Hello! Intro + Some Questions | Page 4 | GTAMotorcycle.com

Hello! Intro + Some Questions

If i had a nice bike i'd be concerned, otherwise looks OK
Im thinking weather proof cover (will need somewhere to keep it though, I assume it wont fit in a bag), and locks. Hell if they are nice they might let me install a krypto floor lock, though that's doubtful.

Still a better bet than a garage though?
 
Just had a phone call. Guy seems very nice and I will look at it tomorrow. Said I might be able to install a Krypto floor anchor on the wooden wall or something. Could be my best option.

If I choose this I lose a few hundred for booking the underground parking because the company is notoriously full of a**es with cancellation policy, but I can take that loss if it means my bike will be safer. The guy over the phone said that over the years there has never been an issue.
 
It honestly seems like you don't feel safe or secure in your home, and you should probably move. If getting a motorcycle and this thread hasn't told you that, I'm not sure how much more perspective can help.
Also, yeah i feel you're over thinking your theft score on your learner CBR125. It is not a desirable bike on this side of the pond, put a lock on it and ride it.

Sent from my LG-H873 using Tapatalk
 
It honestly seems like you don't feel safe or secure in your home, and you should probably move. If getting a motorcycle and this thread hasn't told you that, I'm not sure how much more perspective can help.
Also, yeah i feel you're over thinking your theft score on your learner CBR125. It is not a desirable bike on this side of the pond, put a lock on it and ride it.

Sent from my LG-H873 using Tapatalk
I'm just being paranoid haha. My area isn't all that bad considering its downtown Toronto. I just hate bad people doing bad things. Moving of the core is a complete non-option in my field and income level.

Probably overthinking the 125 thing yeah. At the same time, would rather be over-prepared than under-prepared.
 
Tiny little metal storage shed anchored to the ground with big recycling stickers on it.
having your house broken into and your dog kicked makes you feel violated, it's not unjustified paranoia it's a reminder to take precautions.
 
Ah I don’t really blame him. It’s a nightmare trying to find a safe solution to storing a bike in this city. Unless you have the $1M+ for a home with a garage you’re out of luck. It’s pretty messed up when you spend $500-$700k+ on a condo in this city and the “secure” parking lot is where your bike is most likely to get snatched from. If my landlord didn’t let me use the garage at the place I rent I doubt I would have even gotten into street bikes.

As mentioned its only a used CBR 125 (No offense meant). Its an older bike with very low resale/desirability. Its too much trouble for a bicycle thief and too low of a risk/reward for a motorcycle thief. If you can chain it to something and throw a cover over it you’re probably good to go. I wouldn’t worry too much about the drunks/crackheads at the location you found. Most bikes get written off due to rider error long before a master thief or the local drunk gets to it.

If you ever need a place to wrench on it I might be able to help out. I’m up by YorkU.
 
Ah I don’t really blame him. It’s a nightmare trying to find a safe solution to storing a bike in this city. Unless you have the $1M+ for a home with a garage you’re out of luck. It’s pretty messed up when you spend $500-$700k+ on a condo in this city and the “secure” parking lot is where your bike is most likely to get snatched from. If my landlord didn’t let me use the garage at the place I rent I doubt I would have even gotten into street bikes.

As mentioned its only a used CBR 125 (No offense meant). Its an older bike with very low resale/desirability. Its too much trouble for a bicycle thief and too low of a risk/reward for a motorcycle thief. If you can chain it to something and throw a cover over it you’re probably good to go. I wouldn’t worry too much about the drunks/crackheads at the location you found. Most bikes get written off due to rider error long before a master thief or the local drunk gets to it.

If you ever need a place to wrench on it I might be able to help out. I’m up by YorkU.
Thanks for the response and understanding where I am coming from.

No worries re the "only cbr125", that's the reason I got it ;) I will have fun on two wheels despite power, in the city at least.

Im not sure I will be able to chain it to an immovable object, but chaining the frame to wheels or getting a disc lock will likely be my path of approach. That plus steering lock should prevent anything short of throwing it into a van, which I hear is exceedingly rare, and will likely be easier to accomplish in a condo lot anyways.
 
Metal-motorbike-garage.jpg


A1UGezlzfnL._SL350_.jpg


daddy always said 'out of sight out of mind'
'a lock will only stop an honest man'
& 'If you don't want it stolen park it next to the leopard cage, nobody will touch it there.'
 
Might have just found a garage behind a rented house. Spoke to the landlord - gonna see it tonight. Says it doesn't have a lock but I can get one installed theoretically according to him. Covered is better than not regardless. Hopefully his tenants are nice.
 
Update!

Just paid for the repair and the bike is now good to go and mine :')

Gonna ride it home tonight after work. Mildly nervous, but also flipping excited wow. Hope the rain isn't too bad while she's parked outside all day / when I ride her home. Brought my Gore-Tex anorak to work so I can wear it under my armored jacket. Hopefully that will help if there's still moisture falling from the sky.

M1 Exit this weekend!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1708.jpg
    IMG_1708.jpg
    625.1 KB · Views: 15
Update!

Just paid for the repair and the bike is now good to go and mine :')

Gonna ride it home tonight after work. Mildly nervous, but also flipping excited wow. Hope the rain isn't too bad while she's parked outside all day / when I ride her home. Brought my Gore-Tex anorak to work so I can wear it under my armored jacket. Hopefully that will help if there's still moisture falling from the sky.

M1 Exit this weekend!
Don't forget about your licence restrictions. Ride safe.
 
Don't forget about your licence restrictions. Ride safe.
Thanks!

Yeah, The Weather Network says sunset is us 8:48pm, ill be home before 7:30 realistically so that shouldn't be a problem. Can't wait for the M2 to ride at night though.
 
Update: I just got home safe from the first ride. Did some rounds in residential areas along my way home. Managed to not stall it until the most embarrassing thing happened:

Basically I abruptly stopped at a yellow/red because I saw a car going the opposite direction itching to turn left and I did not feel safe speeding past it while the light was yellow. Car behind me pulls up right next to me after I stopped, either they were ****** I stopped and wanted to cut ahead at green or they almost reared me. At green I kept stalling (four times to be exact) until i realized i was in f'n third. Welp. Was too focused on my surroundings and forgot to downshift at the light. Other than that the ride was more or less uneventful. Downshifts are still no bueno, ups can be jerky at times. Combo of inexperience + anxiety I assume. Thinking about keeping her parked until my M1 Exit I think to not risk further embarrassment and endangering myself.

As I was cornering sharper bends I just kept hearing twist of the wrist volume 2 in my head, telling me to be smooth with my throttle application LOL.

Also quick question: Is it just me or is first gear on street bikes way too short to shift into while in motion approaching a stop light. I found the best way on this ride was to get into second, and apply brakes, pulling in the clutch once I hit about 5-8kmh, and then dropping to first while stopped. Downshifting into first while moving, even at what seems to be a slow pace results in super high revs and a concerning amount of engine braking. I'm talking at like 10kmh or less.
 
If it's a CBR125, it has a short first gear. Take a look at the owner's manual and it will tell you just how short. Click it into first, just before you put your foot down when stopping.
 
Update: I just got home safe from the first ride. Did some rounds in residential areas along my way home. Managed to not stall it until the most embarrassing thing happened:

Basically I abruptly stopped at a yellow/red because I saw a car going the opposite direction itching to turn left and I did not feel safe speeding past it while the light was yellow.
Good awareness -- keep that in your riding because there are always situations like that. Sadly, when the other guy is at fault you feel the pain.
Car behind me pulls up right next to me after I stopped, either they were ****** I stopped and wanted to cut ahead at green or they almost reared me.
This is a lesson -- if it's the former you need to remember to use your rear facing eyes every time you touch the brakes. 1) you can stop faster than a car, and 2) you're harder to see when stopping. Getting slammed from the rear hurts too, always have an exit path and maneuver ready.
At green I kept stalling (four times to be exact) until i realized i was in f'n third. Welp. Was too focused on my surroundings and forgot to downshift at the light.
Don't worry, that's beginner stuff -- it will pass quickly.
Other than that the ride was more or less uneventful. Downshifts are still no bueno, ups can be jerky at times. Combo of inexperience + anxiety I assume. Thinking about keeping her parked until my M1 Exit I think to not risk further embarrassment and endangering myself.

As I was cornering sharper bends I just kept hearing twist of the wrist volume 2 in my head, telling me to be smooth with my throttle application LOL.

Also quick question: Is it just me or is first gear on street bikes way too short to shift into while in motion approaching a stop light.
Too short and bad idea. Engine braking is a skill and it takes a little time to master. It is not a necessary skill for beginners, you have enough to learn so don't complicate things - for a beginner engine braking creates more risk than reward. Potential damage to clutch and gearbox, rear wheel lockup, and it also adds rear end risk because new riders often forget to excite their brake lights when engine braking. Be patient.
I found the best way on this ride was to get into second, and apply brakes, pulling in the clutch once I hit about 5-8kmh, and then dropping to first while stopped. Downshifting into first while moving, even at what seems to be a slow pace results in super high revs and a concerning amount of engine braking. I'm talking at like 10kmh or less.
Practice being in the right gear, no need to release the clutch until you're comfortable with the mandatory skills.
 
1st gear on the CBR125 (and probably every sporty bike) is a "short" gear for faster off the line acceleration. If you are downshifting from 2nd to 1st you really need to feather the clutch out (or rev match the gear but thats getting a little ahead). Both are things I'd suggest practicing in a parking lot first as you can lock up the rear wheel with engine braking from downshifting too aggressively into 1st.

Have fun, ride safe!
 
Sometimes I really wonder if dirt bike experience should not be a prerequisite :|
 
Sometimes I really wonder if dirt bike experience should not be a prerequisite :|

dirt bikes are a two edged sword. How many stories are there of guys buying 600/1000 first bikes "because they grew up on dirt bikes". Most rec. dirt bikes are extremely forgiving and 9/10 people end up with terrible habits that they carry over to the street. On the other hand it can be an excellent way to learn shifting, braking/bike dynamics, etc. Personally I know more people that are in the first camp than the second.

You can make the same argument for having to drive a manual car first, have road experience in a vehicle, ride a bicycle, etc.
 
... On the other hand it can be an excellent way to learn shifting, braking/bike dynamics, etc.

Exactly! The rider knows exactly how to operate a motorcycle and now they just need to learn how to survive in traffic. Huge easier learning curve and you have hopefully done all of your crash testing on the grassy knoll gravel pit or fire road instead of in front of a mini van.
 

Back
Top Bottom