I want to buy a street bike.

[an_album_cover]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

Have you taken any classes or driven at all? I am thinking to take the lessons in the middle of May. My problem is I don't have any money at the moment, so I would take the lessons, then wait until like July to buy the bike. Good luck to you.

Originally Posted by fundmark19

Yup I have been riding around New brighton on my buddies bike. Will be taking some classes once I can raise some cash.

^ My advice for the both of you would be to look into classes ASAP. Some of them don't require the full amount up front, but just a deposit to hold your spot. It's worth it, because the classes get damn near impossible to get into the further into the season we get.

Good luck with the course. I remember it being a lot of fun.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by an_album_cover

^ My advice for the both of you would be to look into classes ASAP. Some of them don't require the full amount up front, but just a deposit to hold your spot. It's worth it, because the classes get damn near impossible to get into the further into the season we get.

Good luck with the course. I remember it being a lot of fun.

Did you do it over a week or weekend, I work over the week, so I am looking to grind it out in 2 days.

I'll look for classes this weekend. Like I said, my problem is I can afford the class, but I don't have the extra $3-4k for the bike. So I'll take the classes then take the test, then just relax for like 2 months.

[an_album_cover]

^ The class I went to was 5 weeknights in a row, from 6 till 10 (or something like that).

They do have weekend classes, where they condense everything into 2 days, but those fill up quickly. And I know that some places offer the same 2 day condensed course but during the week. Those work out perfectly if you can take a couple of days off work since they're not often full.

[TRIX]

this is @ 3 Justin 3, info/opinion for everyone else

Not promoting for personal gain but I took the "Fast Trac" motorcycle course, they have it out by race city at the Varsity go kart track just south of RCMP, really good course, I did the 2 day 8 hours a day practical and 4 hour classroom

I suggest doing the 4 hour classroom part, then if you can schedule it right, go write your class 6 written test the next day. It will help you, by the sounds of it, being inexperienced, no offense to you. It will explain a lot of the "theory" and safety aspects of riding. Also you must do the classroom part before the practical.

The practical was a lot of seat time in two days, tires you out that's forsure. I would suggest doing it only if you cannot afford to spread it out over a week in the evenings and such. They teach you a lot of skill based things regarding riding a bike, things to keep you safe on the road, things to always be thinking about you may not have thought about before, as well as preparing you for your road test. They also rent bikes for the road test, great if you don't have one.

In addition, if you are a person with experience ie. dirt biking, scootering, etc. they will pick up on your bad habits, if you have any that is, and hammer into your head the ways to correct them. This helped me due to some hovering of the levers and wrist position for throttle, which are totally different things on the street rather than racing around a dirt track or trail.

just my cents

[Chingas]

It apperars as though there are a lot of Harley haters around but I have been offerd a trade. My old 03 Polaris Ranger 6x6 (plus $500) for an 06 Harley sportster (cue the Harley guys saying it is a girls bike, and the others with ew Harley....) Both machines are in good shape.

My real question is not whether it's a good deal or not (although opinions are welcome), but is an 883 sportster a decent bike for a newish rider.

[Vulcan]

Yeah, I'd say an 883 Sportster is fine for a newish rider. For a mid displacement cruiser, from what I've read, it's rated pretty good.

[Tron_fdc]

So here's a question.

I went in today and wrote my class 6 learners, is this the written portion of the class 6, or do I have to write another portion right before my road test?

Reason I ask is it was 30 questions, multiple choice, and it was pretty mickey mouse, so I'm kind of expecting a harder one at some point?

[metallicat]

That's it, just bring proof that you completed the exam when you do the road test.

[Tron_fdc]

Wow.

So how hard is the road test? To preface this, I'm a decent enough rider (spent my youth on dirtbikes, I've ridden street bikes, and spend a lot of time on a mountain bike) but what I'm wondering is what are they looking for? Someone who can hardly keep the bike upright, or are they going to look at, and fail you for, small things like improper deployment of the kick stand?

I was told up until 2009 if you could turn a bike and ride in traffic you were fine, but now it's a little more in-depth?

I'm trying to find a weekend refresher course as well, if anyone has a suggestion for something a little more advanced than what I'm seeing (people that have never turned a bike on).

[3 Justin 3]

Well, I didn't get to it last year but I am this year. My in-class is on Tuesday for 3 hours then my riding time is the following week from 6-9:30pm Mon-Fri. Will go write the class 6 test sometime later this week (hopefully Wednesday). Then take the test after I am done my course.

If all goes to plan, I'll have my license by May 15th, and then the next week I'll check out bikes on Kijiji and hopefully pick one up by Friday in time for my 21st birthday. Now thats my present for myself.


Where is the cheapest/best place to go to buy a helmet and proper shoes? I've been to Bowcycle and Blackfoot but I didn't really spend too much time looking and I forgot to check the prices when I did. No way I am buying them online as I want the size/fit to be perfect.

Right now I am looking to get either a SV650, R6 (if I feel like spending the extra $1000), or a Bandit.

[Mad Mel]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

Where is the cheapest/best place to go to buy a helmet and proper shoes? I've been to Bowcycle and Blackfoot but I didn't really spend too much time looking and I forgot to check the prices when I did. No way I am buying them online as I want the size/fit to be perfect.

Right now I am looking to get either a SV650, R6 (if I feel like spending the extra $1000), or a Bandit.

If by Bandit you mean a 1250 Bandit, that is way too big a bike for a first bike, both in power and in mass. Torque will kill the inexperienced rider; things happen too fast and the bike is too heavy to bail yourself out if you get into trouble.

[SeeBass]

151 hits and not one person recomending he fills out an organ donor card

[Hi-Psi]

I'm take the motorcycle course at Too Cool Motorcycle School this week (Tue/Wed/Thurs) during the day, heard great things about them!

Can't wait to get my license and get a bike!

[WilsonFourTwo]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

Where is the cheapest/best place to go to buy a helmet and proper shoes? I've been to Bowcycle and Blackfoot but I didn't really spend too much time looking and I forgot to check the prices when I did. No way I am buying them online as I want the size/fit to be perfect.

Right now I am looking to get either a SV650, R6 (if I feel like spending the extra $1000), or a Bandit.

If you're buying stuff in a Calgary store, prepare to be (usually) treated like an inconvenience. It's a sad fact, but customer service is pretty lacking at Calgary motorcycle stores. I would recommend GW Cycle for in store selection though, they have LOTS of stuff and the prices are good. All you gotta do is ask, and you can score a discount (usually 15-20%).

A helmet can cost $150 - $1500. The big differences tend to be in airflow and noise. I would recommend buying a cheaper helmet ($250ish) and wearing it for the first couple of years. Get some miles under your belt before dropping a grand.

Boots can run $100 - $1000. I tend to recommend a simple riding boot, especially when starting off. Look to spend around $200 for a basic but decent boot.

I would highly recommend the SV650 (my first bike was a 2000). It is a well powered, well balanced, and VERY well priced bike. It was great for high-speed romps to the mountains, but also comfortable enough to ride 600km in a day (Calgary to Vernon, Vernon to Vancouver). Also.....you'll find plenty of them for sale, and parts are VERY easy to find for cheap.

The R6 is also a terrific machine, but its (typically) more expensive and less versatile. A stock R6 would not be fun (imo) on long mileage days. I dunno....I just don't see the R6 exposing a new rider to all of the best parts of riding.

The Bandit is a really solid sport-touring. I had the pleasure of riding one (a 650s variant) two years ago during an extended trip. It held up admirably and was very comfortable for a full day. That said, even the 650 is heavier, a pulls more torque (it's a wheelie bike) than the SV650.

[burn_this_city]

Don't cheap out on a helmet, your head is the most important thing to protect.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

Well, I didn't get to it last year but I am this year. My in-class is on Tuesday for 3 hours then my riding time is the following week from 6-9:30pm Mon-Fri. Will go write the class 6 test sometime later this week (hopefully Wednesday). Then take the test after I am done my course.

If all goes to plan, I'll have my license by May 15th, and then the next week I'll check out bikes on Kijiji and hopefully pick one up by Friday in time for my 21st birthday. Now thats my present for myself.


Where is the cheapest/best place to go to buy a helmet and proper shoes? I've been to Bowcycle and Blackfoot but I didn't really spend too much time looking and I forgot to check the prices when I did. No way I am buying them online as I want the size/fit to be perfect.

Right now I am looking to get either a SV650, R6 (if I feel like spending the extra $1000), or a Bandit.

A few things to think about:

1) nothing says you can't try on a helmet at a store and them buy one online for cheaper, just get the model number and size and order away
2) If you buy a bike from a dealer (new or used) they'll pretty much give you gear discounts for life, if you can find a used bike at a dealer for a decent price it may be worth it
3) In my experience Bow Cycle has the best service in town (but I can guarantee there will be several posts saying it sucks, just as there will be posts saying GW, and Blackfoot are awesome, or suck) They're probably all the same, and for the most part the prices are the same (they'll pretty much all match anyone's price if they aren't) so just pick the one that's most convenient for you, and start building a relationship with the parts/service/accessory staff. They don't know me at Bow, but they recognize me and that helps A LOT!
4) It should go without saying, but when it comes to a helmet get the best protection you can afford. That doesn't mean the most espensive helmet, as a lot of the time you're paying for the paint job. If you're on a budget, go for the highest end helmet with the simplest paint job.

[mikey_the_redneck]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

If all goes to plan, I'll have my license by May 15th, and then the next week I'll check out bikes on Kijiji and hopefully pick one up by Friday in time for my 21st birthday. Now thats my present for myself.

Right now I am looking to get either a SV650, R6 (if I feel like spending the extra $1000), or a Bandit.

Do you have absolutely zero experience with motorcycles?

I ask because having ridden a Suzuzki SV650, I found it (v-twin engine)didn't have a whole lot of power. I think it would be adequate in the city, but out on the highway I like it to have more jam...

Riders can quickly outgrow the small displacement sport bikes, especially if you are a bigger rider.

Another thing is, the riding position on a Yamaha R6 will be quite a bit different from the Bandit/SV650, as they have a more aggressive riding position with your upper body leaning forward to the low handle bars and your legs tucked up behind you.

I owned a Yamaha FZ1 about 5 years ago, and it had a standard, more upright riding position with plenty of power to boot (1000cc, torque tuned R1 engine).

Also, you mentioned buying a helmet and boots, but did not mention a jacket! Having slammed into a deer on a motorcycle, trust me.....get a quality jacket.

[afc wimbledon]

They still make these in India, has a certain old world panache!

[Sr. Mints]

Originally Posted by WilsonFourTwo

If you're buying stuff in a Calgary store, prepare to be (usually) treated like an inconvenience. It's a sad fact, but customer service is pretty lacking at Calgary motorcycle stores. I would recommend GW Cycle for in store selection though, they have LOTS of stuff and the prices are good. All you gotta do is ask, and you can score a discount (usually 15-20%).

Glad it wasn't just me who thought this. Bow Cycle & Blackfoot both totally ignored me when I went in there. I got the distinct impression from a fellow at Blackfoot that I ws completely wasting his time when I asked him a question. This was a few years ago, mind.

Ended up buying my bike at Pro-AM Motorsports on Edmonton Trail, and my scooter at GW Rockyview.

Incidentally, my bike is trashed and my scooter with a whoppin' six (6) kms is going for sale as soon as I get unlazy and put it on kijiji.

[Northendzone]

just in case nobody has asked yet - please get the loudest pipes possible on this bike. i live near deerfoot and 22x and I want to be able to hear you accelerate down deerfoot until you get to the calf robe bridge.

everyone will also love it when you cruise thru the neighborhood between the hours of 10 pm and 8 am.....

who doesn't love loud pipes - they are the bset invention since metal testicles for vehicles and those "blue bottles" for desiels.......