Step by Step guide from getting your licence to buying your bike
- Thread starter getfunky
- Start date
Hi skybike,
Same situation here and I did my course with RTI a few yrs back...do the M1 exit course with safety training. Every insurance provider asks for it and I'm sure there is definitely some saving involved if you go through the course. If you have to do it via MTO, you have to bring your bike and gear.
Try getting a quote with and without safety training if you want to cross-check. All the best!
The M2 doesnt matter at NFP as they know that as soon as you pass the course that M2 is coming and you earned it so they can get you those M2 rates right away. You dont need to wait the 60 days though of course you have to still play by the M1 rules on the road until you officially get the M2.
So my nephew is going for his M2 course at "Learning Curves". How strict are they if you show up in jeans, t-shirt, gloves and construction boots? NO leather jacket. Will he be able to do the course anyways? Can he get away wearing a long-sleeve shirt instead? He doesn't want to buy a leather jacket just to wear for 2 days.Last updated: April 29, 2023
I sadly don't ride any more so this section won't see as many updates anymore. I'll try to keep it up to date as much as possible.
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So you are deciding to get a bike? Well this guide should hopefully answer all your questions.
Step 1: Can you afford insurance?
Before doing anything, the first thing you need to do is get insurance quote and see if you can actually afford the payments. Many hopeful riders had their dreams dashed because insurance was more than they can afford. You may have not yet decided on what bike or anything at this stage, but throw out some options you might have been considering to atleast get a rough idea of your payments. Once you're comfortable with the estimates, you'll need to go back to them after completing the next few steps, to get exact rates. There are some amazing links on this site that will help you with that.
Which insurance company?
VifferFun went through a lot of trouble to put this together so my all means read it carefully. Almost everything you need to know is on the first page itself. If you get a good quote, try to get them to mail it to you as they usually good for 45 days. Call 3-4 different companies. Don't be afraid to shop around and get the best rate.
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Step 2: Do the M1
Note: Your M1 licence is valid for 90 days. If the licence expires, you will need to start over. After you pass, you need to wait at least 60 days before you can take your first road test.
So to get up and running in the shortest time possible, my advice is to first book an M2 training course (see step 3). Then schedule your M1 test 60 days before your M2 course begins. This way when you finish your M2 course, you can go to MTO to get your M2 right away. If you follow this stratergy, you'll have 30 days after your M2 course to get it done before it expires and you've to start over.
The actual M1 test is simple and it costs $16. I used this handbook to pass the M1 portion of the test. Note that the above handbook is not enough to pass as you need knowledge of G1 questions and road signs. You maybe asking “What does G1 have to do with this?”. My answer “Nothing. Just the MTO is lazy to eliminate those questions”. Even if you have your G1, you still need to do this. The questions you really need to know are the ones pertaining to suspensions and demerit points.
I haven’t found an online handbook but here is a practice site (appears wonky in firefox...works in chrome)
Once you’re ready, go to any of the centre that offer the written test. Currently at time of writing this only one Service Ontario location does this 777 Bay St. located downtown. There are also various DriveTest centres that allow you to do the test. Word of advice – Go the moment it opens in the morning otherwise be prepared to wait 2-3 hrs at any other time of the day.
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Step 3: Do the M2 training course
There are benefits to doing the training course as opposed to going straight-away for the test. You’ll get insurance discounts and you will learn proper technique and useful information. Plus it will give you an idea whether riding is for you or not. Better to spend the $350-$450 and figure its not for you than spend $2000+ and lose on the resale. There are a bunch that offer these courses:
a) Learning Curves
These folks are awesome. I did mine here and learned a lot. Waiting period shouldn’t be too long here. You could get one the week off if you’re lucky. Also members of this forum get a good deal. Check out the above link.
b) Rider Training Institute
These folks are popular so getting a date anytime soon is unlikey unless someone cancelled. You are looking at a month to two months waiting period.
c) Motorcycle Training Organziation of Halton-Peel
Great option for those living in the west end.
There are others but I don’t remember them. The key thing here is pick the one closest to you. They are all good and recommended. The reason you should pick the closest one to you is because these are intense training days (Sat and Sun from 8-9 till 4-5 depending on the institute). You will be exhausted and tired by the end of the session so it pays to have a shorter commute home. Also don’t buy equipment now. As long as you wear jeans, any kind of leather jacket, gloves that cover the wrists (gardening gloves will do if worst comes to worst) and boots that cover ankles. If you can borrow or rent the Dot approved helmet that would be useful. Unless you already happen to have a bike and gear to go with it, then just bring that.
Remember: Passing this course doesn't automatically change your licence to M2. You have to wait minimum 60 days from the time you do your M1 (not from time you do M2) before you can go to the MTO and hand in the sealed envelope to get your M2. So till then, M1 restrictions apply.
Note: Once you get your M2 licence, you have up to five years to get your full M licence but you can only take the second road test after waiting 22 months. After five years, if you do not get your full licence, you will need to start over.
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Step 4: What kind of bike and the hunt for said bike
Once you pass, begin the search for your bike. If you are new, I highly recommend a used bike in the following CC range - 300 to 500cc to begin with if you are going the sportbike route. I say used because it will be cheaper for one, and there is a possibility you will drop it so better to buy used and learn on it for a year or so before upgrading to something bigger and powerful. Also you don't have to worry about the hassle's of breaking-in a brand new bike. You can also put a lower amount than you paid in the Bill of Sale section of the UVIP to pay lower taxes and save some money
Note: This section is probably outdated but you can read it to get the general idea I'm trying to convey. With the rise of EV bikes and such, I suggest doing additional research on what's best for you.
I prefer the 300 to hone your skills before moving up and there are a bunch of good ones. The most popular being the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the Honda's CBR 300. They also come in ABS verisons. I've never had the chance to try the ABS verisons so I can't comment but its a good safety feature knowing you can't lock out your brakes. The previous models of the same being the 250cc versions are also good bikes to start if you want to save more money but won't come with ABS. If you are considering 250s I add Hyosung GT250R to the list as well. There is the Honda CBR125cc and that is perfect city bike. If you plan to do a lot of highway, I wouldn’t recommend it. A 250cc+ would be the way to go then. If you are thinking 600cc+, please read this first
I’m not sure if the same applies to cruisers. Maybe something that’s 400cc-650cc for a cruiser would be good to start but don’t quote me on this as I’m just guessing.
Good places to search are:
a) The sale section of this forum
b) Craigslist
c) Kijiji
d) Autotrader
e) Facebook Group - Toronto Area Motorcycle Buy/Sell
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Step 5: Buying the bike
Lets say you found a used bike you really like. Meet the seller, inspect the bike. If you can bring a friend that is knowledgeable that would help. Otherwise look for signs it was raced or dropped. If he/she lets you test it, then by all means do so but please don't drop it. If you go with an experienced friend and you are new to it, then let your friend test drive it. Otherwise get the owner to ride around in front of you.
(Courtesy of thestar.com) This was written for non-EV bikes. Some points would still apply for EVs.
For a more detailed guide, you can read this.
- Make sure it's really clean. If the owner couldn't be bothered to get the bike looking perfect before you got there, walk away. Chances are maintenance was treated the same.
- Do a quick walk-around, looking for obvious crash damage like bent levers, damaged paint, marks on the bottom outside edges of the engine cases, or scratched handlebar ends. Get the bars straight and look at it from front and rear for any sign of wheel misalignment.
- Check for little holes ( 1/16th of an inch) drilled in fasteners and fluid drain bolts. It's a dead giveaway that the bike has been raced or at least used hard on track days.
- Check the rubber with the flashlight. Inspect the manifolds between the carb (or EFI system) and the engine in particular. Any age cracks there could mean endless grief over a performance problem.
- Check tire tread depth, profile (if the rear in particular looks a bit "squared off" rather than round, it's overdue for replacement), and sidewall cracks.
- Check the brakes and clutch levers for smooth operation and push the bike around. Do the brakes work? Does the clutch release?
- Check the lights and signals.
- Before you start the motor, put a hand on it to be sure it's cold – sellers have been known to get a poor-starting engine hot before a buyer arrives to make it more likely to fire quickly when tried.
- Check suspension for leaks (oil residue on the fork legs or near the shocks), and push down both ends to be sure the compression and rebound are smooth. Get the front wheel off the ground and turn the bars from lock to lock; clicking noises or looseness are bad signs.
If the bike is a year or two old, there really shouldn’t be much problems. Once you are confident on the bike you choose, a used motorcycle from a private sale requires the following: (if you go the dealership route, they take care of the following and guide you on what to do)
*Note:* Step a and b are if you only want it registered in your name. Step c and d are if you want to plate the bike.
a) Used Vehicle Information Package, which the seller should provide.
b) Ownership papers that you and the seller will fill out
c) You'll also need a safety certificate – I'd hold out for one from a reputable bike shop. In Ontario, any licensed car mechanic can certify a motorcycle, whether he knows what he's looking at or not. A highly recommended one across this board is Ted from Rosey Toes. You can take it to his shop and get is certified for around $60/hr or he can come to the sellers places and get it certified for some more $. Sometimes the seller will pay for it, something you may have to. I prefer to get someone I trust certify for it and pay for it myself than have the seller certify it from some car mechanic.
d) Insurance coverage. You will get the VIN from the UVIP or ownership papers that the insurance company will need to begin your coverage. You will get a policy number that you need to fill into the ownership paper section.
Before concluding the private sale, make sure you collect the motorcycle manual, spare keys etc from the seller to avoid any future hassle. Ask if the seller can deliver the bike to your place since you have no plates yet. If he cannot you can haul it using a large van or have someone else do it for you. There are a couple of guys that do this on this board, like ToyHauler. Or you can pay a deposit, fill out a contract to protect your self, get your licence plate (next step), return to seller and swap plates on the bike and return his plate, pay the remaining and drive off and enjoy!
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Step 6: Getting your licence plate and Gear
Take the above three things (UVIP, Safety certificate and ownership papers) and go to any of the centers here. Under "Services your need" type in Register a vehicle and then your postal code to find the closest one. Pay the fees and you’ll have a plate. Put it on your bike and enjoy. As for gear, Royal Distribution down in Guelph has good prices otherwise keep an eye out for local gear with good padding and protection over style. There is also Dave at Altimate boots at Keele and Lawrence. He'll hook you up with all the gear you'll need at warehouse prices. He supplies Royal. and most of the dealers in town.
Jacket: There are many choices from, leather to textile to mesh to combination. I personally prefer the combinations. Half leather half textile with lining serves all purposes. Leather on the parts that matter like elbows, shoulders, back and chest while the rest is textile with more room to breathe. I've seen mostly ICON do this as well as Joe Rocket. I picked up a Joe Rocket one from Cycleworld Superstore. It has removable sleeves but keeps a lining a mesh underneath with amour so you're still protected on those extremely hot days. It also comes with a loops that your belt can go through to prevent it from sliding up when you fall. For something like that you're looking in the $350 range
Helmet: Many choices - some come modular that can have the entire front piece lift if you do a lot of talking, others with separate built-in sun visors, some with pumps to keep the padding snug, ventilation etc. I say - go with something that has ventilation and the others stuff is upto you. Make sure it is snug and doesn't allow your face to go side to side when your hold the helmet tight. Something good will cost you $300 and up.
Gloves: I recommend getting two pairs. One for winter and a summer use. As long as there is knuckle and wrist bone protection you are good. Good pairs cost around $80 up.
Pants: I didn't get any. If you plan to race get leather otherwise for street get textile. Or if you are like me and prefer wearing jeans, you can get some knee pads to slide under your jeans. Another recommendation from this thread was Kevlar reinforced jeans for those who prefer to wear jeans.
Boots: I got a pair of ICON Tarmac Ventilated shoes and OH MY that is sooooo comfy and nice. I absolutely love it and has great ankle protection. Also it isn't like a racing boot that comes up so high. Price is cheap too! Around $100 and up.
Hope this guide was helpful. I miss this community and i'll keep updating whenever I can. Cheers!
The instructor will cover the requirement in the in class; 1-2 days before the course. He will also get an email from head office.
TLDR; minimum requirements are heavy denim jacket and pants, boots/shoes of durable material that cover the ankle, gloves with suede or leather palm that cover the wrist.
Thanks. I guess he will have to hit Value Village over the weekend then, his M2 course is next weekend.
hymnz
Well-known member
As cheap/horrible as I may sound I had to get a leather jacket with same day delivery on a Friday through Amazon and then returned it back Sunday evening after the course. You may try this as well. One thing I ensured is to keep it clean and odour free
I purchased a proper mesh jacket immediately after.
Well my nephew borrowed a proper riding jacket, went to Walmert to buy $25 denim pants, and bought goalkeeper gloves and used his tennis shoes which covered his ankles.
He passed the exam! But an older neighbor of ours didn't pass it. They were both booked in the same class.
Unfortunately, when I try to follow this link I'm redirected to a page that says "You do not have permission to view this page or perform this action. "
But maybe someone here can answer my questions. At least in general.
A bit of background: I've been riding continuously for almost 50 years. There were no courses or back then and insurance cost me a whopping $75 per year. The first generation of riding courses were in place in time for She Who Must Be Obeyed and back then it was an exhaustive 2 weekend program, but at the end insurance companies offered a bit of a discount if you passed. By the time my kids started riding the process had changed dramatically -- graduated licensing was introduced and the course shortened to 1 weekend (no more wheelie or teeter-totter training). Now my oldest grandson is getting his license and this grouchy old man is trying to navigate the current morass.
SWMBO's bike is a Virago 535. All the kids started on that bike; it's just about the perfect starter bike: light, very low centre of gravity, high torque forgiving of accidental second- or third- gear launches, can comfortably cruise at 100kph (important since we live in a northern area served only by one of the M1 exempted 100kph highways). And it comes pre-equipped with some minor dings and scratches. When she stopped riding, I carefully stored it away against the possibility of grandkids learning and that day is now upon us. I've fitted new tires, serviced the brakes, synched the carbs, cleaned the switches and lubed the moving bits. Conditional upon passing the course next weekend, it is (was?) our intention to let him use the bike while he saves up for his own.
Item #1: My insurance company (TD) claims the M1 is not considered to be a valid license. Therefore they will not add him to the policy even as an occasional driver until he has his M2 (which I understand now requires a 60 day waiting period despite passing the course). I'm not sure how they can make that claim when the MTO clearly considers it valid, if subject to certain restrictions. Once he has his M2, they will happily add him as a secondary driver for a reasonable rate. What I'm not clear on is if we can let him ride the bike (within the restrictions) just as letting any Ontario licensed rider use one's bike is covered by one's insurance (note: he does not reside in our household -- that would be different). Or do we need to seek out another insurance company to insure the bike for those 60 days? Any insights here?
Item #2: I came across a post suggesting Mitch Insurance was the only firm known to insure M1 riders. Is this still the case? Should I just get 2 months of insurance through them before switching back to TD.
Item #3: While stumbling through the internet I came across a lawyer's website page that states "M1 license holders must always be accompanied and supervised by a fully licensed motorcyclist who has a minimum of four years of riding experience and a BAC of less than 0.05%." I can't find any such restriction on the MTO website. Is this true, or a misprint, or an old restriction that no longer applies or ??? Is this maybe why TD won't recognize an M1 as a valid license, in the same vein as a G1 driver is not named on the parent's insurance policy?
Thanks in advance for any guidance you can offer.
Mad Mike
Well-known member
You can loan your bike to someone who does not live with you providing they are licences with an m1. Not so if they live with you.
TD and most insurers will insure an M1 rider providing they have passed an M1 exit course. The may ask for the paperwork. That lets you ride through the 60 day wait.
1) MM already answered but I will add that insurance follows the vehicle, not the rider. Thus being able to lend it at will to *anyone*.
2) Depends on insurer. By law you have to be offered an insurance policy if you meet ) the licensing requirements b) the insurer has not blacklisted the vehicle.
3) No such law or rule exists. M1 riders can ride by themselves under the listed restrictions on their license (time of day, speeds, etc). Insurers have moved away from insuring m1 riders due to the risk.
