Author Topic: A new guy in need of some advice. (Read 10494 times)

Sheik Yerbouti · « **on:** April 05, 2008, 07:25:41 PM »

Hey everybody, I've been lurking for a bit but I'm new around these parts. I am a student at the University of Cincinnati, and I study Industrial Design. What brings me to you is a recent obsession I've had with vintage motorcycles. I fed my addiction in various ways by building some old Schwinn bicycles, farting around with motorized bicycles and scooters. Now I'm ready to get my permit and start learning how to ride. I am taking courses this summer, but a good friend of mine who is a motorcycle fanatic (his dad is an Engineer at Harley) recommended I get a bike to bomb around on and get my feet wet in a vacant lot and some back roads.

After doing exhaustive research, I've come to the conclusion that the Honda CB series is what I want. It has the look, the community, and the parts availability/reliability I want in a bike. I am fairly handy, I have access to some great tools because of my school and I am a sponge for mechanical knowledge, but I want to get a running bike that needs some TLC and fix it up nice over the next few years while I'm in college. I just don't know where I should start, bike-wise. I visited a guy who was selling his 75 CB750, and I absolutely loved it, but the bike itself had some problems that made it less than roadworthy, so I decided to pass. But when I was there I noticed how big the bike seemed. I am about 5'9" 155 pounds, and it just seemed intimidating. Which makes me wonder if I should start on something like a CB550? I want to have this bike for awhile, I want to know everything about it and not feel the need to upgrade right away. Do you think I am capable of getting comfortable with a bike that size?

I posted a thread in the wanted ad. I am looking for a bike in the Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, NKY areas. I assume after I get a bike just go out and immediately buy a Clymer manual?

Well, I figure that's enough to start with. I really appreciate all of your advice.

Thanks,

Jon

HondaMan · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2008, 07:40:29 PM »

You sound about the same size as my brother. He wanted the 750, but his inseam made him decide to ride the 500. He only rode it for 8 years and 60,000 miles, then bought the 650 (he thought the 500 was a better bike, in the end, never said why, really).

It sure fit and served him well: we toured together (me on 750) many times across the whole US! We both had full Vetter fairings with lowers, too. Great bike: I had a 500 for a while, too, until I had to move and couldn't keep all 5 bikes. Sad day when I sold it...wish I never did. $:-\$

Sheik Yerbouti · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2008, 07:47:21 PM »

That's what I think. I think a smaller bike would just be a bit more nimble for me. I would be able to cruise pretty comfortably on a 500 or 550, I think.

Wannabe · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2008, 07:52:10 PM »

550 is a nice bike that is smaller enough than the 750 to make a differance. A 400 super sport might fit you even better and is a nice collectable bike. Good luck.

Sheik Yerbouti · « **Reply #4 on:** April 05, 2008, 07:57:51 PM »

I think I'm pretty much settled on a 550. I just have to find one now....

dustyc · « **Reply #5 on:** April 05, 2008, 08:02:48 PM »

Given you're kind of on the edge of fitting a 750, the 550 should feel right for your size and you'll be able to get comfortable and learn on it. Later, that 750 may not seem so big once you get the feel of the 550.

You can download manuals here. Search for "manual download". The post is by Einyodeler.

333 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 05, 2008, 08:12:50 PM »

550 was my first SOHC 4. Great bike. I have a 350F currently and even though I'm (mumble) pounds heavier, it suits me well.

BTW, love the screen name, Frank.

Sheik Yerbouti · « **Reply #7 on:** April 05, 2008, 08:22:47 PM »

Quote from: 333 on April 05, 2008, 08:12:50 PM

550 was my first SOHC 4. Great bike. I have a 350F currently and even though I'm (mumble) pounds heavier, it suits me well.

BTW, love the screen name, Frank.

Hah. Thanks!

754 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 05, 2008, 09:12:47 PM »

" They rush on over

& wreck it some more..

And I am so dumb,

they're lining up at my door..."

hey dude.. welcome to the forum.. cant wait to see what you choose for an avatar..

You could easily ride a 750, moreso if you lower it the first couple months... a buddy your size used to have no troble wheelying his CB 750, nor his even heavier XS11..

super pasty white guy · « **Reply #9 on:** April 05, 2008, 09:32:25 PM »

I'd agree with dustyc, I'm the same size as you (+5-10 lbs) and the 750 seemed big when I started. I was pretty nervous for the first several months, but the bike and I have figured each other out.

Kinda looking for a 550 supersport though... best... pipes... ever.

spwg

754 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 05, 2008, 09:37:37 PM »

Surely you mean the pipes on the 400

Our buddy had the first brownseat 550 here, and when he bought a Winning performance pipe, then we would ride with him...

mattcb350f · « **Reply #11 on:** April 05, 2008, 09:43:28 PM »

Quote from: 754 on April 05, 2008, 09:12:47 PM

You could easily ride a 750,

+1, but get a bike you're comfortable with. The weight seams intimidating but once you get comfortable with it you'll be fine. The first time I rode a gold wing (just down the road and back) It felt like an elephant. But by the time I parked it I was already getting used to it.

Welcome to the forum

Matt.

Sheik Yerbouti · « **Reply #12 on:** April 05, 2008, 09:46:01 PM »

I've had several people tell me I could handle the 750 just fine, so I'm going to be in the market for one. I guess I should just keep my eyes peeled on craigslist.

super pasty white guy · « **Reply #13 on:** April 05, 2008, 09:46:45 PM »

These...

Sheik Yerbouti · « **Reply #14 on:** April 05, 2008, 09:49:46 PM »

...I want it.

754 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 05, 2008, 09:54:07 PM »

" DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE??

YOU...ARE..A..NEWBIE..

Some of you might not agree,

but ya probably likes a little misery..

So think a while and you'll agree.."

------------------------------------------

That was for the new guy..

guess where that came from..

Sheik Yerbouti · « **Reply #16 on:** April 05, 2008, 09:58:29 PM »

Hah. I need to get an avatar.

754 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 05, 2008, 10:00:00 PM »

Take the pic off the album cover..

Sheik Yerbouti · « **Reply #18 on:** April 05, 2008, 10:06:36 PM »

I'm going to keep you guys on your toes. Guess the icon.

754 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 05, 2008, 10:37:22 PM »

I keep thinking Dylan..

Sheik Yerbouti · « **Reply #20 on:** April 05, 2008, 10:43:04 PM »

Not Dylan but equally cool. A Mr. Tom Waits.

Roscoe · « **Reply #21 on:** April 06, 2008, 01:58:22 AM »

Hey man I'm only 5'6"and currently ride a 1980 CB750KZ DOHC. I'm restoring a 78 CB750F2. Although they may be a bit high when you're stopped, when you're moving along either slowly or fast they handle beautifully. You would have no trouble.
Cheers
Roscoe

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #22 on:** April 06, 2008, 03:19:31 AM »

Yeah - go for the 750. It'll handle fine when moving, just be careful when wheeling it around. Look at it another way - if we all bought bikes based on our weight, there's be precious few people riding a Goldwing!

Welcome on board - a CB fan AND a Zappa fan eh?! Good on ya!

moham · « **Reply #23 on:** April 06, 2008, 08:03:35 AM »

Quote from: Sheik Yerbouti on April 05, 2008, 10:43:04 PM

Not Dylan but equally cool. A Mr. Tom Waits.

Tom and Bob. Two out of my top three all time favorites. Tom would ride a 750...

HondaMan · « **Reply #24 on:** April 06, 2008, 09:52:22 AM »

Quote from: super pasty white guy on April 05, 2008, 09:46:45 PM

These...

Aren't those gorgeous?

News:

Author Topic: A new guy in need of some advice. (Read 10494 times)

Wannabe

Roscoe