Summary: The Yamaha TW200 with its low center of gravity, wide back tire and weighing in at just 279 pounds has the right amount of spirit and safety for the new rider while still being an extremely fun bike to ride. It is a great little off-road and city bike for most people but for [...]
Summary: Most people yearn to begin the sport of motorcycling so they can cruise open roads in comfort, style and complete freedom There are many bikes that offer new riders safety, comfort and performance for cruising, but the Yamaha V Star 650 Classic is one of the most popular machines for new motorcyclists. Its combination of [...]
Summary: The Yamaha XT250 offers affordable prices, environmental benefits, and user-friendly features for beginning riders. Controls prove easy to master, and many people feel smaller bikes offer safer learning experiences. However, this motorcycle will not impress your friends, take command of the open road, or provide the type of equipment needed for touring or sporting [...]
Summary: The Hyosung GV250 is considered to be a small cruiser motorcycle, but its 249 cc engine combined with its overall light weight make it smaller and easier to operate than many other machines in its class. This bike is terrific for beginning riders because it handles exceptionally well in a number of environments, plus [...]
Summary: After decades of success with its entry-level Ninja 250, Kawasaki is offering the more powerful Ninja 300 as its older brother. The new sport-bike joins the Honda CBR250R in providing entry level riders with an antilock braking system (ABS). Engine Size: 296cc Pricing: The 300 is available in four versions: • Ebony with an MSRP of [...]
Several months ago we wrote an article talking about how Kawasaki was doing something amazing – unfortunately, no they are not reviving the much loved Ninja 500R – and releasing a brand new motorcycle to the Canadian and Japanese markets (Kawasaki Gives Canada and Japan the Ninja 400R). We were excited for the Ninja 400R [...]
The Suzuki Katana, or the “Can-A-Tuna” as it is sometimes called, is one of the most misunderstood motorcycles ever produced. Coming in 600cc and 750cc trims, with 80 hp and 92 hp respectively, the Katana was a capable sport/sport-tourer hybrid that is both welcoming for new riders and powerful enough to be entertaining. Weighing in [...]
The Calgary motorcycle show wrapped up last night, and thankfully I was able to attend to snap some pictures and see what’s new and exciting in the motorcycle world. I took some great pictures, had some fantastic conversations (including a good one with a rep from Suzuki Canada), and left quite excited about some things [...]
Currently announced for the Canadian and Japanese markets, the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R steps in to fill the lofty shoes of the departed (and sorely missed) Ninja 500R. It maintains all of the technology and features of its bigger brother, the Ninja 650R, but with a smaller engine and price point (the 400R is approximately $1,200 cheaper than the 650R). It promises to offer new riders plenty of thrills and good times while remaining approachable and easily-controlled- key elements of an effective entry-level motorcycle.
The 903cc liquid-cooled v-twin engine powering this beautiful mid-size cruiser provides enough “oomph” to get the Vulcan 900 moving, which the sleek and sexy styling is quick to impress. For someone looking to get into a cruiser, but is somewhat apprehensive of a “big bike”, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is our ideal choice.
It’s beautiful, it’s powerful, and it’s damn fun to ride. What more do you want in a bike?
The second installment in our summary of the 2010 Calgary Motorcycle Show. Three more bikes are showcased for your enjoyment.
Watch for some more reviews later this year when Calgary finally gets some decent weather!
The Calgary motorcycle show was a few weeks ago, but I’ve been so crazy busy that I never had a chance to post some of the pics that I took. There were a ton of really excellent motorcycles on display this year, including some new BMW’s that really got the crowd excited (197 horsepower will do that to people). However, being the guy that I am, I tried to get a line on some of the new entry level and/or tamer motorcycles that would be better suited for beginners.
With all that being said, here are some of my personal highlights from the 2010 motorcycle show…
It might take a while for the dust to settle, but once it does you’ll realize that the Honda CRF230M9 may very well be the first attractive dual-sport… kind of. Clean lines, combined with sleek and stylish bodywork make the CRF230M one of the best looking dual-sports (kind of) around. A comfortable ride and peppy acceleration certainly add to the fun, but when you look this good, does it really matter?
What do we mean by kind of? Keep reading.
Yamaha FZ6R Video Walkaround Scroll down for our comprehensive review of the Yahama FZ6R. Fast Tube by Casper Summary: A detuned R6 motor from the last generation R6 provides plenty of power and torque throughout the rev range, and a solid suspension setup keeps this bike stable when it counts. New riders may find the [...]
Like the Kawasaki Ninja 500R, the GS500F offers a sporty ride for a minimal investment. It looks sporty, rides sporty, but falls just short of the benchmark set by the Ninja 500R.
A strong v-twin engine and a sporty chassis combined to make the SV650S one of the best all-around bikes you can buy. With both naked and faired versions, including versions with ABS, the SV650 is a bike that anyone can build to suit.
Over 40 updates make the Ninja 650R a real competitor for 2009. Its smooth 649cc engine, dynamic and aggressive styling, and modern chassis make it a real treat to ride. For a new rider looking for a first bike with longevity, the Ninja 650R could be a great match!
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