Motorcycle Riders [Archive] - RedFlagDeals.com Forums

pato

Sep 16th, 2004, 02:22 PM

Get a Busa! :cheesygri

Tip #1
Be prepared to get raped by the insurance companies!
I believe that there are only three companies that do motorcycle insurance (all other companies got through them)

Primmum
Kingsway
State Farm-most brokers require a car to get insurance but you might get lucky

State Farm is the cheapest from what I hear ( I'm with Primmum at the moment) but they need a car most times. they also go by the size of your bike (CC's) not by type ie. Supersport, Cruiser so CBR 600 is cheaper then a 1000 cruiser.
You can got an online quote for Primmum here:
http://www.primmum.com/en/shop/moto/quote
don't know about others

Tip#2
TAKE A MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE
it will teach you stuff and help out the insurance problem

also you might want to check out the SV650, or older CBR's as beginner bikes

robattoronto

Sep 16th, 2004, 02:23 PM

- Well the Kawi EX500 is a pretty good, safe choice for a newbie. I've ridden all the 600cc class to some of the litre bikes. It should be reliable, fun to ride without the scary power for people just starting out. One of the things I think is useful in that bike is the center stand. LOL Not a lot of bikes out there have it these days. Useful for oiling the chain, cleaning the wheel, don't have to worry about it keeling over etc.

- Insurance-wise I'd recommend you to get your M2 license first since that will affect you rates. And that means also that to get your M2, you'll have to take a course where they will teach you a lot of useful riding techniques and theories. Take the course and you be glad you did later. You can contact RTI, Centennial, Seneca college etc if you're in the GTA.

- To ride the bike home, you'll have to get insurance. So i'd recommend you do your homework before you buy the bike. They'll ask you for your insurance policy when you transfer the bike legally to your name/ get a numberplate. You *could* however tow the bike home without insurance. Hassle though. Don't get caught riding without insurance, you'll pay for that through your butt big time. Cops have a hard on for guys on sports bikes. They love to do random checks for no reason. They like to check whether you own the bike or have proper insurance. Cuz lots of sports bikes are stolen every year.

- In regards to insurance rates, PM me your email address and I'll forward you a compiled list of insurance companies and who to call from MMIC. http://www.mmic.ca/

- One of my alltime favourite forum is (http://www.gtamotorcycle.com) You'll find lots of helpful info and people there.

You can add me on MSN messenger if you have more questions. I'm in the GTA.

dgmorr

Sep 16th, 2004, 03:14 PM

Thanks for all the detailed info guys!

Does anyone have any guesstimates as to what I might be paying? A friend of mine in the same situation but riding a GPZ900 is paying $115 a month! Is that something I might expect to be paying? Or even less since I am giong to go for a lower CC bike?

robattoronto

Sep 16th, 2004, 04:19 PM

Lets say after you get your M2 and since you're 21 riding an ex500, you'll probably be paying around $1100-$1500 per year. Your next insurance break will happen when you turn 25.

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/viewtopic.php?t=21261
http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/viewtopic.php?t=21262
http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/viewtopic.php?t=19697

rc51

Sep 16th, 2004, 04:26 PM

The Kawi EX500 is a great little bike... I had a blast with mine after boot camp many years ago. I had moved from Vancouver to Borden and left my ride Vancouver. Didn't want to be vehicle-less for a year in Borden/Barrie..wanted an RZ500 but settled for the EX. Insurance is/was ridiculous in Ontario, at least compared to what I was used to back in BC. The year after I left Ont. I got a letter from the insurance company denying me insurance due to the fact I was only 19... and many motorcycles were getting black listed at the time..namely the bigger Ninja's and the Gixxer 1100.

Have fun with your EX..she handles like a beaut, I think I rode that harder than I do my RC51 these days...

eelfliw

Sep 16th, 2004, 05:26 PM

This is a good motorcycle site for ppl in GTA. (http://cmgonline.com/)

stunaz

Sep 16th, 2004, 05:33 PM

first of all
dont get an EX500... month or 2 and you'll be bored of it
lowest you should go is an SV650S... just dont be stupid with it (older R6 or any of the newer 600s would be perfect if you can control yourself)

if you're a moron tho stick to the EX500 ;)

to_munda

Sep 16th, 2004, 05:34 PM

I know its a lil off topic, but...
Can someone tell me Wuts the best way to get the M licence in GTA?
Appreciate.
Thanx

Cronic

Sep 16th, 2004, 06:37 PM

gsrrr

Sep 16th, 2004, 06:42 PM

My first bike was a 99 Suzuki SV650s. I bought it used in 2000 for $5900. Actually, it's my current bike too. And last year, it was my race bike. But now it's just my street bike.

For insurance, I only have 3rd party liability so it costs me ~$140/yr. I figure the bike is only worth ~$5000, there's no lower fairing, and I have frame/bar-end/spool sliders to minimize any damage. For full coverage (3 yrs ago), I think it was ~$900/yr.

I'm biased, but I also recommend an SV650s. Although EX500 are also good bikes. Some shorter (<5'3") people may have trouble with the SV650s' ride height or they may not like the slightly sportier (compared to the EX500) ride position.

IMO, for the extra bit of money, an SV650 just looks like a much nicer bike.

to_munda

Sep 17th, 2004, 09:13 AM

I know its a lil off topic, but...
Can someone tell me Wuts the best way to get the M licence in GTA?
Appreciate.
Thanx

Anyone????
:|

dgmorr

Sep 17th, 2004, 10:40 AM

Go to a licensing centre and take the test! It's $17!

Anyone????
:|

cil254

Sep 17th, 2004, 11:01 AM

Can you insure your bike just for the summer months, or do you have to insure it all year long even if it will be sitting in your garage during the cold months ?

robattoronto

Sep 17th, 2004, 11:23 AM

What level of license do you have currently? And what is your riding experience?

The way I'd recommend in general is....

Read book -> Do computer/written M1 test -> Buy crappy bike, practice in empty parking lots/small roads -> Do M1 to M2 course, in Seneca, Centennial, RTI etc, pass the M1 exit test-> Get M2 license and ride it for 18 months min. to 2 years -> Go for M2 exit course, RTI's course is good -> Pass and get M. And you're set.

Very important that you get some riding experience before you go for the M1 exit course. Because the failure rate is pretty high. A lot of people with just bicycle riding experience goes to these courses and think they can pass. Its tough because they drive automatic and never driven standard stick shift. You need to know how to clutch & shift gears. And the course all in one weekend. You're not gonna pass that way.

I'd highly recommend you taking the course. Learn valuable lessons which might save your life, discount in insurance and meet future riding buddies.

And after you get your M2, you gotta wait a mandatory 22 months (18mths if you take a course). Make sure you ride during those months. There's a very good reason why the MTO does that. Practice and gaining experience is worth a lot. Lots of people park their bikes, lose interest and then goes for the M2 exit test after. Not a good idea.

I know its a lil off topic, but...
Can someone tell me Wuts the best way to get the M licence in GTA?
Appreciate.
Thanx

dgmorr

Sep 17th, 2004, 11:40 AM

I'm pretty sure you have to do a full year. Most places charge a smaller fee during the non-riding months.

Can you insure your bike just for the summer months, or do you have to insure it all year long even if it will be sitting in your garage during the cold months ?

robattoronto

Sep 17th, 2004, 11:57 AM

Straight from the horse's mouth

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/gradu/index.html

Graduated Licensing for Motorcycle Riders

If you're a new driver applying for your first licence to ride a motorcycle, you'll need to enter Ontario's graduated licensing system. That means you'll earn full driving privileges in two stages.
Class M1

New motorcycle riders with a Class M1 licence learn to ride under these four conditions:

* your blood alcohol level must be zero;
* you must ride only during daylight hours (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset);
* you must not ride on highways with speed limits of more than 80 km/h except highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144, 655;
* you cannot carry passengers.

After you pass a motorcycle knowledge test, you will get a Class M1 licence and an information package for new riders. You must spend a minimum of 60 days with a Class M1 licence, which is valid for 90 days.

Motorcycle riders who successfully complete an approved motorcycle safety course that includes a road test with an M1 licence are exempt from taking the ministry's M1 road test and can move to an M2 licence after 60 days. If you complete an approved safety course in either level, you can reduce the time that you must hold an M2 licence from 22 to 18 months. While the motorcycle safety course certificate is valid for two years from its issue date, it may only be used for the M1 road test exemption within six months of its issue date.

See also: Motorcycle Safety Course Providers
Class M2

You must pass an M1 road test or complete an approved motorcycle safety course before receiving a Class M2 licence. You must have a Class M2 licence for a minimum of 22 months. If you complete an approved motorcycle safety course, you may reduce this time requirement by four months. With an M2 licence, you gain more privileges - you may ride at night and on any road. However, at this level:

* your blood alcohol level must be zero;
* you will be eligible to take a Class M road test after you have completed the time required with an M2 licence;
* you must pass this test to get a Class M licence.

Note: Class M2 and Class M licence holders may also drive Class G vehicles under the conditions that apply to a Class G1 licence holder.

rc51

Sep 17th, 2004, 02:07 PM

if you're a moron tho stick to the EX500 ;)

Spoken like a true squid...

The EX500 is more than capable for a new rider... I'm sure I can go to our local track and find lots of riders that'll outride others on bigger/faster bikes with an EX500 or RZ350....

it's not the bike that performs...it's the rider...unless you're riding in a straight line..and anyone can ride fast in a straight line.

It's alot more fun 'hanging off' and dragging pegs when you are comfortable with what you're riding.

In my 16 years of riding..I've seen many that think they have accelerated skills, they all find out the hard way that they were riding above their heads... the lucky just get banged up and live...the unlucky never get to ride again.

robattoronto

Sep 17th, 2004, 02:43 PM

Most insurance companies will only insure you for the full year. People starting out usually wonder if they can skip the winter months. But the insurance companies already thought of that.

Exception:
Primmum allows you to do a pay-as-you-go kinda thing. But there's a catch to it. What they said was, they divide up a year's premium according to the riding months. So lets say 10% April, 15% May, 25% June, 25% July, 15% Aug, 10% Sept and the rest of the months are 0% (or they'll say "free"). (These are estimated numbers from me, but its very close to the actual numbers) They're smart like that. So the moral of the you might as well insure it for the full year. At least it'll be insured if there's a theft, fire or if you feel like riding during those "above 0 deg" days during winter. The agent I spoke to said that they don't care if you want to ride when there's snow outside. He said if you're crazy enough to do it, go for it. :D

You can call up Primmum and get the details from them. IMO, they have one of the most flexible payment plans.

Most insurance companies like to start and end their policies around Feb - April. So if you join mid year, they'll adjust your policy to end at those months.

Can you insure your bike just for the summer months, or do you have to insure it all year long even if it will be sitting in your garage during the cold months ?

dgmorr

Sep 17th, 2004, 02:46 PM

Wow, thanks for all the info! Keep it coming if you have more!

I took a look at a few Ex500's. Can't decide which one to get. Now that you mentioned the RZ350 I want to find one. Some of the newer ones look nicer than an EX. Can't find any on Trader.ca though.

to_munda

Sep 17th, 2004, 03:43 PM

What level of license do you have currently? And what is your riding experience?

The way I'd recommend in general is....

Read book -> Do computer/written M1 test -> Buy crappy bike, practice in empty parking lots/small roads -> Do M1 to M2 course, in Seneca, Centennial, RTI etc, pass the M1 exit test-> Get M2 license and ride it for 18 months min. to 2 years -> Go for M2 exit course, RTI's course is good -> Pass and get M. And you're set.

Very important that you get some riding experience before you go for the M1 exit course. Because the failure rate is pretty high. A lot of people with just bicycle riding experience goes to these courses and think they can pass. Its tough because they drive automatic and never driven standard stick shift. You need to know how to clutch & shift gears. And the course all in one weekend. You're not gonna pass that way.

I'd highly recommend you taking the course. Learn valuable lessons which might save your life, discount in insurance and meet future riding buddies.

And after you get your M2, you gotta wait a mandatory 22 months (18mths if you take a course). Make sure you ride during those months. There's a very good reason why the MTO does that. Practice and gaining experience is worth a lot. Lots of people park their bikes, lose interest and then goes for the M2 exit test after. Not a good idea.
Thanx Robert, Thats wut i was lookin for.
hehehe :)

stunaz

Sep 17th, 2004, 05:03 PM

Spoken like a true squid...

dont be so quick to judge
maybe we can settle this on Fabi? ;)

Cough

Sep 17th, 2004, 05:55 PM

Can you insure your bike just for the summer months, or do you have to insure it all year long even if it will be sitting in your garage during the cold months ?
The trick is that you insure it for a full year at the start of the season then cancel or modify to lesser insurance (just fire/theft) at the end of the season and get a rebate.

afong56

Sep 17th, 2004, 06:07 PM

The trick is that you insure it for a full year at the start of the season then cancel or modify to lesser insurance (just fire/theft) at the end of the season and get a rebate.

just be careful about this method, though--some insurance companies caught on, and now slap surcharges on, everytime you modify the insurance agreement prior to the renewal date.

Shiifty

Sep 17th, 2004, 11:15 PM

Head on over to www.gtamotorcycle.com , a forum for Toronto area riders. You can find more info about great beginner bikes (such as the GS500, and EX500 -- both fantastic bikes), tips on riding and people to ride with.

Have fun, and watch out for all the morons on the road that "don't see you".

dgmorr

Sep 21st, 2004, 09:03 AM

That's an excellent site. Thanks for the link!

I am about to purchase a 1986 Ninja 600R. Will this be a good beginner bike? Cheap on insurance? I hear after 19 years it is of the "black list". I may wait and insure it next year if I do buy it.

Roninvancouver

Sep 21st, 2004, 09:50 AM

I am about to purchase my first motorcycle. A Kawasaki Ex500. I have only heard good things about this being a great beginner bike. I'm just wondering what to expect as far as insurance rates go. I got my M1 last week, so I am a complete noob. Is there anyone in this situation who can give me some rough ideas? I am 21, m, single, don't own home, I am a student. Any ideas would be helpful, thanks!

How do you go in 5 days from about to purchase an ex500 to a Ninja? That's like going from grade school bball to the Olympics.

As a former motorcycle instructor (Ontario 1986-90) my advice to you is stick with a bicycle, you do not know what you want. And frankly, you are wasting time here by not being serious.

If you still want a bike wait until you are 30.

Ps,..

Hey dgmorr

have you ever gotten pics of your bike for sale - you never replied. you also never said what brand of bike.

http://67.19.207.84/~redflagd/forum...58&page=2&pp=15

thanks
_______

dgmorr

Sep 21st, 2004, 10:12 AM

How do you go in 5 days from about to purchase an ex500 to a Ninja? That's like going from grade school bball to the Olympics.

As a former motorcycle instructor (Ontario 1986-90) my advice to you is stick with a bicycle, you do not know what you want. And frankly, you are wasting time here by not being serious.

If you still want a bike wait until you are 30.

thanks
_______

WTF? You are one to say that I don't know what I want? You don't even know me buddy. Sure, I have been looking at a few EX500's, GS500's etc, how does that make me only want to stick with an EX500? Deals come, deals go. The guy had a better offer. You might know that being around RFD. Sorry Mr. Motorcycle instructor of 4 years, I should have known you would know everything, being serious and all.

Anyway, I will probably end up taking the Ninja 600. The price is right.

I don't think I have received any PMs from you either....not sure which bike you are refering to, I have 2 for sale.

Roninvancouver

Sep 21st, 2004, 10:37 AM

Riding a bike is dead serious and your attitude (fickle) is the kind which I see all the time when they are scraping bodies off the road.

You can't even tell the difference between an entry level bike and a ninja??

You don't even give me credit for being a motorcyle instructor and having some experience. And you're only 21. You have no business being on a bike and I'm just giving you fair warning that you will likely crash and burn in a short time with your attitude.

"WTF" is not the calm rational approach one needs in riding a fast bike, but you're first response to my message was exactly that typical knee jerk thoughtless "WTF". This is not personal, this is just how I see you're approach as exhibited in this forum

ps...

And I am referring to the message I posted to you requesting a photo of the bike/name you were selling the buysell section a few weeks back. Other members also asked you but you never posted anything.

dgmorr

Sep 21st, 2004, 10:53 AM

Whatever you say. Your opinion is your opinion. I'm pretty sure when you see my riding a bike I won't be attempting wheelies. It's good of you to offer your 'constructive' advice for whatever it may be worth. Anyway, seeing how one replies on a forum is not really a good scale to judge their real-life personality, but then tehre are some exceptions.

Again, whatever way you perceive me is most probably wrong. I am not one that thinks I am invincible, immune to an accident, king of the bike. In fact, I can count the times I have driven a real bike on 2 fingers. You'll probably see me riding on residential streets only. But whatever, to each his own.

If it's the bike I was selling a few months ago, it has already been sold.
Still looking for something else? I assume you're in Vancouver? It'd probably be a LOT cheaper to buy somethign out there.

motorcycleguy

Sep 25th, 2004, 02:08 AM

umm....Shannonville......arrr... :twisted:
me do wheelie every day. me no slow. me like racing. me is motorcyleguy :cheesygri

dgmorr

Sep 27th, 2004, 09:34 AM

Well, I ended up buying the Ninja 600 and I DO NOT regret it. Best purchase I have made in a very long time.

rc51

Sep 27th, 2004, 10:12 AM

You'll probably see me riding on residential streets only.

Statements like that really demonstrate your lack of experience and knowledge. Any experienced rider will tell you that residental streets are more dangerous than highways or freeways...probably more dangerous than anything except maybe downtown traffic.

I hate riding res streets... kids can run out at anytime, typically there's sand lurking in the worst spots (ie, braking areas), and be afraid of sand...very afraid..especially a new rider. Old ladies that pull out w/o looking... if you're smart, stay away from res. streets..until you get really good at emergency stops on very unfriendly pavement conditions.

dgmorr

Sep 27th, 2004, 10:27 AM

Yes, I see what you mean now that I've put a couple hundred kilometres on it already. At first I was riding around my neighbourhood. Really quiet area. There is a nice long loop down the street. Looks like a running track sort of loop. No kids on the street, no parked cars. It was good for learning. I still try to avoid the busy sections of the bigger roads such as Burnhamthorpe & Mavis, Dundas & Dixie, Britania & Mavis. Other than that I have found some really good quiet streets to ride around on.

So far I've found it best to ride Saturday and Sunday mornings before 10. Really nice and quiet. No stress.

rc51

Sep 27th, 2004, 10:31 AM

If you're anywhere near a track... GO! take a track day. That is what riding is all about... you'll soon find out either how good you are or bad you are and where you need to improve your skills. Also it's great being around other people who will definitely have better skills at this time and will be able to pass down some skills... of course, you'll run into the 'squids' as well.... take them for what they are... eventually they do go down.

I remember an instructor telling me years ago.... the day you think you're better than your bike..it's time to quit riding or go PRO. :D

dgmorr

Sep 27th, 2004, 11:20 AM

I am defineatley not ready for track riding. I assume track riding is more like...amature racing either organized or not? Is it an actual race or is it more like an open track? In the latter case, is it not safe for slow cruisers?

I doubt I will ever think I am better than my bike. I stalled it once (was nervous turning on the a major road for the first time, and had it tip about 15 degress, felt like i was trying to hold up a large house! I have pretty much mastered the clutch now. I guess it's more training my nerves and actual riding skills now.

How bad is it to shift without using the clutch? I know they have dual syncronizers or something similar to that. I know "clutches are cheaper than trannies" but I was just wondering how bad it is? Seems like it's made for clutchless shifting.

Shiifty

Sep 29th, 2004, 12:47 AM

A 1986 600R is going to be MUCH less powerful than today's 600's. I think it is an ok first choice for a new responsible rider. The newer Katana's (YZF600 I believe) are also 'lower' power 600's that should be ok. The nice thing about an old bike, is that you won't mind (too much!) if you drop it, and it's not a hot ticket for thieves.

Clutchless upshifts aren't too bad, if you do it smoothly. Practice on the higher gears (3rd-4th) so that you get smooth, and try lower gears. The higher gears are easier since they are closer in ratios. Don't bother with clutchless downshifts, those are much harder to do smoothly and there really is no need to. Clutchless shifts are best when ripping through the gears or racing and you don't want to spent that 0.2 second pulling the clutch!

Congrats on the purchase, and be careful. People REALLY don't see you out there. Keep an eye on traffic around you at all times and pay attention, don't let your mind wander like you do in a car. :razz: Always imagine the cars don't see you, and they will pull out at any minute. Of course I hope you took the safety course so you know all this already.

Ohboiya

Feb 9th, 2005, 02:36 PM

I just joined the GTAMotorcycle.com forums. I've been wanting to get a bike for some time now and I may do so this spring / summer.

I'm 31, know how to drive stick and had 3 different bikes when I was in university many years ago. Any insights / suggestions? I am planning on taking the course at Humber but besides that I'm not sure what bike to get or where to get it. I am thinking that I will purchase a bike I can grow into ... thanks in advance!