 5Likes
-
1
Post By PanEuropean
-
1
Post By cmattina
-
1
Post By Grant Johnson
-
2
Post By PanEuropean
 |
12 Sep 2022
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Algoz
Posts: 64
|
|
|
What's a cheap bike in Canada?
Looking to do a trip in Canada next summer (2023) and finding shipping prices from the UK fairly well out of my budget. So I was wondering what cheap bikes are in Canada. Vancouver area.
What is classified as a cheap bike?
Could I get a klr650? Or a DR650?
|
12 Sep 2022
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
Have a look at this website, it's probably the biggest online listing of motorcycles for sale in Canada:
AutoTrader.ca - Motorcycles Section
Most of these listings are dealer listings, but private sales are clearly identified with a "private sale" tag. Set the sort criteria to "price low to high", and disregard the "promoted listings" that will appear on the first couple of pages.
You can set criteria to only include specified brands (e.g. KLR, Honda, whatever). But, keep in mind that certain models that might be popular in the UK may never have been offered for sale in Canada... so be open to considering models that you may not be familiar with.
If you plan to travel across the country, you shouldn't consider getting anything smaller than 500 cc... it's a big country, with a lot of hills and a lot of highways.
If you are not a resident of Canada, or don't have a Canadian driver licence, you might want to investigate whether you will be able to insure a Canadian-plated motorcycle that is registered in your name. Liability insurance is obligatory in Canada, and the penalty for operating a vehicle without valid liability insurance is really, really stiff - fines start at $5,000 and go up from there.
|
12 Sep 2022
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Red Lake, Ontario
Posts: 22
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesC
Looking to do a trip in Canada next summer (2023) and finding shipping prices from the UK fairly well out of my budget. So I was wondering what cheap bikes are in Canada. Vancouver area.
What is classified as a cheap bike?
Could I get a klr650? Or a DR650?
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanEuropean
Have a look at this website, it's probably the biggest online listing of motorcycles for sale in Canada:
AutoTrader.ca - Motorcycles Section
Most of these listings are dealer listings, but private sales are clearly identified with a "private sale" tag. Set the sort criteria to "price low to high", and disregard the "promoted listings" that will appear on the first couple of pages.
You can set criteria to only include specified brands (e.g. KLR, Honda, whatever). But, keep in mind that certain models that might be popular in the UK may never have been offered for sale in Canada... so be open to considering models that you may not be familiar with.
If you plan to travel across the country, you shouldn't consider getting anything smaller than 500 cc... it's a big country, with a lot of hills and a lot of highways.
If you are not a resident of Canada, or don't have a Canadian driver licence, you might want to investigate whether you will be able to insure a Canadian-plated motorcycle that is registered in your name. Liability insurance is obligatory in Canada, and the penalty for operating a vehicle without valid liability insurance is really, really stiff - fines start at $5,000 and go up from there. |
Autotrader is not widely used in Canada anymore. But sometimes you can find a deal there, for that reason.
In Vancouver and British Columbia as a whole most people use Craigslist and to a lesser degree Kijiji.ca. Outside of Vancouver Kijiji.ca is the most widely used way to sell bikes, with facebook marketplace behind.
Nation wide: A plain jane DR650 could cost anywhere from 3000-5000+. A well set up and/or well used DR650 could be between 3000-7000.
I find older KLRs seem to be cheaper.
Everything is more expensive in Vancouver, so if you can find something in Calgary you will be paying less. Apparently, non-residents can register and insure bikes in Alberta, I am not sure about British Columbia. Requires vary by province.
I may have a fairly well set up DR650 for sale... you'll have to message me.
you other option is the vstrom. They can be had for similar prices to the KLR.
|
14 Sep 2022
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
|
James:
Just a postscript to my suggestion of AutoTrader and cmattina's suggestions of Kijiji and Craigslist: Be very cautious when using any of these three services.
None of them are like eBay, in the sense that the website offers any kind of buyer protection. There are a lot of listings (of everything, not just vehicles) on both Craigslist and Kijiji, and neither one of these sites carries out any kind of due diligence or monitoring of who advertises what. It's a Wild West, and the only rule is caveat emptor.
In other words, don't let any money leave your hand until your other hand is firmly affixed to the motorcycle you want to purchase, and run (don't walk, RUN) away from anyone who wants a deposit up front to "hold" what they are selling.
Some provinces, such as Ontario, have legislation in place that requires private sellers to provide a government-issued disclosure document to buyers, this document discloses any bank liens or unusual history (salvage title, etc.) associated with the vehicle. But not all provinces provide such buyer protection, so make sure there is no lien on the vehicle and no salvage title (sometimes called a 'branded title') on the vehicle before you hand over the money.
Michael
|
14 Sep 2022
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Red Lake, Ontario
Posts: 22
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanEuropean
James:
Just a postscript to my suggestion of AutoTrader and cmattina's suggestions of Kijiji and Craigslist: Be very cautious when using any of these three services.
None of them are like eBay, in the sense that the website offers any kind of buyer protection. There are a lot of listings (of everything, not just vehicles) on both Craigslist and Kijiji, and neither one of these sites carries out any kind of due diligence or monitoring of who advertises what. It's a Wild West, and the only rule is caveat emptor.
In other words, don't let any money leave your hand until your other hand is firmly affixed to the motorcycle you want to purchase, and run (don't walk, RUN) away from anyone who wants a deposit up front to "hold" what they are selling.
Some provinces, such as Ontario, have legislation in place that requires private sellers to provide a government-issued disclosure document to buyers, this document discloses any bank liens or unusual history (salvage title, etc.) associated with the vehicle. But not all provinces provide such buyer protection, so make sure there is no lien on the vehicle and no salvage title (sometimes called a 'branded title') on the vehicle before you hand over the money.
Michael
|
Although I agree with the warning, I live in a isolated area in Canada and have bought every one of my motorcycles site unseen without issue. I have also bought a bike in Ireland sight unseen (via ireland's kijiji) and two bmw's in England via MCN (England's auto trader).
I figure i have saved around 20k doing it this way, so even if i were to get ripped off sometime in the future, i'd still be coming out on top...
So, for James, ensure you know the bike actually exists. Look at how old the person's account is. Ask to a see a picture of their driver's license (offer up your's as a gesture of a goodwill). Ask a member here or on advrider to go and check it out. Lots of things you can do.
None of this is specific to Canada.
I just bought a 2016 CB500x with 5000km on it for $2500...
|
15 Sep 2022
|
|
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,366
|
|
|
And always remember that even if a price seems high, that's the local market -and when you go to sell, it will ALSO be at the local market price. It's the DIFFERENCE that matters. If it's less than the cost of shipping - or RENTING - you win.
You could buy a used, "expensive" bike at say $8,000, and resell it for about what you paid or maybe 1000 less - a cheap summer's riding - a win.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
15 Sep 2022
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 85
|
|
|
the most friendly province towards tourists, national or international, is by British Colombia. No other povince come close.
The best place to look for a motorcycle is kijiji.ca
|
15 Sep 2022
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by cmattina
...I live in a isolated area in Canada...
|
There can be no doubt at all that Red Lake is an "isolated area of Canada". 
I fully understand why you are buying motorcycles elsewhere - I understand that the motorcycle riding season in Red Lake is about 48 hours long.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
Linear Mode
