Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Attention Riders: Advice on first motorcycle

OnTheFly · 01-10-2007, 01:23 PM

I've been riding about 8 years - Currently a Honda Shadow Areo 1100.

The best advice anyone gave me was that my first bike be something I wouldn't be "too upset" if I drop. "They" say that there are 2 types of riders - Those who have dumped their ride and those who are going to. I haven't dumped my ride yet but boy-o I've come close a few times.

I rode for a year on a 85 Magna V35 for a complete season to gain confidence on a nimble bike. When I was ready to move up, I sold the bike for EXACTLY what I had paid for it (around 2 grand). Older bikes basically hold their value and you really shouldn't lose any money (unless you put like 20,000 kms in a season)

My logic was that I would rather drop 2 grand than 14 grand.... If you get the bug hardcore - You'll pretty much be looking to upgrade more often than you might think.... I'm already looking at upgrading to the 96cu Road King because the 1100 doesn't do it for me anymore on the open road. If the finances had allowed me, I would have got the Road King sooner (But I'm glad I waited because they just started offering the 96cu)

All you need to ride on the road is your drivers license as long as you are riding with someone who has their Class 6. The reason I mention this is because when you take a course you'll probably ride on like a 250 rebel or something that's a lot smaller than your bike. So try to ride with buddies as much as you can on your own bike before and while you're taking the course. I rode for 2 years before I actually got my class 6 - I know.. bad bad bad...

I don't know if that helps you - but if I had to start over again, I'd do it just they way I did (except maybe get my license sooner)

01-10-2007, 01:23 PM	#8
OnTheFly Draft Pick Join Date: Aug 2005	I've been riding about 8 years - Currently a Honda Shadow Areo 1100. The best advice anyone gave me was that my first bike be something I wouldn't be "too upset" if I drop. "They" say that there are 2 types of riders - Those who have dumped their ride and those who are going to. I haven't dumped my ride yet but boy-o I've come close a few times. I rode for a year on a 85 Magna V35 for a complete season to gain confidence on a nimble bike. When I was ready to move up, I sold the bike for EXACTLY what I had paid for it (around 2 grand). Older bikes basically hold their value and you really shouldn't lose any money (unless you put like 20,000 kms in a season) My logic was that I would rather drop 2 grand than 14 grand.... If you get the bug hardcore - You'll pretty much be looking to upgrade more often than you might think.... I'm already looking at upgrading to the 96cu Road King because the 1100 doesn't do it for me anymore on the open road. If the finances had allowed me, I would have got the Road King sooner (But I'm glad I waited because they just started offering the 96cu) All you need to ride on the road is your drivers license as long as you are riding with someone who has their Class 6. The reason I mention this is because when you take a course you'll probably ride on like a 250 rebel or something that's a lot smaller than your bike. So try to ride with buddies as much as you can on your own bike before and while you're taking the course. I rode for 2 years before I actually got my class 6 - I know.. bad bad bad... I don't know if that helps you - but if I had to start over again, I'd do it just they way I did (except maybe get my license sooner)