Anyone here know anything about motorcycles?

[Mears]

I'm looking to pick up my first bike. Something real cheap. Like a grand or under. I was told to look at older Hondas. Anyone know if any of these models are any good:
1979 HONDA HAWK, CB400 II
1982 Honda CM450E
1981 Honda CB 750 Custom


I'm not looking for anything fancy, just something that can go at least 80mph and won't break every 200 miles.

 

[Farmall]

I know a couple guys who had the CB 750 years ago and they seemed like a decent bike. And if you are looking to go 80 for extended periods of time I wouldn't even consider the other two. And on another note if you haven't ridden much I would be hesitant to get out and crank it up to 80 until you've gotten used to riding.

You should be able to get one for well under a grand though.

Good luck - riding is a good time

 

[Fausto]

Those are all good choices for a first bike. Reliable and not too much power to where they're a handfull. Always best to start small and cheap as you'll want to upgrade within a year or so once you're gained some experience. Don't forget to budget money for leathers, boots, gloves and helmet as well.

Fausto

 

[Zenmervolt]

I would recommend the CM450E. The only reason is that I have a 1982 CB450SC (same engine) and it runs beautifully. Personally I think that the 750 will be a bit overweight for a first bike, not really a problem when riding, but when just pushing the bike around the driveway or a parking lot you will drop it at least once in the beginning and a 400 or 450 will be easier to pick up again. The 450 will probably top out around 85 (my CB450SC will run to about 85-90 in 5th, 75-80 in 6th) and should be just about perfect for a starter bike. I could not be happier with my CB450SC Nighthawk, it's a great commuting bike and it really doesn't have any bad habits at all, a very well-behaved machine.

There are some things you need to know though. Number one, alway wear a helmet, preferably a full-face helmet. Always wear a leather motorcycle jacket. It will be a little warm sometimes, but it's a lot better than donating a pound of skin to the pavement. Always wear long heavy denim jeans (at least) and over-the-ankle boots. Also, always wear unlined motorcycle gloves too, they are nice when a bee hits your hand at 60 mph. Remember, it's very easy to get dead if you loose concentration on a motorcycle. Always ride as though every other driver were trying to kill you, never let your guard down. Give proper attention and concentration a motorcycle can be safe, but it's a demanding machine.

ZV

 

[Fausto]

<< Also, always wear unlined motorcycle gloves too, they are nice when a bee hits your hand at 60 mph. >>


hehe....I had a big bruise on my upper chest once from tagging a cicada at about 85mph on my bike.🙂

Fausto

 

[Zenmervolt]

<< hehe....I had a big bruise on my upper chest once from tagging a cicada at about 85mph on my bike.🙂

Fausto >>

I'm just waiting for the day when I tag a bird. They come flying up out of the ditches where I ride and dodging them can be tricky. Thankfully I've only had them fly into my car so far, they'd probably shock me enough that I'd fall off the bike.

ZV

 

[Farmall]

Helmet and full face shield is a very good idea, as well as the other suggestions posted above.

My cousin and I were out riding, he had the designer shades - took a june bug off the forehead, about took him off the bike and he was in PAIN.

 

[geekender]

My step brother had a Yamaha Maxim. His was a 1981 and he paid $750.00 circa 1989. It was a good reliable bike with a drive shaft.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

<< My cousin and I were out riding, he had the designer shades - took a june bug off the forehead, about took him off the bike and he was in PAIN >>


LMAO, ouch. I had a friend that took a pebble to the face riding down the interstate. It cut open his upper lip and cracked a tooth. Needless to say he wears a helmet now. 🙂

 

[Bulk Beef]

Those are all decent choices for first-time beater bikes. It should really be a requirement that your first bike be one that you don't care about, because you are almost guaranteed to drop it or crash it at least once, and probably several times (not that I'm speaking from personal experience, of course 🙂).

 

[BooneRebel]

For sub-$1000 bikes, I don't think the model is that important, most are going to be 20 years old & if it's still running at this point it's a pretty reliable bike. Take a look at a couple, make sure that they're in good mechanical condition & the tires have plenty of tread on them. You can overlook most cosmetic blemishes because, as has already been said, your first bike is going to hit the ground sideways once or twice. But if you're lucky enough and shop wisely you'll be able to sell it after a year or so, not taking a loss & maybe making a profit on it.

 

[The Stigenator]

if you dont have riding experience... i suggest taking the MSF course (www.msf-usa.org), until then take it slow..when riding.
a full face helmet, leathers (jacket) or cordora jacket, heavy denim and good leather gloves would do wonders.
I would pefer the 450cc bike too, though I dont know how easy its to find parts. I know the CB400 is hard to find parts for.

 

[ZaneNBK]

It's amazing, I paid about $550 for an '86 Suzuki GS450L in good condition in '92 and $450 for an '81 Honda CB650 Custom in '93 (just needed a seat replacement and carb cleaning) and both those bikes would probably sell for MORE now. What's with the bike prices going up so much lately? Hell, the bike I bought a year ago is still selling for almost as much as I paid for it. 🙂 ('99 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom - great condition).

*shakes head*

Hell, my first bike was a '73 Honda 175XL Enduro that just needed some points and carb work and it only cost me $100 in '91. 🙂 (That _is_ a street legal bike, but I wouldn't ride it on the street 🙂

Oh well.

 

[cipher00]

They're all good. I'd recommend a full-face, but remember the saying: "A $10 helmet for a $10 head."

Me, I'm still having a blast breaking in my new FXD. 😀