We have opened our forum!  Now you can share your thoughts, reviews, etc. with the BMR.com community!  Since we just launched the forum it’s still quite small, but I encourage you to sign up and start posting!

We do have a few rules though:

General Forum Rules

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3. Posting is a privilege, and not your right.
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5. If you have nothing to contribute to a discussion, don’t post.
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7. Discussion of street racing or other illegal activities will not be permitted.
8. Advertising of any kind, unless granted permission by the administrators, is strictly prohibited.

Marketplace Rules (strictly enforced)

1. All items for sale must have a photo.
2. Any item listed must have a price.  No “feelers” are permitted.
3. DO NOT POST IN A MARKETPLACE THREAD UNLESS IT IS YOUR INTENT TO BUY THE ITEM!
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Join the forum today!

Related posts:

1. 2009 Year in Review/Forum Survey!

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

But, the good news is we only have to do this once

Related posts:

1. Bad News for your Motorcycle: Fall is Coming!

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

(Click for full size)

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

(Click for full size)

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

(Click for full size)

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

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.

Tangent Alert!
Lately there have been some people who take offense to certain motorcycles being called “beginner motorcycles”.  Really, people?  There’s nothing wrong with riding a beginner motorcycle at all- it shows maturity, and the desire to ride a machine that won’t kill you the first time you make a minor mistake.  A Ninja 650R can’t even be compared to a R6, because one has a linear powerband, and the other goes like a screaming rocket once you hit a certain rev threshold.

A motorcycle that may be suitable for new riders may also be great for more experienced ones.  The Suzuki SV650 is a great example of this: relatively friendly for a new rider (and forgiving too), but still boatloads of fun for experienced riders who really want to put it through its paces.

The point of this website is to focus on the motorcycles that a new rider can ride, have a great time on, and not have “too much bike” while they’re learning.

With all that being said, here are some of my personal highlights from the 2010 motorcycle show:

2010 Honda CBR125R

(Click for full size)

Unfortunately, we won’t be doing a review of the 2010 Honda CBR125R as not much is changing- and what has changed isn’t enough to warrant a full-on review. However, we did snap a picture of the 2010 CBR125R.

See any major changes to the 2010 Honda CBR125R from the 2009 model?  Yea, us either.  However, we still feel that it’s a good entry level motorcycle for someone who’s just looking for something small to rip around on.

Would we call it a tourer or a sport bike?  No, not a chance.  However, if you want something to get in and around the neighborhood, and maybe some slight highway riding, then the Honda CBR125R is a great choice.  And, priced as low as it is, it’s not like it’s hard to afford.  Last we checked, you could grab a 2010 Honda CBR125R for under $3,000 CDN with incentives.  Not too shabby!

2010 Kawasaki ER-6N

(Click for full size)

I’ve never been a fan of naked motorcycles, as I’ve almost always found their faired counterparts to be better looking and more aerodynamic.  The 2010 ER-6N, however, is flat out gorgeous.

Click here for even more pictures.

The 2010 Kawasaki ER-6N is drop-dead gorgeous, especially in motion.  Everything from its copper-colored headers down to the visible rear suspension makes this bike a sexy street machine.  And, with the tried and trusted 650cc parallel-twin that powers both the ER-6N and the Ninja 650R, you know it’s reliable and pretty fast to boot.

Owning this bike would be a real treat, and something I’d love to add to my garage.  I may even consider adding the 2010 Kawasaki ER-6N to my garage before I add the Yamaha FZ6R.  Come spring, we will see…

2010 Kawasaki Ninja 650R

(Click for full size)

Ahh the Kawasaki Ninja 650R. This bike is extremely popular, and with good reason: great riding dynamics, relatively inexpensive, and inexpensive to insure and maintain.  The 2009 Ninja 650R had a lot of changes from previous model years, so the 2010 650R remains pretty similar.  There are some minor aesthetic differences (powercoated rear handles, painted lower fairing, etc.), but nothing really game changing.

Click here for even more pictures.

It’s important to note that just because there aren’t a ton of significant changes to the Ninja 650R doesn’t mean that it’s no longer competitive.  Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t always undergo significant changes once the correct formula has been found.  The old adage of “if it aint broke don’t fix it” certainly applies here.  In the case of the exceptional Kawasaki Ninja 650R, it hits the nail on the head.

Haven’t had the pleasure of riding one yet?  Get out there and find one to ride!

2010 Suzuki GS500F

(Click for full size)

The Suzuki GS500F is a direct competitor to the Kawasaki Ninja 500R.  In a lot of ways they are almost the same motorcycle- while the technical specs may be slightly different, both motorcycles are excellent and accomplishing their respective goals.  Case in point: both are excellent entry level motorcycles that offer great fuel economy and affordability, and both motorcycles should keep you from getting bored for a while.

While we prefer the Kawasaki Ninja 500R to the Suzuki GS500F (for a few minor reasons), there is a cult-like following for this now iconic Suzuki.  However, rumors that the GS500F is going to be replaced have started to float around online.  With that in mind, we approached the 2010 Suzuki GS500F as we do with any other motorcycle: when can get on one for another ride?

We will be revising our Suzuki GS500F review later this spring, as we have had tons of experience on the Ninja 500R and not nearly as much with the GS500F.  Check out our 2009 Suzuki GS500F review and post your own opinion and rating!

Changes to the 2010 model year are minimal: some colors change, and some new graphics are added.

2010 Suzuki SV650S

(Click for full size)

The 2009 Suzuki SV650S was one of the first motorcycles that we fell in love with, and it will always hold a special place in our hearts.  Okay, cheeseyness aside, the 2010 Suzuki SV650 remains a great motorcycle for a new or experienced rider looking for a motorcycle that provides a great balance between something that’s fun to ride and something that’s economical and affordable.

The 2010 Suzuki SV650 retains the same “naked” appeal that has drawn in so many, and the faired version continues to look aggressive and capable.  No matter your aesthetic preference, the SV650 delivers.  In fact, the SV650S is one of the reasons that Suzuki’s sales in January 2010 are up 92.85% from January 2009.  Recession?  What recession!

Related posts:

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

Launched about a year ago, Beginner Motorcycle Reviews was my outlet to share my thoughts and opinions about some of the most common bikes that are being marketed to “beginner” riders.  I went out and rode a lot of bikes, met a bunch of really cool riders and great people.  This website has been such a personal success that part of me doesn’t want to change it.

But guess what?  It’s a new year, and that means that it’s time to change.  I’ve got plenty of plans in store for this website, some of which are insignificant, and others which are going to take this website in new directions.

Upcoming Changes for 2010:

• New website design - While I don’t dislike how the website currently looks, I have decided to make it a little more unique.  It will also be a little easier to navigate and find the information that my visitors are looking for.

• More hands-on content - When I go to motorcycle meets and mention my website there’s always at least one person who’s visited it before.  My reviews have gotten a fair bit of attention (don’t ask me why, I’m just a humble Canadian).  I’m going to add more: more reviews, more previews, more pictures, and video whenever I can.

• Forums - I put up a poll several months ago and I got a great response!  Time to step it up even further and add some forums!  These forums will be moderated by yours truly at first to make sure that everything is on the level.  I’ll start small and grow in the areas that the users need.

• User-created content – Have you got a review you’d like to submit?  No problem!  I’m working with a friend of mine to make it much easier for users to add content to the site!

Thanks everyone for your continued support and always-welcomed suggestions!  Happy belated New Year, and may 2010 be even more exciting than 2009!

Related posts:

1. The 2010 Motorcycle Show – Some Highlights, Part 1
2. The 2010 Motorcycle Show – Some Highlights, Part 2
3. Top 10 Motorcycles for New Riders: 2010