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I know many on these forums press the small bikes for newer riders. I agree that sport bikes are way too touchy for most experienced riders let alone new riders, but power and noise is good for defensive driving as well. I would never get on a highway with a bike running toward the top of its...

Congrats. Find some hilly and curvy country roads; ideally something scenic. Take it easy as there is loose gravel on a lot of curves in the spring. Country roads are the most fun. They beat the hell out of riding around town, and are considerably safer for learning. Have fun!

I assume you have stumbled across this excellent site on the subject: http://sites.google.com/site/ronh2005/howtoimportamotorcycle My bike is a US import, but I picked it up off a guy who had imported it. He noted that while there are deals to be had in the US, the biggest thing that...

My R1100 is shaft drive, and goes about 15 km/h per 1K RPM in first gear. My math may be off, but I can ride > 50 Km/h below 4K RPM in first gear. If you back off the throttle quickly in first gear (something I definitely avoid), the engine braking will lift you off the seat. I find I can...

I recently picked up a BMW R1100 and comparing it to other bikes I've ridden, it is a blast. Big twins have incredible torque. The R1100 is 500 lbs. I would definitely avoid anything heavier. I found sport touring fit my needs for comfort and fun, not to mention practicality. The boxer...

Thanks! They had one and an overnight ship option. On its way!

I want to get the 12 direct to battery cable that has the adapter and USB connector for my Garmin Zumo on the other end. I found one (back ordered) at GPS Central called GUSB5V-B GILSSON 12-30V DC Hardwire Cable. I have my bike in the shop for end-of-season work and wanted them to wire this...

I had my first serious close call last night around 5:30. I know my new bike has visibility issues, but I've been pondering what to do about it. I hadn't meant to be out after dark - especially in fog, but the fog was thick and seriously slowed my ride home. I was rounding the corner from...

Welcome!! Nice bike! I just got back into biking after being away for 25 years and I find that by repeatedly thinking about visibility and testing myself, I'm well aware of my limits and maintain safety margins. I think you can start on anything you want - just ride within your limits, and...

Welcome!! I just got back into biking toward the end of the summer as well - after 25 years away. Great to be back. My wife refers to it as my last whim or my little mid-life crisis. I had a kz650 back in the early '80s. I always thought it was gutless so I went the opposite direction and...

Amazing blog. Great pics. Not like you could tell from weather of late, but at least it doesn't rain as much here. Welcome to the GTA!

Welcome! The bike picture is pretty small. Is that a Honda ST1300? Nice bike! I looked at getting one but thought the weight would be unmanageable for me. I have a hard enough time with my 500 lb bike.

Thanks... I've made great use of the twisty hilly roads around Dundas and Hamilton. Snake road is one of my favourites. Ridge road down to Beamsville is fun as well. I rode along the Niagara Parkway a couple weeks ago - I pretty much keep to the speed limit but the tourists were still killing...

Welcome!! Great intro. I just got back into biking after 25 years away. My van has barely moved since - totally addicted as well. I skimmed the above posts and noticed mention of group riding. I just read the PACE article on this site about group riding. Presses ALL the buttons. You...

One of the reasons I started following this site was for the potential for riding with a group of new people - great scenery, a coffee, discovering great hilly twisty backroads. Staggered lane sharing is OK for easy riding with high visibility. I've never been comfortable with lane sharing...

I've had a car pass me in my lane on my right side on a wide road. That was scary. When I ride with friends, we sometimes share a lane, and let each other know when to back off due to road conditions. It takes some communication to do it safely. I would never do it with someone I didn't know...

Glad you're OK. Try getting used parts from a wrecker to fix your bike. I hit a deer once at highway speed, and was able to replace the broken bits for 200 dollars with used parts. When following, stay far enough back so you can see the road surface for a good distance - further than you...

Garmin make a couple waterproof GPS's like Zumo or Nuvi. I got a GPS and RAM mount from http://www.gpscity.ca/ Search the web for a mount that will fit your bike. Find something that doesn't obstruct your instrument panel, but that you can see over a tank bag if you ever use one. You will...

What are you looking to get out of a sport bike? I have a BMW R1100S boxer twin. If its comfort, incredible low end torque, tons of power at any RPM, and mind-reading handling you're looking for, these bikes are great. They are also bullet proof, and rated sport TOURING for insurance. My...

I swear by my Shoei RF-1000. Its a 600 dollar helmet - comfortable as hell. You can go cheap on everything but your helmet. My brother pushed his Arai but I don't have $1200. IF you can get a used helmet with not even a blemish on it, you might take a chance. Any marks, even a minor scuff...