Going to finally pull the trigger! Tell me if I have all the steps correct. | Page 2 | GTAMotorcycle.com

Going to finally pull the trigger! Tell me if I have all the steps correct.

Forum Sponsor
short stop said:
Looks good OP. Any idea on what type of bike you're looking to eventually get?
Click to expand...

I haven't thought that far ahead yet :p It'll come down to price and insurance.

I was wondering though: it seems like everyone recommends either the Ninja 250R or Honda CBR250R, but is there any reason not to go with something like the Honda Rebel 250? I.e. same engine size, why is one recommended over the other?
 
No, in terms of how newbie-friendly the bike is, there's no reason to not go with a 250cc cruiser. It depends on what kind of ride/style you're looking for, and not everyone is into the sport bike look.

Keep in mind though that 250cc cruisers, despite the same engine size, tend to under-perform compared to the 250 sportbikes. Not to mention, if you're any taller than about 5'5" you might find most smaller cruisers a VERY cramped fit ergonomically.

Your best bet would be to go and test-sit as many bikes as you can and get a feel with what would feel comfortable for you. If you're looking to stick with cruisers, you could even go up a bit in terms of the engine size and still be in safe territory.
 
Last edited:
short stop said:
No, in terms of how newbie-friendly the bike is, there's no reason to go with a 250cc cruiser. It depends on what kind of ride/style you're looking for, and not everyone is into the sport bike look.

Keep in mind though that 250cc cruisers, despite the same engine size, tend to under-perform compared to the 250 sportbikes. Not to mention, if you're any taller than about 5'5" you might find most smaller cruisers a VERY cramped fit ergonomically.

Your best bet would be to go and test-sit as many bikes as you can and get a feel with what would feel comfortable for you. If you're looking to stick with cruisers, you could even go up a bit in terms of the engine size and still be in safe territory.
Click to expand...

Ah, that makes perfect sense. I wasn't thinking of the power/weight ratio (I'm assuming that's why the cruiser will be outperformed by the sportbike). So beginner bikes should be recommended based on that ratio, rather than a blanket engine size, right?

I do plan to try out everything but for reference to anyone who wants to make a suggestion: I am 6', 165lbs.
 
I would recommend your next call be to your insurance company if you haven't already. Rates can vary quite a bit depending on your age, location and driving record.

For the record, I'm 42 yrs old, clean driving record, no tickets or accidents and I'm paying $36/month ($432 annually) with State Farm for my 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250r which I think is more than fair. If you're looking for an insurance agent her name is Heather Solie and she is in Milton, ON. She told me to tell all my friends that ride.

I used to be with Meloche Monnex and drive a lifted Jeep and when I told them it was modified they dropped me instantly. Heather wrote and signed a letter acknowledging and covering all the modifications on my Jeep, she's been awesome!
 
Last edited:
kekekekyle said:
Ah, that makes perfect sense. I wasn't thinking of the power/weight ratio (I'm assuming that's why the cruiser will be outperformed by the sportbike). So beginner bikes should be recommended based on that ratio, rather than a blanket engine size, right?

I do plan to try out everything but for reference to anyone who wants to make a suggestion: I am 6', 165lbs.
Click to expand...

It's a sticky from another board, but here's a comprehensive list of newbie-friendly bikes: http://www.beginnerbikers.org/showthread.php?26387-The-Beginner-Bike-List

I forget the exact criteria used, but I think bikes listed are capped at a particular horsepower and weight.

I also 2nd what TOYJ recommends - get some insurance quotes to see if you're going to be limited to a particular cc based on premiums.
 
short stop said:
It's a sticky from another board, but here's a comprehensive list of newbie-friendly bikes: http://www.beginnerbikers.org/showthread.php?26387-The-Beginner-Bike-List

I forget the exact criteria used, but I think bikes listed are capped at a particular horsepower and weight.

I also 2nd what TOYJ recommends - get some insurance quotes to see if you're going to be limited to a particular cc based on premiums.
Click to expand...

Yep, I'm meeting with my auto insurance provider (RBC) this Saturday!

BTW that chart is great
 
kekekekyle said:
Yep, I'm meeting with my auto insurance provider (RBC) this Saturday!

BTW that chart is great
Click to expand...

Pretty sure RBC will not insure you unless you have had your M for 3 yrs+ and have had a bike insured for those three years.
 
If you end up looking for a starter cruiser - Vulcan 500. Cheap, reliable, nimble - Ninja 500 engine, decent size for ergos. Those 250cc cruisers are a pain in the butt. Really small and slow. And if it's a sport bike, you can't go wrong with a Ninja 250 or CBR250. If you don't care about the style - Ninja 500, dirt cheap to find, very reliable.
As for the power difference betweeen cruisers and sport bikes, it's not just weight, gearing is different, RPM, fuel maps, etc.
 
Last edited:
If you're near Scarborough, you can borrow all my stuff depending on size and if you smell. No need to rent.

Edit: Nevermind, you're too big to fit my gear. I just read you're 6' feet
 
Alright guys, some updates:

RBC insurance says not to bother with them unless I want to pay over a thousand a month for insurance. The guy said "Go to State Farm. They're the best." So I'll be calling around.

I am also thinking of putting off the motorcycle purchase until next season :(. I will get my M2 the earliest on November 11, so it'll be pretty late in the year anyway. Also, with the new models coming out, especially the new Ninja 300R, I think it'll drive down the used bike prices next year.

I do have my M1 exit course booked for September 29/30, so I have that to look forward to!
 
I just read this thread and I believe Afgunz had an error in his step 3. He said wait 60 days from taking the course, but you only need to wait 60 days from when you wrote the M1. If you wait 60 days from the course, there is the possibility that you are 90 days from having written the M1 and you would be SOL. Good luck this weekend OP, you'll enjoy it.
 
Oh man, that was a blast. I passed the test with a perfect score, although I almost lost control in the emergency braking portion! The most important thing I learned this weekend is to keep my head up and eyes looking in the direction I want to go. The instructors were great and the whole class passed. I would definitely recommend this course to any beginners. I had zero experience before this course, but now I have the confidence to ride a motorcycle.

My clutch arm is sore, but it was so worth it. I was on the fence before this Saturday about whether or not to buy a motorcycle... now I'm definitely getting one ;). If anyone is selling a newbie bike, feel free to PM me!
 
Last edited:
kekekekyle said:
Oh man, that was a blast. I passed the test with a perfect score, although I almost lost control in the emergency braking portion! The most important thing I learned this weekend is to keep my head up and eyes looking in the direction I want to go. The instructors were great and the whole class passed. I would definitely recommend this course to any beginners. I had zero experience before this course, but now I have the confidence to ride a motorcycle.
Click to expand...

did you happen to do the RTI course at North York? If so I was one of your classmates haha. It was loads of fun indeed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top Bottom