r/rideottawa

I visited Kanata Honda in Palladium Motorpark; I was ignored. I went in ready to make a purchase and crickets. It was empty and the receptionist happily asked me to go "browse". Wow, I know now that I can forget buying a Honda motorcycle at a Honda showroom; they are stockpiling motorcycles for the coming winter I suppose. Their parts and accessories was eager to help me purchase accessories for a bike they don't want to sell me!

I was wondering if there is any prerequisite to buying a motorcycle from a dealership? Is there a dress code or something else like a face tattoo that I should follow for someone to take me seriously about making a purchase? 

Free suggestion to Honda: Skip these middle junk burgers. Sell direct.

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some advice. I ride a 2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200, and I’m torn between keeping it or switching to something lighter.

For context, 5’6, 150lbs, and a returning rider after a 10-year hiatus. I’m comfortable while riding and haven’t dropped it at speed, but I’ve dropped it twice during low-speed maneuvering while parking:

- Once reversing downhill on an incline
- Once when my foot slipped on gravel

The bigger issue is lifting it when it’s fully on its side, I haven’t been able to pick it up on my own and I’ve injured my back both times trying. That’s what’s really shaken my confidence.

Now I’m debating if I should take a refresher/low-speed course on this bike first and see if it improves things or sell it and switch to something lighter and build confidence on that instead.

I love this bike but right now the anxiety is coming from the thought of dropping it again.

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been in a similar situation. Did training change things for you or did downsizing make the biggest difference?