I took a MC driving course which taught me some excellent habits, so I totally endorse that idea. But the best “first rider” advice came from a friend who had been riding for decades, so I will pass it on to you.
He said that for the first six months to a year I should ride my bike like it’s a car; that is to say, I was to imagine my bike to be as big, as slow and as predictable as an automobile. No lane splitting, no weaving in between other cars, no zipping ahead of the normal flow of traffic, no scooting to the front of a line of waiting cars, and no riding at the edge of a traffic lane without good reason.
His reasons were two-fold: 1. it made the psychological transition from car to bike more gradual in my head, and 2. it made the surrounding auto drivers more “comfortable” with my behavior, and thus less likely to do something that would fluster an inexperienced rider.
If you are going to be riding around town then something with a good steering lock and stable under full lock is one thing to consider - Harleys are not known for this but then that is true of many bikes with long fork rakes.
With your size a small machine of 400cc or less is going to be cramped.
A torquey forgiving machine is what you need.You do not want razor sharp brakes and you do want brakes that work - again leaving Harleys out.
Go for something that is simple - that leaves water cooled machines out.
The suggestion of a 600cc bandit was the best IMHO.
The Diversion isn’t very good with passengers and you have to be careful about the luggage as some racks when loaded make the bike wobble.
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The Kawasaki GT 550 is a bit of a tank but it is bomb proof and there is no chain drive to worry about.
Another good machine to consider as a beginner is the Honda Bros 650 (I think you guys call it the Revere)Its difficult to buy a bad one and the engine is good for starship mileages plus you can sell it no probs when you move on.
If you can locate a Suzuki GS 550 you might do yourself a favour as it will be cheap and should be reliable.
I don’t think I’d go for a Harley unless I was mechanically competant and was keen on metal polish.You cannot neglect them they need a lot of love but you do get a social scene that is second to none.(but that is not why I ride bikes anyway)
Harleys also need a lot of forward planning since they are so heavy and the brakes are …well how to be diplomatic…crap.
Yu might think through reading the above that I have a bias against Harleys but that is not the case, I think they are not suited to novice riders.
At the risk of getting boring - stick with the Bandit idea for now.
Okay, I did pick up “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Motorcycle” after work today, and that was a greaat recommendation! I was particularly pleased to see that the maintenance chapter was written by a self-admitted machanical klutz, as I am none too handy myself. Thanks to Edward the Head for the recommendation, and thanks to everybody else!
I may be looking soon at a mid-80’s Honda 400 that a co-worker has. Anybody have experience with one of these?
If you are talking about the 400cc 4cylinder CB1 then it sounds good to me.If it is the CB400N which is a twin I would be wary unless the mileage is less then 20k and genuine
Just make sure that the oil is changed regular and often, like less than 4000 miles and even down to 2000 miles.
What sort of mileage has it got? Above 50k is a lot unless it has been well cared for.
Does it start up easily?
Does it use oil? if it does then walk away
Does it give out blue smoke on the overrun? if so walk away
Does it rattle at the top end and does it get worse as you increase the revs? Could be the top end going or the camchain tensioners - walk away
Check the state of the chain, is it close to the end of the adjusters, if so use it to bring the price down.
Check the tyres are they near to the tread limit? Use it to bring the price down.
Look at the brake pads or see if the pistons are out a long way, if they are use it to bring the price down.
On a bike this age look at the seat, is it ok the stitching may be coming apart.
What is the owner like - a nutter? steady? a bit of a wheeler dealer?
The shockers have a limited lifespan so if it has more than 20k on that unit it may need rebuilding.
400cc machines tend to get revved much more than 600’s but if the bike is what I think it is then they are pretty good.
If you can tell me exactly what model it is and the mileage I can be very specific about what to look for.
My guess is that you have some sort of licence limits for new riders over there in the US.
80’S 400 Yams are fairly rare unless it is a 2-stroke which is what they were selling in big numbers.
In fact the only Yam that I can think of is the good old RD400 air-cooled 2 stroke.
If it is not that it is possible that is is a FZR400 variant but we had very few in the UK, I never recall seeing one.
The above questions you should be asking yourself are still relevant but if it is a very rare machine then you might find some parts like exhausts difficult to come by at a sensible price.
I was going to recommend the little miniature versions of Cuisinarts - easy to use, easy to clean, don’t take up much space.
We have two Yamaha 400 two-strokes. They’re great. I can’t give you much mechanical talk, but they are big enough for two and give a great ride, and are quite reliable - at least ours have been.
Nah, no license limitations (assuming you meant a limitation on CC size). I believe the only enforced limitation (well, actually this is a state law, not a federal law, wtf am I thinking?) is on passengers, interestingly enough. In Connecticut, I think you aren’t allowed to carry a passenger until you’ve had a license for 6 months, although I seriously doubt this is enforced (and in fact, I could be wrong). Check your state laws, though.
I’ve been riding over 30 years now and looks like you’ve gotten some great advice here! The best IMO is to take the rider safety course. If there is an advanced course, take that one too, after some road experience. I agree on getting a simple used bike, 400-650cc range. Have a mechanic check it for you if possible, but you’ll probably do OK on a starter bike in the $1,000 range. Just get it and ride. No passengers until experienced is excellent advice, changes the whole center of the bike. It took me 20 years to finally get to Harley. I’ve now been thru the new ‘Evo’ phase, having owned 2 sporsters, an FXR Super and an FXR Lowrider. Now I only ride ‘old iron’. The Wife rides the '60 Pan, and I ride a 45" Flathead. Yup, gotta love working on them, but if I have to explain it , ya wouldn’t understand.
Good luck, keep the shiney side up, and keep us posted.
later, Tom
so far Willie G. has done OK by Harley in trying to satisfy the market. I hope they never go water cool, and I think you meant OH cam. The valves have been overhead since the Knucklehead. When they get to that point, might as well move the plant to Mexico or Japan, coz like you said, just killed Harley. Imagine what that would do to the vintage Harley market!
As far as the Buell, I’ve rode a few of the first models and was impressed, but not my style of bike. I hate seeing some middle-aged guy with a beer belly sprawled over the gas tank. Just looks like a pathetic mid-life crisis on wheels. My excitement is getting the flathead topped out at 72 mph, man I’m flyin’ now!
later, Tom