Forum Replies Created
2016 Honda CB500X ABS: Another Perfect Beginner Motorcycle
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February 10, 2010 at 7:44 pm in reply to: Trying to convince the “BOSS” that bikes aren’t as scary and dangerous as she thinks!! #24509CBBaronParticipant
First seats seem to be fairly easy to fix and most serious riders I know have purchased an aftermarket seat no matter what bike they ride.
Dual sport bikes like the KLR are said to be easy to lower with a linkage change. May even be available from Kawasaki, I know Suzuki sells one for the DR650.
The GS500F (faired) should be the same bike as the GS500 only with extra plastic. It may look like a sport bike but is actually a standard. The Ninja 500 and Ninja 250 are of similar style though I found the GS500F to be the most comfortable in a seat test.
I also really liked the feel of the WeeStrom and Versys. These seemed to be nice general purpose bikes. They look “different” but thats part of what I liked about them.
I’d agree with others about the Blast. Its kind of an orphan with the demise of Buell and was considered good only as a beginner road bike even before it was canned. I think you may find it a little small also. In this class of bike I like the TU250x and Ninja 250 much better.Craig
CBBaronParticipantIn Ohio it is $25 for the state sponsored course and ~$300 for the private courses like Harley Riders Edge.
Check your state DMV or BMV first and if your state does not subsidize the course expect to pay around $300 or a little under. If like Ohio or PA it is basically free, expect those courses to have long waiting lists so get on them early.Craig
CBBaronParticipantFrom a users perspective EFI is simpler. Turn the key and hit the start button. It either works or something needs to be fixed. No choke adjustment, no carb adjustments, no fiddling.
From a mechanical perspective it is more complex. There is a fuel pump in the tank, an electronic engine controller and multiple sensors. Carb problems can usually be fixed on the side of the road with basic tools. EFI problems usually require replacing parts. You should have to “fix” problems with you EFI much less often.
Personally I find working with carbs to be an art that I am not particularly attuned to. I’d rather get EFI if given the choice. However for my first bike I wanted cheap, easy to ride and in good shape so a carburetored Ninja 250 made much more sense than a 650 at over twice the price.Craig
CBBaronParticipantThe Ninja 250r takes 87. Nothing to be gained by putting 90+ octane fuel in it. Just costs more.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantFelt I got a pretty good deal getting an`06 Ninja 250r with 1k miles for $1600. Bike appears to be brand new. But no extras
Craig
CBBaronParticipantThat’s cool. Where did you find the foot pegs? I wouldn’t mind a little lower foot pegs on my `06 if they fit.
The new 250rs are a much better looking motorcycle, though the pre-08s are a considerably better value currently.Craig
CBBaronParticipantVery similar motorcycles. Both are in the upper end of the recommend power and size for beginners. They have upright neutral riding positions instead of the more aggressive super sport position which also makes them easier to learn on. However I think the SV650S is probably too aggressive for a beginner. It is often used in amateur racing. The regular SV650 is a little more upright.
Either hit up some dealers or attend a motorcycle show where you can check out a number of models.
Craig
February 3, 2010 at 3:10 am in reply to: Soon to be new rider with questions about first bike. #24372CBBaronParticipantI’m very new to motorcycles but I am trying to figure out why so many riders think you need a bigger bike with more power. A 500cc twin motorcycle will have better power to weight than all but the fastest cars and be capable or 100+ mph despite relatively poor aerodynamics. Even my 250r is very comparable to a fast car in 0-60 acceleration. Only the little thumpers (<250cc single cylinder) lack enough power to feel comfortable on the highway and those will still pull you up a mountain just fine.
For someone your size comfort on the motorcycle will be a bigger issue. I havn’t tried many cruisers but I know that the 250cc cruisers seem very small to me (6’2″ 220lb). A 500 or 650 would probably be just fine. You may even find something like a Sportster seems cramped but Elwood probably has a better idea on that as he is a big guy that started on a Sporty.
Craig
January 30, 2010 at 1:04 pm in reply to: Am getting to ride my bike for the first time this weekend #24282CBBaronParticipantI’m jealous! Its 10F here.
Atleast I can go to the Motorcycle show an drool at other bikesCraig
CBBaronParticipantThe pre-08 Ninja 250r fits just fine (I’m 6’2″ with a 34″ inseam). You can ride the newer 250r but you will probably find their is a crease in the fairing that hits you right in the side of the knee. You are supposed to be able to tuck your knee in below it but my legs were too long. The Ninja 500r had the same problem. The Suzuki GS500F is a similar faired bike that does fit me very nicely.
Read the articles and discusson about a 600 superbike as a first motorcycle. Highly NOT recommended. Even a 650r or SV650 would be better.
I picked up an `06 Ninja 250r. It looks great, was cheap, easy to ride and still has plenty of power.
One disadvantage of faired bikes for starting out is that you will likely drop it early in your learning process. It can be quite expensive to repair the fairings. Naked bikes have less to replace in the event of a drop.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantI really like the look of the TU250x and the fuel injection should make for a simpler user experience. However it still felt very small to me when I sat on it. I could ride one but I would have to adjust the handlebars so they did not interfere with my knees. If you have a shorter inseam that probably would not be a problem.
Are you in Ohio? I’m planning on going to the show in Cleveland on Saturday myself.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantI think the price of the MSF course varies based on state assistance. In Ohio the state run BRC and ERC is just a minor fee of $25, some states are even free. The Rider’s Edge course is a consistent price and probably still a good deal. Ofcourse because the course is basically free in Ohio it fills up quick and you have to register for the course 6 months or more in advance. The Harley course is much easier to get into.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantFirst look at the Ninja 250r, Ninja 500r and GS500F. These have fairings like sport bikes, but they ride like a standard so make good bikes to learn on. These bikes also feel bigger than the 250 cruisers and so fit a big guy better.
I’m 6″2″ and found the 250 cruisers to feel very small. The 500-650 cruisers would probably fit better and are still pretty easy to handle for a first bike.
Also as a taller rider dual-sport and supermoto bikes are a good fit. These bikes have very upright riding positions, are very light and said to be easy to ride. Plus you can drop them with little or no damage. Only downside for most people is high seat heights. At 6′ that shouldn’t be a problem for you.
Craig
January 26, 2010 at 3:01 pm in reply to: Are 250 motorcycles suited for carrying around 2 people? #24233CBBaronParticipantManufacturers all list maximum load for their bikes. If you + passenger + gear + luggage is less than the max load then there is no problem with the bike. However like mentioned a passenger (or heavy, awkward load) will have significant impact on bike handling no matter what the bike.
Craig
CBBaronParticipantI thought I had it rough with a 34″ inseam. Atleast most tall pants fit me.
Newenough.com has a search option for tall sizes that pulls up a few 35″ inseam “tall” pants. Perhaps one of these with some tall boots will cover?Craig
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