What do you guys think ?

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fresco · #1 Unread post by **fresco** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 1:52 pm

hello all, I was wondering if one of you more experienced riders would be able to point me in the right direction in terms of starter bikes and what not

I come to you guys asking your advice for a good starter bike...however, I'm only 19 and don't exactly have a motorcycle licence

the thing is, I currently own a pocket bike and I've been messing around with that a lot and it's done nothing but increase my desire for something more reliable, (and not to mention bigger)...I don't exactly know how it works in the states, but I live in Toronto Canada and in the province of Ontario, you need an M1, M2, or M licence to legally ride a bike on the road;

now, I've heard a LOT of people recommending 600 bikes for starters but honestly, it seems like too big a jump for me or anyone, so instead, I was thinking of either

A) getting a 90 - 125cc dirtbike
or
B) getting a 110cc "superbike" version of a pocketbike

I know I won't be able to ride these legally on a road with heavy traffic but I never intend to do so anyway, I wanna get more of a feel for the balance on a bike at higher speeds and what not

so my real question is, do i go for a dirt bike, bc the seat is higher and it emulates what a "real" bike height would be, or do i get the 110 cc super bikes which are like a scaled down version of a sport bike (so I may get used ot the leaning and all that)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Veda · #2 Unread post by **Veda** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 2:12 pm

I think you're missing a whole world of bikes in between the pocket bikes/small dirt bikes and the 600 cc bikes that you've mentioned you'd don't want to start on. IE Ninja 250/500, GS500, or any of the mid-sized cruisers. Are you only looking at pocketbikes/dirtbikes to avoid the licensing requirements?

fresco · #3 Unread post by **fresco** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 6:08 pm

yea more or less, simply because, well the way it works is that, you first undergo a written exam for the M1 licence, which lasts 90 days and within that time period you have to go for your M2 licence, which involves attending a riding school which teaches you the ins and outs of riding, safety, all that, and it's valid for 22 months, then finally, you need to be re-tested for a full M licence, which needs no renewal

then there's getting an actual bike, and paying insurance for it, which right now is something I cannot afford, but will be able to possibly come this summer

so to answer your question, yea I guess im sticking with the pocket bikes/dirtbikes to avoid all the hassel of getting a full licence and paying insurance for a legal road bike, since I won't be able to afford anything legit till at least spring time

olebiker · #4 Unread post by **olebiker** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 6:22 pm

I know it is not what you want to hear but if it was me I would wait till spring.Take the course and buy a bike some were between 2500 and 450CC.
Doing it the way you are talking about is gonna cost you more money in the long run. IMO

fresco · #5 Unread post by **fresco** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 1:22 am

yea you know what it's probably the wisest course of action, but man the super pocket bikes are just so damn nice

take a look for yourselves:

^ this is one of the dirtbikes that caught my eye (mainly bc of the price), its $699 and 110 cc

^ this is one of the ones which really caught my eye, a 110 cc "superbike", $799

^ and this is the one i really would like to get, its a 110 cc which reaches 85 mph (apparently) $899, but again it's not speed I'm looking for, its w/e would be able to provide me with the best experience

Marilee · #6 Unread post by **Marilee** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 2:09 am

Forgive me, this is an honest question. What is a pocket bike? Why are they desirable and what are the limits to such a bike.

Fast Eddy B · Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:05 am

I would only go for one of these IF you had access to a track. Dirt, or paved, with full gear, and a serious mindset.

These pocket bikes have price tag that make some people think of them as toys; if you take that mindset to the road, or even with pocket bikes, you are liable for your own injury.

An accredited training course has the benefit of (hopefully) a wise veteran to give advice on road-craft; it is road craft that is lacking with pocket bikes.

Ed

fresco · #8 Unread post by **fresco** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:18 am

Marilee wrote:Forgive me, this is an honest question. What is a pocket bike? Why are they desirable and what are the limits to such a bike.

take a peek at this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMMio1wctUc

thats a pocket bike, its a scaled down version of a sport bike

and fast eddy b, what you're saying makes perfect sense and there is an indoor track where I'd be able to bring these bikes should I get one; I don't plan on goofing off with these bikes, seeing as how I don't goof off with my present "bike"

Veda · #9 Unread post by **Veda** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:23 am

I would still be hesitant of the price tags on those little guys. I'm guessing they are no name brands so you'll be out of luck if something breaks, no warentee, who knows how much parts will cost if you can find them, might not be able to find a mechanic who will touch them, etc. Then again maybe if you and your buddies are good with mechanical things it will be a good learning experience. Just keep that in mind when you're figuring out your budget.

And don't forget you still need a good helmet and gear. Crashing at 25mph hurts.

fresco · #10 Unread post by **fresco** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:27 am

thanks you for the words of wisdom veda, I'll be sure to keep all of those things in mind when making me decision!