just picked up my m1. thought the test was a little silly because 1 section was on a 'g' license and the other was on road signs... even though i have a full g.

got caught on some g1/g2 realted questions... had no clue... never did graduated licensing... was a 365 back then lol. anyways... gonna do my m2 at humber in the next month. haven't been on a bike in 10 years.

what do u guys recommend as a new/used bike? i've been looking at the honda 599 and really like it. small, light, and has a enough power to last a few years at the very least. buddy just bought an older katana 600 as his first bike and claims it's fairly easy to drive. hmmm... decisions...

 

have owned many hondas in the past but bought a suzuki this time (Bandit 1200)

SV650 is a really good bike and you won't tire of it in a year
FZ6 also looks like a really good choice too



most riders seem to recommend the sv as a starter but i think it is more suited to a returning rider like yourself. too much for a rank beginner IMHO.


welcome and enjoy.

 

If you don't want to work on them, buy a Suzuki. I have had Honda's (an old 550-4 wish I still had it), a Moto Guzzi 1000 G5, and a DUCATI 900 Dharma. I LOVED the Duck, but it was just too expencive to work on.

 

SV650S and purchase the optional fairings if you don't like the 'naked' look.
Humber's course is alright, but I prefered RTI (Rider Training Institute) down at the docks. They have several different types of bikes for students to use.

Ride safe!

 

hmmm... i'll have to look them up. thanks for all the info everyone.

 

Had 3 Suzi's and loved them all...
Started with a GS400T, quickly graduated to the GS750E and ended up with a gem: GS1100E.
Over the 10 yrs of ownership, I never had a speck of trouble with any of them, and I wouldn't hesitate to own another.
G/L
Colin

 

Since I ride an R1 now, years before I used to have an RZ350 that was a killer.. My suggestion if you are a tall person then I would be cautious about 600s because sometimes its really awkward. The other thing nowadays is insurance companies that are underwriting bikes have really blacklisted a lot of bikes on the road and some of the rates are just insane. Once you have done the M1X then get insurance since the rates will drop considerably, once you have completed and approved course. I would also suggest you join the CMA (Canadian Motorcycle Association), insurance companies may give you and additional 15% off the rates if you are a member.

Anyway the SVs and the VFRs are really nice bikes including the FZs. My next bike is going to be an old BSA if I can find one or an old Enfield with a kickstart

 

Agreed, after 7-8 years off a bike I came back by way of the SV650S. Great bike and fairly forgiving however, much of the bike's characteristics may depend on you... or your size more specifically. My '03 SV (I think..?) had stock everything originally which was less than ideal for a 200lbs rider, as the stock fork springs are useful up to about 160lbs rider. And again, being 6'1" & 200lbs I did bore of the power delivery after about 6months of riding. I guess it really depends on your aspirations.

My wife & my friends have taken the RTI course with much satisfaction.... great suggestion.

I would certainly agree here too... one of the main reasons I sold my SV650S. But with the larger bikes comes the larger insurnace premiums... a sad reality.

If I'm not mistaken the Honda 599 is one of the most highly regarded bikes in the UK & Europe now. Standard Honda stuff... good all around bike. Much like my CBR929, doesn't do anything great but it does many things well.

Good luck on the decision process!