[danieljla]

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!

 

[danieljla]

You might want to check out Royal Enfield ... Cheap , lots of opportunity to wrench on .....

Any recommendations for models/years? Looking on Ebay when I search Royal Enfield even with 'vintage' I am getting all new bikes... the ones I've seen still seem to be about $5000

 

[danieljla]

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

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.

Actually really liking the Shadow.

What's your budget ? If your looking for a bargin bike , Go with Honda Shadow ....

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

 

[danieljla]

Actually really liking some models of the Shadow...

 

[danieljla]

G650GS

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

 

[danieljla]

By the way, no license yet --

 

[danieljla]

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.
View attachment 79013
View attachment 79014

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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That Royal Enfield looks awesome

 

[danieljla]

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

Looks awesome.

 

[danieljla]

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.

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