First motorcycle recommendations?

[FunSeeker27]

Ninja 500R is the way to go!

Well, I just took the plunge into the world of motorcycles this year and I bought a new Ninja 500R and I have to say that I love the bike. I'd probably say to avoid the Ninja 250 for the same reason you keep hearing - you're gonna outgrow it out in a year.

The Ninja 500 has a ton of power and from the reviews I've seen, it's a much better choice than the Suzuki GS500F (the other bike I was looking at). The Ninja is more agile and although it's got the same size engine as the GS500F, it puts out more HP and feels quicker.

I'm still in the "break-in" period right now so I can't take the revs above 4000 RPM's and lemme tell ya, it's killing me cuz the power doesn't really kick in until above 5000 RPM's. Only got another few hundred km's to go before I can really have fun. But the bike itself is really easy to ride, handles well, and seems pretty quiet too!

Whatever you choose, have fun with it!

 

[goodtime]

I was reading some stats recently that suggested that the fatality rate for motorcyclists in the U.S. had more than doubled over the last ten years. The reason mentioned was baby-boomers having mid-life crisises, buying big, powerful bikes and falling off. Twenty somethings have the reflexes, career bikers have the experience, baby-boomers have neither, and hence, way more accidents.

That does not mean you should not do it, it's just something that you have to take seriously and be careful with. Though it seems like lots of accidents have nothing to do with the biker, they just get hurt because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

True mid-lifers can afford the powerful bad boys. Remember a brunch of the custom ones on display at that Adelaide building lobby in the fall.

Age doesn't seem to be a factor in my circle when it comes to reflex and we're just old weekend jocks.

However, the more powerful bikes can easily and quickly get you in trouble. 20-something tend to ride sport bikes which are more agile, while mid-lifers go for big 'comfort' bikes. Saw that exact sceniro while I was in Vaughan today, with sport bike easily got out of trouble.

 

[pizzaboo]

First bike

I have been riding about six years now myself . You need to judge how much highway riding you are going to do before you decide on a size of bike . If highways are common get one of the sport bikes in the 500 cc range as the 600 ' s are extremely fast now and can get new riders in trouble very quickly . Also have you considered an enduro as a first bike ? Smaller ones have the same highway problem but add the ability for rougher roads and light trails for fun and learning . My first bike was a Yamaha 550 Maxim which pulled 140 - 150 on the highway with ease . My present bike is an 01 BMW 650 GS ( enduro ) that is great on the roads and trails at my cottage and 170 on the highway when needed . Take the courses , Humber myself , as they will teach you alot in a short time and will save on insurance more than the price of the course . As for liscence : M1 written good for 90 days no major highway , passengers , and zero alcohol . M2 requires min 60 days of M1 and the Humber course will give You the test for M2 so after 60 days of M1 ministry will issue M2 . M2 is good for 5 years and the only restriction is zero alcohol. Between 2 -5 years take a second course to get full M . Some insurance companies offer cheaper rates after 3 years full M so you may want to get it in 2 years instead of 5 . Nobody told me this so I waited 5 years and am still paying the higher rate .

Enjoy and good luck

Boo

 

[Gititon]

boss hoss is exactly what i thought when i read the thread title, too!

Yep, they are one saweeeeeeet machine

I've always wanted a bike, but raising kids, paying off the mortgage, etc etc etc took precedence for a lot of years.

When I found the boss hoss, my heart did a little flip flop, and I fell in love....lol.

I figure it's a great way to see the continent when I retire. And the nice thing is, once you meet a few that ride them, you always have a place to stay....pretty cost effective way to travel in my opinion !

 

[Hard Idle]

I'm not nearly as qualified to give advice seeing as I don't ride ( save for fooling around with my Ex-GF's bikes on deserted lots at 3AM ) but here's what I've heard form some other beginners:

It's true that most guys outgrow a 250 very soon, but if you are built on the smaller side, the lightness and ease of maneuvering of a 250 will make your first steps much easier. Seeing as you are a very late starter, you probably should not begin to explore the performance advantages of a stronger bike in your first season.

If it turns out you are ready for a bigger bike by September, you will get a better price on it in the Fall from some youngster going to College who can't afford to keep his bike.

Meanwhile, you can re-sell a Kawk 250 any time of year for the same $$ you bought it for - there are always girls (or guys under 120lbs) who need to buy this particular bike.

Taking baby steps on my Ex's Ninja 250 was not intimidating. But with my Uncle's 750, I didn't dare to make a turn even in the underground garage from fear of fucking up his bike, I thought there was a difference for sure.

 

[goodtime]

I'm not nearly as qualified to give advice seeing as I don't ride ( save for fooling around with my Ex-GF's bikes on deserted lots at 3AM )

You too!

 

[lickrolaine]

If your only riding in the city,the smaller the better.There are some decent scooters made by honda (not in Ca yet?) and suzuki,they are 600 and 650 cc's.Lots of storage space.As far as the crotch rocket ride goes,never was into that,give me a cruiser style bike.I was into bikes in 79,80-85,and just got back in around 02.I do not ride highways on weekends,and use it for short trips only.I would say the safest way to ride would be to join a club,like the "Southern Cruisers", and ride as a group,the old safety in numbers theory.Plus you will meet lots of people.

 

[peeler_feeler]

Ninja 500

Sounds like the "more power" than a 250cc is a recurring opinion here. I may move up to the Ninja 500 for three reasons:
1) less need to upgrade early
2) highway capability
3) more used Ninja 500's available on the market.

Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[thats all]

Sorry, a lil' off topic, but curious? Taking a peek at dudes riding around their bikes during the summer, I couldn' help noticing 2 x-teme differences in biking attire ......


THE EASY BREASY TYPE

ride around with barely wearing a T-shirt
cut off T's, shorts, a pair of sneakers, that's it

THE READY TO RUMBLE TYPE

wearing more leather than a dominatrix
leather jacket, pants, gloves, boots, name it


It seems like a double-edged sword. Ride for comfort, all seems well until godforbid you end up taking a spill and leaving a carnage of flesh n' bone all over the pavement. On the other hand, if you're wearing hot n' heavy gear top-to-bottom, must feel like your riding in a sauna on wheels

So again, curious? What do some of you gear heads wear out there during the hot, sunny days of summer?

 

[papasmerf]

Dump a bike once and tell me what you think is best.

 

[Pedro Sanchez]

The training courses provide a bike for a nominal fee so don't bother getting one for that purpose.

The training courses provide a bike for your M1 exit, you must provide your own bike for your M2 exit.

Thanks for the recommendations, and if anyone wants to PM me the details or link for the training course @ Humber, I'd be grateful.

http://calendardb.humber.ca/LIS/Web...etails.do?name=Motorcycle+Training+and+Safety
http://calendardb.humber.ca/LIS/WebCalendar/CE/CourseOffering.do?name=CYCL_010

I recommend a Kawasaki 500 Ninja. Peeler Check your pm's

 

[skypilot]

Sorry, a lil' off topic, but curious? Taking a peek at dudes riding around their bikes during the summer, I couldn' help noticing 2 x-teme differences in biking attire ......


THE EASY BREASY TYPE

ride around with barely wearing a T-shirt
cut off T's, shorts, a pair of sneakers, that's it

THE READY TO RUMBLE TYPE

wearing more leather than a dominatrix
leather jacket, pants, gloves, boots, name it


It seems like a double-edged sword. Ride for comfort, all seems well until godforbid you end up taking a spill and leaving a carnage of flesh n' bone all over the pavement. On the other hand, if you're wearing hot n' heavy gear top-to-bottom, must feel like your riding in a sauna on wheels

So again, curious? What do some of you gear heads wear out there during the hot, sunny days of summer?

At the least on a real hot day I wear jeans, leather gloves, and a T-Shirt. If I am going on a major highway I put on a leather jacket regardless of the heat. Travelling at high speeds gives you plenty of ventilation. I don't understand the people in the shorts and sneakers - to each their own, but wouldn't want to watch them fall off.
I've been riding since 1969, currently have a HD Roadking. If I could buy another bike it would be the Triumph Rocket III Classic, 2294cc's right out of the factory.
http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/3408.aspx

 

[nominis]

Those new Triumphs are beauts ... that'd be my choice if I had the cash.

 

[peeler_feeler]

Bought the bike today

I used autotrader.ca - bike edition: and found a 2004 Ninja 500 with low km's and bought it for $5,400. I'll be taking delivery in a few weeks.

Now I'm just waiting to complete the motorcyle course in the 3rd week of May so I can begin to practice my riding. I am very much looking forward to this new hobby. Considering I have never been on a motorcycle before it should be a very interesting experience.

http://www.spunkysmc.com/pre-owned/04ninja500.jpg

 

[pizzaboo]

Congratulation

Sounds like you made a good choice . Hope you enjoy the course and have a good season. How painful is the insurance bill ?

Boo

 

[tboy]

Well, as you've already bought a bike, no use warning you about the crotch rocket comfort level. You'll find out soon enuff *eg*.

I have driven everything from a 50 cc honda to a 1000 Goldwing and owned a 600 ninja for about 2 yrs. While cool, fast, nimble and can eat most porsches for breakfast the thing that got me was the strain on the wrists. remember, unless you rest your chest on the tank all your upper body weight will be borne by your wrists.

Another word of warning if you're driving in the city: You are 100% INVISIBLE to other drivers. Remember that, first foremost and always. I remember the last time I rode in Tdot and was out for about 2 hrs and almost got knocked off 15 times (+/-) I rode for the rest of the summer and sold my bike the next spring.

You'll probably hear this stuff during your class but here's some pointers for you:

1) NEVER drive beside a vehicle in the back 2 quadrants EVER (from door jambs back). If you thought you were invisible before, you're even MORE invisible there.

2) Don't ride in the middle of the lane, that's where all the crap (oil, grease etc) remains from all the vehicles (gets slippery as hell in the summer sun).

3) Keep your high beams on all the time. This makes you exponentially more (or less invisible) visible

4) remember: there are 2 types of bikers: Those that have fallen and those that are going to. When you do fall, pick yourself up, wrap up your road rash, and get back on (that is, if the bike is still rideable)

 

[gentle_lover]

No clue ??!!??

Hi bikers,

I always been interested to have my own sportbike. Something with 500cc-750cc engine. I am 5'7 and 140 lbs. Do you think what kind of motorbike that would be suitable for me? I am 24 yrs old, never had motorbike license before in North America, but I do have G license. If you guys know, do you think how much do I have to pay for the insurance? I am making comparable between getting a car or a bike. Thanks a bunch

 

[raydeon]

Forget the motorbike. Get yourself a bicycle and get to enjoy nature the way it's meant to be, in a quiet, peaceful and noiseless environment. Plenty of secondary roads in Ontario will give you that. You will also get the benefit of a healthier physical condition.

 

[gentle_lover]

Forget the motorbike. Get yourself a bicycle and get to enjoy nature the way it's meant to be, in a quiet, peaceful and noiseless environment. Plenty of secondary roads in Ontario will give you that. You will also get the benefit of a healthier physical condition.

Sorry man, I am not a Green Peace activist.

 

[tboy]

GL: according to your specs, age etc, if you get a bike with an R in the name, you'll probably pay somewhere around $2000.00 + Now this isn't a quote because I haven't had Bike insurance for a couple of years but last time I did, it was about 10 yrs ago, the insurance on my ninja was $1200.00 and I was in my 30's so you're going to pay more.

More important than your physical description is your ability. IMHO if you do not have great reflexes, great hand eye co-ordination, and are not able to take some abuse (remember, bikes do not have ac and heaters, well some do but they're rare) I would shy away from getting a bike.