Help with motorcycles!

[Banner]

Hello CP, I am planning to buy a motorcycle in the spring. However, I know absolutely nothing about them and would like for fellow Calgarians that actually own one to fill me in on some knowledge or tips. I currently own a class 5 and am planning to take a class 6 test in the summer.

Some main questions I have are:

What would be considered the normal price for a motorcycle?

Are insurance rates the same for a bike and a car?

What would be a good brand to start me off on?

I can only park it on the roadside since my other car is in the parking lot, so how can I prevent theft?

Major differences between driving a motorcycle and a car? (in terms of being on the road)

Keep in mind I know nothing about them. Any tips or info is greatly appreciated! I'd like to have a good understanding of them come Spring.

[K1LLswitch]

#1 take a course. I did TooCoolMotorcycleSchool - they were great! http://www.toocoolmotorcycleschool.com/

#2 really - take a course. Major differences are that a bike can react way faster to stuff (turning, breaking, accelerating) and that you need to elevate your defensive driving game because cars often don't see you. Look for guys going to change lanes over you, cars making a left in front of you etc. It becomes 2nd nature pretty quick to spot dangerous situations, but doing a course really helps for this

As for bikes and prices - you can spent anywhere from $4k for a decent used bike on kijiji to $25k on a brand new Ducati. What kind do you like the look of and what kind of riding do you want to do? Crotch rockets vs. cruisers vs. sport touring? Pretty different recommendations depending on what you want to start off with.

Insurance was about the same I remember (had kids, had to get rid of the bike).....liability is way less (you're likely just going to kill yourself on a bike) but comprehensive was way more as they can get stolen and are easy to write off (been there, done that).

[MotoRacer]

Go to the calgary motorcycle show. its every January.

[GrrlGoalie33]

I can't agree enough about the motorcycle school, though I went through Calgary Safety Council. You just can't put a price on how much more prepared you are for the road after taking a course.

Figure out what kind of riding you want to do. I bought a standard motorcycle (Suzuki S50), when I wanted a naked (think Ducati Monster). I don't ride as much because it isn't the style of bike I want, and as a result I'm going to sell my bike this spring.

[Phanuthier]

Same here, motorcycle school will teach you everything you need to know to answer these questions.

[Northendzone]

The most important money you will spend on a bike is for pipes. Buy the loudest pipes possible, and never use your horn, because you have the loud pipes.....

[pylon]

The first question I would ask you OP is, are you buying a motorcycle for performance/fun factor or simply as a means of affordable transportation?

Because that is going make a huge difference on what you should be looking at.

But in my opinion, the 'starter' bike argument usually begins and ends with the Suzuki SV650. Light enough that any noob can handle it, but still powerful enough that you are not going to hate it after one season. They are an absolute hoot to ride.

[Banner]

Originally Posted by K1LLswitch

#1 take a course. I did TooCoolMotorcycleSchool - they were great! http://www.toocoolmotorcycleschool.com/

#2 really - take a course. Major differences are that a bike can react way faster to stuff (turning, breaking, accelerating) and that you need to elevate your defensive driving game because cars often don't see you. Look for guys going to change lanes over you, cars making a left in front of you etc. It becomes 2nd nature pretty quick to spot dangerous situations, but doing a course really helps for this

As for bikes and prices - you can spent anywhere from $4k for a decent used bike on kijiji to $25k on a brand new Ducati. What kind do you like the look of and what kind of riding do you want to do? Crotch rockets vs. cruisers vs. sport touring? Pretty different recommendations depending on what you want to start off with.

Insurance was about the same I remember (had kids, had to get rid of the bike).....liability is way less (you're likely just going to kill yourself on a bike) but comprehensive was way more as they can get stolen and are easy to write off (been there, done that).

I will probably take a course if it helps that much! As for riding, I'm only planning to ride during spring/summer and within the city. Just need one for getting from destination to destination, nothing special really. On kijiji I have found an 06 Yamaha YZ85 for 2.1k, what would be your take on it?

[Regulator75]

Don't ride like a D-bag.

[Banner]

Originally Posted by pylon

The first question I would ask you OP is, are you buying a motorcycle for performance/fun factor or simply as a means of affordable transportation?

Because that is going make a huge difference on what you should be looking at.

But in my opinion, the 'starter' bike argument usually begins and ends with the Suzuki SV650. Light enough that any noob can handle it, but still powerful enough that you are not going to hate it after one season. They are an absolute hoot to ride.

Just a means of transportation is what I'm looking for. What would be the price for a suzuki SV650? Just so I know how much to save.

[metallicat]

I have an 09 SV650, paid 8400 for it brand new.

[gargamel]

Originally Posted by pylon

But in my opinion, the 'starter' bike argument usually begins and ends with the Suzuki SV650.

It's not a bad idea to buy used for your first bike, but if you want a new one, there are only 4 choices and they're all just variations of the same Suzuki: If you're mostly going to be riding locally, go for either the SV650 or the SV650 ABS. If you're planning to do some distance riding, look at the DL650 or the DL650 ABS.

I'm a firm believer in ABS, but there are people who are equally sure that non-ABS is the way to go. See what they say in your training class, and make your own decision about that.

But, whatever you do, either take the class or don't get a motorcycle.

[kerriffic]

I agree on the sv650. It was the first bike I bought when I got my licence 10 years ago, and I'm still driving the same bike. I have thought about upgrading it a few times,but I always decided against it because as others have mentioned its a great bike with enough power when you need it. The one thing I did upgrade on it and would strongly recommend would be the front fork (shocks), it may have changed on the newer sv's but the ones on the old bikes were crap.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by kerriffic

I agree on the sv650. It was the first bike I bought when I got my licence 10 years ago, and I'm still driving the same bike. I have thought about upgrading it a few times,but I always decided against it because as others have mentioned its a great bike with enough power when you need it. The one thing I did upgrade on it and would strongly recommend would be the front fork (shocks), it may have changed on the newer sv's but the ones on the old bikes were crap.

To me that is the big thing. Ninja and CBR 125's and 250's are terrible starter bikes IMO. There is nothing more terrifying than being out of power passing on an undivided 2 lane highway. Those SV bikes always have enough on tap, but again, not so much that you are going to hit 300 KPH like on a Hayabusa. Great low end grunt, and just enough top end restriction to keep you honest. Also dirt frikkin cheap to fix.

As far as ABS goes, I have ridden bikes with it, and personally, I don't like it. But I have been riding for 22 years, so it is tough to break old preferences. I am sure if I was new to the sport, I would probably get it though.

And like others have mentioned, buy used the first go around. Odds are you will have a minor crash, or you'll drop it, etc.... and it stings a lot less on a bike with a few nicks and scratches already. My first bike (86 Suzuki GS550ef) was missing the fairings and mirrors on the left side, so it worked out well when I dumped it on the right the first time I took it out...lol.

[K1LLswitch]

Originally Posted by Banner

Just a means of transportation is what I'm looking for. What would be the price for a suzuki SV650? Just so I know how much to save.

You might want to think twice about a bike...they are a lot of fun, but kind of a sh*tty form of transportation in Calgary if that's all you want out of it.

There isn't much for storage (ie. groceries etc.) unless you wear a backpack or get one with side bags, and good luck ever getting take-out food. Where ever you go you've got a helmet and a jacket at a minimum (see note below) that you need to carry around or store somewhere, and you are completely at the mercy of the weather (rain/snow/ice all suck, and 30*C sucks equally in a helmet and leather jacket in rush hour).

In Calgary, the quality riding season is about 4 months (June-September) with a month or two on either end of cool weather riding, likely with gravel on the roads. Some guys manage to ride 365 and I definitely had the odd ride on a perfect Chinook day in December, but most of the time she was parked my end of Oct and the bikes start coming out in April.

They are awesome as heck to ride and I loved owning a bike and completely forget about all those things when I twist the throttle, but I never once did I ride as for transportation purposes. Even when commuted to work or university in the rain or snow it was because I wanted to ride more than anything else.

I didn't mention in my first post, but gear is a HUGE factor as well. I lowsided my bike coming off crowchild at a moderate speed and thank goodness for motorcycle boots and my leather jacket or I would have been really messed up. I NEVER rode without my motorcycle boots on (crush proof) and a leather jacket and helmet. About 50% of the time I also wore leather pants (riding in the mountains etc.) and all that stuff will easily set you back $1,500-2,000. You might get lucky and find a jacket and boots used, but definitely get a new helmet (if it's dropped hard once, you should consider getting a new one, so I wouldn't ever trust a new one).

Also - I second the SV650 as a great started sport bike. I learned on a VFR800 which was perfect for me (6'5" and 220+lbs) but definitely do not get too small of a bike or you'll be selling it after one unsatisfied year. Also do not get a GSXR1000 either as a started bike as they are simply too much bike for most beginner reflexes.

[3 Justin 3]

Don't buy new for your first bike.

Take motorcycle school (go with Calgary Safety Council, it's like half the price of everyone else and by day 4 you should be good to go).

For the love of f***, don't be buttmonkey; wear proper gear. Buy a jacket, gloves, helmet and boots. I don't have boots because I'm a monkey, but I will be getting them this year.

Depends on your age and bike for insurance. I'm 22 so my insurace was $825 my first year and last year was $730, for a 2004 Yamaha R6 (sport bike), and that isn't even with full coverage.

[Josh]

I have no idea about the used bike market up there since I don't live in the area, but I do have some advice for riders who are just getting started:

1. Take a class, bike's require a much different skill set than driving a car, not to mention more attention needs to be paid when riding a bike.

2. BUY PROPER GEAR!!!!! Dress for the crash, not for the ride.

3. Don't start off with your dream bike, learn on something used and has have already been dropped (not wrecked, there's a difference).

4. Don't be that idiot that gets a liter bike for his first motorcycle.

5. After you build a good base skill set, take it to the track if you want to further build your skills and go fast. (I'm on the Red Bike)

[speede5]

Originally Posted by Josh

4. Don't be that idiot that gets a liter bike for his first motorcycle.

Easy there. I started on 1000 and moved to an 1100. Other than top speed, anything in the 600 range is just as, if not more dangerous.

I think better advice would be, don't buy a pure sport for your first bike. Get something a little more sluggish, unresponsive, what have you, that won't pop a wheelie everytime you crack the throttle.

The rest of your post I agree with. Especially the track. Everyone should get on a track and see what these bikes can really do when you don't have to worry about drifting into oncoming traffic.


Anyone been up to Stratotech(?), we are going to be heading up there this summer for a couple track days.

[speede5]

I think rear ABS would be a nice touch I'd probably use my rear brake a lot more if I had it.

[Fozzie_DeBear]

Originally Posted by Josh

I have no idea about the used bike market up there since I don't live in the area, but I do have some advice for riders who are just getting started:

1. Take a class, bike's require a much different skill set than driving a car, not to mention more attention needs to be paid when riding a bike.

2. BUY PROPER GEAR!!!!! Dress for the crash, not for the ride.

3. Don't start off with your dream bike, learn on something used and has have already been dropped (not wrecked, there's a difference).

4. Don't be that idiot that gets a liter bike for his first motorcycle.

5. After you build a good base skill set, take it to the track if you want to further build your skills and go fast. (I'm on the Red Bike)

This is all you need to know.

Especially the part about the gear...and the fact that the best piece of safety equipment is training and a defensive attitude. But remember its better to think that its not IF you'll crash but when.