02-26-2018, 11:31 AM
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.
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.