Starting on a CB1100 as a first bike

[omarj_imp]

I was definitely look at the SR400 at one point. When I was reading around though people mentioned on how it may be overpriced for what it is. I don't know much about motorcycles, but when I read that comment quite frequently around that really put me off.

Kick start put me off as well, however I did see a video recently that made it look really simple, and I have had experience using legit kick starters from older bikes when I was in Vietnam. But LongRanger you brought up a very valid point of what I would be afraid of. Trying to kick start a stalled bike in the middle of traffic. That would really suck.

[c-breezy_imp]

I used to have a bike with both kick and electric start and I couldn't imagine how anxiety-inducing that would have been if I had to try to use the kick start in traffic!

[baxtercat_imp]

Completely agree, but the fact that it lacks an electric boot is probably a show-stopper for some. Trying to kick-start a stalled bike in traffic can be overwhelming, even for an experienced rider. I wonder why Yamaha decided to omit an electric starter?

"Omitted" may not be the right word--this is essentially the same bike they started making in 1978, with few concessions to the 21st century, save the fuel injection. It never had electric start. I've had mine for three years and never experienced a stall in traffic. And evidently hipsters derive some credibility from being able to kick over a bike in front of the coffee house, which is quite simple on this machine. But I can see how unfamiliarity with this once-essential skill might put off some potential buyers.

[nhawk7504_imp]

I've watched most SR400 vids on Youtube. I like it. A very thin, sandal wearing young woman fired hers up with ease and I just thought, "Well, that's that." My shin is soooo dented from my 74 Kami 80 Thai bike. But that was horrible carbs that were designed in some garage and leaked like a siv. I try to talk myself out of liking it, but I still like it.

[Carguy1959_imp]

A bike that small should be easy to kick start. Or do a rolling bump start. You could always practice doing both ways in a parking lot to get it mastered. In reality, it should only take about 5 to 10 seconds if your not in panic mode.

[Cormanus]

That's right. If the bike isn't going to start, an electric option will make no difference.

[LikeAfox_imp]

New SR400 has electric start along with the kicker. It's also like $7500 brand new, which is just stupid for 1970's technology. Skip that turd and get 500 Honda that everyone is talking about, someone on another forum just did an Alaska tour on one of those.

[LongRanger_imp]

New SR400 has electric start along with the kicker. It's also like $7500 brand new, which is just stupid for 1970's technology. Skip that turd and get 500 Honda that everyone is talking about, someone on another forum just did an Alaska tour on one of those.

I can't seem to corroborate that. Where are you seeing it?

This is from the Yamaha U.S. website:

Authentic Kick Starter
Virtually unique among today’s street bikes, there’s no push-button starter. The SR400 is equipped with an easy-to-use kick starter as the only means of getting the engine running.

[Aka Tsubasa_imp]

New SR400 has electric start along with the kicker. It's also like $7500 brand new, which is just stupid for 1970's technology. Skip that turd and get 500 Honda that everyone is talking about, someone on another forum just did an Alaska tour on one of those.

..... but its OK to spend $12K on a CB1100. Not trying to start a flame war but I really think you bought the wrong bike.

[Avalanchegsx_imp]

I've never understood the whole "If you buy a small bike first, you'll end up selling it in six months and getting a bigger one" argument.

Small bikes are just more fun, in my opinion.

They just aren't as pretty as my CB1100.