New RIder from Canada
Hello,
I stumbled on this site when I was looking for information on the Honda CBR 125. After reading the review and the replies to the article, I signed up to this site. It's informative and at times funny. It's good to be able to get some feedback on the reviews and questions posted on this site. So I am here to stay. I took a motorcycle safety course over the weekend and rode the CBR 125. I was comfortable on this little sportbike/street bike and am considering buying it as I learn to ride. I had my heart set on the Ninja 250 but it is sold out and the Kawi dealers are taking deposits on the 2009 Ninja 250. So the supply and demand factors have directed me towards Honda for my first bike. I live near two lane roads and highways with posted speed limits of 80kms so the cbr should be perfect for those early morning rides.
Howdy! I tried to buy a
Howdy! I tried to buy a Ninja 250 too (I'm in the sunny Okanagan) but they are selling like hotcakes! I ended up with a GS500f,. I did look at the CBR 125; such a good looking bike!
hi
welcome!! which part of Canada do you live in?
Hi, I live in Markham,
Hi, I live in Markham, Ontario close to farm country. There are lots of two lane highways and roads that are great for motorcycle riding. My ex-boyfriend and I (passenger) would go for our rides using these roads (hills, curves and great straightaways). So I'm looking forward to taking out the bike on those early morning rides.
Howdy back! How do you like
Howdy back!
How do you like the GSF500f? Is it just right for a beginner? I do like the CBR 125 and after riding it in my course I wanted to take it home! Plus, it's fuel injected. When you live in Ontario you appreciate that little feature. THe CBR 125 also weighs less than the Ninja. I do like the Ninja 250 but I guess I will have to wait for a bit.
I'm only 5'5", but I am very
I'm only 5'5", but I am very comfortable with both the seat height and the weight of the gs500f. I don't think the carberation will be an issue for me since I will be a fair weather rider.
Chalk up another Canuck :)
Welcome to the forum :)
The CBR125 is a sexy little bike.
Thanks! It's a great forum
Thanks! It's a great forum for beginner riders. I've learned quite a lot already from the postings.
Does Canada do a tiered
Does Canada do a tiered license thing with moto licenses? AFAIK, here in the .us those 125 street bikes aren't available directly in the .us (or dealers just don't stock 'em). I don't really know, but I would imagine this might be because of tiered licensing...
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If there's anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now...
Yes we have tiered licensing
Yes we have tiered licensing for moto licenses in Ontario. For other parts of Canada I believe it may be different. I know in B.C. (British Columbia) you can ride a motorcycle with your driver's license. In Ontario (where I live) they instituted the tiered licensing for both drivers and riders. You start by getting your M1 (knowledge test) and then you can do your first level road test. You have to stay in your first level for 60 days before applying for your M2 (next level). Your M2 expires in 5 years so you must do your M2 road test before the expiry date to get your full M license. While in M2, you must be there for 22 months (18 months if you do a ride safety course) before you can ride your road test for the full M license. You also have to give written proof of your riding experience before taking the road test for the full M. Ahhh... to be living in B.C. and riding. However, we can ride any type of bike regardless of the cc, which is not necessarily a good thing because you have some beginners out there who are "over-biked".
Any other Canucks out there who would like to chime in on this topic, please do. i would be interested to find out if Ontario is the only one with the tiered licensing for motorcycle licenses.
Welcome
Ah good old Markham. :) I grew up in Stouffville, so I know all the roads in that area quite well. I am holding out for the Ninja 250 got my name on hold for one. Where did you take your course, I am taking the one at Durham College., how did you find the instructors and the test itself?
Cheers,
hello
I took the RTI (Rider's Training Institute) course for my M2 license. It was an all women's weekend so it was very relaxed as 19 women became familiar with riding a motorcylce. Many of us were/are passengers and thought it was time to take control...lol. Very empowering to ride your own bike.
I liked the course... I like the fact that the total number of participants was restricted to 20 and there were 6 instructors. I felt we had a lot of on-to-one feedback.
I will probably take an advanced riding course through Durham for comparison. When will the 2009 Ninja 250 be available?
Some dealers, from what i've
Some dealers, from what i've heard are taking deposits on the '09 ninjas right now...
---
If there's anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now...
09 Ninja
I talked to Kawasaki Canada because I was hearing different things from different dealers. The dealers said anywehere from June to October, to August to Spring. Kawasaki said the end of summer no specific date was given. So I am hoping for Sept. Keeping my fingers crossed. I liked how they put restrictions on numbers so you get better ratio of drivers to trainees.
Cheers
we need that
welcome to the site, we need the tiered system in the usa i think, it would prob save allot of lives!
/\/\@R!<
BC changed its laws
My sister moved to BC a couple of years back, they just recently changed their motorcycle license laws. You now need an m1 equivilant (which in order to get, you have to drive around in a parking lot to prove you know how to handle a motorcycle... which I find very backwards, sicne without a license, how are you supposed to try riding a motorcycle to learn the controls?) and then you have a probationary license like the m2.
I live in BC and got my
I live in BC and got my learner's with nothing but a written test. To get my official Class 6 I have to pass a road test and parking lot low speed drill test, but I am free to ride on the road with a supervisor in the meantime.
me too
thats how i got mine in virginia too, i think most u.s. states work this way
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Written Test
I got my M1 written test, I can ride anywhere by certain highways (freeways) and after dark, no instruction necessary., but you have 90 days to get your M2 in which most people take the course. Means cheaper insurance and can go for your Full M sooner. My sister is not thrilled I can get on a bike an ride without instruction and learn as I go. However I won't get on one until I take the course (3 weeks and counting) :)
BC
Shannon: Interesting... what happens if you don't have a supervisor? When you take your road/parking lot test does that give you your full license, or a limited license?
I imagine if you don't have
I imagine if you don't have a supervisor you would have no choice but to sign up for the course. I think (may be wrong here, but I'm about 90% sure) that because I already hold a class 5 (car driver's license) there is no graduated licensing for me and once I pass my road test I am a full class 6 (motorcycle license.) If I didn't hold the class 5 already it would be provisional for I thnk two years.
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