I want to buy a street bike.

[mikey_the_redneck]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Good thread.

I've been pondering getting a starter bike, but a cruiser works more for me. The Suzuki Maurader caught my eye, thoughts?

They don't make the Marauder anymore..since 2005 I think......but they are great bikes.

A good friend of mine had a Maurader. He liked how durable it was and how easy it was for him to tune it up himself etc. I thought it was a nice looking bike.

I got to take it for a spin and it would be great starter bike for sure.

The power wasn't overwhelming for me considering I had a 1000cc sport/standard at the time, but it had some good jam for a v-twin. It was a fun bike to ride. Chain drive too...... I rode some Yamaha v-twins that weren't that quick.

[mikey_the_redneck]

It looked just like this one.........

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by oilers_fan

I have a little rant about licenses. I took the safety lessons last year, in August maybe. But then I just didn't go and get my license. Apparently they used to be able to give you your license after you took and passed the lessons, but the AB government changed that. So now here I am, picking my bike up tomorrow, with no license because they make it so damn hard to get a license. You need to find someone with a bike and use it for the road test, as you can't get insurance or registration on your bike until you have a Class 6. PITA.

When did they change that? My friend got his after his lessons. And all the test was was driving around some obstacles, etc.

How the hell would they do a road test if I had a crotch rocket? They gonna strap themselves behind me? Screw that!

[fleuryisgod]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

When did they change that? My friend got his after his lessons. And all the test was was driving around some obstacles, etc.

How the hell would they do a road test if I had a crotch rocket? They gonna strap themselves behind me? Screw that!

I took the lessons last year as well, and yes it is true that you need to do a separate test, I was able to do it right after my lessons and the bike was supplied. When you book your lessons they tell you this right away and tell you to book your test asap because spots fill and if you don't get in right after your test you might have to wait a few weeks. Even if you have to wait a few weeks bike is still supplied for the test.

[metallicat]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

When did they change that? My friend got his after his lessons. And all the test was was driving around some obstacles, etc.

How the hell would they do a road test if I had a crotch rocket? They gonna strap themselves behind me? Screw that!

I highly doubt they'll ride with you on any motorcycle for your test, you can't just start having passengers like that. They'll ride behind you in a car or bike and talk to you via a headset.

[GrrlGoalie33]

For all those looking at taking lessons, here is my advice. If you have the option of taking the course every evening for a week or a weekend course, do the evening course.

I took that route, and by the end of every class, I was mentally exhausted. I don't know how people do it all in two days.

Also, with most of the programs, if you pass their course, they will allow you to take your road test on their street legal bikes.

I would highly recommend Calgary Safety Council. http://calgarysafetycouncil.com/CSCM...cleProgram.htm

[Mr. Ski]

http://www.toocoolmotorcycleschool.com is where I went a couple of years ago -- great experience. I can't say enough good about the quality of the instruction, and the great number of different types of bikes they had for us to ride and practice on; everything from 250 and 600cc sport bikes to 500cc standards to various crusiers. I actually went in thinking a crusier would be my bike of choice, and came away wanting a standard/naked type.

I've been racking up the miles on my wife's Can-Am Spyder the past two years, but this is my planned purchase for myself:



Anyhow, they indeed let us use their bikes for the test. The examiner follows behind in a car and gives you instructions over a one-way radio head set.

The test was a snap after the course, which as others have said was a lot of mental and physical work. Prior to training, I don't think I would have passed as one of the big things they look for is a 'quiet, controlled confidence' on the bike the examiner told me. The course gave me that in spades.

[metallicat]

I took mine at Alberta Safety Council, their bikes aren't street legal and therefore there was no test unfortunately.

I'll post a pic of my new bike this evening.

[an_album_cover]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

When did they change that? My friend got his after his lessons. And all the test was was driving around some obstacles, etc.

How the hell would they do a road test if I had a crotch rocket? They gonna strap themselves behind me? Screw that!

No more lot tests allowed. Only road testing now.

When my wife got her license last year, they had an intercom system in her helmet so that the instructor (who follows in a car) can give her directions. Funny thing was, a couple of minutes into the ride, the speaker in her helmet crapped out. She managed to pass by watching her mirrors to see if the instructor was signaling for a turn. lol

[3 Justin 3]

Ok, so I want to get my license/take lessons. Where do you suggest I go?

I gather:
Calgary Safety Council
Too Cool Motorcycle School

anything else?

[Fobulous]

I can't speak on behalf of toocool but calgary safety council will supply you with a bike to do your road test on. I did the course last year... the only stipulation is that you have to book through a certain DMV (i believe it was country hills) and they set up the time to meet you at Calgary Safety Council's lot out by Balzac.

The examiner will ride in a car behind you and communicate with you via headset... the test is easy... the only thing that they bust you on is the rural school zone they take you through.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

Ok, so I want to get my license/take lessons. Where do you suggest I go?

I gather:
Calgary Safety Council
Too Cool Motorcycle School

anything else?

I took mine through Too Cool about 5 years ago.
I'd totally suggest using them.

[WilsonFourTwo]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

So for a while now I have wanted to purchase a sport bike to rip around town on in the summer time and make my commute to work that much cheaper/more fun.

I am leaning towards purchasing it this summer because they have a sale on at Honda for brand new 2008 CBR 125 at $2800 taxes in.

I did some research on this bike and it would seem it is quite the newbie gutless bike for women and small children, perfect for a beginner rider like myself to learn on.

I have driven a lot of quads and sleds, and have limited time on dirt bikes, but never a street bike.

What do you pros think?

What are the best quality for cheapest price brand name helmet/gloves/jackets?

The bike I am looking at is located here:

http://www.honda.ca/MCPE/Motorcycle/...efault.htm?L=E

The CBR125 looks pretty badass, but it isn't. It's essentially a mid-powered scooter with an aggressive look. For riding out of the city (80-100kph, twisties) you'd probably have to be on the throttle pretty solid to keep the speed up....there goes your fuel economy and range. Plus, like some others have said, you WILL get bored very very very quickly.

If you really want a cheap bike (and I recommend motorcycle to EVERYONE, they're an amazing lifestyle) get a used Ninja 250 (or preferably the 500) at the very least. It will be 'average' at best, but you'll still get an OK experience and enjoy the bike.

My honest advice to you OP.....save some coin and step into a 500-600cc bike ($4500-$8000) when you can. You will get MUCH more out of your riding and be MUCH happier. I promise!

[an_album_cover]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

Ok, so I want to get my license/take lessons. Where do you suggest I go?

I gather:
Calgary Safety Council
Too Cool Motorcycle School

anything else?

I know a lot of people who went through Fleet Safety and reported good experiences. They have a good lot to teach the course on, and they'll also let you use one of their bikes for the road test.

[3 Justin 3]

How much is motorcycle insurance? A lot like a car, or is it much cheaper?

[WilsonFourTwo]

Originally Posted by gargamel

If you've never ridden before, seriously consider something with ABS. In a few years of riding, I've only had it kick in once, but being saved from even one motorcycle accident is easily worth the investment. A Suzuki sv650abs would be my recommendation for a bike that you could handle as a beginner but wouldn't outgrow, although it may not be easy to find a used one.

^
^
^
HEED THIS MAN'S ADVICE!


The SV650s is (imo) the perfect starter bike for a *responsible* rider. It's forgiving enough that it won't kill you by accident, but certainly entertained me (an experienced rider) for several years. I REALLY regret selling mine. Relatively maintenance free, but it you need/want to get greasy, they're SUPER easy to work on and parts are reasonably plentiful. Seriously, the bike is a 9.9/10. I put around 45,000km on one in 3 years.....perfect, perfect, perfect.

That said, finding 'The One' used is a real challenge. It's one of the few bikes that a beginner could almost justify buying new. They can be had in $7000 range (rebates, bit o haggling) and carry a strong resale value. Still recommend a used bike for new riders, but a new SV wouldn't be that unreasonable.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by WilsonFourTwo

^
^
^
HEED THIS MAN'S ADVICE!


The SV650s is (imo) the perfect starter bike for a *responsible* rider. It's forgiving enough that it won't kill you by accident, but certainly entertained me (an experienced rider) for several years. I REALLY regret selling mine. Relatively maintenance free, but it you need/want to get greasy, they're SUPER easy to work on and parts are reasonably plentiful. Seriously, the bike is a 9.9/10. I put around 45,000km on one in 3 years.....perfect, perfect, perfect.

That said, finding 'The One' used is a real challenge. It's one of the few bikes that a beginner could almost justify buying new. They can be had in $7000 range (rebates, bit o haggling) and carry a strong resale value. Still recommend a used bike for new riders, but a new SV wouldn't be that unreasonable.

?
This and this, is what I found. Seems reasonable enough.

[WilsonFourTwo]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

Thanks for the info guys.

One last question, if I buy a bike do I have to come off as smug and arrogant to everyone else that doesn't have a bike? Or was that just a side effect some posters in this thread suffered?

Thanks.

No - but you are allowed to kick cars that enter your lane!

What I'd love for you to do though - acknowledge other riders with a wave. Everyone's too cool now to simply drop their hand by their side and acknowledge the kick ass fraternity you're now a part of.

God....need new bike. Must go Blackfoot. No more wait. ARRRRRRRGH!

[WilsonFourTwo]

Originally Posted by pylon

Canadian Tire is now selling a line of Korean made scooters. I suggest you check out their selection before you purchase something. You may find something you like there that doesn't come across as too smug or arrogant.

You're such a pylon.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

I am leaning towards purchasing it this summer because they have a sale on at Honda for brand new 2008 CBR 125 at $2800 taxes in.

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

?
This and this, is what I found. Seems reasonable enough.

GL,
those bikes that Justin posted for only $1000 more than you're looking to spend on the CBR 125, would be a MUCH better value for your buck, and you'd have a lot more fun.
Just my two cents.