Thinking About Getting a Motorcycle License

[orenda635]

Title says it all. I'm thinking about getting a motorcycle license. I figured it would be ideal for the summer. I have some ideas of what I need to do before I get one. Of course I need my M1 learners permit, which just requires a written test. Then I plan to take a provincially approved training course, which is offered through the local college. It starts in the spring. I know I also need proper gear: boots, jacket, helmet. So, I'm looking to some other riders for some advice to help me along.

I'm considering either a Honda Rebel or Honda Shadow. The 2009 Rebel is tempting because it's not too powerful, which seems ideal for a beginner. It's at a $5000 MSRP, which I can easily afford to make payments on. What would I expect to pay for insurance on something like this? I currently have auto insurance for my car and I have a clean driving record. I'm in my mid 20s.

Secondly, what's the best gear to get, particularly where helmets are concerned? Any other advice is welcome, including talking me out of it. :p

[Pudknocker71]

I'm lucky...grandfathered in. Couple scooters in my teenage years. Only one Motorcycle. Not much I can offer in advice. One suggestion though....start with a used bike. A little Rebel used would be a good choice. WHEN you drop or lay it down....no big harm done (assuming you're OK). After a few months, perhaps a year, you'll want something bigger. That little Rebel will grow tiresome and a little embarrassing quickly. Don't poor you money into something that you can't get your money back out of. You should be able to pick up a used Rebel for $1200-1500. Good luck.

Later you could get into a nice Kawasaki, Yamaha or Honda HD lookalike for under $5k. (used of course)

[orenda635]

I browsed a couple more bikes. There's the Yamaha V-Star 250 which is $4899 new. Basic air cooled engine. There's also the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD which is $6799 new. Seems a little more robust with a 6 speed transmission compared to the five speeds the Rebel and V-Star have. Has about double the engine displacement. The advantage with the Honda though is that there's a local dealer. They seem to have a good stock of used bikes so I'll check that out. I certainly won't be buying one until at least the spring. That's assuming I go through with it.

[BuzzBomber]

Here's my 2¢. Take a rider training course! The skills you learn there will, at worst, save you a tipover or some embarrassment someday, and at best may very well save your life. You're smart to be looking at small displacement bikes. I think you would be even smarter to buy used, but a bit larger displacement. If you like cruisers, the Kawasaki Vulcan 600, Honda Shadow 600 and Yamaha V-Star 650, and Suzuki Savage (S40) are good options, if you like something sportier, look into a Suzuki GS500 or Kawasaki EX500/Ninja 500. When I wanted to get into street riding, I bought a four year old GS500. I still have it six years later, and still don't feel that I've 'outgrown' it, but it was never intimidating to ride either. Good luck in your quest.

[orenda635]

Here's my 2¢. Take a rider training course! The skills you learn there will, at worst, save you a tipover or some embarrassment someday, and at best may very well save your life.

Way ahead of you there.
Then I plan to take a provincially approved training course, which is offered through the local college. It starts in the spring.
Costs $435 and includes the M2 test.
http://www1.sheridaninstitute.ca/programs/coned/motorcycle/m1.cfm
After that, there's an advanced training course that includes the full M class test. Not only is this route safer, you also get a discount on your insurance.

The local Honda dealer has plenty of used Shadow 650s in stock but most of them are off lease models costing $7200. I'm hoping to get away with paying no more than $5000. I definitely prefer the cruiser style.

[mrbassman]

I don't know about Canada, but I pay $100.00 a year for insurance, and I'm in southern California, we can ride all year round. I've had my motorcycle license for over 20 years, so that helps with the low premium.

As far as what bike to choose, that can be effected by a lot of things. My advice would be to take the course and see what kind of bikes they have there, if they provide bikes. You might think a 650cc might be ok, but when you ride it you may not like it. I don't know if it's possible in Canada, but try to rent a bike if you can. Try all different makes and sizes, you'll be surprised at what you'll find out.

Hope some of this helps - Good Luck

Ken

[orenda635]

There probably are rental places around but I wouldn't know where to find them. Most dealers though will let you test drive a vehicle for the day.

I don't expect insurance to be as much as my car. I do have a spotless driving record but given my age, I think it will be a lot more than $100. I'm in no rush at that point since I can't even get started with the driving part until at least April. I did pick up the handbook today so I can start studying for the written test. The M1 license is only good for 90 days so I'll probably book the written test for March.

[BuzzBomber]

Whoops, sorry. Missed the part about taking the course. You're doing it the right way! Make sure you buy good gear, too. At the course, I'm sure they will impress the importance of riding ATTGATT (all the gear, all the time). Heck, I get worried when I ride wearing regular jeans instead of armored jeans, and I won't pull off the driveway without a real jacket and gloves. Make sure you try some different helmets too. Different brands tend to fit differently, and uncomfortable helmets SUCK after a few miles on the road, trust me!

Personally, my regular gear consists of a couple HJC helmets (full face CL-12 and open face FS-3 for hot days), Joe Rocket leather gloves, textile jacket and armored jeans. The Joe Rocket brand is pretty good bang for the buck, but look into Firstgear, Tourmaster,Icon, and Powertrip as well for starters. All their stuff seems pretty well built and is priced reasonably. If you see something you like, post on here and we'll try to help.

It's nice to see someone on here a couple years younger than me who wants a motorcycle, but isn't interested in the latest GSX-R or ZX10R! All the younger guys in my area are squids...

[orenda635]

I like the relaxed cruising style as opposed to the high speed sports. Ontario roads are too dangerous for the sport bikes. The punks that ride them have a death wish. A guy I fly with, who's 28, rides a cruiser. He just got his license last year. He has a Honda bike he got used but I'm not sure what model it is. I haven't seen him in a while though or else I'd be talking to him about this stuff.

For me, it's about being as safe as possible. I basically want the bike for summer for short distance trips to save on gas. Also, my Grandad used to ride back in England so I do have it in me.

[Pudknocker71]

I had a 96 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 classic. HD knockoff with less hp. Saddle bags, Corbon leather flame stitched seat, Jardon exhaust, wind shield, and triple headlights. Other odds and ends too. Bought it used with 16k on the OD for $4000. Too bad I don't have a photo available. Never should have sold it. Laid off and felt I had to do the responsible thing. I mis that bike.:(

[norcalheli]

I'll add a vote for the midsize cruisers as well. I've got a 2004 V-Star 1100 that I got for $6500 USD. It only had 1500 miles on the odometer. Nice bike.(It's my avatar :) ) The V-Star 650 looks like it would be a great light-weight cruiser to start out on. Not too big, but not too small to cruise down the highway in traffic. Whatever you get, it's a blast. I never get tired of riding.

Bob

[JustinMoore12]

I work at a motorcycle shop and will third the idea of a mid-small cruiser. The Vulcan 8 would be ideal for a first bike. Do not skimp on the protective gear. A nice Shoei and a set of leathers or reinforced jacket and pants are a safe bet as well. I recently watched an older gentleman lose control while pulling out of a parking lot near my local post office and slam into the side of another seniors truck as he was attempting to exit it. A close call, helped him pull the bike out from underneath and everyone was ok. Take your time and a safety course is a safe bet, I see you have already looked into that. I lacerated my foot in a motorcycle accident when I was younger and learned my lesson the hard way.

[orenda635]

I'll add a vote for the midsize cruisers as well. I've got a 2004 V-Star 1100 that I got for $6500 USD. It only had 1500 miles on the odometer. Nice bike.(It's my avatar :) ) The V-Star 650 looks like it would be a great light-weight cruiser to start out on. Not too big, but not too small to cruise down the highway in traffic. Whatever you get, it's a blast. I never get tired of riding.

Bob

The V-Star 650 looks like it uses a drive shaft/differential setup rather than chain drive. Interesting. I guess there's no chain to break or slip. I'll definitely put that in my maybe pile. It all boils down to what I can afford and what's on the lot. I'll probably go around to some dealers over the winter to see what's available.

[Usta Bee]

I had a 96 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 classic. HD knockoff with less hp.



Is that even possible ?. :rolleyes:

[norcalheli]

The V-Star 650 looks like it uses a drive shaft/differential setup rather than chain drive. Interesting. I guess there's no chain to break or slip. I'll definitely put that in my maybe pile. It all boils down to what I can afford and what's on the lot. I'll probably go around to some dealers over the winter to see what's available.
You're right, the V-Star 650 and 1100 both are shaft drive. I don't know for sure, but I think the 1300 is belt. I do know that it's liquid cooled while the other two are air-cooled.

[orenda635]

You're right, the V-Star 650 and 1100 both are shaft drive. I don't know for sure, but I think the 1300 is belt. I do know that it's liquid cooled while the other two are air-cooled.

Yep, the 1300 is belt drive and liquid cooled.

[CoastalFlyer]

After not riding for many years I took the riders course last year and after looking at everything out there, ended up buying a new Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom for $7600 out the door. I love it. :)

The V-Star 650 would be an excellent choice if you want to get something smaller.

I probably would have bought a Honda but the Yamaha was a much better deal. And drop dead gorgeous. Even better looking in person. :cool:

Ride safe.