Hi:
Hope no one minds - I did ask before, but am actually ready now.
The first bike that I sat on that I said, "Oh yes." about was a Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, but there's not a local dealer and am not into risking massive inconvenience (unless maybe it's a 2nd bike).
Having considered everything on 2 wheels, the next bike that I sat on and said, "I think this is it." was the Honda CB1100. Just seemed possibly perfect.
It will be my first road bike, but I'm a moderately accomplished former Amatuer motocross racer. Was even in MXA twice; in full-disclosure it was totally by accident and po'd my friends off who were much better than I.
The search for a pure standard motorcycle from a nearby dealership has fingers pointing to a Suzuki SV650, Yamaha XSR900, Suzuki Bandit 1250 or a Honda CB1100 EX.
My question, if you get a chance, is - Which ****** bike should I get?
Looking at making it happen within 2 months.
Thanks.
Well, for a first road bike I would frankly be tempted to direct you to the SV. I don't recall your other posts so I don't know what transpired. (I may even have chipped in, who knows?)
In your shoes I might also be tempted to try out a good used 12-14 year old FZ6. These can be had for $3k and resold for same when you're ready to move on.
My first road bike - that I actually owned - was a VFR800. Not a smart bike for a newb, but I owned if for 5 seasons and survived. So who am I to talk?
My first bike was a 56 AJS that hardly ran. My first bike that ran was a 350 Honda 4, the velvet shriek as cycle world called it, back in the day. I enjoy the cb1100 as my only bike. It seems heavy for a first bike. Sounds like you've been doing the lite off road thing. Its a sweet ride for a good deal. Skip the intermediate step and heads for the big league.
Cory Wrote:The search for a pure standard motorcycle from a nearby dealership has fingers pointing to a Suzuki SV650, Yamaha XSR900, Suzuki Bandit 1250 or a Honda CB1100 EX.
Hmmm. I currently own the CB1100 EX and the Yamaha XSR900, and I used to own those two Suzukis. Also, I was a motorcycle dealer for over a decade.
The fact that you're an accomplished former motocrosser does change things a bit, since you're not the typical new rider. You already know how to use a clutch, you know about the basic dynamics of operating a motorcycle, and you have experience in dealing with compromised traction.
Without knowing your age, size, or maturity level, I would normally tell you to ditch the XSR from that list. Too fast, too easy for it to get away from a new rider. Again, though, you're not like most new riders, so you might be fine on anything you choose. You didn't mention your height, which would normally be a factor with the XSR, since it's so tall, but motocrossers are used to dealing with much taller bikes, so this factor probably won't concern you. The flip side is you're used to light handling and explosive power, and the XSR is the only one of the four to offer those two qualities. As a former racer, you might want some excitement in your street bike, and the XSR offers the most performance thrills of the lot, by a wide margin.
In general, however, I would steer any new rider to the XSR700 or the updated 2018 MT-07 over the XSR900. Nearly the same thrills, in a smaller, lighter, more manageable package. Lower cost to purchase and insure, as well.
I would definitely recommend the XSR700 or 2018 MT-07 over the new SV650. Either Yamaha simply has the Suzuki covered in nearly every important category.
The choice between the Bandit 1250 and CB1100 EX is fairly obvious for most people. Either they want evocative retro style and exemplary Honda build quality in an air-cooled/dual-shocks package, or they want a bit of wind protection and generic, unassuming '90s styling in a far more modern jack-of-all-trades bike that represents pure function with no frills. The Suzuki is taller and a lot top-heavier than the Honda, and significantly faster, as well.
Style vs function, that's what you're choosing between there. There is one functional advantage the Honda possesses, however, and it's right up a new rider's alley: the CB's preternaturally user-friendly throttle response. Regardless of a motorcycle's size or power, you will likely never experience an easier, more confidence-inspiring throttle than the CB1100's.
So, I would recommend the CB if you want a naked Standard liter bike that you won't grow out of, and either the XSR700 or 2018 MT-07 if you want to go the traditional route of choosing a smaller, more manageable machine as your first street bike. Along those same lines, the other option I might steer you toward is the new Kawasaki Ninja 400, assuming you're okay with its race-replica styling and slight forward-lean seating position.
(02-26-2018, 09:56 AM)Cory_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Hi:
Hope no one minds - I did ask before, but am actually ready now.
The first bike that I sat on that I said, "Oh yes." about was a Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, but there's not a local dealer and am not into risking massive inconvenience (unless maybe it's a 2nd bike).
Having considered everything on 2 wheels, the next bike that I sat on and said, "I think this is it." was the Honda CB1100. Just seemed possibly perfect.
It will be my first road bike, but I'm a moderately accomplished former Amatuer motocross racer. Was even in MXA twice; in full-disclosure it was totally by accident and po'd my friends off who were much better than I.
The search for a pure standard motorcycle from a nearby dealership has fingers pointing to a Suzuki SV650, Yamaha XSR900, Suzuki Bandit 1250 or a Honda CB1100 EX.
My question, if you get a chance, is - Which ****** bike should I get?
Looking at making it happen within 2 months.
Thanks.
My 2014 CB1100 standard is 540 pounds wet. A significant difference over my 2016 Moto Guzzi V7II stone (417 pounds?). However, I rarely notice it, other than moving it around the garage. Although the last bike I had to pick up (3 times, off road) was my 2018 Yamaha XT250.
At my age, taking long trips to remote areas, I like Honda reliability.
The V7II shook almost as much as my Sportsters, so smoothness is also a major plus.
For durability, Yamaha would be closer to Honda, compared to Kawasaki or Suzuki, IMHO.
I would consider another Triumph, but I am boycotting the local Moto Guzzi - Triumph dealer.
(02-26-2018, 11:31 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Cory Wrote:The search for a pure standard motorcycle from a nearby dealership has fingers pointing to a Suzuki SV650, Yamaha XSR900, Suzuki Bandit 1250 or a Honda CB1100 EX.
Hmmm. I currently own the CB1100 EX and the Yamaha XSR900, and I used to own those two Suzukis. Also, I was a motorcycle dealer for over a decade.
The fact that you're an accomplished former motocrosser does change things a bit, since you're not the typical new rider. You already know how to use a clutch, you know about the basic dynamics of operating a motorcycle, and you have experience in dealing with compromised traction.
Without knowing your age, size, or maturity level, I would normally tell you to ditch the XSR from that list. Too fast, too easy for it to get away from a new rider. Again, though, you're not like most new riders, so you might be fine on anything you choose. You didn't mention your height, which would normally be a factor with the XSR, since it's so tall, but motocrossers are used to dealing with much taller bikes, so this factor probably won't concern you. The flip side is you're used to light handling and explosive power, and the XSR is the only one of the four to offer those two qualities. As a former racer, you might want some excitement in your street bike, and the XSR offers the most performance thrills of the lot, by a wide margin.
In general, however, I would steer any new rider to the XSR700 or the updated 2018 MT-07 over the XSR900. Nearly the same thrills, in a smaller, lighter, more manageable package. Lower cost to purchase and insure, as well.
I would definitely recommend the XSR700 or 2018 MT-07 over the new SV650. Either Yamaha simply has the Suzuki covered in nearly every important category.
The choice between the Bandit 1250 and CB1100 EX is fairly obvious for most people. Either they want evocative retro style and exemplary Honda build quality in an air-cooled/dual-shocks package, or they want a bit of wind protection and generic, unassuming '90s styling in a far more modern jack-of-all-trades bike that represents pure function with no frills. The Suzuki is taller and a lot top-heavier than the Honda, and significantly faster, as well.
Style vs function, that's what you're choosing between there. There is one functional advantage the Honda possesses, however, and it's right up a new rider's alley: the CB's preternaturally user-friendly throttle response. Regardless of a motorcycle's size or power, you will likely never experience an easier, more confidence-inspiring throttle than the CB1100's.
So, I would recommend the CB if you want a naked Standard liter bike that you won't grow out of, and either the XSR700 or 2018 MT-07 if you want to go the traditional route of choosing a smaller, more manageable machine as your first street bike. Along those same lines, the other option I might steer you toward is the new Kawasaki Ninja 400, assuming you're okay with its race-replica styling and slight forward-lean seating position.
Thanks. I think, then, all things considered it might be the CB1100 or XSR700 (with the Yamaha maybe the right call for getting my feet wet).
I'm 6'1" (was 6'2" before motocross), 54 and with questionable maturity, but will do my best.
Not that 2-up will happen right away, but my wife is all in once I get comfortable. Does that eliminate the Yamaha? The Honda seemed like it would completely work for a passenger.
Thanks again.
Lots of opinions here. I'd go for lightness / agility over heft, at least for the first year. I haven't ridden the latest incarnation, but I think a new SV would be your best bet. I do agree with VLJ that it'd be helpful to know your height and physical condition.
I always refer people to the cb750 nighthawks, pretty much perfect to start on imo
Cory, the XSR700 will do two-up, no problem. Starting from northern California, I took my wife up to and across Canada two-up on an SV650, which has a smaller pillion seat than does the XSR700.
Is an XSR700 the best tool for two-up riding? Of course not. The CB1100 or Bandit 1250 are far superior for that application, but the smaller bikes can do it. The XSR700 has a semi-decently-sized bench seat, rather than a separate pillion pad, so it's among the best choices for two-up riding in that category of small, naked standards/sportbikes.
Being 6'1", you will actually fit better on the XSR700 than on the CB1100, which will fold your legs up quite a bit more. On the other hand, the CB's relaxed, smooth, torquey motor makes it so much nicer than the XSR's smaller, revvier mill for any distance work, whether solo or two-up.
if you can...go for a test drive....that you get a imagen about the different characters of bikes...