CB1100EX for a new rider? (my daughter)

[Blockhead_imp]

tommymck, I think you should buy a CB1100 for yourself and something along the lines of the CB500 for your daughter. Then both of you will be smiling. IMHO the 1100 is too much bike for a young new rider....good luck.

[tommymck]

Thanks so much everybody for all of the replies!!!!! The things that stands out to me are:

1. I was looking for a bike that I wanted for when I visit that she could also ride. Sounds like, regardless of my predispositions, smaller bikes will just be more appropriate for her. If I want something for me, I should get that regardless of what she'll be riding. It's unlikely that a bike that I'd want would be something that is good for a new rider.

2. Left to her own devices, she'd get something small and cheap, and I should just let that happen. She has a better sense of what she thinks is comfortable, appropriate and affordable. I'd be happy to contribute, but she's proud and doesn't want to break the bank, regardless of whose bank it is. The suggestions about the 500 sound great, but from what I see, she's looking for something more traditional looking. I think that she'll continue on her used Rebel quest and have me evaluate whatever she's looking to buy. It'll be fun regardless.

In any case, I really appreciate all of the comments. I still have a hankering for an 1100EX, but maybe I just get that for me and keep it in Maryland (maybe I ship the R1200C to CA for when I'm there...or even ride it cross-country as an adventure...)

[Stichill_imp]

I'd opt for a bike weighing between 350 to 475 lbs (160 kg to 215 kg) with around 23 to 45 HP, a short wheelbase, mid-mounted foot controls, and appropriate seat height to allow ground contact with the balls of the feet (or better). Opt for some wind protection if any riding is expected at highway speeds (65 mph and up).

Succinct and 100% correct!
There is only one item I'd add: rake (front fork angle) closer to 25 than to 30 degrees. This is somewhat dependent on where/why will the bile be used, and is based strictly on my experience; I realize there might be different opinions on this particular factor.

Succinct and 100% correct!
There is only one item I'd add: rake (front fork angle) closer to 25 than to 30 degrees. This is somewhat dependent on where/why will the bike be used, and is based strictly on my experience; I realize there might be different opinions on this particular factor.
Great point! A bike with a 25° rake is going to be easier to maneuver than a bike with a 31° rake. I've got one bike with 25° and another with 25.5°. I've ridden and enjoyed a bike with a 32° rake but it was by no means a beginner's bike.

LOL I don't know that I've ever even KNOWN the rake on a bike I have ridden (certainly couldn't tell you what it is on the CB), much less chosen a bike based on that. That goes for weight or horsepower either. I know I have NOT chosen bikes due to weight.

Ha, when I bought my F800GT, its 25.5° rake was a persuasive factor as I was looking for handling similar to my CBR250R at 25°.

[flynrider]

Thanks so much everybody for all of the replies!!!!! The things that stands out to me are:

1. I was looking for a bike that I wanted for when I visit that she could also ride. Sounds like, regardless of my predispositions, smaller bikes will just be more appropriate for her. If I want something for me, I should get that regardless of what she'll be riding. It's unlikely that a bike that I'd want would be something that is good for a new rider.

2. Left to her own devices, she'd get something small and cheap, and I should just let that happen. She has a better sense of what she thinks is comfortable, appropriate and affordable. I'd be happy to contribute, but she's proud and doesn't want to break the bank, regardless of whose bank it is. The suggestions about the 500 sound great, but from what I see, she's looking for something more traditional looking. I think that she'll continue on her used Rebel quest and have me evaluate whatever she's looking to buy. It'll be fun regardless.

In any case, I really appreciate all of the comments. I still have a hankering for an 1100EX, but maybe I just get that for me and keep it in Maryland (maybe I ship the R1200C to CA for when I'm there...or even ride it cross-country as an adventure...)

Yeah, but it could work the other way around. You can have a great time riding a lighter, zippier bike than you're used to riding. I recently took a ride on my friends new Rebel 500 and that thing was a hoot!

Quote:The suggestions about the 500 sound great, but from what I see, she's looking for something more traditional looking. I think that she'll continue on her used Rebel quest and have me evaluate whatever she's looking to buy.
Might I suggest the newer Rebel 500 rather than the older 250. The 500 has the power to handle freeway speeds, where the 250 just doesn't cut it. Several years ago I rode a friend's Rebel 250 on L.A. freeways and it was a scary experience. I know you said her commute was a short one on surface streets, but it's always nice to have the option to be able to hop on a freeway to get somewhere (especially in So. Cal.). A little more power would make the bike a lot more versatile in that region.

[jtopiso_imp]

Thanks so much everybody for all of the replies!!!!! The things that stands out to me are:

1. I was looking for a bike that I wanted for when I visit that she could also ride. Sounds like, regardless of my predispositions, smaller bikes will just be more appropriate for her. If I want something for me, I should get that regardless of what she'll be riding. It's unlikely that a bike that I'd want would be something that is good for a new rider.

2. Left to her own devices, she'd get something small and cheap, and I should just let that happen. She has a better sense of what she thinks is comfortable, appropriate and affordable. I'd be happy to contribute, but she's proud and doesn't want to break the bank, regardless of whose bank it is. The suggestions about the 500 sound great, but from what I see, she's looking for something more traditional looking. I think that she'll continue on her used Rebel quest and have me evaluate whatever she's looking to buy. It'll be fun regardless.

In any case, I really appreciate all of the comments. I still have a hankering for an 1100EX, but maybe I just get that for me and keep it in Maryland (maybe I ship the R1200C to CA for when I'm there...or even ride it cross-country as an adventure...)

what about...
http://www.motorkari.cz/upload/images/ca...x1200_.jpg
?


Good looking, enough performance for one rider even on highways, very nice handling, very reliable, low seat heigth, cheap as peanuts... so great as a first bike.

And when done with it, resale value will be around the same as the purchase cost was.

[the Ferret]

what is that jtopiso? We don't have those in the US I am aware of. Nice looking bike though.

[F800GT_imp]

A new rider's attention should be dealing with traffic and hazards of the road in various conditions, and not focusing on the handling of the bike.
A Rebel (vs a 540-lb CB1100) will definitely help her focusing on the road.

my 2 cts

[redbirds_imp]

CB500F is only 414 lbs and a low seat height. Easy to handle with plenty of power for highway use.

[the Ferret]

Except for the slightly waspish looking rear end and the transformer headlight, the CB 500F is generally a good looking motorcycle. I've sat on one at the dealership,very nice, low seat, light weight like redbirds says.

[VLJ_imp]

Except for the slightly waspish looking rear end and the transformer headlight, the CB 500F is generally a good looking motorcycle. I've sat on one at the dealership,very nice, low seat, light weight like redbirds says.

And the 650 version with its waterfall pipes looks even better...



Among the various Hondas, the 650F would be the one I'd recommend for a noob who will use it for commuting, particularly if freeway riding is ever going to become part of the equation. For city-only work, sure, the 500F is perfectly acceptable, and maybe even better, since it's cheaper, lighter, and less powerful.