You might want to check out Royal Enfield ... Cheap , lots of opportunity to wrench on .....
Looking for a bike to learn on (Honda CB/CL450, cafe racers, etc.)
Hey all,
Total beginner here. I really like the sort of Honda cafe racer style bikes, CB450 type bikes. In particular I really like the CL450 Scrambler. My great grandpa used to do desert rallies -- I think the early scramblers were the first ones to cross Baja. I'm into repairs, vintage and restoration in general, but still wondering how hard it would be to maintain these bikes these days with parts available.
Also I'm thinking about whether I might find something inexpensive and cool to learn on while I figure out what I really want. I would eventually like something I can tour a bit with. I've heard mixed things about whether the CB450s could fit the bill.
What are your thoughts? Any suggestions for an inexpensive starter bike? Any other bikes that blend this style bike with touring capability? Thanks!
![Tire Wheel Automotive fuel system Fuel tank Automotive tire]()
Total beginner here. I really like the sort of Honda cafe racer style bikes, CB450 type bikes. In particular I really like the CL450 Scrambler. My great grandpa used to do desert rallies -- I think the early scramblers were the first ones to cross Baja. I'm into repairs, vintage and restoration in general, but still wondering how hard it would be to maintain these bikes these days with parts available.
Also I'm thinking about whether I might find something inexpensive and cool to learn on while I figure out what I really want. I would eventually like something I can tour a bit with. I've heard mixed things about whether the CB450s could fit the bill.
What are your thoughts? Any suggestions for an inexpensive starter bike? Any other bikes that blend this style bike with touring capability? Thanks!
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The CB450s are fantastic bikes. They have also become pricey in stock form due to their popularity for cafe racer conversions. The CL is even more rare. In the Honda camp, the Shadow is a great beginner bike and comes in varying size engines. The style bike you are looking for is referred to as a "standard" style - typically tank and seat on the same level with bars just above the forks. The Shadow is a cruiser style bike with the seat a little lower than the tank and sometimes higher bars.
This is the new equivalent of the CB line:
motorcycle.honda.ca
As mentioned above, Royal Enfield is a standard. Norton also makes the Thruxton but they are typically a little mnore expensive and a larger displacement. I would say it would be a great second bike.
This is the new equivalent of the CB line:
CB500F > Naked Bikes and Sporty Looks
Every ride is anything but ordinary on the Honda CB500F Naked Motorcycle
As mentioned above, Royal Enfield is a standard. Norton also makes the Thruxton but they are typically a little mnore expensive and a larger displacement. I would say it would be a great second bike.
Actually really liking the Shadow.The CB450s are fantastic bikes. They have also become pricey in stock form due to their popularity for cafe racer conversions. The CL is even more rare. In the Honda camp, the Shadow is a great beginner bike and comes in varying size engines. The style bike you are looking for is referred to as a "standard" style - typically tank and seat on the same level with bars just above the forks. The Shadow is a cruiser style bike with the seat a little lower than the tank and sometimes higher bars.
This is the new equivalent of the CB line:
CB500F > Naked Bikes and Sporty Looks
Every ride is anything but ordinary on the Honda CB500F Naked Motorcycle
As mentioned above, Royal Enfield is a standard. Norton also makes the Thruxton but they are typically a little mnore expensive and a larger displacement. I would say it would be a great second bike.
I would say max $5-6,000 but was hoping to do less initially as I'm just learning to ride. I guess I'm still not familiar with what's considered cheap in this style of bikes, hehe
I don't know what area you are in but either of these may fit your plan and they are brand new and in your price range. Having a older bike to tinker on and build is fun but having one you can ride every day is better.
But going slightly used will save you the unboxing fees so I would find a almost new bike if it were me since you can ride out at the price marked plus tax.
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The CB450 has drums. You can arc the pads & learn the tricks to make them work pretty well but it's an art that takes mechanical skill & time.
The other art you'll have to learn is not locking them up.
Disks & ABS solve these problems like the ones on the bike in the picture.
Good brakes are pretty important for any rider and probably even more so for a new one.
![Wheel Tire Fuel tank Vehicle Automotive lighting]()
Here's a new (2022) one for $4800
The other art you'll have to learn is not locking them up.
Disks & ABS solve these problems like the ones on the bike in the picture.
Good brakes are pretty important for any rider and probably even more so for a new one.
Here's a new (2022) one for $4800
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