Motorcycles

[REDVAN]

Hey everyone, with summer coming I am thinking about motorcycles. Should I get one for the warmer months?

There must be some guys on here with bikes. So tell us about them!

I am also interested in finding out what the costs of one (ie/ fuel, maintenance etc), and the process of being allow to drive one. Do I need a special licence?

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Yup you sure do need a special licence (Class 6 I believe).

A few tips.

1. Take a motorcycle riding course (I did mine through Too Cool Motorcycle School), it's the best $400 I've ever spent and SHOULD be mandatory, but isn't. I really recomend these guys, but you'll probably have a tough time getting in any time soon as they book up really early.

2. DO NOT buy a race ready bike right away. If you want a sport bike a 600 is probably too big, but no one ever wants to get anything smaller than this, so at least do not go any bigger, and stay away from anything that has RR at the end, because these bikes will kill you if you don't know what you're doing.

3. If you're buying a new bike remember that most new bikes need their first service afer 1000 km and this is usually pretty expensive $500-1000, after that it's usually just oil changes which are cheap and easy but if you're buying a new bike, make sure you budget for this.

4. Get the best gear you possibly can. You should have at least a solid padded/armoured jacket, proper gloves and a really good helmet (DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON THE HELMET), try go get one with the eurpopean crash rating as it is even better than a SNELL ratting. I have a Shark helmet that was less than $300 and is proabaly better than a lot of $600 helmets because it is a realatively simple paint job. Remember in for helmets past a certain point more expensive does not mean safer, look for the rating, not the price tag.

If you're a reasonable person I highly recommend getting a bike you'll love it. But if you don't think you can controll yourself, either get a small one to start, or don't get one at all.

[Vulcan]

I would also suggest buying a used bike first. Try and find a standard or cruisor model until you find out what you really like. Take a course for sure. Lots of information on the internet. Have fun, but not too much fun.

[Log]

I am a speed demon and would without a doubt kill myself on one of those.... Which is why I won't be getting a bike.

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

Yup you sure do need a special licence (Class 6 I believe).

A few tips.

1. Take a motorcycle riding course (I did mine through Too Cool Motorcycle School), it's the best $400 I've ever spent and SHOULD be mandatory, but isn't. I really recomend these guys, but you'll probably have a tough time getting in any time soon as they book up really early.

2. DO NOT buy a race ready bike right away. If you want a sport bike a 600 is probably too big, but no one ever wants to get anything smaller than this, so at least do not go any bigger, and stay away from anything that has RR at the end, because these bikes will kill you if you don't know what you're doing.

3. If you're buying a new bike remember that most new bikes need their first service afer 1000 km and this is usually pretty expensive $500-1000, after that it's usually just oil changes which are cheap and easy but if you're buying a new bike, make sure you budget for this.

4. Get the best gear you possibly can. You should have at least a solid padded/armoured jacket, proper gloves and a really good helmet (DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON THE HELMET), try go get one with the eurpopean crash rating as it is even better than a SNELL ratting. I have a Shark helmet that was less than $300 and is proabaly better than a lot of $600 helmets because it is a realatively simple paint job. Remember in for helmets past a certain point more expensive does not mean safer, look for the rating, not the price tag.

If you're a reasonable person I highly recommend getting a bike you'll love it. But if you don't think you can controll yourself, either get a small one to start, or don't get one at all.

couldnt have summed that up better myself.

definately take the course...

definately have good riding equipment, kevlar suit and good good helmet

other than that...what he said!

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by Sample00

couldnt have summed that up better myself.

definately take the course...

definately have good riding equipment, kevlar suit and good good helmet

other than that...what he said!

Better to go with leather. Kevlar is woven which means it is less abbrasion resistant than a solid piece of leather which is why professional reacers don't wear kevlar.

Besides, leather looks cooler, but if you can't afford a good leather jacket, a textile/kevlar one is definatly suggested.

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

Better to go with leather. Kevlar is woven which means it is less abbrasion resistant than a solid piece of leather which is why professional reacers don't wear kevlar.

Besides, leather looks cooler, but if you can't afford a good leather jacket, a textile/kevlar one is definatly suggested.

I agree...personally I wear a heavy HD Leather jacket and chaps with Red Wing riding boots.
I also have gauntlet leather gloves
Full face HD helmet. I dont have a pretty face but what I do have, I wanna protect.

[Engine09]

Any of you guys ride dirtbikes also?

I have an old Honda Shadow 750 for the street, and a new Yamaha WR250F for the dirt.

I don't bother going out until May/June, the foothills need a lot of time to dry up.

[REDVAN]

I would of course be a responsible rider!

If I do get a bike (used is what I am looking for), I will only get one if the price is right... and I will take the course. Thanks for the suggestions. Keep some coming if anyone has more ideas.

[Vulcan]

Generally speaking you should get 40 to 50 MPG, so you can save some money on gas.
Another good idea is to check insurance rates for the bike you plan on getting. Rates can vary a lot depending on the type and size. For a used bike it's probably best to just get basic insurance with theft and fire. Check out lots of insurance companies for best price. Some companies will give quotes on the internet.
Try and find a buddy who's experienced to check out any used bike before buying.
Buy a new helmet, not used. I use a kevlar jacket as mine is also waterproof but as others say leather is safer. I prefer leather pants rather than chaps as I can visuallize myself sliding down the road on my arse.

Try the Canada Safety Council for a course.http://www.ridertraining.org/

[Vulcan]

Here's a picture of what I ride. It's a VFR Intercepter which Honda classes as a Sport bike but it's really a sport tourer. I've added hard bags, a tank bag and I have an electric vest. I sit more upright than a sportbike so it's pretty comfortable. It's my fifth bike.
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW...geId=283779647