[Tango]

I’m a bran new biker myself. The first time I ever sat on a bike was during my MSF class on the weekend of September 5th. The bike I used for the weekend was a dirt bike 250CC.

I did quite a bit of research before I did my MSF class, so that when I was finished if I really enjoyed myself I could get a bike. I decided on the 650R and so far after a week of riding I love it. I know it’s still new but the bike is great. It’s got power if I need it, and it does still scare me, but it’s not overboard where I’m worried I’m gonna kill myself every time I get on it.

Also I’d like to mention I am not a big guy, I’m 5″10 and about 150 pounds, and this bike is fine weight wise for me. My feet both touch the ground and the bike doesn’t feel overly heavy when I’m stopped. It’s also great on gas so far, with over 200km and the light hasn’t come on yet.

[Tango]

I’m not a big fan of the headlight change for the new 650R, but I might be a bit biased as I just bought an 07.

[Tango]

I bought some boots 2 weeks ago for my MSF course, Nitro high leather motorcycle boots. I was going to buy pants but they all look so damn baggy and bulky so I decided to wait. Also I was told from the sales girl that pants only with with jackets if they are the same brand : /.

[Tango]

Thanks for the heads up on the tank protector, makes sense.

After we looked at the scratch he did make a point of showing me the tips of the foot rests and the bars to show me they were clean and had not been grinded into the pavement. To me the bike doesn’t look like it went down at all, but then again I don’t really have a lot of experience looking at bikes. The rest of it looks pretty clean, and I would doubt the frame is bent. That small scratch, maybe about an inch long is honestly the only nick on the whole bike, no stone chips or anything.

The bike does come with a 30 day warranty that covers it completely. Matt do you have an email address that I can discuss things with you in a little more detail, plus you are from Ottawa as well so it would be nice to have a local to chat with, if thats okay.

[Tango]

So I went and saw the bike at lunch today. It seems like it’s in really good shape, but there is a minor scratch on the lower right fairing almost at the bottom right where it turns inward toward the middle of the bike. Other then that it looks like it’s in great condition. It does have a tank protector on it, not really sure why those are useful to be honest. He started it up and it sounds really good.

I did inquire again as to getting records of service and he almost seemed hesistant to even ask the guy who traded it in (it was traded in for a Yamaza ZR1?). He said that most people with a new bike will take care of it, because its got that “new” feeling to it, which I can relate to. I’m just really hesitant and not sure what to do. He also mentioned he would be able to “work with me” on the price, almost seemed like he was desperate to get rid of it, maybe because its the end of the season here in Ontario.

[Tango]

I was also told by the insurance company that for some reason the CBR125 was classified as a sport bike instead of a sport touring. They agreed it was ridiculous due to the low speed but then again the new 08 ZX6R’s are also now classified as sport touring. Insurance is one of the biggest factors for me looking at the 650r and SV650.

[Tango]

Awsome thanks for the feedback. I wasn’t looking forward to the prospect of having to wait until next spring in order to learn how to ride. Any suggestions on when I should purchase a bike? I don’t want to buy anything before I learn to ride but I might also be able to get a good deal if I look around in September. I just hope I can still find a Ninja 650R new around then.

[Tango]

If I can get the opportunity to try an SV650 I’ll definitely try one. I see what you guys are saying about the speed, and it makes sense, thanks for the feedback.

Matt, nice to know there are some people from Ottawa here too! Thanks for the advice on Powersports, sorry to hear they ripped you off like that. With regards to courses I phoned today to find out theres a 2 month wait at Algonquin College and OSC is taking booking for mid September so I’m going to book with Algonquin. I really wan’t expecting to have such a long wait to be honest, but they said more and more people are turning to bikes due to gas prices and such. For the shops, Gearhead doesn’t seem to sell Kawa or Suzuki bikes according to their website, Wheelsport and Motor Sports World don’t sell Kawa either, at least new.

As far as buying new, I am very nervous about it. Like you mentioned chances are pretty good at some point you’ll drop your bike, especially your first one. The problem with me buying used is that I am a complete mechanical idiot. I wouldn’t know what to look for at all and after hearing Matt’s story, who knows more about bike than I do, it scares me even more. I wan’t the reliability of a new bike. I do plan on getting fairing sliders to give some protection too.

[Tango]

As someone who is hopefully going to purchase a bike soon I am also interested in this topic. After looking at all the shops within roughly a 6 hour drive I’ve come up with one dealer that had $400 off the bike and another dealer that had $1200 off the bike (bike is an 08 Kawa 650r MSRP $8199). I have to call and get some more info as these prices are only listed on their websites. And regards to gear I was told to completely gear up for a new bike I was looking at between $700 and $1500.

Another thing I was contemplating was going across the border to purchase my bike. I live in Canada and was wondering if anyone has any experience buying a bike from the US?

[Tango]

I wouldn’t mind starting on the 250 but there are none available in Canada anymore. One thing the guy at Goodtime mentioned that makes sense and I am surprised I haven’t seen it mentioned on here is although speed from a larger bike can get you into trouble, it can also get you out of trouble that a smaller bike may not necessarily be able to. That being said I still do understand the premise behind starting with a lower speed bike. Any particular reasons you prefer the Suzuki? Have you tried to 08 kawa 650?

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