New rider come spring '08

[lennay1031]

Hey, how's it going?

I will be getting my first bike once the snow clears. I am currently looking at the Sportclassic 1000...but I figured it would be nice to get some opinions on whether this bike is plausible for a first bike. I talked to a sales rep at Ducati Toronto and was told that it shouldn't be a problem since the engine is air cooled and won't be too much power for me to handle.
However, I was disappointed that the person did not call me when their new stock came in (October) like I had asked; I visted the showroom back in August. I suppose they did not take my inquiry seriously and thought that it would be a waste of time since I told them I would come to purchase it first thing in March/April '08. Well, that's what I get for being honest..? As a result, I am a bit skeptical about giving them my sale, especially to that particular sales rep.

Can you experienced riders please advise on my bike choice and share some thoughts that could redeem Ducati Toronto? That, or I could go to GPbike in Ajax too, albeit a tad out of the way...but my darling will be worth it!!

I am very much looking forward to it. Thanks =D

[corbo]

Welcome
Bike should be fine as a first bike . mine was an S2R
I would give Ducati Toronto another chance in the last 6 months they have gone through a
change re sales staff.
The new team should be very helpful , I swear by their mechanics great guys.
Talk to Richard the Scottsman
Cheers

[d8ve]

Are you looking at the Sport 1000 or the GT 1000? The Sport has clip-ons and a fairly aggressive riding position...not very friendly for new riders. I wouldn't recommend these models for a first bike. I'm surprised the sales rep said it would be fine. Any of the 1000s will be a bit too powerful for a new rider. I'm not saying it can't be done, but the power & torque will be intimidating at first....a lot of it depends on your mentality and maturity...and the learning curve will be steeper than a true beginner bike. Cost of maintenance & repair for Ducs is going to be more expensive than the japanese bikes. As a new rider there's a very good chance you'll dump the bike....it won't be cheap to repair a Sportclassic. I'm not trying to discourage you, but for your first season you're better off on something a bit slower and cheaper....if it has to be a Duc, maybe start with a used M620 or M695.

Give Ducati Toronto another try. The mechanics have always been good, they just needed someone to handle the front desk and it sounds like they've got a good person in place now.

You owe it to yourself to visit GP Bikes....awesome shop. I've always received good service from them.

[zc911]

i agree, if it;s the Sport with the clipons thats pretty agressive. sitting upright with bars like on a Monster is a lot easier to ride/learn on. this summer was my first ridding season and i went with a monster 620. a freind started this year with a kawi ZX6R. man o man mine is soooooo much easier to ride

[lennay1031]

Yes, yes...it is the 1000S. Thanks for the replies so far. I am hoping that I can find a dealer willing to let me test one or a similar bike so I can put words into something more tangible to hammer home the point, haha.

I forgot to mention that I have been strongly considering the Kawa EX250 as my alternative.

Again, all replies are very much appreciated, eh? The more that I hear from people then the more that I can reflect on until spring comes.

=)

[d8ve]

Originally Posted by lennay1031

Thanks for the replies so far. I am hoping that I can find a dealer willing to let me test one or a similar bike so I can put words into something more tangible to hammer home the point, haha.

Good luck. Most dealers won't be willing to let new riders go for test drives....they don't even like experienced riders testing the bikes. Your best bet is to sign up for a demo day. Check around at all the shops and see when they are. IIRC the Ducati demo days still required a minimum experience level.

I forgot to mention that I have been strongly considering the Kawa EX250 as my alternative.

Much better choice. They should be dirt cheap to find a used one. If you're going with new, forget about the EX250...what you want is the 250R

http://www.kawasaki.ca/content/conce...my=2008&m=1096



These things look like so much cheap fun that i've thought about buying one for the daily commute.

[lennay1031]

I would be satisfied if I could just ride on the back of one and THEY drive it. I just want to experience how much of a "jump" the acceleration would be. I'm sure I could tell the difference even if I sat in the back.

Ahhh...250R isn't same as EX250? 250R looks good...which is a good TO dealer for it? May as well ask...

[d8ve]

Ahhh...250R isn't same as EX250? 250R looks good

They're different models. Here is the old EX250/ZZR250

which is a good TO dealer for it?

Hmmm...that's a good question. Cycle World & McBride's are both closed now.

Here are the dealers from Kawi's website:
http://www.kawasaki.ca/dealerlocator...dlrRegion=ONTA

The only one i've dealt with is Motorsports Pickering who were pretty good. Never been to Kahuna.

[brad the lad]

You might find one at the Bike show this weekend they usually have a used bike sellers area. You know 600, 620's and 750 Monsters are all pretty good starter bikes as well.

[zc911]

if you go to www.GTAmotorcycle.com, in the general section there is a group buy on the 250R $4400 out the door, just have to pay the lisence fess
damn good deal
acutally here is a direct link for you
http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum...ad.php?t=50935