I'm looking to get rid of my r3 pretty soon if your interested.

400cc bikes are pretty uncommon

Edit: n/m just saw a 2011 ninja 400 on sale about an hour ago on craigslist

i would be, looking end of april

Any reason why you're getting rid of the R3?

I know someone with an early 80s CB400. Rarely rides it but won't get rid of it.

I love the bike, but I have an itch..

yeah might be interested. Wow..that ninja 400 sold in something less than 12 hours. :yuno:

Yamaha USA announced a new 20 year 100,000 mile warranty on all new Yamaha street and cruiser bikes, so long as you register within the first 700 miles of your new bike and use their oil filters and one of five qualifying Yamalube oils:

15W-50 Full Synthetic
10W-50 Semi-Synthetic
20W-50 Semi-Synthetic
10W-40 All Purpose
20W-50 All Purpose

https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/mo...er-motorcycles

Interesting. I wonder if Yamaha Canada will follow suit?

Pretty sure I saw it posted again yesterday

I'm in strong consideration of going to PRS, but have also been thinking about what to purchase as a starter bike as I am one of those people that plans and researches way ahead. Problem is that I'm heavier set (6'2" over 270lbs, so worried about smaller bikes), and have an interest in more upright riding positions because I don't have the greatest back for GSX-R/CBR style sportbikes.

Can anyone give me a cursory opinion as I prospect pulling the trigger on going for my motorcycle license?

First of all... invest in PRS... best investment you'll ever make especially if you are riding, if not you'll automatically become a better driver as well.

I thought the same thing with you, I weigh the same as you and I got a GSX-R 750 for my first bike, got rid of it within two months (destroyed my back) But then I upgraded to a Diavel which is a 1200CC bike, I love the thing and it rides amazing, but formyself I track a ninja 250 and although its super slow on the straight (I can do my taxes and contemplate about life down the main straight @ The Ridge, but in the corner, that thing is absolutely amazing and super fun, it actually helped me understand learn how to ride better as well.

I had this conversation the other day and honestly I never really gave it any thought but it's totally true. When riding the bike I'm always scanning intersections, side streets, driveways and parking lot exits for someone who's about to do something stupid. The same goes with lane positioning and how you stack up with the cars around you, someone turning left ahead what are these cars on my left about to do?

Then I get in the car and my wife is driving, I'm griping the dash cringing and bitching at her the whole way, "watch that guy, how do you know he's not just going to pull out, slow the fuck down at the intersection, leave more room between you and that car in front of you, right of way ain't going to help you when you're dead."

Riding has improved my defense driving by leaps and bounds, accidents can still happen but your forced to be on high alert to everything around you.

Small sport bikes have semi upright positions, I thought I would hate sport bikes myself but found myself feeling very comfortable semi-upright. Even the Ninja 650 and CBR650F have gone to a semi-upright position. Naked bikes tend to be even more upright from the Honda CB300F to the Suzuki GSXS (gixxus?). If you want very upright, go for a dual sport. They're sloppy on the road handling wise but you can do a bit of off-roading with them and they're comfortable. I never got used to cruisers but you might like them.

Riding schools tend to have all these different types of bikes in their lots and I encourage you to ride every single one of them.

One final note about the semi-upright position, on the highway it's actually really excellent. You get a bit of wind buffer in front of you that keeps you upright and you actually feel lighter with less weight on the wrists and butt. YMMV. And it's still a comfortable enough position to commute everyday in the city. It's the best of both worlds. Go too upright especially without a windshield like the nakeds and dual sports and it feels like you have to pull on the handlebars to keep yourself from flying back off the bike. But I only have 13 months of Class 6L/6 experience so I'll let the more experienced riders chime in.

I agree with the defensive driving and riding. It's become so natural to scan left and right at all intersections now, shoulder check all the time, scan mirrors especially when you have just come to a stop. I was rear ended a couple of months ago and the driver, a motorcyclist himself, said he just didn't see me.

Also, further to the semi-upright position, here's the CBR650F:
http://motorcycle.honda.ca/images/mo...auto&width=888

Anyone here have a KTM 390 Duke? I'm looking at that for my next bike, wondering how the consumers like it..

Curious where everyone is buying their gear? On a budget...

I'm looking at re-rides and craigslist. The helmet will be new, can't compromise on that.

KTM has their demo days coming up. I signed up to try out the 390 Duke May 7th here in Kelowna.

I've bought a lot of my gear on canadasmotorcycles.com, and I scored a good use set of Alpinestars boots and Teknic gloves on Craigslist for $60 altogether. Local shops like Modern and Daytona often have some good sales. Helmets, I'd go local to make sure they fit. Canada's Motorcycle has free shipping and flat $7 return though.

I did consider the semi-uprights as well. My research looked at older models that can be had for under $4000 (less of a wallet murderer if something happens), like the Suzuki Bandit/Katana, and Honda CB900F. SV650's seem to hold their value very well in that category despite being one of the most beginner friendly models out there.

Whats your budget like?

I suggest spending a little more on gear than getting a bike that is a tad better, to me gear is transferable to your next bike so spending a little more is not that big of a deal.

Try and look for deals online, I have came across 30-50% off alpine star quite a few times and its usually during this time of the season.

For helmets I'd suggest to go with a decent brand like Shoei / Arai / AGV / Bell, even their lower models are far superior than some brands out there.

Modern motorcycle, the more you buy the more you save..

I've had bad experiences with shopping online (revzilla/canadamotorcycle). It's not that the service or pricing is bad, it's when I recieve the items and they don't fit as I expected.

I usually just try to buy local. Even if I pay more, I know it's going to fit properly and I hate waiting for things

Gear I'd buy local, unless you can try the fit of that brand first. Although I've ordered both of my helmets online and they fit great.

Gp see it a a dealer, sit on it, if you don't like it, try something else. That is the bike I wanted, went to holeshot to see in person, Was disapointed. I measure 5'10 (125lbs) my knees were hitting the gas tank in a funny way, I found the CB300f to be MUCH more comfortable, but I don't like the motor specs. I would love to try a FZ/MT-03 but no one has it here.

Budget is roughly around 1000. 300 ish for the helmet, 200ish for the used jacket, 200 for pants, then gloves/boots (hopefully used).

Checking out re-rides here and there for the new stock, seems like they have decent deals.

Thanks for the helmet suggestion. I was looking at HJC but will definitely look into those and online for some of the gear

All those mixed reviews got me thinking I'd rather spend my money elsewhere.

Where do you guys usually buy and install your tires? tia