Looking for a bike to learn on (Honda CB/CL450, cafe racers, etc.)

1421 Views 29 Replies 10 Participants Last post by bweighmaster, 3 mo ago

danieljla

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago

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!

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Traveller11

· #21 · 3 mo ago

danieljla said:
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.

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danieljla

Discussion Starter · #22 · 3 mo ago

Traveller11 said:
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

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gunsmoker

· #23 · 3 mo ago

My two cents' worth:

Yes, older Honda Shadows are affordable.
I picked up my 1996 VT 1100 for $900 although it had some issues-- it ran but didn't run right!
The book value on a "good condition" one
would've still only been around $2000.

And I come from a background on dirt bikes made in the 1970s ---they had drum brakes and they had plenty of stopping power for me on the residential streets of my neighborhood, on rocks and boulders out in the woods.

If you want an older bike made with old technology, I wouldn't say that drum brakes are a deal/breaker. Just like having a carburetor rather than fuel injection shouldn't be a dealbreaker; but I would prefer prefer the more modern versions of both, if all other factors being equal.

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Traveller11

· #24 · 3 mo ago

danieljla said:
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

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gunsmoker

· #25 · 3 mo ago

P.S. Taking trips out of state, hundreds of miles per day and much of that at 65-75 MPH (pretty much the minimum speed you can go on an interstate highway without becoming a road hazard) ...

call for a heavier bike, and one that is slower to turn at low speeds, than what you would want to learn on for the first time as a new rider and somebody who needs to take the road skills test to get your license.

I suggest getting a 400 pound motorcycle to learn on, something that is agile and maneuverable and lets you put your feet flat on the ground in case you have to back it up or maneuver it in a parking lot or driveway at such a slow speed you can't ride it.

Get your class M license with that, take an MSF safety course with an emphasis on skills and actual riding drills on a closed course.
Then get 1000 miles worth of experience on many short trips around your town and neighboring towns.

When you have been riding the smaller motorcycle for a year and have at least 1000 miles worth of experience on it, then start looking for your second bike--- one that is more suitable for touring & cruising. Look for something with a windshield or a very effective fairing.
Look for something that has or can easily be fitted with saddlebags and maybe a rear box or trunk. Look for a very comfortable seat or some model that was so popular in its day that there are many aftermarket seats made to fit it.

Then after you have a couple of years and a few thousand miles worth of experience on that second motorcycle, a cruiser style, IF You feel dissatisfied with that style motorcycle and you are wanting to try something more aggressive or adventurous....

then you're ready to SELL one of your bikes and buy motorcycle #3, which could be something like an adventure bike suitable for off-road use (which will have a very tall seat height most likely) or a sportbike (crotch rocket).

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bweighmaster

· #26 · 3 mo ago

bweighmaster said:
Refering to my Shadows , 1 bike was $ 1800. Other was $ 2500.

I take regular trips , Backpack for 3-4 day stays . Motel at night ride daylight hrs. No need for saddlebags , or excessive baggage .....

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DannoXYZ

· #27 · 3 mo ago

I'm seriously looking at TU250x as around-town runabout. Really wanted one when they 1st came out, but alas, not available in CA due to emissions regulation. Now that I'm in AZ.. looking for one again. Main benefit over older bikes is EFI vs. carbs. Search on here for "clean carbs" and see how much people struggling with old bikes due to clogged and dirty carbs.

I find it quicker, easier and cheaper to just convert old bikes to EFI than deal with cleaning and adjusting carbs on old bikes. And I'm used to pulling and re-jetting carbs on my race Ninja 250 twice a day to optimise jetting for atmospheric changes at track too!

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RogerC60

· #28 · 3 mo ago

I rode a TU250x at the Returning Riders class I took a few years ago. It's a very nice little bike.

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Calculon

· #29 · 3 mo ago

The Enfields seem like nice bikes, but I'd wonder about the service network. If you buy a Honda and something breaks. there's likely a dealer nearby, but perhaps not so with Enfield. I know when I had my Guzzi and I took it in for service, if the part had to come from Italy, it took at least a month to be delivered. That's aggravating here in the Frost Belt where the season is more limited.

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bweighmaster

· #30 · 3 mo ago

Dealer support is crucial .. And EBAY parts avaliability .....

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