Looking for a used bike as a new rider

freddievercetti

Well-known member
Preface: I got my M1 license on June 1st, just finished taking the M1 exit course with RTI (I love Greg, so humourous lol), and am looking to get my first bike.

Does anybody have any experience with purchasing used bikes on Kijiji? I see quite alot of good old sportbikes (250 Ninjas, 500 Ninjas,CBR125) for around 1.9K to 3K. The photos are quite good but I have no idea how to inspect them for all the problems listed in the used motorcycle purchasing guide.

Should I save money on insurance and wait until next year (I will get my M2 in August this year)? The course was really fun and I would love to practice more as soon as possible but I'm not sure if its the wisest decision to buy a bike right now with M1 license and I don't have experience dealing with sellers on Kijiji.
 
I bought my last 2 bikes of kijiji and it wasn't a problem. The only way you're going to know if the pic matches the description is to go out and check it out. But that's part of the fun and you might score a really good deal!

I'd suggest taking someone with you that knows a thing or two about bikes or cars. Educate yourself with some of the threads about buying used so you have an idea of what to look for and what questions to ask the seller.

As for your financials only you can decide what to do there.
 
If you can afford it get the motorcycle now to consolidate what you learned in the course. The only problem is you will pay a premium price due to the season just beginning.


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Thanks for the replies.

I am thinking of CBR125s, but kinda afraid of the "outgrowing" part. While I did complete the RTI M1 exit course, I still feel like I need a lot more practice in parking lots before I am set to take on the streets (not to mention the highway lol, I commute from Mississauga to Markham everyday for work :/). I don't know if the CBR125 is safe to take onto the 401 either with all the cars doing 120+km/h if I am ready for it.
 
I wouldn't worry too much about "outgrowing" your first bike. If you start small you are able to control it easier, pick it up if you drop it, etc.
You'll get a lot of different opinions here about what is the best starter bike, only you can know for certain what is best for you.

Keep in mind, this is your first bike, hopefully not your last.

The advantage of starting with one of the popular entry level bikes is that they are always in demand and you can recover most of your original purchase price at resale time. When you are ready get something bigger for the highway.
 
Thanks for the replies.

I am thinking of CBR125s, but kinda afraid of the "outgrowing" part. While I did complete the RTI M1 exit course, I still feel like I need a lot more practice in parking lots before I am set to take on the streets (not to mention the highway lol, I commute from Mississauga to Markham everyday for work :/). I don't know if the CBR125 is safe to take onto the 401 either with all the cars doing 120+km/h if I am ready for it.

Its a pain in the butt taking the 125 on hwy...it is do-able depending how much you weigh...I would suggest the 250 to be honest. Has more than enough power on the highway and won't get you in trouble. :)
 
Its a pain in the butt taking the 125 on hwy...it is do-able depending how much you weigh...I would suggest the 250 to be honest. Has more than enough power on the highway and won't get you in trouble. :)

+1.

250 is a great beginner bike. No problem on the highway and it's amazing in the city as well. I really wouldn't recommend the 125 especially if you take the highway a lot to get to and from work. You're really pushing the engine since top speed is only about 120 or 130. I find the 250 has the weight to feel 'safe' as opposed to the lightness of the 125.
 
Before you buy anything, call for an insurance quote. Common mistake many people make is to buy what they want and then find ou the insurance is $5000/ year. If you don't know anyone mechanical, post up on here, some members will be more than happy to check it out with you. My (newbie) friend bought a bike by himself recently, "great deal" 2002 ninja 500 for $2600, safetied at the dealer-two tires, rear brakes, chain/sprockets, one handlebar(bent) all told -$1300. Soooo 2002 ninja 500 with 38k, safetied for only $3900 plus taxes, plates etc. If he had brought me, he would not have bought it!
Find a bike, head for the country, don't learn on a hwy! Also when budgeting, allow money for proper gear, don't spend every cent on a nice bike then ride in shorts! Lol
Jeremy
 
Before you buy anything, call for an insurance quote. Common mistake many people make is to buy what they want and then find ou the insurance is $5000/ year. If you don't know anyone mechanical, post up on here, some members will be more than happy to check it out with you. My (newbie) friend bought a bike by himself recently, "great deal" 2002 ninja 500 for $2600, safetied at the dealer-two tires, rear brakes, chain/sprockets, one handlebar(bent) all told -$1300. Soooo 2002 ninja 500 with 38k, safetied for only $3900 plus taxes, plates etc. If he had brought me, he would not have bought it!
Find a bike, head for the country, don't learn on a hwy! Also when budgeting, allow money for proper gear, don't spend every cent on a nice bike then ride in shorts! Lol
Jeremy

Hello Iceman... ಠ_ಠ
 
Thanks for all the advice guys.

I am looking closely at the older 2007-2008 CBR125s now, as I have decided not to take to the highways this season (I can not get on highways legally anyways until August, when I can hand in my RTI exit cert to DriveTest). I will practice with the CBR125 this season and then trade-in for something better next season when I'm more experienced. I am seeing some ads where they come safetied. If they come safetied then its one less step I need to worry about as a non-mechanic, am I correct?

I tried playing with TD insurance online and am getting a quote of $1,400 / year with no collision and 500 deductible comprehensive coverage. I suppose that is a reasonable quote for M1 license with no riding experience at age 27?

As to Iceman, I believe I have the proper gear as I went to RTI with DOT helmet, Five Gloves racing gloves, TCX low rise motorcycle boots, and a Teknics leather jacket, but with denim pants :P.
 
wow 1400 for a 125 at age 27 , as much as I hate statefarm I have my bike with them its cost me about $1600 a year with fire and theft but no colkusion with a 250cc and im only 24 if I had a car with them or when I turn 25 its becomes about less then that a year for a 250cc , I just got my m1 sept 2012 and got my m2 November 2012 and insured the bike at the beginning of the 2013 riding season
 
Seriously... if you need a bike to use on the highway.. stay WELL away from any 250's or 125's.. I have a 250 and i've spent 1000KM on the highway in the last month... it sucks... it's horrible.. it's the worst feeling in the world..

People say that it CAN do the highway.. the same way that Rob Ford CAN be a mayor.. doesn't mean that it'll do a good job.... YES it'll do 170.. but godamnit man.. it's not a fun way to do 170km/h.....

I use the highway a lot and it's the sole reason I'll be upgrading to a gixxer sixxer.. I'm sure the douchebaggery will follow soon after.. but still..
 
Thanks for all the advice guys.

I am looking closely at the older 2007-2008 CBR125s now, as I have decided not to take to the highways this season (I can not get on highways legally anyways until August, when I can hand in my RTI exit cert to DriveTest). I will practice with the CBR125 this season and then trade-in for something better next season when I'm more experienced. I am seeing some ads where they come safetied. If they come safetied then its one less step I need to worry about as a non-mechanic, am I correct?

I tried playing with TD insurance online and am getting a quote of $1,400 / year with no collision and 500 deductible comprehensive coverage. I suppose that is a reasonable quote for M1 license with no riding experience at age 27?

As to Iceman, I believe I have the proper gear as I went to RTI with DOT helmet, Five Gloves racing gloves, TCX low rise motorcycle boots, and a Teknics leather jacket, but with denim pants :P.

Hello, I am the other iceman lol!

I am 27 years old too. I have G1/M2. I pay $1300ish/year for CBR125 2008 (I got G1/M1 in March 2013).

If the motorcycle ad states that it is safety certified or sold as safety certified it could mean:
1) The seller brought the motorcycle to a shop to get it inspect and see if it pass for an Ontario Safety Standards Certificate.
2) The seller walked to a shop to get a piece of paper, and they never inspected the motorcycle.

So what you could do is inspect the motorcycle when you go meet the buyer. Check and see if the tires are wore out? If so they will need to be replaced. Knock off a couple hundred from listed price. Is the chain rusted? That will need to be replaced as well. Etc...

Or you can get the motorcycle inspected and safety certified yourself.

I found a few guides here on the forum that can assist you in purchasing a used motorcycle:

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforu...from-getting-your-licence-to-buying-your-bike (Refer to Step 5)

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?1237-Used-Motorcycle-Purchase-Guide (Detail Guide in Purchasing a Motorcycle)

You can also find a little more details here in regards of UVIP (ideally the seller should supply these documents as well):
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/used.shtml

I hope all this information helps you out. Sorry, if I provided any misleading information. Senior members correct me if I am wrong! :)

Holla if you do get a CBR125! We can be brothas :) LOL
 
Um... 170.... I would hope a new rider isn't doing that on the highway. Why would you get a 250 to do 170 on the highway.. ? I guess you are one of 'those'.. you got a bike to pick up chicks, right? And it didn't work so you're compensating by speeding like a ****** bag on the highway. That's awesome. I shoulda known.. you call a Ninja 250 a 'girly bike.' I guess some guys need to get a bike to compensate for the multiple areas they are lacking. Shame.

He said "people say", i don't think he meant he does it himself.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys.

I am looking closely at the older 2007-2008 CBR125s now, as I have decided not to take to the highways this season (I can not get on highways legally anyways until August, when I can hand in my RTI exit cert to DriveTest). I will practice with the CBR125 this season and then trade-in for something better next season when I'm more experienced. I am seeing some ads where they come safetied. If they come safetied then its one less step I need to worry about as a non-mechanic, am I correct?

I tried playing with TD insurance online and am getting a quote of $1,400 / year with no collision and 500 deductible comprehensive coverage. I suppose that is a reasonable quote for M1 license with no riding experience at age 27?

As to Iceman, I believe I have the proper gear as I went to RTI with DOT helmet, Five Gloves racing gloves, TCX low rise motorcycle boots, and a Teknics leather jacket, but with denim pants :P.

If you have your G class license, call up State Farm. Someone I know pays around $48 a month for a 125R
 
I think you're giving him too much credit. Seems like he's speaking from experience..

No one else has ever had a "woops" where you look down and you're like...well...woops
 
Overall, TD is the most expensive company to deal with. What's worse, is they know it and they simply do not care. We priced them for home--and they were the most expensive, almost 22% more.

Lots of great information here--take the time and make the comparisons.


N.
Thanks for all the advice guys.

I am looking closely at the older 2007-2008 CBR125s now, as I have decided not to take to the highways this season (I can not get on highways legally anyways until August, when I can hand in my RTI exit cert to DriveTest). I will practice with the CBR125 this season and then trade-in for something better next season when I'm more experienced. I am seeing some ads where they come safetied. If they come safetied then its one less step I need to worry about as a non-mechanic, am I correct?

I tried playing with TD insurance online and am getting a quote of $1,400 / year with no collision and 500 deductible comprehensive coverage. I suppose that is a reasonable quote for M1 license with no riding experience at age 27?

As to Iceman, I believe I have the proper gear as I went to RTI with DOT helmet, Five Gloves racing gloves, TCX low rise motorcycle boots, and a Teknics leather jacket, but with denim pants :P.
 
Seriously... if you need a bike to use on the highway.. stay WELL away from any 250's or 125's.. I have a 250 and i've spent 1000KM on the highway in the last month... it sucks... it's horrible.. it's the worst feeling in the world..

People say that it CAN do the highway.. the same way that Rob Ford CAN be a mayor.. doesn't mean that it'll do a good job.... YES it'll do 170.. but godamnit man.. it's not a fun way to do 170km/h.....

I use the highway a lot and it's the sole reason I'll be upgrading to a gixxer sixxer.. I'm sure the douchebaggery will follow soon after.. but still..

You should just upgrade to a busa and be done with it.

Nothing wrong with a 250 on the highway, maybe yours is broken or your still stuck in first gear :rolleyes:
 
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