New member from Etobicoke

[dzasta]

Hi, I used to live in Etobicoke. And I used to be 20. Both a long time ago.
You might try TD. I use them and their rates are OK. Also they are actively seeking motorcycle clients, and they're in Etobicoke too, not that that matters much.
If you're anything like I was when I was 20, my advice: Be Careful out there!

I have wanted my motorcycle license for about two years. I know I was not ready since I was already getting fed up with terrible drivers on the road. And that's why I waited as long as I did for my own safety.

Welcome to the forum! I'm in etobicoke as well and trying to extend the season! LoL I've been looking for a Honda VTR 250! Is it available here!? All I've seen it's not here in Canada!?
As for insurance I'm with State Farm as they were considerably lower than anyone else (31m, 1 ticket, 125 cbr) so I'd say give them a try.

I will be starting to get quotes in January so I will keep that in mind. State farm, TD, and Jevco. Also did an online quote with John Duffy that was much lower than other quotes I did so I will also be giving them a call for a quote. I will be calling all the companies as I know the online quotes are not always correct. Anyone have specific agents in mind that I should contact? Would be greatly appreciated.

OP, GS500 is a nice bike to start on. Sometimes I wish I still had mine. I'm about 10-min ride from Centennial park

Polak, do you think it's really worth buying an older rare bike? What are you going to do when you will need parts for it?

Thanks for the input. Good to hear that from someone that started on one. Did you always find parts easily without wait time?
I was also wondering if it's common when buying a used bike that I can put a down payment (a large one) on the bike with a clause that if everything checks out when I have it looked at by a motorcycle mechanic that I'll pay the rest otherwise I'd want a refund? The reason I ask is because I don't have anyone that is familiar with motorcycles to come check it out with me.

Thanks to everyone else for the warm welcome!

 

[tricky]

I was also wondering if it's common when buying a used bike that I can put a down payment (a large one) on the bike with a clause that if everything checks out when I have it looked at by a motorcycle mechanic that I'll pay the rest otherwise I'd want a refund? The reason I ask is because I don't have anyone that is familiar with motorcycles to come check it out with me.

When I bought mine, I had the guy meet me at the shop, the mechanic looked it over and gave it the OK and then I handed over the money and he signed the ownership over to me. Not sure if that's an option for you, though.

Depending on the day, I might be able to tag along if that'd make it easier for you

 

[peterventure]

Since insurance cost vary from bike to bike, you might first want to get quotes before you decide on which bike to buy.
To keep your costs low, only get the coverage you need. In my case liability and theft. A 500 cc bike like the GS500 is easy to learn on, confortable on the Hiway and insurace rate are not much more then 250 cc.
Welcome!

 

[dzasta]

When I bought mine, I had the guy meet me at the shop, the mechanic looked it over and gave it the OK and then I handed over the money and he signed the ownership over to me. Not sure if that's an option for you, though.

Depending on the day, I might be able to tag along if that'd make it easier for you

That works, maybe I can meet with the seller at a shop. If the seller has trouble with transportation of the bike, then maybe I'll take you up on that offer. Thanks for the help.

Since insurance cost vary from bike to bike, you might first want to get quotes before you decide on which bike to buy.
To keep your costs low, only get the coverage you need. In my case liability and theft. A 500 cc bike like the GS500 is easy to learn on, confortable on the Hiway and insurace rate are not much more then 250 cc.
Welcome!

Thanks for the welcome. Like you said, the insurance rates aren't much more than a 250cc and comfortable on the highway. Highway driving is going to be important to me as I will want to do some cruising once I feel comfortable on streets first. And since my only other option is a 250cc, I can deal with the cost difference of insurance so that I will be able to enjoy the bike for the things I will want to do on it.

I also have been taking into consideration what coverage I need. Since I will be buying a used bike (GS500F are going for quite cheap;cheaper than every 250cc used bike out there might I add), it wouldn't make sense to get full coverage as the bike will not be worth very much so I would be wasting money. That's also another reason to get the GS500F. The money that I will be saving on buying a used one over a 250cc will have a total first year cost (cost of bike and first year of insurance) that is less than getting a used ninja 250 or cbr 250.