- This topic has 12 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 13 years ago by
namvette68.
Newbie!
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September 12, 2010 at 2:08 pm #4229
colsnipe
ParticipantHey, new to riding motorcycles. so new in fact, i am still looking and listening to the horror stories. sorry, a friend calls them that, i call them “inspirational” points i need to listen to. i was recommended the CF Moto V3 or V5. both are 250, but i need some advice on whether they are good bikes.
again, just needing advice on good bikes for the arkansas roads. was recommended this site from google.
September 12, 2010 at 2:11 pm #5267colsnipe
Participantthough i can drive and do drive an old toyota pickup 4×4 manual 5 speed. i am interested in a autotrans bike. i need more ideas on those that are out there.
September 13, 2010 at 2:09 pm #5268Munch
ParticipantWhat kind of distances are you going to be riding? And why are you thinking on an automatic bike. Not only are they limited in finding to buy but doubly so if it breaks down and you need to repair it. The CF moto I had to search cause I never heard of ’em. Which isn’t saying much but giving the site I went to these things look like ….well…… toys.
September 13, 2010 at 3:10 pm #5241JtownJJA
ParticipantIf you are serious about staying with an automatic, why don’t you look into a scooter? Lots of good selections out there, and you get a big comfy seat often with trunk space under it. A CF-Moto is pretty much a scooter in motorcycle clothing anyway. I have heard of them, but I don’t know much about the reliability or quality of them long-term. Do you have a good CF-Moto dealer locally for continued service?
September 13, 2010 at 3:57 pm #5056colsnipe
Participantdistances are 60 miles a day. not worried about comfort of the bike. as for the autotrans, i most of the bike i have seen/heard of, all have the shifter on the right side. if it were on the left than i got no problem. the Cf moto, according to my research, has a Rotax engine, having worked on them for my trade, Aircraft mechanic, they are easy to maintain. still need ideas on bikes. still looking in the 250 range.
September 15, 2010 at 4:17 pm #4813TrialsRider
ParticipantChina is not world renowned for manufacturing state of the art quality products, nor are they in the habit of importing Austrian made motors and incorporating them into Chinese motorcycles for export. I read their motors are actually nock-off’s from a 90’s Honda design, so cloned sans credit to Honda that some parts are possibly interchangeable. Think of the CF Moto engine as a cheap third world reproduction of a twenty year old Honda, minus quality control, warranty and dealership support, purchase only with extreme caution.
Motorcycle reviews slammed the CF Moto for having dismal suspension performance, bad foot board placement and a poor quality MP3 player. Lots of great aftermarket upgrades do exist, since almost everything is an improvement over original equipment …just what every motorcycle needs; a crap radio, cruiser boards, spring holders and a centrifugal clutch. (Ya gets whats ya paid fer)
If you bolt a chain saw to a bicycle, it could be called the cheapest auto transmission motorcycle in the world, but I wouldn’t want to throw a leg over one
A majority of motorcycles have gear shifter on left and brake on right, except for a few British and Spanish rides. Most upsetting when you switch ride between the two.
Apologies for all my tongue in cheek comments, but I am sincere when I say the Toyota pick-up truck looks great with a 250 dirt bike in the back
September 15, 2010 at 8:47 pm #4609ranette
ParticipantI would join the others suggesting a scooter if you’re looking for an automatic in the 250 range. Kymco makes some very nice, reasonably priced, reliable, 250 and 300cc scoots. Depending on your budget you could also step up to a Suzuki Burgman or if you wanted to step up in another way, to a Vespa GTS300.
September 16, 2010 at 6:50 am #4608ShamRock229
ParticipantI have never seen a bike with the “shifter” on the right side. Clutch and shift lever are always on the left. Unless I’m missing something here?
September 16, 2010 at 12:03 pm #4578Munch
Participantclassic or customs are all I can think of. Even most modified suicide shifters are on the left. Which is just a stabdard shift mechanism where the padded portion has been cut and a shift lever welded on.
September 17, 2010 at 6:11 pm #4555TrialsRider
ParticipantI’ve ridden Bultaco, BSA , Triumph and Royal Enfield bikes with the bass ackwards foot controls, but as Munch said these were all classic and vintage bikes. DOT compelled manufacturers to conform to the right brake rules in the mid 1970’s.
Now if they can just get rid of all those left foot kick starters !…or am I the only guy old enough to know what a kick start is
September 17, 2010 at 8:26 pm #4548plastic
ParticipantI’ve took the MSF on a manual with no problem but ended up getting an Aprilia Mana, which is automatic. I also tried the shiver (aprilia), which is similar, but more powerfull and standard/manual.
Here’s my conclusions so far;
Pros;
-The automatic does make it more fun to ride (imho), being I don’t have to constantly clutch and concentrate too much on gears. I can shift if I feel like, but can let the bike to the work.
-The bike is def fast enough (around 50hp on the dyna, 70hp claimed – 850cc), yet the throttle is very user friendly, very easy to ride, not scary. It will go if you need to, but no freak outs yet.
-Looks great and has a nice storage compartment.
-Less user error as far as gear and clucthing. Which I think is a big pro. I learned to drive cars on manual and drove them for the first 5 years of driving. Did get into close calls due to learning to clutch, etc during the learning period. I also read stories of pros stalling on low speed when caught by surprise. So there.Cons;
-It’s pricey. I got mine at a bit over 9k (all taxes and fees included) new. A 2010 model with abs (which I wish I had) probably tops at 12k. Again, I really wished I had the ABS.
-It’s quite heavy at around 520 pounds “wet” weight.
-Friction zone doesn’t exist, and sometimes I wish I had it. You can still engine break, though.
-Neutral under 12 mph. If you’re not rolling the throttle the bike will got to neutral at around 10mph. A gentle throttle will engage the 1st and give a bit of friction. Not the end of the world, but slightly strange.All and all, I’m still a fan and enjoying it quite a lot. And do recommend it, but keep in mind I’m a newbie and maybe you should take advice from someone who actually knows what they are talking about
About me – mid 30s, 5’7″, 145′ pounds. Only about 450 miles under ny belt, most of them on the aprillia.
Hopefully that helps. Let me know if you have any questions.
Cheers!
September 24, 2010 at 5:01 am #28553namvette68
ParticipantI believe the law mandated all bikes had to shift on the left side from the 1973 model year on. Signal lights and full time headlights were also some of the federal regulations. My old Harleys all shift on the right side.
I believe you’d be better off in the long run with a standard trans. Go to a dealer and ask for a road test. I think you may be pleasantly surprised with the “new” generation of bikes.September 24, 2010 at 5:12 am #28554namvette68
ParticipantAll of my bikes have been kick start. I just bought a 2005 Suzuki S-50 for local tooling, and was completely baffled for the first 500 miles. This is also my first bike with blinkers. Oh…..disc brakes, electric start, shaft drive, water cooled, dual carbs……..yada,yada. I downshifted a dozen times before I realized it has the brake on the right. I also miss the spark control on the left twist grip, but that’s really old! I also broke the right rear blinker off the first week. I have to kick my old leg a little higher from now on. I guess I’m a noob too?
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