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[Dougald]

Argh, I just rolled the Bonneville out of the garage to discover the battery is flat (even though it was on a tender). My optimate pronounced it dead so I had to pay dealership prices as the MOT is due on Thursday, so didn't have the option of ordering online and waiting.

It's only annoying as the Battery died on my other bike last year, and that's when I decided to invest in a tender to avoid having to replace either of them again soon!

 

[thesoapster]

Well at least now you won't have to worry about it for a long while on either!

 

[Watevaman]

A guy on the GS forum I go to swears by Shorai batteries and says they last all winter without a charge, but they're super expensive.

 

[Smiley90]

Cross-posting this:

Random question, but do any of you ride motorbikes? I've always wanted one. Now looking at them, not sure where to start. Not sure if I should start off with a 600 right away, or get a Ninja 300. (or a Honda 300, those are the ones that just visually appeal the most to me)

EDIT: I'm 5'10 and not too heavy, so I don't wanna get a bike that's too heavy/strong for me.

Also, I guess I'd have to buy it used, but what's the advice here? Craigslist and get the guy to meet you at a dealer to inspect it or what?

Thanks!

 

[Stinkles]

Cross-posting this:

Random question, but do any of you ride motorbikes? I've always wanted one. Now looking at them, not sure where to start. Not sure if I should start off with a 600 right away, or get a Ninja 300. (or a Honda 300, those are the ones that just visually appeal the most to me)

EDIT: I'm 5'10 and not too heavy, so I don't wanna get a bike that's too heavy/strong for me.

Also, I guess I'd have to buy it used, but what's the advice here? Craigslist and get the guy to meet you at a dealer to inspect it or what?

Thanks!

It might be a random question wherever you are cross posting it from...

 

[Smiley90]

It might be a random question wherever you are cross posting it from...

true that. I just copy-pasted most of it Random in a sense of "just dropping in, first post" here.

 

[QualityPixel]

What kind of riding you want to do, and the style of bike you want (you do mention sport bikes)? And what kind of budget do you have?

 

[Smiley90]

What kind of riding you want to do, and the style of bike you want (you do mention sport bikes)? And what kind of budget do you have?

No racing, that's for sure. I'd use it to a) maybe go joyriding, nature is nice around here, but mainly to get from A) to B) (e.g. go to campus with my backpack on, or go somewhere to meet up), I don't have a car and usually just take public transit. I just really like the looks of sportbikes, that's why my choice is on them.

Budget I'm gonna leave open. I've always enjoyed riding on the back of friends so I think I'll like riding them myself too, but since I'll buy the first one probably used and might want to upgrade, it shouldn't get too expensive anyway.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Yes we ride motorcycles and it's possible to start on a 600 as long as it isn't a supersport inline 4.

Honda Hornets or Ducati Monster 620s are fine to start on. If you're comfortable on a bike. However, if you're on North American soil and they just gave you a license cause you asked nicely, perhaps it better to start on something significantly lighter .

 

[Dougald]

Right, brand new battery in, will give her a shakedown before my government mandated expenditure tomorrow...

And yes, a lower powered 600 is a perfect starter bike in a country that mandates proper training. It's all about your confidence and experience - it would help to know where you are (of course now that the UK/EU licensing laws for motorcycles have become crazy, if you're under 24 (or 25?), there are all sorts of power limits based on your age/license category/experience.

 

[Smiley90]

Right, brand new battery in, will give her a shakedown before my government mandated expenditure tomorrow...

And yes, a lower powered 600 is a perfect starter bike in a country that mandates proper training. It's all about your confidence and experience - it would help to know where you are (of course now that the UK/EU licensing laws for motorcycles have become crazy, if you're under 24 (or 25?), there are all sorts of power limits based on your age/license category/experience.

Canada. I've been driving cars for about... 5 years now, despite not owning one myself (parents/SO's). I've only driven on the back of other people's motorcycle's though. I'm turning 23 soon.

So a 600 should be "easy enough" to handle as a beginner bike, even if you're not very well-built/5'10? (178cm, if that helps.) Talking actual weight AND road-handling here, just scared of buying sth I won't be able to even handle at all.

for 600's I'd still be looking at the same kind of bikes though, CBF/CBR600 (what's the difference?) or a ninja600.

 

[Dougald]

Bear in mind a CBR 600 is going to be a *lot* faster than the sort of 600s we were suggesting

Also I'm assuming Canada has about as strict a licensing requirement as the USA, we're talking from a European perspective where you currently have to pass a written theory, basic training and two practical tests before you can get on two wheels.

My instructor always said to me with the proper training you can start on almost anything... but I'd take that with a grain of salt. I wouldn't start on a CBR600, but I started on a Bonneville (which despite being 800cc is never going to win any races). The sort of 600 "first big bikes" that manufacturers market here are things like the ER-6f, CB600, GS500, etc.

 

[Smiley90]

Bear in mind a CBR 600 is going to be a *lot* faster than the sort of 600s we were suggesting

Also I'm assuming Canada has about as strict a licensing requirement as the USA, we're talking from a European perspective where you currently have to pass a written theory, basic training and two practical tests before you can get on two wheels.

My instructor always said to me with the proper training you can start on almost anything... but I'd take that with a grain of salt. I wouldn't start on a CBR600, but I started on a Bonneville (which despite being 800cc is never going to win any races). The sort of 600 "first big bikes" that manufacturers market here are things like the ER-6f, CB600, GS500, etc.

How are you supposed to pass a practical test without getting on two wheels? In Canada, if you already have a regular driver's licence, you only need to pass a theoretical exam and then get your learner's, with which you're allowed everything except A)Highways and B)Passengers. Basically.

 

[Dougald]

In the UK/EU, it's:

- Offroad/Onroad escorted Basic Training on a 125cc machine, after which you can ride as a learner a 125cc machine for up to two years. You cannot take pillion riders.

- After this you can take lessons with a qualified instructor escorting you (with radio comms) on a bike suitable for the class of license you are going for. You then have to take two practical tests, an off-road "dodge the cones" type exercise, and a practical road test.


Of course in theory you could just do the basic training, then rock up at a test centre and jump on a bike your mate has ridden there to do the test, but you probably wouldn't pass..

 

[ClassyPenguin]

No racing, that's for sure. I'd use it to a) maybe go joyriding, nature is nice around here, but mainly to get from A) to B) (e.g. go to campus with my backpack on, or go somewhere to meet up), I don't have a car and usually just take public transit. I just really like the looks of sportbikes, that's why my choice is on them.

Budget I'm gonna leave open. I've always enjoyed riding on the back of friends so I think I'll like riding them myself too, but since I'll buy the first one probably used and might want to upgrade, it shouldn't get too expensive anyway.

Ninja 250. The new models look fucking gorgeous. I don't see the need to start on a bigger bike,

 

[Watevaman]

I've said it before, I say it again: I would not recommend any 600 inline-4 to a beginner, especially if you've never ridden anything 2 wheel before. This includes the Hornet 599 and FZ6R. These bikes may be marketed as a starter bike but you can still get in trouble real fast compared to something like a 250/300/500. As a beginner myself (3k miles of riding), I still think the bullshit about self control and confidence are just that. When you get on a bike, you don't know what you're going to do. Every day I get on my GS500 thinking I'll commute to where I'm going and that's it, yet I hit redline pretty much every ride at some point. When I had less miles under my belt I took my friend's 599 for a spin. Cresting a hill with the throttle open a bit aggressively, the front end rose. Luckily I knew what I was doing and set it back down, but if you're a beginner who's scared shitless it would've ended pretty badly right there.

So Smiley, for the sake of your safety, I'd recommend starting on a 250/300/500 twin. Buy something used for a season (I spent $800 for my GS500, could probably sell it for more), learn the basics of how a bike handles in different situations, then sell it and move up to the big bikes. Remember: your first bike isn't your last bike.

 

[Dougald]

I've said it before, I say it again: I would not recommend any 600 inline-4 to a beginner, especially if you've never ridden anything 2 wheel before. This includes the Hornet 599 and FZ6R. These bikes may be marketed as a starter bike but you can still get in trouble real fast compared to something like a 250/300/500. As a beginner myself (3k miles of riding), I still think the bullshit about self control and confidence are just that. When you get on a bike, you don't know what you're going to do. Every day I get on my GS500 thinking I'll commute to where I'm going and that's it, yet I hit redline pretty much every ride at some point. When I had less miles under my belt I took my friend's 599 for a spin. Cresting a hill with the throttle open a bit aggressively, the front end rose. Luckily I knew what I was doing and set it back down, but if you're a beginner who's scared shitless it would've ended pretty badly right there.

So Smiley, for the sake of your safety, I'd recommend starting on a 250/300/500 twin. Buy something used for a season (I spent $800 for my GS500, could probably sell it for more), learn the basics of how a bike handles in different situations, then sell it and move up to the big bikes. Remember: your first bike isn't your last bike.

Yep, for someone with a North American perspective, I agree completely. If I hadn't been forced to spend days and days pottering on a 125cc bike being yelled at in my ear by an instructor, before graduating to a GS500, I'd have promptly crashed it at the first roundabout.

In fact, on my first day on a 125 I mounted the pavement and nearly hit a streetlight. If it had been a bigger bike it would have been much worse than an embarrassing story.

 

[maxheadwound]

Did the deed.... BMW K1300s on its way this weekend...

Everyone is saying this thing is a rocketship... have to wait and see

 

[Dougald]

Beautiful bike (though I prefer the slightly out-there look of the 1300R)

Friend of mine tried one and he said it was fantastic, but he had only been riding for a year, and decided not to buy one because "it would kill him" - I'm sure you'll enjoy it!!

 

[Discusguy]

Smiley90 I suggest takinga a motorcycle safty riding class. Pay for it if you have to. I suggest you get something along the lines of a 500cc bike and smaller because you will drop your bike. A few yrs later get the bike you want. At 23 yrs of age you will be doing stupid shit. Its just happens. Even being older you'll still be doing stupid shit but at least you'll be a little more seasoned.

 

[maxheadwound]

The K1300r is awesome but I need a bit of weather protection... and this is my first hyper sport bike... previously had the 1200GS and now the 1200RT... this is the first 4 cyl bike

I will post a few pics when I get it

 

[RaySpencer]

I think I want to buy a motorbike. I really like the look of the Yamaha bolt, is there something older that would look very similar and would be better to start with?

 

[Smiley90]

Thanks for the input, I think I'd get a used newer-model Ninja 300/250 now... How should I judge prices for used bikes, is there a rule of thumb? I see a used 2009 model on craigslist for 3k, vs about 5.5k new... Or is there a better site than craigslist? Do vendors re-sell used bikes, too? I've never bought a car or bike, kinda wary about the lack of "protection" I'd get on craigslist about the status of the bike.

 

[RapidCancel]

^ Private sales will be your best deal, unless you really need to finance. IMO, I would go for a Ninja 250 before 2008, it'll be even cheaper and you can just resell it once you're done with it. Check craigslist and if you have a local motorcycle forum, check them too. If you don't know much about bikes, take a friend who is mechanically inclined to check it out with you. Most people aren't going to let you go on test rides with the bike without cash in hand as a security measure in case you drop it.

Canada. I've been driving cars for about... 5 years now, despite not owning one myself (parents/SO's). I've only driven on the back of other people's motorcycle's though. I'm turning 23 soon.

So a 600 should be "easy enough" to handle as a beginner bike, even if you're not very well-built/5'10? (178cm, if that helps.) Talking actual weight AND road-handling here, just scared of buying sth I won't be able to even handle at all.

for 600's I'd still be looking at the same kind of bikes though, CBF/CBR600 (what's the difference?) or a ninja600.

Cars and bikes are 2 different things. Go take the motorcycle class, start off with something small for a month or 2, then go get the bike you want.

Some good starter bikes are Ninja 250, Ninja 500, Ninja 650, Suzuki GS 500 and Suzuki SV 650. Nope, they won't look as cool as a CBR/Ninja/R/GSXR, but the main difference is they are more forgiving to ride and that's essential, especially if you are just starting out. Think about it this way, if you accidentally add too gas on a rwd car in the rain, you spin out. Maybe hit the curb or another at the worst case. You loose control of your bike and you'll be going for a ride. Lots of possibilities on what'll happen to you if you get low or high sided or even if you hit a curb/another car. When you get on a sports bike compared to a starter bike, the throttle is a lot more responsive to when you pull it. If you're just starting out and aren't used to reacting to certain situations on the street yet, it could be very unforgiving.

I think I want to buy a motorbike. I really like the look of the Yamaha bolt, is there something older that would look very similar and would be better to start with?

You could look into the Honda Rebel.

 

[RaySpencer]

^ Private sales will be your best deal, unless you really need to finance. IMO, I would go for a Ninja 250 before 2008, it'll be even cheaper and you can just resell it once you're done with it. Check craigslist and if you have a local motorcycle forum, check them too. If you don't know much about bikes, take a friend who is mechanically inclined to check it out with you. Most people aren't going to let you go on test rides with the bike without cash in hand as a security measure in case you drop it.



Cars and bikes are 2 different things. Go take the motorcycle class, start off with something small for a month or 2, then go get the bike you want.

Some good starter bikes are Ninja 250, Ninja 500, Ninja 650, Suzuki GS 500 and Suzuki SV 650. Nope, they won't look as cool as a CBR/Ninja/R/GSXR, but the main difference is they are more forgiving to ride and that's essential, especially if you are just starting out. Think about it this way, if you accidentally add too gas on a rwd car in the rain, you spin out. Maybe hit the curb or another at the worst case. You loose control of your bike and you'll be going for a ride. Lots of possibilities on what'll happen to you if you get low or high sided or even if you hit a curb/another car. When you get on a sports bike compared to a starter bike, the throttle is a lot more responsive to when you pull it. If you're just starting out and aren't used to reacting to certain situations on the street yet, it could be very unforgiving.



You could look into the Honda Rebel.

OOOoooo, awesome suggestion, it looks rad, and is 250cc


The other option I might consider is stuff that looks like a Honda CB750 or a triumph bonneville, the problem is, I have no idea whats out there, I need a big database of bikes where I can sort them by style and power, so I can get stuff that looks what I want at a power level thats right for me, haha.


Edit: BAH! wtf, cant get a Rebel in Canada. a couple on Kijiji, but not many.

 

[Mengy]

A good friend of mine bought a GoPro cam to mount on his 2013 Street Glide a few days ago. He bought the bike last year. So he mounted the camera and went out for his first ride with it and this is what happened:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w24uj1rBU94

Yep, hard video to watch. He thinks his rear tire actually slipped on the paint in the traffic circle, my first thought was road salt or gravel or something. Either way, there was damage to the fairing, fender, saddlebags, crash bar, and frame, in total about $9500 worth of damage, and it's going to take 6 to 12 weeks to get it fixed. Talk about bad luck.

So if any of you go riding into traffic circles, be careful!

 

[Fallout-NL]

That looks really odd. Sounds more like a ground clearance issue or something :-/

 

[ClassyPenguin]

Probably freaked out when he first scraped the pegs or something. Looks like he jerked quickly to the right causing him to lose control.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Possibly, yeah.

 

[opticalmace]

Thanks for the input, I think I'd get a used newer-model Ninja 300/250 now... How should I judge prices for used bikes, is there a rule of thumb? I see a used 2009 model on craigslist for 3k, vs about 5.5k new... Or is there a better site than craigslist? Do vendors re-sell used bikes, too? I've never bought a car or bike, kinda wary about the lack of "protection" I'd get on craigslist about the status of the bike.

Well if you browse the listings you'll get a feel for what a typical price is.

Keep in mind you can get a new 250R for much cheaper than 5.5k. I bought my 2012 250R (new) for 4.5k out the door (because they are making way for the 300).

Craigslist is fine, but you probably want to bring along someone knowledgable about bikes to check it out for you, if possible. Or if it looks good, have a mechanic check it out before buying.

 

[QualityPixel]

I think I want to buy a motorbike. I really like the look of the Yamaha bolt, is there something older that would look very similar and would be better to start with?

The Yamaha Bolt being 950cc would be a lot of bike to handle as a first ride. My first cruiser and road going bike was a 600cc Shadow VLX, and it was pretty easy to ride. The bike is a medium sized frame felt much more manageable than my dad's Harley and my friends 750cc Shadow ACE. Just something to consider.

 

[RaySpencer]

The Yamaha Bolt being 950cc would be a lot of bike to handle as a first ride. My first cruiser and road going bike was a 600cc Shadow VLX, and it was pretty easy to ride. The bike is a medium sized frame felt much more manageable than my dad's Harley and my friends 750cc Shadow ACE. Just something to consider.

Yeah, there is no way I would buy the Bolt to start with, I just love the look of it. Im happy I got the Honda Rebel as a suggestion because it is super close looking and is like 250cc, which is what I need, haha.


They arent available new in Canada though, so I need to get something used (which is fine with me for my first bike anyway), unfortunately there isnt many of them for sale in Alberta.

 

[Tekniqs]

Anyone used these gloves? Knox Biomech. I tried them on and love the way they cinch.

I have the handroids and they're AWESOME...I've heard just as good things about the biomech as well

 

[thesoapster]

A guy on the GS forum I go to swears by Shorai batteries and says they last all winter without a charge, but they're super expensive.

Li-ion batteries are nice because they're much lighter (which I've noticed on the R1) and their life span is great (though you still have to recharge them periodically). The one thing that is not on the packaging up front is that starting in cooler weather (under 65F I'd say) is a bitch. The cells have to be warmed up to give power, and so you have to crank it here and there, crank crank, crank...ignition off/on again, crank, crank...etc. Once warmed up though they're fine for the day. I have an Antigravity battery in my bike.

 

[Dre3001]

What is a good price range for used Suzuki SV650 or SV650s 2003-2008??

 

[Watevaman]

I see them anywhere from $2500 (older) to $4500 (newer). Depends on your market, though.

 

[Dougald]

Just dropped the Triumph in for its MOT and in courtesy bike roulette I get....

A brand new 2013 Bonneville (literally about 15 miles on the clock). I have to say I actually prefer my carb'd 2007 Bike.

The Good:
It sounds better and feels like it goes quicker. Plus the advantage of EFI is that the bike will actually start nicely in low temperatures, unlike the cold-blooded carb'd bikes... The front brake is also a *hell* of a lot more responsive

The Bad:
It rides a little worse. I think its the tiny mag wheels they put on the standard bike these days, if I was buying new I'd go for the T100 with the big spoked wheels. The grips are also criminally small

The Ugly:
That colour is certainly an acquired taste. I guess it's going after the Harley 883 but I don't think it suits the bike at all.

 

[Fallout-NL]

I think the mirrors are especially hideous.

 

[Dougald]

Yeah they're pretty similar to the old bike, but they've made them larger and taller (because they are so useless as to be set dressing on the old bike), which makes them look a bit more goofy. They never looked great as it was, but I liked them as it adds to the retro look

At least you have a hell of a lot of aftermarket options for things like mirrors on that bike..

 

[Fallout-NL]

Yeah, no doubt. Sucks that they charge both arm and leg for mirrors usually.

 

[Dougald]

Annnd I just heard from the Garage that my bike has failed and needs a new headlamp unit. The problem with Triumph is the parts are just so damn expensive.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Why the fuck would your '07 bike need a new headlamp unit? Sounds like total bullshit to me.

 

[Dougald]

The plastic/mounting inside it's snapped apparently, gonna get them to show me when I go down this afternoon.

I actually suspect that I may have done it myself when I was messing around in there last year installing a new headlight and a headlamp peak..



Yet my 1996 Honda with over 50k miles on it trundles along with only a couple of small issues, think I may go Japanese for my next bike...

 

[Watevaman]

MOT may be safer but damn if I'm glad the inspections in my state are so damn lax.

 

[Dougald]

Yeah yeah rub it in why don't you...


Frankly I'm sure it all depends on who you take it to for your MOT as well, especially for subjective things like exhaust noise. That's why I take the other bike to a chap I know gives me an honest appraisal, Triumph are only doing it today as I want to preserve the service history and the MOT was due at the same time.

May do things differently next year!

 

[Fallout-NL]

The plastic/mounting inside it's snapped apparently, gonna get them to show me when I go down this afternoon.

I actually suspect that I may have done it myself when I was messing around in there last year installing a new headlight and a headlamp peak..

Ah, sounds a little more plausible then.

Yet my 1996 Honda with over 50k miles on it trundles along with only a couple of small issues, think I may go Japanese for my next bike...

Nah, you buy a bike for the drama. Not that the high pitched scream of an R1/6 isn't dramatic... but I want a little show at speeds that allow me to keep my license .

 

[Dougald]

Yeah they showed me, the mounting for the bulb was smashed up just enough to fail on the computer headlight beam test, but not enough for me or anyone human to ever notice. Bah.

The guy told me they see so many failures on that part that they keep spares in stock all the time, hence why they fixed it today.


And yes, drama is fun (the Triumph broke down while I was in France and some British guy on holiday pulled over and fixed it for me, but that's another story), but there's something to be said about quiet reliability. But I suppose that's part of the package when you buy a British Bike (or Italian for that matter)

 

[Watevaman]

I wouldn't mind having an RSV4 as my next bike if I can afford it. Researched it and apparently they aren't that bad reliability wise.

 

[Fallout-NL]

And yes, drama is fun (the Triumph broke down while I was in France and some British guy on holiday pulled over and fixed it for me, but that's another story), but there's something to be said about quiet reliability. But I suppose that's part of the package when you buy a British Bike (or Italian for that matter)

Well, the thing is, I haven't been let down once by the (three) Italian bikes I've owned. Granted, two of those I've bought new. And the one I got used was close to complete failure when I traded it in. I didn't know that, the shop that took it off my hands told me that some critical bearing in the engine was about to fail and would have ruined the whole thing if they had not serviced it. But that was a water-cooled 4 valve model (the 998) and they need proper TLC.

All in all, not a bad track record though . But stick with the 2 valved models if you're going Italian if you want something cool and reliable. (Though the 4 valved models shouldn't give you any trouble if they're serviced at the proper intervals.)

 

[Dougald]

Nice looking bike too, that...

Honda called me last week about test riding a CB1100, I really should arrange that. I don't think I'll be getting one as the range is just as awful as the Bonneville, but it would be nice to try out.


Edit: If I wanted something cool and Italian it would have to be a SportClassic GT (if I can find one), or a Diavel/Monster... I can't stop staring whenever I see a Diavel.