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Thinking about getting into the exciting world of motorcycles, but not sure where to start? Don't worry, NFP has you covered. In the next few minutes, we'll answer the most common questions new riders ask, from licensing and insurance to choosing the first bike. Plus a few expert tips you might not have thought about. I'm Ronn from NFP. I've helped hundreds of new riders get on the road safely.
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And I wish I'd known some of these tips when I first started riding over 15 years ago. Let's get into it.
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Before anything else, book a motorcycle training course. Yes. Even before getting your beginners license. Why? Because once you're registered, you'll have a deadline to get your license before the course date. That way, you avoid your license expiring before you even take the course. You don't need the license to book the course. You need the license to take the course.
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I know it's tempting to buy a bike right away, but wait until after you pass the course. You don't need to practice ahead of time. The course is the practice. Think of it like scuba diving. You wouldn't buy all the gear and jump in the ocean before taking lessons, right? If you wanted to learn rock climbing, would you try scaling a cliff on your own before getting instruction?
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Of course not. The course provides the bikes to learn on, and you'll get to try different styles, cruisers, dual sports, sport bikes, which can totally change your mind about what you want. Choose the right bike for you. Riders come in all shapes and sizes and so do motorcycles. Whether you prefer sport bikes, adventure bikes, cruisers or dual sports, the key here is to start with something lighter, with a smaller engine size, ideally under 500cc.
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Smaller bikes are easier to handle and help build your confidence faster. Go for the bike that best fits you. There are small bikes that suit tall riders and big bikes that are surprisingly compact. Focus on comfort, control and confidence.
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Style doesn't affect insurance under 500cc. A common myth among new riders is that cruisers are cheaper to insure than sport bikes, but actually, as long as the bike is under 500cc, the style doesn't really matter. A 300cc cruiser and a 300cc sport bike will have similar insurance rates. There is no extra surcharge, no restrictions and no blacklist for motorcycles under 500cc.
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Avoid blacklisted or supersport bikes. When you go over 500cc, however, you can run into challenges. You might have heard of blacklisted, restricted or supersport bikes. These are high performance sport bikes, usually 600cc's and up. They're built for the track, not the street. And insurance rates aside, they're not meant for beginners. Insurance for these bikes can be sky high for new riders, and some companies won't insure them at all.
00:02:55:28 - 00:03:20:25
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NFP does insure sport bikes and with some years of riding experience, the rates do get lower. So while you shouldn't start out with these bikes, they do become more affordable once you're an experienced rider. So here's your quick recap. Book your training course first. Don't buy a bike until after you pass. Start with something light and under 500cc.
00:03:20:28 - 00:03:43:07
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Don't worry about style. Focus on fit. And finally, avoid blacklisted sport bikes as your first ride. At NFP, we can connect you with insurance for riders of all ages and experience levels. Whether you're just starting out or upgrading your ride, we're here to help. For more tips and a personalized quote, contact NFP today. Until next time, ride safe out there.
Thinking about getting into the world of motorcycles? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Canadians take up riding, drawn by the freedom, the challenge and the fun. But the motorcycling can also feel complicated if you’re new: licensing rules, training courses, engine sizes, gear choices and insurance considerations all collide.
Ronn Calderon, a motorcycle insurance specialist with NFP and a rider of more than fifteen years, has helped hundreds of new riders navigate those early decisions. “I wish I had known some of these things when I started,” he says. “New riders often make the same mistakes, and most of them are completely avoidable.” With his insight, here are some things new riders should know.
Start With Training and Start Early
The first instinct for many aspiring riders is to apply for their beginner’s licence immediately, but according to Calderon, the better first step is booking a rider training course. Across Canada, the timelines for learner licences vary widely. In Alberta, for example, the Class 6 learner’s licence is valid for a full year. In Ontario, the M1 licence expires far sooner — typically within 60 to 90 days.
That short window can catch new riders off guard. Training courses can fill quickly, and if you secure your licence too early or in the winter, you may end up scrambling to find a course before it expires. Registering for the course first gives you a deadline to work toward, letting you plan your licensing around a confirmed training date. You don’t need the licence to register for a course; you only need it on the day you show up for class.
Training schools provide their own motorcycles, instructors and controlled environments, giving you the space to learn at your own pace without the pressure of traffic. The course can also unlock lower motorcycle insurance rates for new riders.
Why Buying a Bike Too Soon Can Hold You Back
Many new riders feel the urge to buy a motorcycle right away, but just as no one would buy scuba gear before they know how to dive, buying a first bike is best done after training.
Training courses expose you to a range of motorcycle styles, from cruisers to sport bikes to dual sports. It’s common for riders to arrive at the course convinced they want one style, only to leave preferring something entirely different. Trying several types of bikes, under guidance, shapes a more informed decision about what truly feels comfortable and manageable.
By the time you pass your course, you’ll have a sharper sense of what you want and what’s right for your skill level, saving you from an emotional (and financial) impulse purchase.
Choosing the Right First Motorcycle
There’s a common misconception that tall or bigger riders need a larger engine to match their size or weight. Calderon frequently reminds new riders that fit is far more important than displacement, and that size itself is not as straightforward as it seems. Smaller motorcycles can still be a great fit for tall riders thanks to adjustable suspension, seat height and ergonomics. Conversely, some big engine bikes are surprisingly compact and not suited for beginners.
For your first season, the goal is control and confidence, not speed. Most experts recommend starting on something lightweight and under 500cc. Smaller engine sizes make a bike easier to manoeuvre at low speeds, easier to stop and far more forgiving while you’re developing the muscle memory that experienced riders take for granted.
What New Riders Should Know About Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcycle insurance is another area where first-timers often carry assumptions, particularly around the idea that certain styles of bikes cost more to insure. While it’s true that high performance motorcycles come with higher premiums, style alone doesn’t play much of a role for bikes under 500cc. A 300cc cruiser and a 300cc sport bike, for example, are typically rated similarly. For new riders, the real factors are engine size and performance capability.
Where differences do appear is with motorcycles commonly labeled as “super sport,” “restricted” or “blacklisted.” These are high-performance machines — often 600cc and above — designed with track-level acceleration and handling. For an inexperienced rider, they can be overwhelming. Insurance companies recognize the increased risk and price policies accordingly.
Some insurers decline coverage for these bikes altogether, but that doesn’t mean they’re forever out of reach. After a few seasons of safe riding and skill development, options broaden and motorcycle insurance premiums become more affordable. Nevertheless, they are seldom the right place to start.
A Thoughtful Start Makes All the Difference
Learning to ride is a journey, not a race. The decisions you make in your first year shape your long‑term safety, confidence and enjoyment. A well-timed training course, a smart approach to choosing your first motorcycle and a clear understanding of insurance realities all help set you up for success.
Whether you're just getting your learner’s license, comparing models after passing your course or considering your first motorcycle insurance quote, NFP is here to help. Our team supports riders of all ages and experience levels, with guidance tailored to where you are in your riding journey.
If you're ready to take the next step or simply want to explore your options, reach out to our team for personalized advice.
