New rider from Thornhill

G

gunnerpc

Member
I've just completed the Humber Gearing Up program and successfully completed the M2 test. So now I need to actually get my own bike. Any ideas anybody has on what to look for would be appreciated. I'm thinking that for a starter bike it should probably be no more than 500 cc and something in the $1,000 - $2,500 range so that it will be easy to move up in a year or two as I get more experience.

This looks like a great site with plenty of real experts to help out. I hope in time I'll also be able to contribute something worthwhile.
 
I just signed up here not to long ago. I just bought my first bike this year... I elected to go with a Ninja 250R... 2009 with 15km on it for $3000. It is not to powerful but it really gets you familiar with the corners and good shifting and braking. I do admit, it isn't the best bike for highway use as it tops out at 160km/hour and with the size, it blows around a lot on windy days. I love it for around town and I get tons of compliments on it as a great starter bike. I will probably move up to something after I complete my M on this bike at the end of the season. Welcome to the life of riding... it's awesome!
 
Welcome to the forum! As for the starter bike, what kind are you considering to purchase... ie. sport or cruiser?
 
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Thanks for checking - I should have clarified that. Probably cruiser more than sport - I'm a "youthful" 61 (we probably all think that!), and even though I love the thought of a zippy sport bike, I think I have to accept the reality of the passing years and if that means something a bit more "sedate", then that's likely the right thing to do. I did my course on a Virago 250 and although the instructors all seemed to think it made sense to get something bigger, I actually thought it would be a good starter bike to have for a couple of years.
 
Hi welcome yes i know they say buy a older one & smaller cc but you will want something bigger & better very soon depends on money really.
i passed my test last July & went straight out & got a brand new V strom 650 ( I was going in for a used 1250s Bandit but Suzuki had knocked 2 grand off a new Vstrom) it was a big learning curve to start as I had not riden a bike since the early 80's in England where I had an old Kwacker KH250. I already want something bigger though I do like my bike a lot (understatement of the year lol) at the end of the day it all depends what you are comfortable with.
 
Welcome!!
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Hey I just signed up as well. Was going to start a new thread but since I'm in Thornhill as well I figured I might as well just tag on to this one. Just got my M2 last weekend, looking to get a bike and excited to get out on the road.
 
Welcome. There's lots of good information in the New Riders section, definitely check those stickies. My advice is get out and visit dealers, friends, motorcycle shows, whatever you can, to sit on as many bikes as possible before making a decision. You might be surprised at what you do or don't like.
 
gunnerpc said:
I've just completed the Humber Gearing Up program and successfully completed the M2 test. So now I need to actually get my own bike. Any ideas anybody has on what to look for would be appreciated. I'm thinking that for a starter bike it should probably be no more than 500 cc and something in the $1,000 - $2,500 range so that it will be easy to move up in a year or two as I get more experience.

This looks like a great site with plenty of real experts to help out. I hope in time I'll also be able to contribute something worthwhile.
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Welcome! There are a lot of bikes out there that can fit your criteria. As one of the posters said here, take your time do your research and shop around for the right bike for you!! If you have a friend who rides take them bike shopping with you. Don't forget about insurance - if you already have a set list of bikes in mind call around and inquire for insurance, because you never know what your quote will come out as and you will likely need to budget for that during the year.

As an aside, I started on a Ninja 250 and it is definitely a terrific starter bike.

Good luck and enjoy your time on the road. You will meet a lot of people from this board and also on the road and many of them would be glad to help.
 
Welcome aboard!
 
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