2013 Honda motorcycles

[diirk]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

what makes a bike a beginner bike?

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by diirk

i said a beginner bike not a "i have no idea what physics and forward motion is" bike...

[diirk]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

i said a beginner bike not a "i have no idea what physics and forward motion is" bike...

It really depends on the rider and their background. In most Eurpoean countries there's a size (c.c.) limit for novice riders.

I tend to recommend something like a Standard model like the Honda picture I posted above and less then 600cc, depending on the size of the rider. If they're less then 150lbs or short I'd go even smaller. The Standards are easier to ride and steer. They tend to be a bit slower then dedicated sport bikes but are still crazy fast compared to most cars. They handle well and carve a canyon or work well with a passenger. Just a good all around bike for the beginner to learn on.

Also, maintanence is simpler and cheaper to do, without the hassle of all the bodywork getting in the way. I'd also probably throw a few frame sliders on it just to protect it in case of a fall.

[e30kawi]

I have a cbr250. Its a fine bike. Gets awesome mpg's. I have been eyeing the new naked 500 for a little more gitty up without having to go back to a ss.

[JoeBoxer]

The Ninja 300 and CB500F are still my favorites, not looking to buy until next summer anyways. I just don't see paying $3k for a 2000 Bandit when i can get a brand new bike i like for $4800.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/09/19...00-first-ride/

Beginner bike i would consider pretty low weight, for me short seat height is important, and a smooth powerband with good midrange power.

[fender9530]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

what makes a bike a beginner bike?

To me, power delivery is very important. My Monster, for example, is not the smoothest. If you jerk the throttle, you'll be on your back. I had a 600cc Suzuki prior and it was very smooth. It was extremely fast but definitely more forgiving. Anything under 600cc for the most part will be a good beginner bike.

Seat height is important for beginners too...and just about anyone for that matter. If you have to tiptoe, you won't feel safe or confident, especially when stopped on a hill at a red light.

I also think ergonomics are important. Trying to learn how to ride on a crotch rocket isn't the easiest because you're also forced to learn how to ride comfortably. The bikes that Joe posted already have upright seating positions that are more comfortable and allow the rider to keep their head up without straining. I had a crotch rocket for a few years, and it never felt safe when I would get tired. Some rockets are more comfortable than others too.

[fender9530]

Originally Posted by JoeBoxer

The Ninja 300 and CB500F are still my favorites, not looking to buy until next summer anyways. I just don't see paying $3k for a 2000 Bandit when i can get a brand new bike i like for $4800.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/09/19...00-first-ride/

Beginner bike i would consider pretty low weight, for me short seat height is important, and a smooth powerband with good midrange power.

I would hold out for a leftover from the previous model year if you want to go new. You can easily save a couple thousand. The small Ninjas do not lose much value either.

Nothing wrong with a well-maintained pre-owned bike though. I'd try to stay under 10k miles though.

[RRnold]

It's good to see the mid level bikes make a comeback. The Ninja 300 looks sweet!

I wish Honda would bring back the CBR400RR instead of the 500F. It was like a mini 900RR.

[cnk]

When I started riding, I started by picking up a used Ninja 250. Got it for $2800 and rode it for 2 years and sold it for $2700. They hold their value remarkably well and they are cheap to run and fix. The thing you have to keep in mind is that with the 250, I was able to go WOT and take it up through the gears and really ring it out without getting into any trouble WRT to speed since it doesn't have much power. It does teach you to be smooth with the throttle and how to maintain momentum.

I moved up to a CBR600RR and the first time I took that bike out it scared the crap out of me. The power that it has is instantaneous and it's not something I would recommend to any beginner. There are folks that will say that it's fine if you respect the power, but the key thing to remember is that in an emergency situation with a more powerful bike where small inputs can give dramatic changes the larger bike can be much more unforgiving. A smaller bike will be more forgiving. You would much rather be focusing on riding defensively than worrying about the bike getting out of control from you.

Even now, I would consider getting another 250/300 if my wife would let me just for the fun factor and gas savings alone.

[travace]

Originally Posted by JoeBoxer

Another option will be the KTM Duke 390, by the way i'm 5'8 and about 150 pounds so i don't need a huge bike with 100hp.

drool. I own a 2011 530 exc its uncorked and set up for desert riding tho... i want to get my hands on a 990 adventure so badly

[diirk]

Originally Posted by travace

drool. I own a 2011 530 exc its uncorked and set up for desert riding tho... i want to get my hands on a 990 adventure so badly

Nice. I miss my plated 525 EXC. Such a great bike. Also uncorked, jetted, Sicass rear fender and lights.

I'm really a fan of the Duke. I'd like an 08 690. It's what I would consider the perfect street bike.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by TuxedoCartman

...Update: Whoa, wait a second... After poking around Honda's website, I saw they're bringing over the CB1100! Okay, NOW I'm a happy camper!

The CB1100 has to be a beast! The CB900F with its light weight and torque/power was more bike than most folks could handle, this has to raise it to an entirely new level.

Of all the new bikes, the Goldwing F6B is the one I can't decide about. On the bright side it comes in my favorite vehicle color, but it just has a hint of trying too hard to me. Also, I still haven't forgiven them from moving Goldwing production from the US to Japan last year (it's always been designed/made in USA until then)

[travace]

Originally Posted by diirk

Nice. I miss my plated 525 EXC. Such a great bike. Also uncorked, jetted, Sicass rear fender and lights.

I'm really a fan of the Duke. I'd like an 08 690. It's what I would consider the perfect street bike.

id take any of em. riding the exc on street just isnt the same and besides ruining good knobbies i feel sketchy without highway tires on street.

i just had a mishap with a quad ramp on my tailgate(it slipped off) and the bike fell on the rear taillight... i think santa will bring me one of them cool taillight assembly's

ps did you use jd jet kit?

[mechaghost]

I agree the 796 would be a more fun bike than the 696. I have the Monster 1100s, and I test rode the 696 and the 1100 on the same afternoon, I could not stop grinning on the 1100s. Lesson of the day, don't try a bike you cannot afford to buy