older guy looking to get M2

ViperZ said:
If you like naked bikes and want to go a used route, I'd strongly suggest going for Suzuki GS500. Very good beginner bike, big enough to go on a highway and keep you interested for years, unlike the smaller beginner bikes.
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I 100% agree with this. :thumbup:

Also, to OP if you haven't gotten your M1 yet, do it ASAP! ... get the clock running on the mandatory minimum 60 days you need to hold it before upgrading to your M2.
 
Hi, I ride a Honda VTX 1300 but have thought about getting another for in the City. Check out the 250cc Suzuki Marauder. Great cruiser looking bike and not that expensive. Have a look at this one:

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...ppers-2008-Suzuki-Marauder-W0QQAdIdZ389492605

Helmets: I was recently t-boned by a truck and lucky I was wearing a full face helmet or the front of my face would have been ripped off. Drove my right side head into the truck then drove my left side of my head into the pavement. In extreme heat in the city I wear a half helmet and always wear full armour textile jacket (once again, lucky I was wearing it).

My 1st full face helmet was about $120.00, the one I replace it with was $200.00. I have noticed a big difference in how quiet it is compared to my old one. The chin strap is also quick connect and disconnect instead of threading through the metal loops. Also an air pump to squeeze the cheeks if it doesn't quite fit right. And yes, it should feel tight. I bought a hi-vis helmet.. kinda lime green colour (Can you see me now? LOL). It also has a flip down sun visor which I think is the best thing since sliced bread.

Although I've been riding off and on most of my life the last 2 years has been the most enjoyable and I'm 60 and just live north of you.

Good luck in your new found addictive hobby.

Colin
 
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Welcome to the forum. I just turned 50 and took my M2 course @ RTI. They had the Suzuki TU250 available. It is a comfortable bike and easy to operate. I felt it gave the best feedback. However, I ended up getting the Kawasaki Ninja EX250R (2010) and I love it. Despite its sporty looks/stance, it has a very nice seating position, pretty upright.

Take the course and try all the bikes out. I tried them all on the first day and on that evening, I went to see the Kawasaki and decided to buy it. Since I was getting a sport bike, I spent the entire second day on the Honda CBR125R and took the test with it.

Best of luck and ride safe.

ps: I hope the wife warms up to the idea :O) Mine isn't too pleased but I have ridden scooters and bikes (2Up) in the past while we were on vacation.
 
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From one old guy to another...welcome!! head down to Timmies on thursday and have a look around...and chat up some of the riders. You'll gain some great insight
 
Thanks for the replies. I am encouraged by your favourable course/riding experience. What Timmies location would that be and what time, I just might do that.
 
Well, your story sounds all too familiar.

I too, at a tender age of 46, began riding for my first time. Always wanted to, but raising a family, career as most of us had come first.

For some reason, many men see the clock ticking as they approach 50 and want to get in as much as possible before they cannot. I could write a book on this.

The very best of luck and enjoyment to you and hope you enjoy this passion as much as I do.
 
Thursday is L&L - Timmies at NW corner of Lakeshore and Leslie. You'll find bikers of all ages there.
 
Passed the course this weekend, now on to the next step and get a bike and some practice going. It was quite the experience and much more difficult than I had ever envisioned, I was not all that confident I would pass. The RTI instructors were very supportive and provided personalized tips which were extremely helpful.
 
just_luc said:
Well first i'm gonna tell you, you don't drive a motorcycle.. you RIDE it lol. And no that's not semantics or tomato/tomato. There is a difference lol.
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If you're still riding, then it's high time you moved up to the front seat and drove.
My wife and kids ride, I drive.
drive: To guide, control, or direct (a vehicle).
ride: To be carried or conveyed, as in a vehicle or on horseback.



MHY said:
Signed up for the RTI course for July 21/22 at the North York location. Now I need to get the equipment. I went to the Kahuna store in the Steeles/400 area already, I can take a route home from work that passes right by it so it is convenient. Tried some helmets on at a number of price points. Most posters indicate that the proper fit is the most important thing. How exactly do you know what a good fit is? The sales person at Kahuna said it should not pinch your cheeks too tight. I shook my head around to see if it held firm. From what I have been reading, posters say it should fit a bit tight at first because the padding tends to compress and it will make the helmet fit more loose later on.

I have also been researching what motorcyle to buy. I like the Suzuki TU250, I like the retro look and feel of what I saw, I do not plan on driving oops riding on the 400 series highways with it and it will be just me, the wife will go nowhere near it. It will be a preowned one, the new ones seem really crazy expensive. Any advice/comments would be appreciated.
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I'm fifty something, ran out of fingers and toes to count some time ago, so it doesn't matter.
You want your helmet snug, but not giving you a headache. My first two helmets were too big.
Here's a video from Leno's garage about helmet fitting.
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/arai-helmets/283819/

There are some issues with flip up helmets. They are heavier, have two big pivot bolts near your temples, should not be used in the open position. Depending on the lock mechanism, it can sometimes fail in an accident. Most are only DOT approved. Not Snell or ECE if that matters to you. All in all a full face tends to be safer and quieter, but is a little less convenient. Do you smoke?
 
MHY said:
Passed the course this weekend, now on to the next step and get a bike and some practice going. It was quite the experience and much more difficult than I had ever envisioned, I was not all that confident I would pass. The RTI instructors were very supportive and provided personalized tips which were extremely helpful.
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the title of this thread, "older guy looking to get M2 " has got to be changed " ... Congratulations!
 
Good work, congratulations! Two years I got back into it after a very long hiatus and now I cannot imagine life without a bike. Ride safe!
 
Purchased a 2004 Suzuki GS 500 (naked version) today. Should be picking it up by next weekend. Needed to get moving before the riding season ends...lol.
 
Congrats!!! You will have a ton of fun at the course too! Good luck, ride safe and enjoy!
 
MHY said:
Purchased a 2004 Suzuki GS 500 (naked version) today. Should be picking it up by next weekend. Needed to get moving before the riding season ends...lol.
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Congrats! Most people opt for the fared version, we're a minority :D
 
MHY said:
Purchased a 2004 Suzuki GS 500 (naked version) today. Should be picking it up by next weekend. Needed to get moving before the riding season ends...lol.
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Excellent! :happy11:
You will enjoy it immensely! (I often wish I still had mine).
Do remember to get check out gstwins.com for all things pertaining to the mighty GS500!
See you around! :thumbup:

tricky said:
Congrats! Most people opt for the fared version, we're a minority
icon_biggrin.gif
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naked is best. :thumbup:
 
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