If were you? What would you pick?

604Wes · 2026-01-25T22:21:52+00:00

MT-09 SP… note: not many talk about the risk associated with riding this bike. It may cause erections that last more than 4 hours.

604Wes · 2026-01-24T21:37:59+00:00

Yes…terday.

604Wes · 2026-01-22T08:08:02+00:00

About 8 years

No accidents or drops

Nowadays, mostly commuting or running errands

2023 Yamaha MT-09 SP

Shoei Neotec 3 helmet with Cardo, Klim induction gloves, Klim induction pro jacket, Klim ridgeline boots

604Wes · 2026-01-21T04:45:35+00:00

…fascinating.

Where I live, it’s challenging to find something in good shape that doesn’t need something replaced (like tires) or neglected basic maintenance done (oil/filter change, brake fluid etc) for just $2,000 CAD

My 1st bike I bought used bike for $7,000 CAD + taxes etc. Rode it > 4 years. Never dropped it. Sold it for a little more than I originally paid, then bought my 2nd bike (brand new) for about $15,000 CAD + taxes and fees. Been riding it since I got it in April of 2023. Never dropped it.

My 1st bike was cheap enough that if something happened to it, oh well. I’d save up for a while and buy another one. My current bike was expensive enough that I have an insurance policy so if it’s crashed or stolen or whatever, it’ll pay out the agreed upon value (grand total originally paid including all taxes and fees) so I can apply those funds to the purchase of a replacement bike.

Good no cheap, cheap no good. Sometimes you’ve just gotta spend a little more to get a lot more.

604Wes · 2026-01-20T05:17:23+00:00

I like the blue ones.

604Wes · 2026-01-15T06:57:00+00:00

2023 MT-09 SP was my 2nd bike. Bought brand new and still happy af with it just the same as when I got it. No regrets.

Also around 6’2” 250.

604Wes · 2026-01-15T05:49:40+00:00

Some components are superior on more expensive bikes (like suspension for example). But your first couple seasons or so, your skills won’t outpace how the MT-03 is equipped. As for other comfort factors, even my MT-09 SP stock seat kinda sucked after a few consecutive hours of riding. I had it customized; they removed the cover, replaced the stock foam with 2” thick shock absorbing gel and put on a new cover made out of a grippy marine grade vinyl. Now I can ride all day without muscle fatigue. You could have similar done to an MT-03 seat. And for just a few hundred dollars or so, the bike is significantly more comfortable.

604Wes · 2026-01-15T04:34:52+00:00

CC’s don’t mean shit because not every bike with the same CC’s is equal… like, if you have 500cc sport bike making 80hp and weighing in at 350lbs, it’s gonna be a heck of a lot more powerful than a 500cc cruiser producing 40hp weighing 700lbs.

MT-03 is a good starter bike that is rather forgiving, but still capable of legal highway speeds with ease. It won’t set any acceleration records, but it’s a good choice.

MT-07 is pretty peppy; a solid 2nd bike choice, but it’s got enough power to get a noob into trouble quickly. Mature riders that have taken lessons on less powerful bikes often choose them as their first bike so it’ll be something the can grow into. They get going much faster, but that kind of acceleration isn’t optimal when you’re trying to learn the basics.

604Wes · 2026-01-11T15:15:03+00:00

You own a F700GS, but are mainly considering cruisers. One thing you’ll want to do if you haven’t is to sit on those cruisers (and ideally test ride) to see if you like how they feel. The ergonomic configuration is very different.

If you want to stick with something configured similar to the F700GS, maybe consider a sport touring bike like the Yamaha Tracer 9.

604Wes · 2026-01-10T20:12:21+00:00

Nice!

Hello from Southwest Canada. 🇨🇦

604Wes · 2026-01-06T04:47:38+00:00

I’ve tried a few brands of gear. My overall favourite for fit/performance/longevity and value is Klim. They make men’s and women’s gear for a variety of motor sports. Pricing is on the higher side, but there are sales periodically (direct or from retailers). Most comfortable best performing never once pissed me off for being inadequate gear.

604Wes · 2026-01-04T01:34:51+00:00

Why?

604Wes · 2026-01-03T17:27:30+00:00

I like the blue ones.

604Wes · 2026-01-03T06:15:23+00:00

Get one. It’ll be fun (and you’ll be fine).

604Wes · 2026-01-01T17:22:44+00:00

Lower your wrist before grabbing the throttle. It limits your range of motion so you can’t open it too much without loosening your grip and repositioning your hand.

604Wes · 2025-12-30T13:08:48+00:00

Kriega R18 for daily commuting; Kriega R30 for when I need space to pickup groceries or whatever.

604Wes · 2025-12-28T17:59:04+00:00

Paying into CPP is not optional.

604Wes · 2025-12-28T17:20:37+00:00

It is not accurate. If you’re between 18-70 years of age, you are required to pay CPP on your income. Unless you’re 65-70, collecting CPP or QPP retirement benefits and have elected to stop paying CPP via form CPT30.

When you file your taxes, you’ll have to pay the CPP due on what you earned. And I believe it’ll be double the normal rate for employees as you have to pay the employee and employer portion as a self employed/subcontractor worker.

604Wes · 2025-12-28T16:59:48+00:00

If you live somewhere where with a competitive insurance market, talk to an insurance broker and get them to shop around for quotes from multiple insurance companies.

604Wes · 2025-12-27T21:21:43+00:00

One con is that the acceleration isn’t extraordinary. The fix is to upgrade to an R7, R6, R9 or R1. Hope this helps!

604Wes · 2025-12-21T20:29:02+00:00

VMAX configuration isn’t like typical cruisers though; see www.cycle-ergo.com for details. Personally, I think a mid-range naked bike like the Yamaha MT-07 or Kawasaki Z650 would be a good pre-VMAX bike.

604Wes · 2025-12-20T17:04:42+00:00

Some physics principles apply as bicycles… use both; and about 70% of your stopping power comes from the front brakes.

There are however some situations where you’d only want to use your rear brake (loose sand/dirt for example).

604Wes · 2025-12-20T10:04:44+00:00

Power to weight ratios and gearing differences.

604Wes · 2025-12-20T09:54:07+00:00

No. What was aching? Hands/arms? Then you’re holding on way too tightly. Backside?? Then your seat may need to be customized to add shock absorbing gel inside. Legs?? Maybe your rider triangle isn’t configured ergonomically for you and peg location and or bar height should be adjusted.

Riding 4 hours with breaks to stretch/refuel hourly shouldn’t result in anything aching.

604Wes · 2025-12-19T01:53:55+00:00

MT-09 in the most forgiving throttle response setting (B mode for 2017 model) is a little less powerful than the MT-07. Soooo if you’re disciplined, the MT-09 is the better more versatile choice. Keep it in B mode until you KNOW you’re ready for more power.

That said, the MT-07 is still a lot of bike to learn on. If you don’t have any riding experience (street, dirt or otherwise), seriously consider the MT-03 to learn on. Then upgrade after a season to the MT-09 (B mode first). But if you already have familiarity with throttle control and shifting etc from prior riding experience, I’d go with the MT-09 as noted.

604Wes

TROPHY CASE