I 100% agree with this. :thumbup:
Also, to OP if you haven't gotten your M1 yet, do it ASAP! ... get the clock running on the mandatory minimum 60 days you need to hold it before upgrading to your M2.
older guy looking to get M2
- Thread starter MHY
- Start date
I 100% agree with this. :thumbup:
Also, to OP if you haven't gotten your M1 yet, do it ASAP! ... get the clock running on the mandatory minimum 60 days you need to hold it before upgrading to your M2.
DraginMiFeet
Well-known member
Hi, I ride a Honda VTX 1300 but have thought about getting another for in the City. Check out the 250cc Suzuki Marauder. Great cruiser looking bike and not that expensive. Have a look at this one:
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...ppers-2008-Suzuki-Marauder-W0QQAdIdZ389492605
Helmets: I was recently t-boned by a truck and lucky I was wearing a full face helmet or the front of my face would have been ripped off. Drove my right side head into the truck then drove my left side of my head into the pavement. In extreme heat in the city I wear a half helmet and always wear full armour textile jacket (once again, lucky I was wearing it).
My 1st full face helmet was about $120.00, the one I replace it with was $200.00. I have noticed a big difference in how quiet it is compared to my old one. The chin strap is also quick connect and disconnect instead of threading through the metal loops. Also an air pump to squeeze the cheeks if it doesn't quite fit right. And yes, it should feel tight. I bought a hi-vis helmet.. kinda lime green colour (Can you see me now? LOL). It also has a flip down sun visor which I think is the best thing since sliced bread.
Although I've been riding off and on most of my life the last 2 years has been the most enjoyable and I'm 60 and just live north of you.
Good luck in your new found addictive hobby.
Colin
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...ppers-2008-Suzuki-Marauder-W0QQAdIdZ389492605
Helmets: I was recently t-boned by a truck and lucky I was wearing a full face helmet or the front of my face would have been ripped off. Drove my right side head into the truck then drove my left side of my head into the pavement. In extreme heat in the city I wear a half helmet and always wear full armour textile jacket (once again, lucky I was wearing it).
My 1st full face helmet was about $120.00, the one I replace it with was $200.00. I have noticed a big difference in how quiet it is compared to my old one. The chin strap is also quick connect and disconnect instead of threading through the metal loops. Also an air pump to squeeze the cheeks if it doesn't quite fit right. And yes, it should feel tight. I bought a hi-vis helmet.. kinda lime green colour (Can you see me now? LOL). It also has a flip down sun visor which I think is the best thing since sliced bread.
Although I've been riding off and on most of my life the last 2 years has been the most enjoyable and I'm 60 and just live north of you.
Good luck in your new found addictive hobby.
Colin
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nToxEk8d
Well-known member
Welcome to the forum. I just turned 50 and took my M2 course @ RTI. They had the Suzuki TU250 available. It is a comfortable bike and easy to operate. I felt it gave the best feedback. However, I ended up getting the Kawasaki Ninja EX250R (2010) and I love it. Despite its sporty looks/stance, it has a very nice seating position, pretty upright.
Take the course and try all the bikes out. I tried them all on the first day and on that evening, I went to see the Kawasaki and decided to buy it. Since I was getting a sport bike, I spent the entire second day on the Honda CBR125R and took the test with it.
Best of luck and ride safe.
ps: I hope the wife warms up to the idea :O) Mine isn't too pleased but I have ridden scooters and bikes (2Up) in the past while we were on vacation.
Take the course and try all the bikes out. I tried them all on the first day and on that evening, I went to see the Kawasaki and decided to buy it. Since I was getting a sport bike, I spent the entire second day on the Honda CBR125R and took the test with it.
Best of luck and ride safe.
ps: I hope the wife warms up to the idea :O) Mine isn't too pleased but I have ridden scooters and bikes (2Up) in the past while we were on vacation.
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Well, your story sounds all too familiar.
I too, at a tender age of 46, began riding for my first time. Always wanted to, but raising a family, career as most of us had come first.
For some reason, many men see the clock ticking as they approach 50 and want to get in as much as possible before they cannot. I could write a book on this.
The very best of luck and enjoyment to you and hope you enjoy this passion as much as I do.
I too, at a tender age of 46, began riding for my first time. Always wanted to, but raising a family, career as most of us had come first.
For some reason, many men see the clock ticking as they approach 50 and want to get in as much as possible before they cannot. I could write a book on this.
The very best of luck and enjoyment to you and hope you enjoy this passion as much as I do.
Passed the course this weekend, now on to the next step and get a bike and some practice going. It was quite the experience and much more difficult than I had ever envisioned, I was not all that confident I would pass. The RTI instructors were very supportive and provided personalized tips which were extremely helpful.
If you're still riding, then it's high time you moved up to the front seat and drove.
My wife and kids ride, I drive.
drive: To guide, control, or direct (a vehicle).
ride: To be carried or conveyed, as in a vehicle or on horseback.
I'm fifty something, ran out of fingers and toes to count some time ago, so it doesn't matter.
You want your helmet snug, but not giving you a headache. My first two helmets were too big.
Here's a video from Leno's garage about helmet fitting.
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/arai-helmets/283819/
There are some issues with flip up helmets. They are heavier, have two big pivot bolts near your temples, should not be used in the open position. Depending on the lock mechanism, it can sometimes fail in an accident. Most are only DOT approved. Not Snell or ECE if that matters to you. All in all a full face tends to be safer and quieter, but is a little less convenient. Do you smoke?
Excellent! :happy11:
You will enjoy it immensely! (I often wish I still had mine).
Do remember to get check out gstwins.com for all things pertaining to the mighty GS500!
See you around! :thumbup:
naked is best. :thumbup:Congrats! Most people opt for the fared version, we're a minority
peterventure
Well-known member
Welcome and enjoy riding your GS500. Great bike to start with and quick enough to be entertaining.
