The Shamus
Member
Ok I have approached this whole thing backwards. And now I have damage control to do and need lots of advice please.
Backstory: I used to ride off road years ago and the occasional road and highway up in the Parry Sound area the early 80's. Well before leisure vehicle insurance was required and trail permits became fashion. That's my riding experience. Otherwise I've been driving with a full G-class license for 34 years (yes I'm 50). And yes I'm realizing car experience does not equate to motorcycle experience. Anyhow my brother has been riding since 2013 and has been bugging me to get a bike and ride with him. I've always loved his Victory. And my stepfather wouldn't be averse to me riding around with him on his Harley. So one day I woke up and decided to go window shopping. No M1 written, no riding course. NO clue about insurance, CC's, graduated licensing, etc. How dangerous could window shopping be afterall? Well I hadn't known Victory closed the plant last year. Scarcity of supply kicks in. All rational thought goes out the window.
Present: This is where it gets STUPID. I can't find a new or slightly used Victory 8-Ball anywhere. So I buy the last brand new black Victory Octane in Ontario. Yep 1100cc. I rationalize with myself. I figure I'll learn on it...it's only a 3/4 bike. It's a cruiser at least, albeit a muscle cruiser. So while shopping hard to find OEM Victory accessories I stumble across a brand new Victory 8-Ball in the US. Yep I buy it too. All 1700cc. I figure it can "sit" while I learn on the Octane. Then I found this forum while exploring insurance options. And I start reading the horror stories and shock of the insurance quotes. And then I start reading about recommended started bikes, sizes, lack of riding experience and so on.
Future: I got the M1 written license end of February. Signed up for an approved M1 riding course with test included for early April. I can get my M2 on May 1st. I will take the advanced riding class in May/June for the extra riding time.
Advice: After reading many of the forum threads I realize I bought way too much bike. I'm not sure anyone will insure me... or more specifically that I want to afford the insurance. I only need the one bike insured and will let the other sit until I get my full M. Like I said scarcity of supply and I hate buying high mileage used. And buy the time I could ride the Vegas there would be nothing left but high mileage used (see how I rationalize...seems much like many of the noobs on here trying to justify their decisions). To clarify and confirm I'm not filthy rich hence caring how much my insurance will cost. Plus I want to ride for fun, gain experience and not kill myself or cause harm to others.
Admittedly it's only now that I'm looking to see how much a beginner bike in the sub-600cc (CBR250, CBR300, Ninja 300) range would cost. Yep a 3rd bike (used) maybe but something in the $3k range and with affordable insurance. I'll sell it after I get my full M and can afford the insurance on the larger bikes. But who knows maybe magically a broker or company out there will trust me not to do anything stupid on the Octane though? So that I can cut my teeth on that. Or maybe the Vegas is more of a classic cruiser and will have the better insurance rate? BTW I'm not planning on selling either bike. They can sit in controlled storage for another 18 months if things get too stupid insurance wise.
But I have a decision to make. Get a <600cc bike and insure or try to get one of the cruisers insured (if so who would you recommend as an insurer/broker) and ride according to skill set and experience (i.e. humble noob).
Thank you for any and all advice,
The Shamus
Backstory: I used to ride off road years ago and the occasional road and highway up in the Parry Sound area the early 80's. Well before leisure vehicle insurance was required and trail permits became fashion. That's my riding experience. Otherwise I've been driving with a full G-class license for 34 years (yes I'm 50). And yes I'm realizing car experience does not equate to motorcycle experience. Anyhow my brother has been riding since 2013 and has been bugging me to get a bike and ride with him. I've always loved his Victory. And my stepfather wouldn't be averse to me riding around with him on his Harley. So one day I woke up and decided to go window shopping. No M1 written, no riding course. NO clue about insurance, CC's, graduated licensing, etc. How dangerous could window shopping be afterall? Well I hadn't known Victory closed the plant last year. Scarcity of supply kicks in. All rational thought goes out the window.
Present: This is where it gets STUPID. I can't find a new or slightly used Victory 8-Ball anywhere. So I buy the last brand new black Victory Octane in Ontario. Yep 1100cc. I rationalize with myself. I figure I'll learn on it...it's only a 3/4 bike. It's a cruiser at least, albeit a muscle cruiser. So while shopping hard to find OEM Victory accessories I stumble across a brand new Victory 8-Ball in the US. Yep I buy it too. All 1700cc. I figure it can "sit" while I learn on the Octane. Then I found this forum while exploring insurance options. And I start reading the horror stories and shock of the insurance quotes. And then I start reading about recommended started bikes, sizes, lack of riding experience and so on.
Future: I got the M1 written license end of February. Signed up for an approved M1 riding course with test included for early April. I can get my M2 on May 1st. I will take the advanced riding class in May/June for the extra riding time.
Advice: After reading many of the forum threads I realize I bought way too much bike. I'm not sure anyone will insure me... or more specifically that I want to afford the insurance. I only need the one bike insured and will let the other sit until I get my full M. Like I said scarcity of supply and I hate buying high mileage used. And buy the time I could ride the Vegas there would be nothing left but high mileage used (see how I rationalize...seems much like many of the noobs on here trying to justify their decisions). To clarify and confirm I'm not filthy rich hence caring how much my insurance will cost. Plus I want to ride for fun, gain experience and not kill myself or cause harm to others.
Admittedly it's only now that I'm looking to see how much a beginner bike in the sub-600cc (CBR250, CBR300, Ninja 300) range would cost. Yep a 3rd bike (used) maybe but something in the $3k range and with affordable insurance. I'll sell it after I get my full M and can afford the insurance on the larger bikes. But who knows maybe magically a broker or company out there will trust me not to do anything stupid on the Octane though? So that I can cut my teeth on that. Or maybe the Vegas is more of a classic cruiser and will have the better insurance rate? BTW I'm not planning on selling either bike. They can sit in controlled storage for another 18 months if things get too stupid insurance wise.
But I have a decision to make. Get a <600cc bike and insure or try to get one of the cruisers insured (if so who would you recommend as an insurer/broker) and ride according to skill set and experience (i.e. humble noob).
Thank you for any and all advice,
The Shamus