[Traveller11]

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!

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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[Traveller11]

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.
View attachment 79016

Here's a new (2022) one for $4800

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2022-Royal+Enfield-CONTINENTAL+GT+ROCKER+RED-5021801795

The REs are really great bikes and I love they they are cornering the lower priced market. They are rebuilding the brand and customer base at the same time. Having new bikes on the showroom floor for under $6K is a great way to bring in new riders that are unsure of what they really want. Plus they seem to hold value pretty well.

 

[Traveller11]

That Royal Enfield looks awesome

The REs are great bikes with a long history. They are also pretty bullet proof when it comes to quality. It is the type of bike that you could learn on then keep it in the garage next to your new bike later on. Plus they really don't break the bank and if you can find a 1 or 2 year old used one they are a great deal. I recently saw a brand new 2020 still on the showroom floor but for that you will still have to pay the unboxing fees.

 

[Traveller11]

Thanks Calculon. I think ideally I want something I can ride in the city (not too too heavy) and also take trips on. Dirt roads would be a plus but I'm probably more geared towards asphalt. Not sure if that settles anything. I'm living in Los Angeles (city) and San Diego (countryside) at the moment. I like to be mobile and it would be great to have a bike to pick up and take short trips with. Longer trips through the Southwest or up the coast would be fun. I'm kind of a sucker for certain styles, don't much like the look of the BMWs, my brother had one. Keen on the Yamaha and Honda 'standard'/cafe racer styles, and I'm liking some of the Royal Enfields. But I suppose these aren't intended for touring necessarily... I thought there might be some sort of hybrid I could use to tour a bit/put some smaller bags on, but maybe I will just have to narrow it down more. Thanks for the suggestions, might very well start with a dual sport to learn

Since you want a bit of touring I suggest you start looking at what is available for tour packs or bags for the different types of bikes you like. But when it comes down to it If you are willing to be creative you can add all kinds of tour packs and bags to any bike.

I have known people that rode cross country an a 350 or 400cc bike and had no issues. The main thing is to get something you are comfortable on. For example I couldn't ride 3 hours on a cafe racer leaning forward with my feet on rear sets, but some people can and love doing it. Do you have any issues to consider? Bad back or knees?

To me it seems you like the cafe racer look but want the lifestyle of a Adventure Bike. The Royal Enfield Himalayan, Suzuki V-Strom or similar would fit that bill.

 

[Traveller11]

This sounds about right! (I don't have any back or knee issues). I think that's why I was originally interested in the CL450. I thought it could provide a lot of flexibility and still be able to tour -- provided I was able to find a good one and maintain it properly... the Royal Enfields seem like a great option, and I like that they've kept a sort of classic design. I just found this article about a guy who likes touring with his INT650:

Bringing The Royal Enfield INT650 Up To Touring Duty

It could be the perfect bike for you. Here is a look at a used one that is already set up for touring. Notice the small wind screen and use of a removable tail bag instead of saddle bags. Easy set up that is completely removable when you are around town. https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2022-Royal+Enfield-INT650-5025401102