for many. I am not sure how old you are but I have seen many young people abandon this idea because of insurance.

Then get your M1/training/M2. I just did this and picked up a Ninja 250 (I know, not your thing). On the RTI course they had the CBR125's and the Ninja is a much easier bike to ride. FWIW, I bought a used (2010) Ninja for a couple of thousand less than new here in the city. They are a few deals out there if you are patient and since you haven't got your M1 yet, then time is on your side.

As for financing, I know Honda has good incentives right now like 1.9%. They will also match your deposit up to $250 I believe and also give you another $100 if you already own a Honda (car or bike). The only thing I will add is that there are a lot more Ninja 250's then CBR250's out there and if you are looking for a deal on the Honda, then you may as well get a brand new one $3999 at Brampton Powersports for the base model plus $470 freight/pdi then HST. The used models currently available won't save you much.

Cheers and safe riding.
 
If you're going to be communting on a 400 series highway, then get something bigger than a 125. As for the tires, narrower are better in water that fat tires (cut through it instead of hydroplaning over it). Finally, the 125 has rear disc brakes, the guy was probably sliding around because he stepped on them too hard.
 
Thanks for the replies guys, great answers. :)

I am 19, and was told that if you are in university, you get insurance discounts from TD (10%), any other companies you guys know that offer these discounts?

Actually the reason i prefer bikes is because insurance is several times cheaper than it is for a car, and i have done several quotes and am ok with the prices.
 
TD is very expensive imo. I went with State Farm and got a quote for $41/month on a Honda CBR250R. I'm in university and around your age btw.
 
Wow, thats amazing!

For state farm, don't you have to be a very experienced driver though?

^ I was told that, need confirmation.
 
There is only 1 thing that is making me doubt the 125 and it is the tires... Can someone justify whether or not those thin tires are safe, especially in the rain? I saw someone trying to stop for a red light on a 125 and he was slipping and sliding, eventually lifting on his front tire, with squeaking of tires throughout the whole stop!

Did the RTI course on CBR125s and it rained all weekend. I'm sure they're not the best tires in the world and it's not like speed was a big factor but no issues. In fact it was a confidence booster. Never had an issue riding in the rain other than not wanting to get wet.
 
I've had state farm insurance since I got my G1 (so about 5 years). I was told they took this into consideration, as well as, not having any tickets or accidents. Also the cc (low cc = lower rate).
 
Me as well. I got quoted by numerous State Farm Agents for both a CBR250 and Ninja 250, both basic coverage, for over 130. I'm in University with no tickets/accidents and 5 years with my G.

Wow thats an amazing rate! if you dont mind, could you pm me your broker and maybe some details?
 
If you have had the G series(G1-G2-G) for 5 years then you qualify for the insurance, it doesn't have to be G for 5 years. Statefarm doesnt care if you have a G1 or a G2 to begin with, neither to they take the riding course into consideration as opposed to other companies for discounts. I just got my G2 1.5 months back and got my insurance when i had my G1. Paying 96$ for my GS500F 08. I would recommend you check out statefarm before any other insurance company not because i like statefarm, but for obvious financial reasons. All Insurance companies are legal extortionists as i see them.
 
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