- Thread starter
- #21
I am 6'1" about 190 pounds. I'd like something that is small but could go far if need be.
Best Cafe/Commuter style motorcycle
- Thread starter octongue
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
I am 6'1" about 190 pounds. I'd like something that is small but could go far if need be.
- Thread starter
- #22
1983+ Honda Nighthawk 650/550 (550 was 1983 only)
Boring as hell to look at, but great long-term reliability and well-built. Parts are still fairly easy to come by, and there is a pretty good online community of helpful, knowledgable folks. Plenty of smooth (non-scary for a newb) powerband, and enough top end to move when you want to go.
I just got done rebuilding an 83 550 (with 2600 miles) for my BIL, who promptly sold it once I got done.If I had known, I would have just bought it from him a long time ago and kept it for myself.
I've been looking at those - they seem to go for not a lot of cash, either. I found something called a "Blackhawk" on craigslist...1986 or so 450 Blackhawk
re_guderian
SILVER Star
old Goldwing. Comfy, powerful, quiet, space for your lunchbox, easy to drive (like a 2 wheel Accord...). Big enough to be visible in traffic. 45 MPG. Stereo. What's not to like? Find some old retired guy that babied one and now can't ride due to Alzheimers or something...
rusty_tlc
Dain Bramaged Member
Good advice as far as it goes. For a Bike I would say it should have enough power to perform evasive maneuvers on the freeway or whatever the highest speed road you will travel on. Sometimes the only thing that will save your ass on a motorcycle is getting the hell away from a bad situation as fast as possible.
And to that end, even a brand new Ninja 250 barely meets the criteria for anyone over 150 pounds (and I am considerably over
)A guy I work with bought one a few months ago despite my admonitions. The powerband is virtually nil below 5K, and requires multiple downshifts to go from cruising to passing.
Hey Octunge, I found a helmet to go with the bike that was suggested. I think you'd look real sharp.
Hot Ladies Helmet Scorpion EXO400 Paradise - S
Hot Ladies Helmet Scorpion EXO400 Paradise - S
here you go sweet pea, try this one
- Thread starter
- #27
Hey i saw that too. pretty nice. and I mean PRETTY.
- Thread starter
- #28
well my friend found a Yamaha XJ750R Seca (maybe 1982?) for a unrealistically reasonable price that i might get. Any thoughts on that bike? There's not a lot on the web...
Seca's a good bike. I was gonna suggest a Bandit or a Seca- given your size a Seca 750 will be a great 1st year bike.
TAKE A COURSE!!!! Statistically your in a very dangerous bracket- get out of it by taking a safety course.
TAKE A COURSE!!!! Statistically your in a very dangerous bracket- get out of it by taking a safety course.
1984 Honda Interceptor...project bike
hot of the press, not a cafe but seems like a bad ass deal to me...
hot of the press, not a cafe but seems like a bad ass deal to me...
get a BatCycle
or a viper bike, the tomahawk
or a viper bike, the tomahawk
best learner EVER! 
yooper
SILVER Star
I love my XT225.
"Cafe" means cafe racer, an old skool style racing bike that is street legal.
The term you might be looking for is "standard". The old Honda CB series are an example. In the 70s and 80s they were called "UJM", Universal Japanese Motorcycle.
A "cruiser" is a Harley type bike.
The most utilitarian bikes are the dual sport bikes like my XT. Other good choices are the Suzuki DR200, DRZ400S, and DR650, the Kawasaki KLR250 and KLR650, and the Honda CR230L. Also BMW GS bikes or the street legal KTM bikes.
"Cafe" means cafe racer, an old skool style racing bike that is street legal.
The term you might be looking for is "standard". The old Honda CB series are an example. In the 70s and 80s they were called "UJM", Universal Japanese Motorcycle.
A "cruiser" is a Harley type bike.
The most utilitarian bikes are the dual sport bikes like my XT. Other good choices are the Suzuki DR200, DRZ400S, and DR650, the Kawasaki KLR250 and KLR650, and the Honda CR230L. Also BMW GS bikes or the street legal KTM bikes.
yooper
SILVER Star
Kinda old but if in good shape that's a decent choice.
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/yamaha_xj_750_seca_1982.php
a standard.
SV650, BMW 650, Triumph Bonneville, Harley Sportster, Zuke GS500e, Yam XJ600, Honda Hawk GT, Honda Nighthawk would be examples of standard style motorcycles.
The scooter rags used to call 'em UJMs. Universal Japanese Motorcycles
Tons of 'em from the 70s still out there. That's the best way to get back into it. Get a used CB550. If it's too small, too slow or not what you want you can't hardly lose money when you resell.
edit - Yoop beat to most of it. The Seca is a very nice choice.