Wrote M1, booked Safety Course...now wife freaking out?

**bikermahn** · 02-03-2012, 11:44 AM

Already got the life insurance

wormburner's post seemed to hit it right on the button. I too don't want to start doing these things at 50+.

I'm going to follow through with the course, I've got all the equipment, I've got my M1, riding gear and the mindset to follow through right now. I'm going to the early April RTI course at Mosport

Next up the final test, bringing a bike home.

I've been looking at a Kawasaki Ninja 250R, I was at GPBikes the other day and the guy there was trying to talk me into a 07 500R instead of a 250. I guess its because they only have a 500R there for sale. I think a 500R is a bit too much bike for me, those that have rode both is it really a good bike to start out on, or should I stick to my guns and aim for a 250?

**tricky** · 02-03-2012, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by bikermahn

I've been looking at a Kawasaki Ninja 250R, I was at GPBikes the other day and the guy there was trying to talk me into a 07 500R instead of a 250. I guess its because they only have a 500R there for sale. I think a 500R is a bit too much bike for me, those that have rode both is it really a good bike to start out on, or should I stick to my guns and aim for a 250?

The Kawi 500R and the Suzuki GS500 are both great, widely used beginner bikes. Even though they are 500, they aren't overly powerful. They are also very forgiving. I believe they are more comfortable to use on the highway because of their added weight and power (I have no experience with a 250 on the highway). The insurance should still be relatively low, as well.

There should be a bunch of threads in here somewhere about great beginner bikes. They are well worth a read!

EDIT: If you are anywhere near the downtown, and want to check out my bike to see how it feels (it's a GS500) then give me a shout via PM

**Alex_San** · 02-03-2012, 01:45 PM

I had the same trouble when I came back with my M1, but we talked and she warmed up to the whole thing. Now that I bought the bike she wants to do the rider's course too...

**jondevos** · 02-03-2012, 04:06 PM

First off the issue with the wife. Having your wife worried about you riding just shows she cares. Mine didnt want me to get another bike after I sold my last one but I sat her down and explained to her that riding is part of my life. It was something on my bucket list and after riding once, i have never looked back.

As to the bikes, id go with either the ninja 250 or the ninja 500 over the gs. Not saying that the gs is a bad bike but the ninja is liquid cooled where as the gs is air cooled. The newer ninja 250s are sharp looking bikes. The 500s not so much. I has a 1986 ninja 250 (the nice one with step up seat) and rode it for a few years. It was my third bike and I always had fun on it. They top out around 160 and can carry a passenger no problem. For learning the 250 really is a great bike. If you buy used you can usually sell after a year for the same price as you bought it for. Buy during winter and sell during spring and you can probably make money off of it.

**cathlaur** · 02-03-2012, 06:28 PM

I am sorry that your wife is having such a hard time. When my husband got his bike I was surprised and a bit skeptical. Then I saw how much fun he was having and he really loved it, he just seemed happier. Well last year I got my M2. It was not easy but I got it now I ride my own bike a Suzuki GSXF 650 and I love it. I cannot wait for spring to come as can he. We are really enjoying it, many of our neighbours are riding now to and it so much fun!

**bikermahn** · 02-03-2012, 07:48 PM

There are a few 250's and 500's around where I am that have been for sale since last year and still available. I'm going to try and check them out, I guess I won't shy to much away from a 500R as long as it feels comfortable when I sit on it. I know the 250R felt good when I sat on it, nice height and good positioning. I hate how in bike showrooms they put these things so darn close together.

Thanks for the input everyone

**cknowles** · 02-05-2012, 06:46 PM

I have a very cool wife. We've been married almost 23 years. When I said I was going for my M1 she said "If you are taking the riding course then I'm going too!" We both wrote the M1 test, then took the course, and both passed our M1 exit. We bought a Virago 250 to share while we learned the basics then I just bought a Virago 1100 just this week. Why not get her onto a bike as well?