New Potential Rider

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flipz

Well-known member
Hi all,

I've been on the site for a while. Recently moved to St. Thomas, Ontario from Barbados in August 2014. Did a bit of riding back home on my friend's cbr600 and owned a project zx7 that never saw the road. I'm looking to continue my interest in riding now that I am somewhat settled. I plan to take the get my M1 and take the exit course this Spring. I have somewhat decided to start on a dual sport but am having difficulties in finding them reasonably priced. Anyways, I just thought I would say Hi as I find this site very informative and entertaining. Hope to see some of you on the road this spring.
 
Welcome to the forum. Do your research here. Age plays a huge role as does driving history or lack thereof. Good luck with your search. :thumbup:
 
Roomie said:
Welcome to the forum. Do your research here. Age plays a huge role as does driving history or lack thereof. Good luck with your search. :thumbup:
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Thanks.

I'm 27 years old and married. Just got my full G and insured a car. They gave me 3 years driving experience(although I have 11 years) because I had a letter from my old insurance company back home.
 
flipz said:
Thanks.

I'm 27 years old and married. Just got my full G and insured a car. They gave me 3 years driving experience(although I have 11 years) because I had a letter from my old insurance company back home.
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Well then you may not be all the badly off... Search the insurance section and I'm sure you'll find a few places you could call. Do you have a specific dual sport in mind?
 
Not offhand. I'm looking to spend under $2000 if possible. I'm open to anything, maybe not even a dualsport but that is my preference at the moment.
 
Older KLR650s are always usually good value. How're you taking to the climate?
 
I think I'm doing OK. Missing home right about now though. I'm a little wary of the size and weight of the klr650. I would still consider myself a new/beginner rider and think I should be as cautious as one. A little more info on myself, I'm 6 ft ~220lbs.
 
hmmmm if you want something smaller, dual.. drz would normally be what to look out for but i dont know about your budget.

and budget includes insurance as well? because thats one of the scary things with ontario insurance.

At least, being outside of the Great Toronto Area will save you from ridiculous premiums :)
 
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:D

Good luck with your search for a bike.
 
Lol nice one. I've actually spent the day researching the klr650 and I must say I am starting to like it. Need to sit on and probably ride one before committing.


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Ok, went into hully gully today just to look around and left with a helmet, the HJC IS-17, nice helmet with a lot of features that I didn't even think about. My wife convinced me to buy it:confused:. I was pleasantly surprised. Also sat on a few bikes. I'm loving the cb500f. We'll see how things go come Spring. So far I have helmet, jacket and gloves. That should be enough to take the course. After the course, will maybe look at boots and pants.
 
flipz said:
Ok, went into hully gully today just to look around and left with a helmet, the HJC IS-17, nice helmet with a lot of features that I didn't even think about. My wife convinced me to buy it:confused:. I was pleasantly surprised. Also sat on a few bikes. I'm loving the cb500f. We'll see how things go come Spring. So far I have helmet, jacket and gloves. That should be enough to take the course. After the course, will maybe look at boots and pants.
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I hope the helmet is comfy on you. I lucked out in that the helmet I ended up going with is actually the perfect one for my head. I am kind of a "long oval" head shape and my Icon Alliance is sort of a "long oval" helmet design.

As for your motorcycle... The CB500F is my favourite of the trio:


Not sure where I am going when I move on from my old CB 750. If we get a new place I might just take the CB 750 off the road and ride something different for awhile. If not I will probably have to move it on because there is only so much room at our place and after over two decades with my wife I am always wary of the WAF (Wife Aggravation Factor).

I sometimes lust after a Ducati Monster or Ducati Scrambler. Other times the all out retro CB 1100 calls to me. Sometimes though a modern "naked" is what catches my eye and the CB 500F is a nice looking bike and the cheap insurance for me makes it an interesting option.
 
The one I sat on was red as well, 2014, it comes with engine cages(protective bars, not sure what you call them). If I do get it, may take them off. Felt as if my knee was butting when I tried to shift. Or keep them on for when I inevitably drop the bike.
 
Roomie said:
Good to hear about the gear. Just a heads up, I'm pretty sure any course is going to insist on boots. At minimum they must cover your ankles. I have the smx2 for the street. Easier on the wallet and super comfy all day long. Now that the smx3 is out it's the same price so it's a no brainer.

http://gpbikes.com/street/riding-gear/boots/alpinestars-smx-3-boot.html
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Ok, will verify that, however, on their website it says the minimum would be Leather hiking boots, work boots(ideally not steel-toed), winter bootsor cowboy boots covering the anklebone. But the course is in April, so should have time to save a bit of money to buy the boots before then. Thanks for the advice btw.
 
Yeah... when I did the course some people were actually riding in gardening gloves, work boots, jeans, and whatever DOT approved helmet they brought. I had my boots, helmet, and gloves but wore jeans and my old leather jacket.

Be sure to check out some gear at the upcoming show or in some more showrooms. My first pair of boots are/were lace up cruiser style and not only did they take longer to don than the A* SMX-5 boots I now use they also had way less protection and no venting like I have in the SMX-5.

The new model is the A* SMX-6 and they have added a lateral brace which might help prevent or minimize a nasty ankle break in an off.

I am a fan of full boots and gauntlet gloves. Try some stuff on and see if the full height boots work for you. There is a decent improvement in protection over the shoe style boots.
 
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