Looking for a starter bike!

[TheEmpress]

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So, I got my M1 on Friday, YAAAY! I'm taking the course at Fleming July 12, Yipppeee! I would love to get on the road when I'm done, but I need a bike. I prefer a cruiser type bike and I don't want to spend more than $3000. Is this possible and where do I begin looking???

 

[gav.man]

Right on! Good to hear your taking the course. Yes you can get a cruiser for under 3k and I'd suggest looking at Kijiji.ca first. Most dealers start above $4K. You can find a nice used Yamaha Virago or Honda Shadow. Both come in 750 and you can get a 500 or 250 if you need, but because they are cruisers, they are pretty low powered and easy to handle, the crotch rockets will get you into trouble fast. I rode the 250 virago and it was just too small to feel confident on faster roads. Others will throw their 2 cents in as far as what to buy. I saw a Virago 535 twin for $2800 in Hamilton for example. Nice bike and you can talk the guy to $2,500 easily. If you look on Kijiji, I'd recommend you bring a friend that knows bikes to check it over and also read up on what you need to buy a vehicle in Ontario. I've phoned sellers and some had no idea what a UVIP was. Watch out for the scammers as well. Seen a few. Remember if it's to good to be true it usually is and don't let them cut corners as far as paperwork. Lastly, look for insurance first. Check out TD Online for their bike quotes, Usually pretty good cost wise but theirs is based on engine CC's, others will rate by type of bike. Shop around. This is where the lower CC bikes shine, cheaper insurance. Good luck and have a great time!

 

[DemonPig]

Personally, I always suggest a Vulcan 500 for a first cruiser. The engine is from the Ninja 500 making it way more nimble than any 600 and many 700-800cc cruisers. It is on the smaller side but nowhere near as small as the 250cc cruisers, which, in my opinion, should not exist, aside from training courses. They are just too tiny and too slow to be used anywhere but in city traffic.
Vulcan 500 should be easy to find in your price range as well. I think the last year of production was 2009 so there will be a few around still.

 

[bsawant]

So, I got my M1 on Friday, YAAAY! I'm taking the course at Fleming July 12, Yipppeee! I would love to get on the road when I'm done, but I need a bike. I prefer a cruiser type bike and I don't want to spend more than $3000. Is this possible and where do I begin looking???

id suggest looking up a quote with your insurance company (or call around), as most of them go by cc's so it doesn't matter if you were to get a cruiser; if your age allows you to get a 500 cc cruiser without too much insurance then go for it. I am 23 with a G for 1 year and a clean record i am paying about 1500 for my ninja 250. Also, for around 3000 you can get a good condition 08-09 ninja 250.

 

[Roomie]

Personally, I always suggest a Vulcan 500 for a first cruiser. The engine is from the Ninja 500 making it way more nimble than any 600 and many 700-800cc cruisers. It is on the smaller side but nowhere near as small as the 250cc cruisers, which, in my opinion, should not exist, aside from training courses. They are just too tiny and too slow to be used anywhere but in city traffic.
Vulcan 500 should be easy to find in your price range as well. I think the last year of production was 2009 so there will be a few around still.

I would say this is pretty sound advice. I would have said the same bike. They're a great size to learn on and as mentioned are good outside of the city streets.

 

[BlackBeast]

Shop around and if you're not in a rush to commit, do your safety course and try the different styles on offer. Its not everyday you get this opportunity either. You may find something that suits you and that you are comfortable with.
Yes, shop around for insurance quotes to get an idea of what the different bikes are going to cost you.

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