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Author Topic: New to Motorcycles  (Read 181 times)

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Offline Syn

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New to Motorcycles
« on: June 05, 2010, 07:45:13 PM »
Hey everyone, I've been looking at some bikes on Kijiji for the last 4 or 5 months, thinking about buying one, once I see a good deal, I see lots of these 1992 600's for $3500, things like that, then you seen 2001 600's for the same price? It confuses me, are they highballing them in the spring hoping to get more?

I think Im going to go take the course at ASC(Alberta Safety Council) Only because its a block from my work. Have to buy my gear first tho, I was thinking of just picking up a cheap helmet and jacket, so that I can do the course, and then once I have the course and everything, get the bike, then get matching gear? Is this common? Or should I rent gear/borrow?

Everyone I talked to told me to start with a 90's bike and learn how to ride on it, said i wont feel as bad dropping it as a brand new bike, they made sure to say when not if haha, Well, hopefully I can get a few pointers here and maybe meet a few people

Oh, Im Stuart, Live in Edmonton, Im 20, my brother lives in Regina and has a 2004 GS 500R, after riding on it, Now I want one myself (=
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1967 Indian 125 & 1982 Honda 250XLr - Project Bikes
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Offline Ryan

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Re: New to Motorcycles
« Reply #1 on: June 06, 2010, 09:34:50 AM »
Hey Stuart, welcome to the forum!

I'm sure some people are indeed high-balling because of Spring.  If you see a bike that interests you, I would search for it on kijiji/craigslist in other cities (Canada and US) to see what other bikes with similar kilometers and model year are going for.

Good on you for choosing to take the motorcycle training course through ASC, you'll learn a lot, which might end up just saving your life one day.  When my friend and I did the course through ASC some years back, they provided the helmets.  We just wore old ankle high hiking boots (or rubber boots when it rained), a couple of pairs of jeans, a jean jacket over a heavy sweater, and some gardening gloves.  I'm not sure I would recommend this setup for safety but if your limited with funds as we were, it's an acceptable alternative given the environment you'll be training in.  If you can borrow though, definitely do that.  If you're making a trip to Calgary before the training, let me know and I may be able to find some old motorcycle gear that I can lend you.

I agree with the statement on buying a used/cheap bike first.  I bought a KLR650 (new) but could have just as well bought a used one and been just as happy.  Just don't get something with too much power to start off.

Good luck and keep us posted!
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Offline Syn

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Re: New to Motorcycles
« Reply #2 on: June 06, 2010, 03:39:52 PM »
Im still deciding who to take the course through, Ive heard nothing but good things about TNT and the price is right, Ive asked both(ASC and TNT) what they require for gear, I have my old Combat boots(not steel toed) but i think they'll do, I have downhill mountain biking gloves, so really i just gotta see if I car wear like my Naval Combat Dress Jacket(Fireproof and tear resistant) We'll see tho.

Im not sure if I'll be in calgary before I go for the course, Most likely after I will be tho, tons of friends there, the bike would make driving down for weekends alot more doable, seeing as my truck will cost around $120 in gas to get there and back.

Im thinking 500 to 650cc to start, seems to be a good size engine (=
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Because life is too short to be anything but happy...
1967 Indian 125 & 1982 Honda 250XLr - Project Bikes
2002 Kawasaki Ninja 500
2005 Yamaha R6 Raven Edition
2008 Kawasaki KLR 650

Offline Durak

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Re: New to Motorcycles
« Reply #3 on: June 07, 2010, 04:12:01 PM »
Hi Stuart,

I took the NAIT course in May last year and would highly recommend it.  A couple of cool points about the NAIT course are:
1) They let you use their bikes for the road test.
2) They have an "open" night once a week where you can come back and practice on their lot.

I heard a rumour that there were some personnel changes there, but I'd still recommend at least checking them out.

As for gear, in both courses I've taken, you are required to have:
1) DOT helmet
2) full finger gloves
3) boots (non-leather soles) that cover the ankles
4) jacket that is at a minimum made of denim

You should be able to kit yourself out for less than $150 bucks provided you are not an odd-sized guy (like myself).  Definitely don't go buy a bunch of expensive gear.  I've seen a number of folks who kitted themselves out in name brand gear (some even bought bikes) and then found out that motorcycling wasn't for them.

As for finding a bike, I'd recommend getting your license and then test riding everything - you may be surprised what style of bike actually works best for you - keep an open mind.  In the end, all that matters is that you ride, not what you ride. 

There are still some demo days going on at various dealerships around Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary (next round will be in the fall).

Best of luck and I hope to see you on the road!
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Offline BubbaMike

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Re: New to Motorcycles
« Reply #4 on: June 08, 2010, 11:04:00 AM »
I took the course at TNT and found it to be really good.  Not only did it teach you the fundamentals, but it actually made me a better driver in my car.  I honestly believe that everyone should take a bike course as part of their driver training...it is amazing how much more I am aware of.

TNT also allows you to use their bikes for your test, but you have to rent them.  The cost with the test/rental is around the $200 mark.  I didn't use theirs as I had my own to use for the test.

Speaking of the test, I was all concerned that I missed the opportunity to get away with the parking lot test, as opposed to the new road test rules.  After doing both (parking lot test to pass the course) I honestly think the road test is not good enough.  Anyone can get on a bike and follow the rules of the road, but unless you actually have some skills it is very tough to do the slow controlled speed things.  I think there should be a combination of the two.  Maybe make a training course mandatory that has a parking lot test as a condition of passing.  Just my $0.02 and feel free to disagree.

As for gear, stay away from the steel toed shoes/boots as you lose any feeling of the shifter.  Jeans are a minimum, a good jacket and a great helmet are a must.  After all, this is your life you are dealing with.  What is it worth?
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Offline Ryan

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Re: New to Motorcycles
« Reply #5 on: June 08, 2010, 04:23:54 PM »
Great first post there BubbaMike!
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Offline morgal

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Re: New to Motorcycles
« Reply #6 on: June 08, 2010, 10:50:13 PM »
For gear i went to a motorcycle shop and tried on the gear and found the sizes i wanted.

Then i looked for used gear on e-bay(or now kijiji and others)

Worked well...

(if you run a  dealership don't hurt me)
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Offline BubbaMike

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Re: New to Motorcycles
« Reply #7 on: June 10, 2010, 09:13:38 AM »
I bought my gear from Jafrum as the prices were really good.  Even with shipping and customs charges I still saved a bundle over buying locally.  My jacket is really heavy leather and is made in Pakistan.  The only complaint I have is some of the zipper pulls on the pockets are garbage and break.  The main zipper (the important one) is good.

My wife got a textile jacket from them and there are no issues with it.  Nice material with armour and everything.  :)

The only catch is make sure you know what size you need.  When you order online, any savings you might have will quickly disappear if you have to return items due to incorrect sizing.
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