total noob from Canada

[Liscb200]

Hi I'm Lisa I'm originally from the UK but have been out in Winnipeg Canada for a while now. I've loved bikes ever since I was a kid but for one reason and another I never got my licence, I've decided this year will be the year I get that shit sorted.

I ain't gonna lie I know bugger all about bikes (however I'm am mechanically inclined), but I hope to change that I have my eye on an old cb200 that a guy I know owns, it's in great shape, and my plan is to ride it for a season as is and then do her up a lil.

As Winnipeg will still be under snow for another month I'm spending my time reading manuals, watching youtube vids and oogling the awesome bikes of the other members.

 

[cqyqte]

Welcome to the nut house Lisa, you will learn a lot by just reading the various threads in this forum. The only stupid question is the one not asked so don't be shy. 8)

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

it's in great shape, and my plan is to ride it for a season as is and then do her up a lil.

Good plan.

While you are waiting for the riding season to begin, you can get your feet wet with a little wrenching getting it ready to ride. Things like repacking the wheel bearings, servicing the forks, even service the steering stem bearings if you are ambitious.

The biggest mistake the "noobs" make is taking a bike that is in near rideable condition, and they tear it all apart, and get in waaay over their heads. It's refreshing to hear that you are going to be more sensible than that.

 

[Liscb200]

thanks for the advise Alpha, luckily I'm buying the bike from a bike enthusiast who has kept the bike in meticulous condition, but I will take a look at the bearings and forks.

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

Might not need any of that. Most of the bikes come along after not being maintained, and those are a couple of things that I like to make sure are good, and they are good projects for cutting your baby teeth as a wrencher.

 

[AbbyRider]

Welcome. And I guess the one good thing about Winnipeg is that you won't put many miles on your bike, as the riding season is only 3-1/2 weeks long.

 

[dualitymike]

Hey Lisa, I'm in Winnipeg too! There's a great Canadian motorcycle cruisers chapter here. Lots of off season activities, all makes and models welcome and no sign up fee. Here's the website:

http://www.cmc023.ca/

You'll gain lots of good contacts and have some fun too. Hope to see you.

Mike

 

[Tim]

Maybe I need to create a Winnipeg subsection. I was born and raised there - left at 23 for Toronto. Still head back every summer with the family to spend time at family cottages at Westhawk and near Kenora.

 

[Liscb200]

Thanks for the reply's guys, and thanks for the link Mike there's a good chance you'll be seeing me this summer

 

[roadie]

Cool, another Winnipeg'r!
Actually I'm in Calgary now but hey you can take the boy out of Winnipeg...
If I remember correctly insurance for bikes in Wpg is nasty expensive, dang autpac.

 

[Tim]

Well I'll be in Winnipeg from mid July to mid August (actually 2 hours out of Winnipeg) so who knows - maybe we can do a DO THE TON Winnipeg get together at a local Sal's Not sure what the greasy spoon situation is there these days. The Blue Note is long gone I know. I believe Baked Expectations still has huge slabs of cheesecake, and of course Junior's is still around.

Best burger in my book is Steve's out in St James. I've been eating it since 1985. He moved to a new location on Portage and renovated, but he still has the burger - it's just an entree now with a higher price tag.

 

[Liscb200]

On the burger front Unburger is the best for sure, not exactly greasy but real good, and they serve beer which is always a bonus.

Well it looks like there's a great bunch of riders in the Peg, yay me, I look forward to getting licensed and on the road this spring.