Price: $29.99 USD

Comments: Easy to navigate, MANY MANY auction sources and Motorcycles with few or no bids.

Click here to visit their website.

We all want a good deal on a used bike and these guys promise to deliver access to these great deals for the somewhat expensive price of $29.99. We decided to try it out on the premise that $29 spent now could mean savings of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on this writer’s next motorcycle! It’s worth mentioning that we’ve seen this priced at $39.95 in the past so there must be a promo on at the moment for $29.99

What We Like About Sheriff Auctions

It’s easy to get access to their members area, just put your credit card details in and access is instant. Once we’d paid, we were directed to the command centre which is basically your starting point for navigating the members area. The transaction process is simple with no glitches when being re-directed to the members area. This is the way all online shopping should be!

Looking around in the site, you’ll notice several things immediately:

• There are TONS of links to government auction sources - Who knew there were this many federal and municipal auction sites? Even the IRS auctions are listed here!

• There is an excellent organizational structure to the link madness- Sheriff Auctions has painstakingly categorized and linked all these resources into a structure that is easy to navigate. For example, we clicked on “California” and were taken to a page with about 60 sources for local auctions!

• These are auction sources for EVERYTHING - It looks like the hundreds of sources for seized and surplus auctions are not specific to motorcycles. Through the links that Sheriff Auctions provided we came across the entire contents of a dentist’s office with a starting bid at $7,001!!. Also worthy of mention was an “old person scooter” , you know the ones that wal mart provides for the elderly? The bid was only $10. Well, we got a kick out of it!

We really didn’t expect so many quality links; I mean for $29.99, somebody spent a lot of time and effort searching each state for auction sources and compiling all the data in one place. There are literally hundreds of auction sites to choose from!

What We DON’T Like About Sheriff Auctions

Once we got in past the control center and started clicking around, we realized that it was going to be hard to find an actual motorcycle for sale for two reasons:

• There are so many damn links that you could be looking through auction listings all day (which for some may not be a bad thing!)

• We didn’t see any auctions specifically for motorcycles. Not to say that there aren’t any, just that we didn’t see them. After some looking around we found one site with 42 bikes currently up for auction, all of which were under $500 and many didn’t even have bids so they are there, it will just take some time to find them due to the sheer number of auction sites to go through.

Overall

You could always just check out eBay itself however a lot of the bike’s you’ll find there have been through the circuit of local classified ads and did not sell for a reason. Despite the fact that it’s not limited to motorcycle auctions and that their content will take you all day and night to go through, we would fully recommend Sheriff Auctions to somebody who has the know how to bid at an online auction (hopefully not too hard for the eBay generation) and is in need of a motorcycle.

Click here to visit Sheriff Auctions

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2. Review: Get Ready To Pass Instructional Videos
3. Review: VRides Motorcycle Training Guide

Finally, after a fair bit of persistence and a random encounter with a rider on a 400R, we were able to hop on one and take it for a proper test ride.

Initial Impression of the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R

At 6’2″ and 227lbs, I am not a light person.  In fact I always feel a little ridiculous when I review smaller motorcycles like the 400R.  Aside from looking like someone who just stepped out of a clown car when riding one, I find that many smaller motorcycles struggle to actually keep a larger rider like myself moving.  Accelerating a big person when you have a small motor is a challenge, so of course I’m somewhat apprehensive when I hop on a motorcycle with less than 500cc’s.

I am happy to say that the Ninja 400R, with all 399cc’s of parallel-twin goodness, moves me pretty well.  It makes roughly 44 horsepower, which is very close to what the departed Ninja 500R made, and 27 lb-ft of torque.  Those numbers, while certainly not encroaching on superbike territory, are more than enough to move the common person around.  It did do a pretty good job of moving my “husky” rump, that’s for certain.

The fairings give it a real sporty look, very similar to what Kawasaki has done with both the Ninja 650R and the Ninja 250R.  Some may find the aggressive appearance a little off-putting, but I didn’t.  In fact, I’m a real fan of the boy racer look.

Riding the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R

The 400R has a great riding position if you’re a taller person; you sit upright, with a slight lean.  If you have back problems, or just find super sports uncomfortable, the 400R might be right up your alley.  If you are much taller than 6’2″ I don’t know how comfortable you’ll find the bike as the foot pegs may be a bit tight.  Otherwise, as far as a smaller motorcycle goes, the 400R fares pretty well in the comfort arena.

The all-digital display lights up beautifully at night (as it was when I was riding it) and highlights the important information (RPM, speed) by drawing your attention to them quite effectively.  If you’ve ever driven a Honda S2000 you may actually find the instrument panel quite similar: the speed is shown on top of a “swooping” rev meter.  Very cool.

Given that’s fuel injected, the 400R starts right up and purrs wonderfully.  Acceleration is brisk, though nothing that will cause you to pop your front tire off the ground (unless you’re really trying to do it).  Like the 500R, the Ninja 400R has plenty of mid-range power; also like the 500R, the newest mid-range Ninja suffers down low and up top.  This is perfect for city riding, where you’ll spend most of your time between 3,500 – 7,000 rpm, but may quickly become underwhelming if you’re used to the down-low torque of a larger v-twin or the up-top ridiculousness of 600cc+ sport bikes.

Personally, I loved it.  Having ridden a Ninja 500R for a first bike, riding the 400R was as much nostalgia as it was invigorating.  The 400R’s suspension is finely-tuned, and new riders (or anyone really) on the bike will quickly find themselves becoming more and more comfortable with throwing the little Ninja around.  It’s light weight, combined with a somewhat-stiff suspension setup, really make this bike fun in the city.  I can’t comment on highway riding as I was unable to take it to highway speeds for more than a few minutes.

Jam the brakes and you’ll find yourself coming to a stop rather quickly.  My earlier comments about the light weight and fun in the twisties applies to braking: smaller, lighter motorcycles have less grunt to move around.  When I lost most of my beer-belly I noticed it infinitely easier to run, climb, stop, and jump.  Same concept, different vehicle

Our 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R Review’s Epic Conclusion

Do you want a motorcycle but are afraid to hop on a 600cc+ machine?  Does the concept of riding a 125cc or 250cc sound outright boring?  If you answered yes to either of those questions you may find exactly what you are looking for in the Ninja 400R.

It’s fun.  It’s quick.  It’s confident.  And it’s just a blast to throw around.

If you aren’t planning on racing on the weekends or having looooong highway commutes, the 400R could be a great fit!

Related posts:

1. Kawasaki Gives Canada and Japan the Ninja 400R
2. The 2011 Motorcycle Show – Highlights, Part 1
3. Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Face it: the only reason anyone in North America rides a motorcycle is because we love the feeling of being on two wheels.  Sure, the fuel economy and is nice, but nothing can trump the feeling of hitting a corner at a 30 degree angle, leaned over, screaming like a banshee the whole way.

You’ve done that, and it’s okay to admit it.  If you haven’t yet I highly suggest you take some time to find out what you’ve been missing.

Riding in the Rain: What New Riders Should Be Aware Of

What does screaming like a banshee have to do with riding in the rain?  A lot more than you’d think, actually.  Riding in the rain is an incredible sensory experience: the sound of rain droplets hitting your helmet at 80mph is unlike anything you’ve ever heard; the smell of fresh rain is truly intoxicating when there’s nothing around you to hide it; the feeling of the cool air rushing through your riding gear is downright refreshing. It almost feels like your playing a real-life video game.

However, despite how much fun it is, you still need to be aware of the situation you’re in.

• Always be aware of how much traction you do or don’t have - Water on the road lessens traction.  That is obvious, but something that we tend to forget when we are sitting in the relative safety of our car/truck/SUV/minivan/whatever.  Having four wheels with reduced traction is very different than having two wheels with reduced traction.  Go a little easier on the throttle, especially when cornering.

• Check your visibility - You spit up water from your rear wheel when you are riding, not unlike the way a sea-doo does when it’s going full-tilt.  Cars and trucks also spray water behind them, and it can really impede your ability to see clearly.  Be sure to give a little extra following distance.

• Be aware of additional road hazards - During light/moderate rain, the only real additional hazard you’ll likely need to be aware of is small puddles.  During heavier rain you may need to watch for fallen branches, loose items getting blown in the wind, and serious puddles.  Ride slower, and don’t take any risk you don’t need to.

• DO NOT RIDE DURING HEAVY/TORRENTIAL RAIN - If the rain is really coming down don’t hop on your bike.

The beauty of riding is that we get to truly enjoy everything the road has to offer.  This includes different weather systems, road ways, and riding experiences that simply don’t exist when you’re driving a car.  Get out there and have some fun, just remember to be safe about it.

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You’ve gotten past the part where stalling the motorcycle at lights is the norm, and you’ve eliminated the “coast to a stop” as your standard mode of deceleration. A certain degree of confidence is beginning to show itself, and that’s good. Now is the time to “up your game” a little bit, and start learning little tricks that can make your motorcycle riding career safer and smarter.

Plan an Escape Before You Stop!

When you stop at a light, or behind a car, DON’T put the motorcycle in neutral and take your hands off the bars. Always keep your motorcycle in gear, clutch pulled in and a finger or two on the front brake. Maybe when the guy behind you stopped he gave you some space, but there’s no guarantee the guy behind HIM isn’t too busy yelling into his cell phone to notice everyone in front of him is already stopped! People often don’t do well at judging how far away they are from motorcycles, especially coming up from behind. You’ll find that cars will often get UNREASONABLY close to you and you should be ready to MOVE at any moment; a “fender bender” in a vehicle is a trip to the hospital for a biker.

Watch For Oil or Other “Car Blood” On The Road

Some guy had a bad vehicular day, and his transmission spit fluids everywhere. He didn’t have a good day – and you can have a worse one if you stop in a puddle of oil or other shiny gunk. Oil and bike tires are a bad match. When a motorcycle tire is coated in slick oil or other “vehicle blood”, even the slightest twist of the throttle can break the rear tire loose. Cool if you’re in the D1 Drift Circuit, not cool if you’re on a motorbike! Sand can also cause a graceful stop to become a floundering one. Being road aware at all time, not just when you stop, can prevent you from becoming part of the asphalt.

Stay Visible In Your Lane

Keeping yourself in the exact centre of the lane feels like a good thing, and while you’re moving, it can be. When coming to a stop on a motorcycle, drift a bit to the left as you aim your front wheel past the vehicle in front of you. When people are driving they tend to focus on what’s directly in front of and directly behind them. Since the steering wheel is on the left side of the car here (the CORRECT side), drivers are naturally going to be more aware of whats going on in that plane of vision. By stopping your motorcycle in the left side of the lane, you can be sure that you’re getting the attention of drivers both in front of and behind you. Any attention you can draw to yourself on a bike, outside of making rude hand gestures, is good attention.

The Space Question

We’re beating this to death, but it’s extremely important to keep your options open for a split second escape when stopped. “How much space do I leave?” you ask. Leaving more than a couple of bike lengths between your motorcycle and the next car, encourages dummies to try and turn into the “vacant” space and not leaving enough can mean that you get put in a bad spot, should you need to escape in a hurry. There is no “correct” amount of stopping distance from the car in front of you but a fairly reliable yardstick is two motorcycle lengths. There’s nothing that will fill your pants faster (with you know what) on a bike than seeing a car in your mirror coming up fast behind you and having nowhere to go! You can’t fix the other drivers, but you can be ready for them.

The Mirror Trick

One final suggestion: while you’re stopped on your motorcycle – clutch in, first gear selected – is to tilt your handlebars a bit and rock the bike to the side so you can see a few cars behind you in your mirror. If one of them doesn’t seem to be slowing fast enough, or suddenly locks up all four and starts sliding, you have a couple of seconds warning – and for a bike, that’s usually enough time to get out of the way. Now go home and change your pants!

Riding a bike has incomparable moments of joy; but leathers, brains and reflexes are your only defences if someone else screws up – planning escape routes before you stop and being aware of oil and debris on the road at all times can prevent a good ride from turning into a bad ride. If you’re checking out the babe in the next car, who is also checking out you and your bike, don’t forget to notice when the light changes… Blaring horns totally ruin the moment!

Let Us Know If There Is Something We’ve Missed!

We encourage comments on all posts! Please note however that comments are moderated to ensure a good experience for all users. That means no spam please!

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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 (I’ll talk about that in a moment).  Of course, this is BeginnerMotorcycleReviews.com, so I tailored my trip for bikes that fit that niche.

A couple of the most exciting changes coming to the beginner motorcycle market are the Honda CBR250R and the Kawasaki Ninja 400R.  Both promise to offer great riding experiences at very affordable price points.  Without further ado, here are some of my highlights for the 2011 year (in no particular order):

2011 Kawasaki Versys

With a smooth 649cc parallel-twin engine (hmm, where have we seen that before?), the Versys is becoming one of my personal favorites.  The engine is optimized for mid-range performance as opposed to peaky power delivery.  Our experience with this engine has proven it to be torquey, with plenty of get-up-and-go without having to worry about the front literally getting up and going!

The Versys sports a comfortable riding position for most riders (at 6’2 and 215lbs I found it quite comfortable) and plenty of space for a passenger.  If you’re looking for an entry-level motorcycle that offers plenty of jam when you mash the throttle, but is still comfortable and easy to ride, the 2011 Kawasaki Versys is a great choice (watch for our 2011 Kawasaki Versys review coming later this spring).

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R

Surprised to see this here?  Considering how much we love the Ninja 650R it should come as no surprise that we made a point of checking this year’s model out.  Nothing really changes for the 2011 model year with the exception of some new color and graphic packages.

Of course, I like the “if it aint broke don’t fix it” approach sometimes, and this bike definitely falls into that category.  A couple of years ago Kawasaki made some massive changes to the 650R, resulting in a motorcycle that is a blast to ride for new and experienced riders alike.  We still love its two-tone looks, comfortable riding position, and excellent fuel economy.  The 649cc parallel-twin engine is one of our favorites for a bike like this.

Quick, great looking, and a blast to ride- what more could you want?

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R

Exclusive to Canada and Japan, the Kawasaki Ninja 400R looks like a spiritual successor to the widely popular (and, sadly, no longer available) Ninja 500R.  It has a tight, compact frame and is very lightweight.  I found it a bit too small (again, being 6’2″ and 215lbs) but my girlfriend (5’7″ and 135lbs) absolutely adores it.  It promises to offer a bit more pep than the Ninja 250R while still remaining plenty manageable.

While we haven’t had the chance to ride one yet (on account of our sub-zero temperatures and white-fluffy stuff on the ground), we suspect that our recommendation for cautious or smaller riders may shift away from the 250R and land squarely on the 400R.

2011 Honda CBR125R

As with last year, we will not be doing a review of the 2011 Honda CBR125R this year.  There simply hasn’t been enough changes to the motorcycle to justify finding another one to take out and review.  However, also like last year, the CBR125R is an absolute bargain at $1,899 ($3,499 CAD before manufacturer incentives).  The CBR125R is Canada-only (sorry America) and is the little-little brother of the newly introduced 2011 Honda CBR250R.

We recommend this motorcycle to smaller people who are looking for something that can bomb around town.  Due to it small size (and engine size) the CBR125R isn’t ideal for highway riding.  However, it gets exceptional fuel economy and is an absolutely blast to ride.  It’s like a better looking, faster, less scootery scooter!

2011 Honda CBR250R

New for 2011, the Honda CBR250R promises to be the missing link in Honda’s entry-level lineup.  Available pretty much everywhere (including the USA), the CBR250R is similar to the Kawasaki Ninja 250R in that it is small, lightweight, and perfect for new riders looking for something that’s both great looking and extremely manageable.  It’s base price of $3,999 USD is nearly identical to that of the Kawasaki 250R, except that for an additional $500 you can also grab ABS- a feature the Kawasaki doesn’t have.

Using a 249cc single-cylinder engine, the CBR250R cranks out an impressive 26 horsepower (at 8,500 rpm) and 17ftlb of torque (at 7,000 rpm).  It features great looks (it certainly doesn’t look like an entry level motorcycle) and lots of engineering and technology.

I am really stoked for this motorcycle as it means that things could really heat up between Kawasaki and Honda!

2011 Yamaha FZ8 and 2011 Yamaha Fazer 8

The 2011 Yamaha FZ8 is probably the one motorcycle I’m the most excited about this year!  Packing 105 horsepower, delivered by a 779cc inline-four cylinder engine, the Yamaha FZ8 is a gorgeous naked bike that promises to offer plenty of punch while still remaining manageable and enjoyable.  This is not an ideal beginner bike in the sense that it packs a lot of power for a new rider, but it is certainly much easier to ride than a super sport thanks to its upright and comfortable riding position.

The 2011 Yamaha FZ8 starts at $8,490 USD ($10,499 CAD).

Starting at $10,999 CAD (not available in the USA), the 2011 Fazer 8 is the dressed version of the FZ8.  While our aesthetic preference leans slightly toward the naked FZ8, the Fazer 8 still looks great and promises to be an excellent street machine as well.  Look for the upcoming 2011 Yamaha FZ8 review (and long term review, since I bought one).  While the Fazer 8 is not currently available in the USA there are rumors suggesting that it soon will be.

Stay tuned for part 2 of the 2011 motorcycle show!

Related posts:

1. The 2010 Motorcycle Show – Some Highlights, Part 1
2. The 2010 Motorcycle Show – Some Highlights, Part 2
3. 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R Review

The key to successful (and safe) riding is patience.  There are some things about motorcycles that will always ring true, just by virtue of the fact that a motorcycle is effectively an engine with wheels… and that’s it.  99.95% of the time your motorcycle will be faster than a car; you will encounter drivers who don’t see you when they are turning, merging, or are otherwise trying to steal your spot in traffic; you will bite off more than you can chew when you mash the throttle.  These are realities that every motorcycle rider, regardless of experience, has to face.

That doesn’t mean that riding a motorcycle is hazardous to your health (despite what many people would have you believe).  Rather, it means that as a new rider it is your responsibility to ensure that you are adequately prepared to handle the task with confidence.  In order to be confident you need to be confident in four key areas: safety, training/skill, licensing, and your motorcycle selection.

Motorcycle Safety

This is the most important aspect of riding a bike that you’re going to have to get down pat.  Unlike a car, there is no steel cage protecting you.  If you get into an accident there is very little between you and the pavement.  For that reason along it is crucial that you are as safe as possible.

• Have all of the right gear - You will have seen this several times on this website by now, and here it is again: always ride ATGATT.

• Ensure that you are as prepared as possible before you ride - We highly recommend you read a motorcycle training guide (Get Ready to Pass has our top recommendation) as they break down, in detail, everything you’re going to need to know to learn how to ride a motorcycle.

• Do not ride with passengers until you have a lot of riding time under your belt - Many new riders don’t realize just how much a passenger changes the way a motorcycle behaves.  Are you ready for a passenger?

As always, stay within the posted speed limits and don’t override your comfort zone.  If you’re riding in a group and the group is moving at a pace that you aren’t 100% comfortable with slow down and stay safe.

Motorcycle Training/Skill

You weren’t a perfect driver the first time you got in a car, and you aren’t going to be a perfect rider the first time you hop on a motorcycle.  Expect to spend some time learning how to control your bike, as well as discovering where your limits are.

• Read a motorcycle training guide - We hammer this point to death, but the fact still remains that motorcycle training guides are the best way to acclimate yourself to a motorcycle before you get on and ride.  We recommend Get Ready to Pass ($27 w/videos) or MotoLearn ($15 without videos).  Both will save you time spent searching the net for information, not to mention that they will help you feel more comfortable when you first decide to go for a ride.

• Practice in a safe environment - Hopping on the freeway for your first ride is not a great idea.  Practice in a parking lot until you are comfortable with the basics.  Once you’re comfortable with slow-speed riding, move from a parking lot to residential side roads that are infrequently used.  Hit the highway once you are comfortable with the bike overall.

• Take a motorcycle safety course - This is part and parcel with reading a training guide, and we recommend that you do both.  Most motorcycle safety courses cost a few hundred dollars and they will walk you through all the basics.  Not only that, but most include accident evasion- in our opinion, a lifesaver of a course.

Motorcycle Licensing

Never ride your motorcycle on public roadways without having the appropriate license and insurance.  Just don’t do it.

Motorcycle Selection

If you’re reading Beginner Motorcycle Reviews you probably already know the recommendation that we are going to make.  Do yourself a favor and start small.  Check out the top 10 motorcycles for new riders and see our recommendations.

• Don’t buy a crotch rocket - Should your first car have 600 horsepower?  No.  Should your first bike have 120 horsepower?  Absolutely not.  Buy a rocket after you’ve had a year or two of riding experience.

• Don’t buy a heavy hog - The heavier the bike the harder it is to control.  Cruisers are sweet (we love the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom), but the bigger they are the harder they (potentially) fall.

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1. Meatloaf – Bat out of Hell

Released in 1979, and again in 1993 it was written by Jim Steinman with lead vocals from Meatloaf. Steinman was insistent that the song should contain the sound of a motorbike engine being revved, and complained to producer Todd Rundgren in the final recording session when it was not added. Rather than use a recording of a real motorcycle, Rundgren himself played the section on guitar, leading straight into the solo without a break.

2. The Doors – Riders on the storm

Taken from their 1971 album, LA woman this song reached number 22 spot on the UK singles chart. The song was inspired by Ghost Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend.”

3. The Eagles – Life in the Fast Lane

This is the third single from the Album Hotel California which was written by Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey and Don Henley and reached number 11 in the Billboard Hot 100

4. Steppenwolf – Born to Be Wild

Born to be wild was Initially released in 1968 and was used on the soundtrack for the famous motorcycle movie Easy rider, staring Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda riding Harley Davidson Hydraglide bikes from 1949, 1950 and 1952

5. Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run

Written in Long Branch, New Jersey in 1974 the song is a love letter to a girl called Wendy. Springsteen himself is a celebrated bike fan. He recently auctioned off his Harley Davidson at the NY Comedy Festival Event ‘Stand Up for Heroes: A Benefit for the Bob Woodruff Family Fund‘ for US$ 85,000.

6. Rush – Ghost Rider

This song is based on the motorcycle story Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road. by Rush’s drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. Peart embarked on a 14 month 55,000 mile motorcycle journey across America after losing two of his family members.

7. Manic Street Preachers – Motorcycle Emptiness

This single by Welsh Rock band Manic Street preachers was inspired by a book by SE Hilton called Rumble Fish and is about biker gang culture. The lyrics have been interpreted by some as an attach consumer/capitalist lifestyle and how young people are expected to conform.

8. Shangri-Las – Leader of the Pack

This song became number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1964 and is about a girl called Betty who is seeking her parent’s disapproval by dating Jimmy, the leader of a motorcycle gang. Her parents claim he is from the “the wrong side of town” and will be a bad influence on her.

9. Bob Seger – Roll Me Away

Roll Me Away was written in 1982 by Bob Seger on the album The Distance by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. Tit reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 char

10. Prince- Purple Rain

The song Purple Rain, taken from the album of the same name reached number 2 in the America charts. The album was thought by many as among the best rock albums ever it was ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as the second best album of the 1980s.

The album cover features Prince riding a Custom Honda Hondamatic, indecently this bike was the first Honda to have automatic transmission.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Iwan_Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-10-Motorcycles-Songs&id=4308397

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I am not going to bore you with all the details of how and why it works, but I will try to give you a high level understand of what is happening.  A simple way to understand counter steering is to say that if you want to turn right, turn you front wheel to the left by pushing the right handle bar forward.  Of course, the opposite rings true if you want to turn left.  Push the left bar forward.

If we go back to your high school days, you will remember the old adage that your physics teacher told you.  “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”  When turning a motorcycle using countersteering, you are looking to achieve the “opposite reaction” of the equation.

The Basic Premise of Counter-Steering on a Motorcycle

At speeds above 20km/hr (roughly 12mph) it’s no longer feasible to turn the handlebars and expect to remain upright.  This is the premise of leaning in to a turn: the shift in weight causes the bike to turn in the direction you lean.  This is also called “push steering” or “lean turning”.

This is very important!
One of the reasons for crashing is because the rider did not lean enough into the turn.  The basic forces at work will ensure that the motorcycle remains upright, so don’t be afraid to lean.  Can you cause the motorcycle to slide by leaning too much?  Yes, but the angle would have to be severe (deeper than the lean-in you see from motorcycle racers).

In other words: lean the bike over while turning!

The forces at work (gyroscopic forces) will always ensure that your motorcycle remains upright, as it takes more force for you to dump the bike over than it does to keep it upright.  If you’re still unsure, click to read more about motorcycle gyroscopic forces.

The Three Step Guide to Effective Counter-Steering

• Step One: Push Down On the Handlebars in the Direction You Want to Turn – This will cause the motorcycle to lean in that direction, upsetting it’s physical balance and hence causing it to turn.

• Step Two: Turn Your Head in the Direction You Want to Go - Keep your eyesight focused on where you want to be.  Ensure that you do this all throughout the turn.

• Step Three: Exit the Turn Smoothly and Apply Throttle if Necessary - After you have made the turn, apply throttle and exit!

That’s all there is to it!  It’s best to try this in a relatively safe area before you hit the streets, so try it in an empty parking lot (or similar).  Once you get over your initial apprehension it becomes a smooth, natural movement.

Ride safe!

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A couple weeks ago we posted our thoughts on the 2010 Calgary Motorcycle Show (check out part one, and part two). As a sort of spiritual follow up, we’ve decided to post a list of the best motorcycles for new riders. We’ve broken down ten bikes into three categories based on a myriad of factors (size/weight, speed/power, learning curve, and price). If you’re not really sure what we consider a beginner motorcycle, we break it down into the categories above:

• Size and Weight - The bigger and heavier a motorcycle is, the harder it will be initially to control. However, a heavier motorcycle does have it’s advantages (namely, it is more stable when cruising on the highway). Lighter motorcycles can be “flicked” around easier, giving a new rider that lean-in confidence that is crucial for safe riding.
• Speed and Power - A 10-second motorcycle isn’t a beginner motorcycle. It doesn’t matter how you try to justify it. If your new motorcycle has 100+ horsepower, can fly through the quarter mile in 12 seconds or less, and can pop wheelies at will, it’s not a beginner motorcycle. But, this doesn’t mean a beginner motorcycle is slow: a Kawasaki Ninja 650R or Suzuki SV650 will both nail a quarter mile in the high 11-second range. They both also have very predictable, controllable power bands and handling dynamics. Even a Kawasaki Ninja 500R will do the quarter mile in and around the 12.8 second range- compare that to a $50,000 sports car! What’s important is that a beginner-friendly motorcycle easily allows the rider to control the speed while they are learning and honing their skills.
• Learning Curve - This one is simple. How hard is the motorcycle to get on and ride? Does a quick twitch of the throttle result in a wheelie? Does the bike “forgive” minor mistakes? If you’re still thinking of buying or own a bike and consider yourself a beginner, check out our Motorcycle Training Guides for additional tips and tricks BEFORE getting onto a motorcycle!
• Price - We looks at price vs. value here, not just the bottom line. How much motorcycle is a new rider getting for their buck?

Best Street and Sport Bikes for New Riders

 1) Kawasaki Ninja 650R OR Suzuki SV650S

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What’s this?  A TIE?  Correct.  Both motorcycles are the best “first big bikes” out there.  Their v-twin/parallel-twin power-plants are responsive, controllable, and a lot of fun to wind out once you’re comfortable with the bike.  Packing around 75 horsepower, these motorcycles are far from slow.  In fact, they are favored by experienced riders for predictable handling and comfortable riding dynamics.

We fell in love with the Kawasaki Ninja 650R after spending some time with it on the highway.  Smooth, comfortable, and strongly positioned on the road.  We felt confident when we rode it, and that confidence allowed us to have a really good time with it.

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The Suzuki SV650 has a bit of a cult following for that very reason: they can walk all over 600cc super-sport bikes on the track thanks do the riders ability to confidently predict where and when to lay down power.  Make no mistake: the fuel-injected engines that power these two machines are very capable.  A new rider will have to take some time to get comfortable with them, but once you’ve given the motorcycle its due, be prepared for a wild ride.

Both the Ninja 650R and SV650 have been around for a while, giving you a good assortment to dig through when shopping.  Above all else, make sure you look for a bike that has been maintained and taken care of.  These bikes, while not requiring religious maintenance schedules, need to be maintained like anything else.  Find that hidden gem, however, and you’re in for a real treat!

2) Kawasaki Ninja 500R

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Our favorite 500cc motorcycle, this “little” Ninja is a real treat to ride regardless of how experienced a rider you are.  Lightweight, economical, and a blast to flog around through the twisties, the Ninja 500R will reward new riders who are willing to test its limits with a machine that can hang with some of the best through the corners, cost next to nothing to insure, and get excellent fuel economy.  Being dirt cheap is simply a bonus.

If you checked out Craigslist or Kijiji you’d probably find at least a dozen acceptable examples of the Ninja 500R for sale for a pittance.  They haven’t changed the basic design of the bike in over 20 years, so if you find one that’s been taken care of, jump on it!

3) Suzuki GS500F

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The Ninja is slightly faster, but that doesn’t mean that this capable Suzuki should be forgotten about.  It will get up and ride should that be the bidding of its owner, and it will reward a new rider with a stable, forgiving machine that can still take a beating.  Feel like doing some heavy lean-in while cornering?  Go to town- this Suzuki LOVES it.  Flick the throttle, hit 60mph in about 4 seconds, and laugh as you $4,000 motorcycle leaves $40,000 sports cars in the dust.

Like the Ninja, the GS500F has been around since 1994 and hasn’t changed too much since its inception.  Find one that has been taken care of and you’ll have a great time!

4) Yamaha FZ6R

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We love the FZ6R.  It’s entry to the market last year proved it to be a very capable machine, worthy of respect from any rider.  Let’s face the facts here: it’s a *fantastic* looking motorcycle; it has an upright, comfortable seating position; it uses a detuned engine from the last generation of the venerable R6; it can be whisper-quiet or scream like a raving banshee.

So, why isn’t it higher on our list?  Simple: being a new entry to the market, it’s relatively unproven.  Plus, while it is truly a magnificent machine, the Ninja 650R/SV650 have both proven themselves time and time again as “new rider friendly”.  But, if your heart is set on the Yamaha FZ6R, don’t even think twice about it- buy it, ride it, love it.

Best Dual-Sport and Motards for New Riders

1) Yamaha TW200

Despite having a five-speed transmission (where both the Suzuki DR200SE and the Honda CRF230M have six-speeds), the Yamaha TW200 is sitting here as our most recommended dual-sport for the 2010 year.  It’s not particularly pretty (is any dual-sport really all that pretty?), and it’s not what we’d call fast (it does have a whopping 16 horsepower though), and it doesn’t do anything any better than any of the other dual-sports.  So why is it number one for us?

If there’s one word that more people need to incorporate into their daily lives, it’s balance.  The TW200 is just that: a well balanced motorcycle that enables its rider to hit the trails, cruise the city streets, and do so in nearly any combination.  Tire choices not withstanding (dirt-tire “knobbies” aren’t exactly confidence inspiring on city roads), the TW200 is the Honda Civic of the dual-sport world: it does everything asked of it in a competent and capable manner.  Just don’t ask it to hit anything over 70mph.

2) Honda CRF230M

If you want all the advantages of owning a dual-sport (being able to hit the trails and the highway, for example), but also want the ability to cruise gingerly, the Honda CRF230M is a great machine.  It’s got clean lines, great looks, and is backed by Honda’s legendary reliability.  We would have rated it higher on this list (which, lets face it, is the end all be all list of 2010…. ha), but the CRF230M doesn’t feel as stable on the trials as some of the other dual-sports we’ve ridden.

The CRF230M is lightweight – 276lbs – and severely underpowered (unless you think 14 horsepower is the bees nees), but that doesn’t change the fact that it does its job effectively.  It’s six-speed is geared a little short, giving this Honda a little more “oomph” then you’d expect from it’s little power plant.

The single biggest quality this bike has going for it, however, is its fuel economy.   Honda claims near 90mpg, and multiple sources have done testing to validate Honda’s claims.  90mpg?  Maybe not, but it routinely gets pretty darn close.

3) Suzuki DR200SE

If someone used the word “intimidating” to describe the Suzuki DR200SE we’d probably have to give them a blank stare and check their forehead for a fever.  With an appearance striking similar to your typical dirt bike, the Suzuki DR200SE is the polar opposite of intimidating.  It’s small, light weight, with a low seat height and none of the fancy (expensive) gimmicks that some of its brethren share.  It runs like a top and will likely never give you any kind of problem.

This Suzuki shines off-road, where the ground is anything but asphalt.  Dirt, sand, mud, creek bed, gravel?  No problem.  The DR200SE eats it up!

We’d have rated this motorcycle higher, but with a top speed of around 60mph, it’s fairly limited in terms of both the distance it’s able to travel as well as its on-road practicality.  Not that it can’t be done, per say… it’s just that there are bikes out there that do it a little better.  Ultimately, it’s small size and inviting posture are the reasons it’s ranked here.  Anyone, regardless of age, size, or comfort level with motorcycles, can hop on a DR200SE and have a blast.  Isn’t that what dual-sports are supposed to be all about?

Best Cruisers for New Riders

1) Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

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Do you want a cruiser that looks good, sounds great, has plenty of get up and go, but isn’t so heavy that it will nearly kill you the first time you take it into a sharp corner?  The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom may be the bike for you.  It’s a “big bike” that’s not really a “big bike”.  Does that make sense?

The last time we rode a Vulcan 900 Custom, it was a 2009 model.  It had all the qualities of a cruiser that we wanted to see (size, sound, comfort, ease of use, etc.), but it didn’t have neither the intimidating price tag nor the intimidating heavy weight.  The very first time we rode it we felt comfortable leaning it into corners, testing the brake limits, and found ourselves thoroughly enjoying the bike overall.

Is it the best cruiser out there?  Maybe not, but it sure is a real treat for a new rider.

2) Honda VT750C Spirit

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If starting at 900cc seems a bit daunting, this 749cc Honda may fit the bill.  Like the Vulcan, you get the image and sound of a “big bike” without the heavy weight or price tag to go with it.  This makes it ideal for a first bike, as it’s a bit more forgiving than a larger motorcycle.

Everything from the chrome pipes to the wire spoked wheels lend to the impressive imagine this Honda portrays, and it’s ultra-low seat height make it ideal for shorter riders.  All in all, for under $9,000 CDN / $8,250 USD you can have a brand new, capable, fun motorcycle that looks and sounds great.

Like the Vulcan, the VT750C Spirit may not be the best cruiser on the street, but for a new rider, it’s a very fun and exciting one.  If the Vulcan’s too big, but something like a Suzuki GZ250 Marauder is too small, this Honda should fit the bill nicely.

3) Suzuki GZ250 Marauder

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At 250cc, the Suzuki GZ250 Marauder sure won’t be winning any races, but that’s not where the appeal of this motorcycle lies.  This motorcycle is perfect for a new rider who wants a comfortable seating position, but doesn’t want the power, weight, or price of a larger motorcycle.  In that sense, the Marauder is a great machine- especially when you consider what it does and how much it asks in return to do it.

It’s small and low to the ground, making it easy for just about anyone to ride it.  It won’t launch the front tire high into the air, and mashing the throttle won’t send you flailing off the back.  It’s forgiving, it’s adaptable, but more importantly, it’s approachable.

If you want a cruiser, but you don’t want something that you’re going to scare yourself on, the GZ250 Marauder is it.

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2. The 2010 Motorcycle Show – Some Highlights, Part 2
3. The 2010 Motorcycle Show – Some Highlights, Part 1

The second installment of some of the highlights of the 2010 Calgary Motorcycle Show!  If you haven’t read the first one, check out my preview of some great beginner bikes for 2010!  I was really sold on the 2010 Kawasaki ER-6N… it really blew me away!  I was never a fan of naked bikes before, but this one just looks fantastic.

This update is some beginner motorcycles, but mostly other stuff that I saw and liked.  Unfortunately, a lot of the pictures that I took were blurry when I put them on my computer so I don’t have as much to share as I’d like

2010 Yamaha R6

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I’ve always loved the R6. In my mind it’s the best looking sport bike for sale, and it’s also one of the most comfortable for a guy my size (6’2″, 215lbs). Part of the reason that I’m so fond of “beginner motorcycles” is because they offer a comfortable riding position while maintaining good looks and affordability.

The R6 remains relatively unchanged for 2010, with the exception of a BNG package (bold new graphics) and some minor engine tuning to recoup a bit of the power that was lost last year due to tightened emissions regulations. The new power comes from a increase in the size of the exhaust, muffler (100mm longer), some airbox modification, and a new ECU.

2010 Suzuki GSX-R600

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The Suzuki GSX600: another viable contender in the super sport arena.  Like the R6, the GSX600 features a 600cc, high-revving engine.  Does 120+ HP @ 13,000+ RPM sound like your kind of machine?  If so, the GSX-R600 might be right up your alley.

Do we recommend a bike like this to new riders?  Absolutely not.  The ability to go from 0-60mph in under 4 seconds on two wheels is something that only capable, experienced riders should take on.  Not only that, but with a standing quarter mile of less than 11 seconds, this motorcycle is one of the fastest machines on the street.

Still, one can’t deny it’s sheer awesomeness.

2010 Suzuki GSX650F

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Here’s a bike to watch.  There are plenty of rumors floating around on the internet that are talking about how the GSX650F is going to replace the GS500F on the entry-level/beginner side of things.  No one can really know for sure what Suzuki’s plans are, but I’ve got the suspicion that the GS500F isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The GSX650F is often called the “faired version of the bandit”, and that’s largely correct.  It incorporates ABS, a “big” 656cc engine, and big brakes, allowing this bike to hang with the other “big 650′s”.  Like the Kawasaki Ninja 650R or the Suzuki SV650S, the GSX650F is multi-dimensional: it’s good for casual riding, touring, or more aggressive riding.

Watch for our review later this year.

2010 Yamaha FZ6R

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When we first hopped on the 2009 Yamaha FZ6R we ranted and raved about how smooth the 2003-esque R6 engine was, and how surprisingly quiet it was (your neighbors will love it, we are hit/miss about it).  Yamaha has kept the basic formula the same with the 2010 FZ6R, aside from changing around some color schemes.

That being said, we still think it’s a fantastic entry into the market and are excited to see how this motorcycle evolves over time!

Related posts:

1. The 2010 Motorcycle Show – Some Highlights, Part 1
2. The 2011 Motorcycle Show – Highlights, Part 1
3. Learning to Ride Sportbikes: A Beginners Guide – Part 2