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So you want to learn to ride (and maybe purchase) a motorcycle...?

Allow me to suggest a strategy and a few tips that will ensure your experience is a safe one:

FIRST, Purchase the right safety equipment: a good full-face coverage helmet (current DOT or Snell rating) that fits snugly, a decent leather jacket, riding gloves and boots. These can be purchased from any of the local Sudbury motorcycle dealers, or you can try the "show specials" available at the Bike Show in Toronto every January, or at the Sport Bike Rally in Parry Sound every July.

SECOND, take a motorcycle training course. Both colleges in Sudbury offer them. Cambrian College's course is certified by the Canada Safety Council (CSC). The instructors (including me!) are CSC-certified, dedicated, experienced riders who want you to enjoy your learn-to-ride experience in a safe environment, while you also learn what defensive riding is all about. Your motorcycle insurance company may give you a discount once you successfully complete the course. Take the course - It may save your life someday!

THIRD, purchase a bike that is within your skill and confidence level. It doesn't make sense to go out and buy a 1000+ cc Super Sport bike if this is your first bike and you're a novice rider. Purchase something you can learn with, and eventually master, and is appropriate for your weight, height, skill and terrain where you'll do most of your riding. Upgrade to a larger, faster, heavier bike as you become more experienced and confident.


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 FINALLY, take your "need for speed" to the racetrack! If you are (or quickly become) a more advanced rider yearning for more speed, keep it off the city streets. Try one of the advanced motorcycle riding or racing schools offered at tracks in Ontario and Quebec, such as Shannonville, Mosport, and Sanair. Learn to drive FAST, have FUN, and be SAFE! Many bike shops also partner up with race tracks and offer "track days", where you can bring your own bike and drive fast in classes of riders having a similar skill level to you. (e.g novice, touring, sport, super-sport, or hotshoe, etc.) Most motorcycle shops know about riding/race schools and track days.

Ride safe and ride long! (bad grammar, I know...but it sounds cool, eh?)
Regards, Greg


your instructors for 2009 - click to enlarge

Links:

Questions? Feel free to email me at: gbcooper@cambrianc.on.ca

Register for one of Cambrian College's Motorcycle Courses:

  • Early-Bird Registration starts in February, in-person or by phone only, 560-0330
  • Online registration starts mid-April
  • More info?  Call 560-0330


Gearing Up! Motorcycle Website at:
http://www.ridertraining.org/


Canada Safety Council Website at:
http://www.safety-council.org/

 

 

 

 

 

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