Author Topic: Maybe the "greenest" newbie ever! (Read 3062 times)

usedtoluvavdub · « **on:** July 03, 2008, 07:05:50 AM »

Hello to all!

I wanted to introduce myself. Name's Kevin and I might be the greenest newbie ever!

I'm about to buy my first bike (this weekend).. a CB of some nature. I've NEVER ridden...ever! I'm pretty handy with a wrench. Got a big turbo VW that is quickly loosing my attention so I need another toy.

Like others I love the Cafe look and the CB seems like its the one with the most parts available..so here I am!

I'm a rep for Wurth in Ohio (if you ever need stuff for projects I'll discount the crap out of it for my pals!), I love cars, watches, good beer and better food.

I look forward to learning a lot here and making some new pals.

Cheers!

mystic_1 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 03, 2008, 07:28:48 AM »

Welcome

What flavor of CB are you looking at? They're all nice bikes in one way or another. If you're looking for the most availability in parts the 750 is the way to go but don't discount the smaller displacements like the 550.

cheers
mystic_1

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #2 on:** July 03, 2008, 07:30:35 AM »

Quote from: usedtoluvavdub on July 03, 2008, 07:05:50 AM

I'm a rep for Wurth in Ohio (if you ever need stuff for projects I'll discount the crap out of it for my pals!)

Now there's an offer!!

Their carb cleaner is pretty good stuff (as is the chain lube)

Does your "patch" include Europe?

usedtoluvavdub · « **Reply #3 on:** July 03, 2008, 02:02:55 PM »

Well, I think I am leaning most to a 650 or 750. I didn't discount the idea of a 500 if the price is right. I'm 5' 6" / 160lbs, so that 500 would still be a blast for me, I'm guessing.

As far as the Wurth stuff, I'll happily hook up anyone from the UK as well. The only snag I see is shipping the aerosol products. It would have to go via boat, but any of the other 16000 items we offer are fair game.

I take care of a number of bike shops (3 Harley, 1 Ducati, 2 Honda and a Vespa shop) and collectively there are about 20 products that that all buy and love.

hmmmm...maybe a trade for Honda parts!?

I think I'm gunna have a great time here!

Kev

jonnycbgood · « **Reply #4 on:** July 03, 2008, 02:33:10 PM »

Welcome I am a new member myself and I am in northwest ohio, Toledo, what part are you in?

This is my first bike CB350F I am looking forward to a lot of fun.

Good Luck

usedtoluvavdub · « **Reply #5 on:** July 03, 2008, 02:43:44 PM »

Just east of you in Akron. Nice to hear I might have local friends too!

Joel · « **Reply #6 on:** July 03, 2008, 03:01:47 PM »

I was in the same situation when I got my first bike in May. The 750s are usually easier to find. I looked at one and it was heavy enough that I was uncomfortable on it. I ended up with a 400F that I think is a much better fit for me. I'd definitely recommend at least a short ride around the block to get the feel of it. Happy hunting.

jonnycbgood · « **Reply #7 on:** July 04, 2008, 09:43:25 PM »

Once we get these bad boys running we'll have to go on a ride. Best of Luck

seaweb11 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 04, 2008, 11:11:46 PM »

Welcome

void909 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 04, 2008, 11:36:51 PM »

Welcome. I was in the same boat you were in a few months ago. I almost bought a 650 but I didn't and I am glad. It seems to me like there are more used and after market parts for the 750's. If you want a smaller cc I would even look for a 550 over a 650. Just my opinion

void909 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 04, 2008, 11:41:55 PM »

hey i could use a few nuts and bolts if you get a chance.

usedtoluvavdub · « **Reply #11 on:** July 06, 2008, 08:23:16 AM »

Well, a buddy took me out and gave me the nickel quality riding lesson and then made me take home his 2000 Honda XR200 for a practice bike..

my only worry is after mountain biking for 16 years, the brake/clutch locations are still messing with me a bit...But its a learning experience.

Thanks for all of the warm welcomes guys!

333 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 06, 2008, 09:09:40 AM »

I always thought that bicycles having the brakes on the opposite side would be a problem for "moving up" to motorcycles.

Frankenkit · « **Reply #13 on:** July 06, 2008, 09:21:01 AM »

Take a rider safety course!!!

It's well worth the money, and teaches you exceedingly well.
I was in the same boat... oh, 2 years ago when I bought my first motorcycle (a CB650c) for $450. I'd decided I needed to learn how to wrench on her before I deserved to know how to ride her. This is without any real mechanical experience beyond a lot of mountain and road bike repair and helping my dad change his brakes a couple times.

Two years of on-and-off work, (joys and setbacks in detail on my project thread) and she's nearing completion (exhaust leak at header, adjust the carbs and needles and she *should* be ready to go...)

I must say, two things you must not discount are knowledgeable advice on repairs, and adequate instruction on the road. The bike that teaches you must not be the one that could potentially kill you.

usedtoluvavdub · « **Reply #14 on:** July 07, 2008, 04:51:06 PM »

I am fortunate enough to have a large cycle sales and service facility as a customer...professional favor is getting me into their riders safety course for free. Got to love calling in favors! Thats a 400.00 one!

Can't wait!

kslrr · « **Reply #15 on:** July 07, 2008, 05:15:31 PM »

Welcome.

333 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 07, 2008, 09:23:42 PM »

We loved the Wurth guy at the dealer I worked at. He didn't ride though.

MacM2010 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 08, 2008, 08:37:24 AM »

Definitely take that course, especially if it's free.

When I took it, I rode up on a bicycle, and that was the extent of my experience (aside from falling off a friend's scooter). Two days later, I felt pretty darn comfortable in the saddle, and my 10-speed just wasn't doing it anymore.

Welcome aboard!

tom8Toe · « **Reply #18 on:** July 08, 2008, 09:23:28 AM »

Quote from: usedtoluvavdub on July 06, 2008, 08:23:16 AM

my only worry is after mountain biking for 16 years, the brake/clutch locations are still messing with me a bit...But its a learning experience.

Welcome aboard... I know what you mean about the brake/clutch locations and "learning experience". At one point, I was riding a BSA A75 Rocket3 and a Kawasaki EX500 in the same period. The BSA, being British had the shifter/foot brake on the opposite sides then the Kawi. I'll just say it had to be amusing to watch.

usedtoluvavdub · « **Reply #19 on:** July 08, 2008, 04:11:59 PM »

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/mcy/747425267.html

I think this can be had for about $750.00...just another one I was going to check out this weekend. Seems like there are 4-5 a week in NE Ohio, so I'm not in a huge rush. Whats the "T" for?

I used to race mountain bikes and now I have been out of it for a couple years (after I discovered I had 8K in an friggin bicycle!) My racer buddies are trying to pull me back in...it might just be too confusing for me as a new rider.

I did however have a buddy who also road motorcycles switch his brake on his mountain bike..I took it for a spin to check something out went to grab a hand full of brake...the wrong one...needless to say, preparing your body for a sideways slide and grabbing the front brake leads to...well laughter by all who witnessed!

i'm all registered for the safety class. I can't wait!

tom8Toe · « **Reply #20 on:** July 09, 2008, 10:32:50 AM »

Quote from: usedtoluvavdub on July 08, 2008, 04:11:59 PM

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/mcy/747425267.html
Whats the "T" for?

Twin.

UnCrash · « **Reply #21 on:** July 09, 2008, 11:37:18 AM »

Stay away from the twin!

I love my 2 CB750's. They may feel just a little heavy at first but for me 6'0 190 they're perfect.

Welcome to the forum.

usedtoluvavdub · « **Reply #22 on:** August 04, 2008, 06:26:36 AM »

OK...so I'm finally aboard!

1973 CB350...

Good runner. Bought from the son of the original owner. Little surface rust here and there, but new battery, points and condenser. Needed a little tweeking, but in about an hour of trial and error on the points and some fresh gas, she was ready to go. $300.00 and the only issue what so ever is the brake light only works with the rear brake.

Here she is. Came with both side panels too...just had them off during the "tweeking" process.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll153/vwbluxu2/PIC-0052.jpg
<a href="http://s287.photobucket.com/albums/ll153/vwbluxu2/?action=view&current=PIC-0052.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll153/vwbluxu2/PIC-0052.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">[/url]

Frankenkit · « **Reply #23 on:** August 04, 2008, 08:20:30 AM »

the brake light thing might be related to the connectors up by your brake lever. Are they intact? Welcome aboard!

Goodsteel53 · « **Reply #24 on:** August 04, 2008, 09:07:25 AM »

She looks great! You'll figure it out, if you haven't already. Get a manual on it yet?

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Author Topic: Maybe the "greenest" newbie ever! (Read 3062 times)

usedtoluvavdub

usedtoluvavdub

jonnycbgood

usedtoluvavdub

jonnycbgood

usedtoluvavdub

usedtoluvavdub

usedtoluvavdub

usedtoluvavdub

Goodsteel53