Gear rental

M

Minion

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Hi guys!

I'm planning to complete the M1 exit course at either Toronto or Ottawa, since I will move there to study for school. However, I am lacking the gear :(.

Does anyone know any place that will rent gear (in either cities), preferably the whole package? Are jeans and Timberland winter boots sufficient for the pants and boots requirements? What are the absolute minimum requirements for gear?

I am renting since I do not plan to own a motorcycle for a good couple of years... due to student budget :p.

Any help is much appreciated! Thanks in advance!
 
I did my M1 exit at Centennial College in Scarborough. They only wanted a leather jacket, jeans, leather boots past the ankle and leather gloves with cuffs. I got leather work gloves and cheap boots from Walmart, a second hand leather jacket from the Salvation Army and a pair of jeans I owned already. All pretty cheap.

They were ok with textile motorcycle gear so I ended up wearing the stuff I had already, save the gloves since my riding ones didn't have cuffs.
 
Hi Minion.

I did mine @ RTI (Oakville location). Aside from DOT approved helmet, a denim jacket, jeans, leather gloves that cover the wrist bone and leather boots that cover the ankles were good enough. A lady on the course brought a riding jacket but it did not have the back armour for the spine and she wasn't allowed to do the course. Keep that in mind. It is best to take your gear for the classroom session and ask the instructors if it is acceptable. I took several pairs of leather gloves with me as well as the denim jacket and boots.

I was at a warehouse sale last night at Aurora Action Sports (http://www.auroraactionsports.ca) and they are clearing SHIFT riding jackets. I picked up a really good mesh jacket for $94 plus tax. They had riding jackets starting from $50 up to $225.

Take the time to get an insurance quote as well. Especially since you are a student. I would do this before investing in any course. A fellow student is still bikeless as a result.

Good luck.
 
Don't rent. Go to Kapscomoto and buy a cheap helmet for $40-50 which is DOT approved if you don't have the funds. For the rest, leather jacket, boots that cover the ankle and gloves will suffice. Some of the guys in our course thought we won't be riding the next day so they had an hour to get stuff ready besides the helmet. Value Village worked out great for them so I suggest the same.
 
nToxEk8d said:
A lady on the course brought a riding jacket but it did not have the back armour for the spine and she wasn't allowed to do the course. Keep that in mind.
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That sounds pretty ridiculous. You can wear denim or leather fashion jackets, but no motorcycle jackets without back armour.

As a side note. Denim jacket would have been ok on the Centennial course as well.
 
overkill13 said:
I did my M1 exit at Centennial College in Scarborough. They only wanted a leather jacket, jeans, leather boots past the ankle and leather gloves with cuffs. I got leather work gloves and cheap boots from Walmart, a second hand leather jacket from the Salvation Army and a pair of jeans I owned already. All pretty cheap.

They were ok with textile motorcycle gear so I ended up wearing the stuff I had already, save the gloves since my riding ones didn't have cuffs.
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I am a NOOB and most likely I will take the riding course at centennial. So what kind of boots did you buy at walmart? Any specifications that have to meet the safety standards?

I am also planning to rent the helmet, gloves and jacket from studiocyclegroup for $75. Good or Bad? I would like to rent first cuz when I get my bike, I would like to get matching gear too haha.
 
Any leather boots, steel toes or not as long as they come up and cover your ankles. No safety specs or special numbers required.
Going over the requirements here: http://db2.centennialcollege.ca/ce/coursedetail.php?CourseCode=CEMO-801 you should probably look at work boots of some kind. I used steel toed ones without issue, and for several years of riding, but some people find them too bulky.

You could go to a second hand store and looking for a denim or leather jacket, then buy some leather gardening/work gloves. How much you save on the $50 would be up for debate. Can't beat the $25 helmet rental though.

I might still recommend buying a cheaper white or black helmet, just make sure it fits. You can wear it on any bike and you are likely to change bikes fairly quickly anyway. White is also the most visible which is, arguably, safer.
 
overkill13 said:
That sounds pretty ridiculous. You can wear denim or leather fashion jackets, but no motorcycle jackets without back armour.

As a side note. Denim jacket would have been ok on the Centennial course as well.
Click to expand...

Yeah! I thought it was a bit harsh but they are really serious about it. They did warn us during the classroom session and this point was discussed. A few people went to Walmart to look for jackets/gloves/boots after class.
 
overkill13 said:
Any leather boots, steel toes or not as long as they come up and cover your ankles. No safety specs or special numbers required.
Going over the requirements here: http://db2.centennialcollege.ca/ce/coursedetail.php?CourseCode=CEMO-801 you should probably look at work boots of some kind. I used steel toed ones without issue, and for several years of riding, but some people find them too bulky.

You could go to a second hand store and looking for a denim or leather jacket, then buy some leather gardening/work gloves. How much you save on the $50 would be up for debate. Can't beat the $25 helmet rental though.

I might still recommend buying a cheaper white or black helmet, just make sure it fits. You can wear it on any bike and you are likely to change bikes fairly quickly anyway. White is also the most visible which is, arguably, safer.
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Where do you guys get used gear except sellers on kijiji......I mean are there any stores that sell used gear? Sorry still a noob :$
 
You don't need motorcycle specific gear for the M1 Exit.

Most of the used stuff will be private sales on ebay, kijiji or here in the classifieds. There are stores that will sell used stuff, I'm not sure if there are any in the GTA.

Also check your pms black CG2.
 
Check out Studio Cycle Group.

https://www.studiocyclegroup.com/motorcycle-gear-rentals.html

I rented my helmet from them last year for my M1 exit at Centennial College. Very helpful bunch of guys there, they were patient answering all my noobie questions and helping me get properly sized.

Just a tip, if you can, try to get motorcycle boots if possible. Helps tremendously with feeling the shifter and you won't have to worry about your laces getting caught.
 
I am a bit worried about the M2 test during these safety courses. Are they hard? I have been driving 7 years and I know how to drive standard car as well. Would I pass M2? A bit nervous...
 
Nobody can really say whether you will pass or not. Lots of people with who have been riding on their M1 fail and lots of people with absolutely no experience on a motorcycle or car pass.

The tests are not difficult, the Centennial program, and I suspect all of the courses, makes it a point to have you practice manoeuvres that help you with all the skills needed. The last practice run, in particular, is far more difficult than anything you will find on the final test.

Your driving skill will be minimally helpful. If you have ridden a bicycle you will have an understanding of the balance, motorcycles are much like oversized bicycles. Experience with a clutch will help with the clutch on the bike since you understand the friction point and how to engage it.

Don't over think it, you won't have any idea until you get there. You are psyching yourself out.
 
Timberland boots will be sufficient by the way. I suggest you practice low speed maneuver the most as they are far more difficult than the rest of the stuff.
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