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Motorcycle weight - Hondamatic CM400A (Reply to this comment)
by uoduck1
As an inexperienced 1st time rider, it was recommended to me to purchase a "hondamatic". So, I located one and had it shipped to me. This motorcycle is SO heavy, that there is NO chance that I could lift it (tipped over while trying to move it - had to use a jack to get it upright). However, it is an automatic and has a 400CC motor, which are both appealing to me. I can't locate the motorcyles actual weight for comparison to others. What are your thoughts on having a motorcycle that you can't lift ? Any thoughts on the "Hondamatic CM400A" ? I did tip my bike over in motorcycle training class (it was a 125cc Suzuki and even struggled to get it upright). Please offer your opinions ! Thank you !
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Apr 21 '08
1:28 pm PDT
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Thank you so much (Reply to this comment)
by jc19
Brian,
The article was long but well worth the reading. Especially for me that I am considering getting into motor-biking. There where a couple things I knew I was going to do from the off set. Like the MSF course, helmet and proper gear. That was the easy part, the hard part is putting my ego aside and picking the right bike for me. I am 44years old and no experience at all. I love the Suzuki Blvd. M109R but I sat on it and I feel it might be a bit much for me. I am 5"8 and 166lbs. I do prefer cruisers over crotch rockets. Rockets are certainly lighter than the latter. Thanks for all your help.
Johhn
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Mar 08 '08
11:19 pm PST
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2008 SV650SF Question (Reply to this comment)
by nickbennett
There is a $500 price gap between the 2008 SUZUKI SV650SF and the 2008 SV650SF ABS. I was wondering your opinion on the value of the ABS in comparison to teh added cost.
Thank you,
Nick
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Jan 17 '08
12:22 pm PST
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Thanks! (Reply to this comment)
by errrin
Extremely helpful, as a 21 yr old female college student I find many motorcyclists not taking me seriously when I tell them I am learning and shopping around for my first bike. I understand I don't have the experience many other riders do, but the attitude that I shouldn't be riding because I am a female, or because I am young is bothersome. Anyway, taking my first MSF course in the spring and I found your article helped me expand my options as far as what kind of bike I can look into buying, I had no idea it was even a possibility to get a beginner sport bike. Thanks so much from Wyoming!
-Erin Doak
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Dec 07 '07
11:04 pm PST
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ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET (Reply to this comment)
by in-pain
Hi I just want to add my thoughts about wearing a helmet.I just started riding about 4 months ago.I bought a mid size bike ,a 600cc.It was lots of fun all summer.Everything was great until I dumped the bike.I was riding on a road going about 25mph.All of the sudden a large dog started chasing after me.I got a little tensed and applied both brakes a little too hard.The back tire started skidding then the motorcycle went sideways.The motorcycle crashed .The first thing to hit the pavement was my head.Lucky I was wearing a full face helmet.I ended up with 2 broken ankles.The pain is incredable.But a least my head was protectd.Motorcycles much more dangerous than a car so always wear a helmet while riding
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Nov 19 '07
11:28 pm PST
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Great Article, Great Advice, And Wear That Helmet! (Reply to this comment)
by thornwolf
I had a crash where a car entered in front of me. He never saw me. Well, when he finally did see me, a split second before I smashed into the side of his car, he had one surprised look on his face. I flew over the car and came down on the street, head and shoulders leading the charge. That helmet saved me. The deep gouge in it was unforgettable. That would have been my skull! Always wear the helmet. I'd prefer the state not to mandate that kind of thing, but I'd still wear it. You should too.
I, too, think 250cc is plenty good for a beginning rider for everything except the interstate highway or freeway. When I started, I used to tour on a 175! Ok, I've got an 883 (Sportster) now, but that doesn't change the reality of 250cc. Nothing wrong with that size.
Excellent article. Excellent advice. Do the MSF course. If you're experienced, do the advanced MSF courses. Enjoy the ride!
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Mar 25 '07
3:07 am PDT
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Wow! (Reply to this comment)
by liz_cat
This review was very helpful to me. I've got zero experience with motorcycles, and I don't know anyone who owns one, yet I've always wanted one. This really helped me learn about beginner's bikes and what I should look for. Thanks!
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Sep 04 '06
1:38 pm PDT
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finally, someone who tells the truth and nothing but the truth so help me GOD (Reply to this comment)
by lukilao
After my husband bought a suzuki m109r boulevard with my credit, I had the urge to go buy one myself, only thing is I'm 5', 118 lbs and I have no idea where to start. Thank you for your thorough article and I swear you are the only person that covered the basics in beginning motorcycle buying/riding. God Bless!--lukilao
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Sep 02 '06
2:49 pm PDT
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Probably on target, pity 350s aren't available any more (Reply to this comment)
by samblob
This is a quite interesting and informative guide to beginner bikes. Naturally, I do not agree with everything said here, not only because of the subjectivity of the riding experience, but because of the difference in riding conditions and culture between my country and the United States.
First of all, while I whole-heartedly agree with taking the MSF course on the way to learning to ride, there is a valid reason why I didn't take one: they're not available in Jamaica.
Then, it is difficult for an ex-rider whose one and only bike was a Honda CM200T Twinstar to think of 250s as being "too small, with inadequate power for anything more than in town riding." The Rebel 250 engine is an evolution of my TwinStar's 200 engine, and I rode my bike around Jamaica, and on other occasions have ridden over Mount Rosser both ways and along the length of the Junction Road both ways. Granted, I only attained 80 km/h (50 mph) once, along a straight, downward sloping road outside May Pen. It is a shame, though, that the 350-400 cc class has been abandoned in the United States. A CB350 would probably make a great beginner bike if it's in good condition. I also notice that the Suzuki Savage 650 is not mentioned among entry-level cruisers. Would that have anything to do with the reliability debate about the Savage? There are several Savage riders who swear by their bike's reliability while there are several others who swear at it...
I came across this review while searching for opinions on FIAMM horns; I want to know the feasibility of putting them on my car. I am not currently riding but would consider starting again with the right bike at the right price...
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Apr 30 '05
10:13 am PDT
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Teriffic! (Reply to this comment)
by jawzx
Simply great recomendations and info for first-time bike buyers. I take isssue with only one part of the comprehensive and usefull info you present so readably. 125 and 250cc bike are plenty for many people. I have ridden a Kawasaki 250 Ninja, and though the stock suspension is far too soft for most full size adults, the engine is plenty peppy for a first time rider, and can even keep you entertianed WELL past the legal speed limit. The KLR 250, despite lacking electric start, is a great first bike, especialy if roads in your area are less than smooth. Where I live in Vermont, even the paved roads are rough enuogh that a Dual-Sport saves you from a sore and aching butt. I also admit to buying a new bike as my first. An MZ 125-SM. It may not go faster than 75, but it'll keep up with traffic, even up-hill with my 200lb bulk on it, and it gets 100mpg, and costs less than $170 a year to insure. It'll also out-corner many larger "sportier" bikes, atleast DOWN a hill. Still, great info!
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Aug 13 '04
9:12 am PDT
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Re: Sorry if this is off topic but... (Reply to this comment)
by Brian_Igo
Thanks for taking the time to track me down. I haven't been active here for a while, sorry for the inconvenience.
If anyone should get a bike like the CBR1000F as a first bike, it would be someone in your shoes. You have a little riding experience so you're familiar with the inputs and mechanics of riding, and your age indicates you might have the maturity to listen when the voice of caution says "Hey, dummy. What do you think you're doing?"
But only someone who really knows you can say that with certainty. So my answer is a qualified yes, if you have the maturity to match your age.
However, starting on a big bike (or re-entering, in your case) will come with a set of problems regardless of your maturity. It will take you longer to feel comfortable with the bike than if you were starting with a smaller model. You will filter your reactions through "Will the bike bite me if I do this?" for a longer time. How long? Some people adapt quickly, others never do. Most find their comfort zone and declare that's all there is to it, the same way an arrogant explorer might land on a beach and declare that he's discovered a continent.
Learning to ride on a big sportbike is like learning to read with a copy of Shakespeare. It's possible but you're adding more difficulty and perhaps robbing yourself of some of the reward of reaching that goal had you began with Dick and Jane.
Your neighbor is making you a good deal, the big CBR is second only to the BMW twins on the short list of literbikes I'd recommend under any circumstance to a novice, and my gut says you have the maturity and good judgement to enjoy the bike and ride it safely. But you're still going to miss some things, and take longer to become a confident and competent rider than if you started on a smaller bike.
I guess the bottom line is, I think you'd be okay with the CBR. But I think you'd be better if you spent $2,000 on a clean Honda Hawk GT to ride for a year, year and a half, and then looked for a deal on a literbike if that's what you want. There will always be deals if you are patient. But you're only going to get one first chance to learn.
Thanks again-
Brian
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Nov 28 '03
4:28 am PST
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Sorry if this is off topic but... (Reply to this comment)
by laup
I tried e-mailing you and it didn't go. I've read a lot of your stuff on epinions.com and you seem to know quite a bit about bikes and riding. I would like your opinion please. I am 36 years old. I used to ride dirt bikes when I was a teenager. I rode street bikes a little in college but never owned one. A lot of my friends have bikes now and needless to say I've got the bug again. I am 6'1" about 185lbs. I plan on taking the first MSF class offered this spring before I buy anything.
My neighbor has offered to sell me his 1996 CBR1000F in near mint condition this spring for around $2000.00. It has 27,000 miles on it. This seems like a pretty good deal to me.
My question is...Do you think this is too much bike for me or do you think I'll be o.k. if I take it slow and practice? I have a friend that owns a rode course that I can practice on for free.
Thanks in advance for your advice and keep up the great work!
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Nov 27 '03
10:53 am PST
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What do you recommend? (Reply to this comment)
by iamkristoffer
What do you recommend for someone my size? I weight 300lbs and I'm 6'2" tall. My friend has a GSXR 750, and another friend may be getting a SV 600, both are at least 2002 but the GSXR may be a 2003. What I want is a cruiser, but I'll probably have to learn on what's available, even if I take the class like you suggest. Is the SV 600 big enough for me, or is the GSXR too big? Should I try to get ahold of a Marauder to learn on, that being the bike that I like the best out of the Suzukis?
At any rate it may be some time before I can proceed with this dream of motorcycle ownership, or even be able to learn.
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May 20 '03
8:31 am PDT
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Re: Great advice, but could you give a little more? (Reply to this comment)
by Brian_Igo
No problem. I'd suggest taking a look at the Yamaha YZR-600R and see how that fits. This is a great first sportbike for a taller rider and is my favorite 600's for real world use. (It's also the best buy in sportbikes, MSRP is $7K but you can find them new for over $1,000 less.)
Aside from that and the bigger bikes like the ZX-11, you'll have to look at the new UJM class. There are some really good bikes here, the Suzuki Bandit 600 is a nice bike and the Kawasaki ZR-7 is a bike that doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves.
Good luck and have fun!
Brian
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Jul 17 '02
9:05 am PDT
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Great advice, but could you give a little more? (Reply to this comment)
by surfnbob
I'm being greedy, but this is a question that I hope you can answer.
I'm new to motorcycles, went the safe route of taking the MSF course before buying a bike, and YES--I'm very excited about getting my own.
I've wanted a sport bike most of my life, and although I wouldn't get a CBR F4, R6 or similar for my first ride, I'd like something "sporty".
I've read many a review regarding the Suzuki SV650. It sounds like a wonderful bike for someone with my tastes starting out on two wheels. There is just one problem: The bike is small.
I'm 6'4", 210 lbs. When I sit on the SV650, I feel like I should be wearing clown shoes and a funny hat. Is there something out there that would fit someone of my size, and still meet your requirements for a beginner bike?
->as an aside, I think I should thank you for possibly saving my life. One bike I sat on that fit like a glove was the Kawasaki ZX-11. It was used ('91), and the dealer was telling me that someone of a mellow disposition (I'm pretty laid back) could ride it without problems. At the time I was just concerned about the engine displacement. I then read your Epinion of it and thought that having 500lbs of bike smack me in the face may not be a good thing... Power corrupts, isn't that the expression?
~Peace
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Jul 16 '02
7:20 pm PDT
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A very considered, thoughtful article (Reply to this comment)
by ploughclose
I'm 51 years old and from the UK. Despite these drawbacks, I'm considering learning how to ride a motorbike. I read this article with considerable interest, notwithstanding the fact that, of course, some of the insurance terms and I imagine some of the models are literally a foreign language to a Brit. Much of the bike press over here is aimed at the experienced rider, and I felt this article was geared just right for a novice. I enjoyed it, and found it most useful.
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Sep 06 '01
9:45 am PDT
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Very Interesting (Reply to this comment)
by susi250
Just that KLR 250 does not have an electric start. That is one of the thing I like in it.
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Apr 14 '01
3:33 pm PDT
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Bravo (Reply to this comment)
by octane
What can I say that hasn't already been said. You've given me good tips on how to write a review.
Thanks,
Steve.
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Mar 03 '01
3:36 pm PST
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Brian (Reply to this comment)
by dncswknivs
This is one of the best reviews/opinions I've read on the site. It was useful, colorful, and easy to read. I found it thorougly helpful, probably because I'm in the situation you described--looking to buy my first bike. Well, here I go!
Grant
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Jan 09 '01
1:06 pm PST
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Re: Absolutely EXCEPTIONAL editorial (Reply to this comment)
by Brian_Igo
Thanks for the compliment, Minx. Good to see you again.
I agree with you on the importance of helmets. I won't get on a bike without one. I've had a couple of spills where wearing a helmet let me ride home, while not having one might have turned me into the next Gary Busey. (I write that only because it was the same kind of crash, a low speed spill that smacked my head against a curb.)
But if someone knows how to ride and decides to not use a helmet after honestly weighing the issues, (by that I mean not dragging up the incorrect myth that wearing a helmet can cause paralysis) I respect their choice.
I think it is an important for motorcyclists on both sides of the helmet use to stand together on the issue of preserving the choice to decide. Motorcycling is a high risk activity. We take that risk freely and of our own will, and if we lose to that risk we will pay. It's an individual issue, but when you mandate helmet use you are saying that society cannot tolerate that risk. It is a dangerous slope. If a helmet law doesn't give them the results they want what is going to be the next step?
When I started riding I couldn't have imagined this being a legitimate threat, but look at what has happened in the 14 years since. Smoking is another individual choice with individual risks, but society has turned it into a cash cow for government. The legal level of intoxication when driving has been lowered despite hard evidence that it will not reduce the number of crashes caused by drunk drivers.
When someone starts screaming "We have to do something!" it is time to worry. When you connect a way for government to profit from it, the screwing is on its way-facts be damned. As motorcyclists we are a minority, and by accepting risk we stand in contrast to the litigious and denial-plagued society we live in. Can it happen to us? You bet your ass it can.
Brian
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Jan 07 '01
8:35 am PST
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Absolutely EXCEPTIONAL editorial (Reply to this comment)
by Minx_In_LA
and I only have the tiniest of "buts" :)
The helmet thing. I just can't sit back and say it's ok to not wear one...ever. The hubby has been riding his whole life, and a few months ago in a fluke thing- there was a patch of road that just dumped him off the Honda F-4. Back end slipped out and whoosh... He couldn't even tell me if he'd banged his head on the pavement or just hit with his shoulder. I rather it was his helmet than his noggin! :) And that's the kind of thing that can happen just by accident. That's not taking in to consideration all of the idiot car drivers who cut you off or make you brake too hard.
I don't think the helmet is such a huge concession to make ;)
Besides...this is a Chick Thing: I love a guy in full leather and helmet. Very mysterious. Very hot. An 80yr old guy can look hot in a helmet...just don't take it off. <evil laugh>
So- all that aside: you write the most brilliant pieces on motorcycles, and heck...just everything you write :)
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Jan 06 '01
10:17 am PST
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excellent (Reply to this comment)
by eharri3
one of the most comprehensive buying guides i've seen posted for ANYTHING in the automotive/motorcycle section.
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Jan 05 '01
4:00 pm PST
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Thanks!!!!!!!!! (Reply to this comment)
by gerper
Incredible information, great review!!
gerper
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Jan 05 '01
7:58 am PST
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I spy with my little eye... (Reply to this comment)
by Beatmonster
...a badge of honour on the ratings for this piece - an anonymous NR! Nice one Brian, you've upset anymouse, the cowardly internet rodent.
Well as you can see, during some of my senility induced surfing, I chanced on this piece of common sense with regard to buying a motorcycle. As is usual in your reviews, great advice and well-reasoned arguments that only a penis-head would think of Not Recommending. Excellent work.
- Neil
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Jan 02 '01
11:25 am PST
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Re: Wonderful review! (Reply to this comment)
by crankybeer
ok, I admit I was on a motorcycle once, too. I was 5, and my babysitter's boyfriend took us for a spin. First and last time. I am a woosie.
-Debby
(Nice review Brian Igo)
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Dec 26 '00
2:33 pm PST
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Re: Wonderful review! (Reply to this comment)
by crankybeer
again??? You rode on a motorcycle? You are a bolder woman than I.
-Debby
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Dec 26 '00
2:32 pm PST
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:) (Reply to this comment)
by _Cassandra_
Excellent review, as always!
I must say thanks for mentioning the headlight modulator - I'd never heard of them, no-one so far in my limited year and a half of riding has mentioned them to me, and I wonder why not. You say you get noticed extremely well - and that's always good, but I was kindof wondering if something that noticeable could actually cause an accident by distracting motorists. Has anyone ever asked or told you that there's something wrong with your headlight? I wouldn't be at all surprised if Australian customs ban the things because of such possible issues - I think they don't allow braided brake cables for some reason... and imported bikes often have to have modifications to meet laws here.
Hmm! Food for thought indeed. Thankyou muchly!
Cass
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Dec 26 '00
4:41 am PST
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Wonderful review! (Reply to this comment)
by hadassahchana
I have absolutely no intention of ever getting on a motorcycle again, but I can certainly appreciate the skill with which you wrote this amazing review, and I really enjoyed reading it. Good job!
Cindy
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Dec 25 '00
9:06 am PST
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