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Sep. 23, 2024
The ultimate guide to a riders first bike. I would like to say if you have made it here while doing research on your first motorcycle congratulations, you are taking the right steps to find something you like. Secondly that probably means you shouldnt start out on an cc bike. When you are first learning about bikes you may just hear about the 300 cc bikes and 600 cc bikes, what you dont hear about it all the in between bikes and the differences between them. Let me break it down to what I see as the best bikes when just starting out.
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With so many different types of motorcycles in todays entry-level class, it can be tricky even knowing where to begin your search, however, there are a few crucial tools to help you narrow down your search. The first thing you should ask yourself is what will I be doing? as this dictates the style of motorcycle that will be most appropriate for your wants and needs. If you solely plan on using your bike for urban commuting, youll likely want a gas-efficient model, though if you plan on doing some off-road riding, then a dual-sport or adventure motorcycle may be an ideal choice.
There are dozens of areas one can rack their brain over when shopping for a motorcycle, though for new riders buying their first bike, there are a few key areas you need to focus on.
Engine: As the heart of every motorcycle, a bikes engine should be one of the first things you look at. For new riders, we would recommend limiting your choices to models with a displacement of 500ccs or less, and engine configurations with no more than two cylinders. Though there are some exceptions to the 500 cc rule of thumb.
Speed: Models capable of speeds exceeding 70mph open the door to a myriad of riding applications such as freeway use or long-range touring. By referencing a bikes top speed, you should get a decent sense of what riding applications it is conducive to (and which it isnt).
Price: Todays entry-level motorcycle market has some incredibly competitive pricing, with $5,000-$6,000 being enough to buy learner-friendly models. With that said, some bikes offer much more than others in the same price range. For this reason, its important to explore exactly what a given models features and components are as they can vary greatly. Low-mile used motorcycles are also a great way of saving a few bucks.
Manufacturer: It is more than just the logos on the tank, the company behind a given motorcycle model will play an enormous role in a machines overall reliability and performance. Buying from a larger, more reputable wide open network also comes with access to more replacement OEM and aftermarket parts. Some companys bikes also retain their value much better than others, another area well worth looking into, especially if you plan on selling your first bike to upgrade to a larger model later down the road. Japanese manufacturers, like Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, or Honda, have some of the easiest bikes to work on, get parts for, and resell.
Weight: The more a motorcycle weighs, the more difficult it can be to control. Smaller bikes not only have more lightweight engines, but their lack of weight means they can also use lighter components for things such as the frame and suspension. With motorcycles, weight means more weight, for example bigger bikes need bigger brakes. Its important to go for a lightweight motorcycle, as this will be the most helpful to progressing as a rider.
Vulcan sHonda Rebel 300 & Rebel 500
First introduced in the mid s, the Honda Rebel has been a go to option for new riders. This nimble 300cc bike, and urban-friendly sport cruiser is small enough for new riders and has a low seat height for anyone to feel comfortable sitting on it for the first time. It also has a sibling bike the Honda Rebel 500, this one is more freeway-friendly. With the same seat height as the 300 and only 40 pounds heavier this one should be just as comfortable. Both ccs do allow the option for ABS, its Anti-lock brakes correct for the riders natural human reaction time and can be a life saving feature It can also be critical if you need to stop quickly on a wet road or in low traction conditions.
Kawasaki Vulcan S
This is one of the exceptions to the 500 cc rule of thumb. This bike comes in at 650 ccs and although it is heavier than its counterparts at 500 and 300 ccs it is a great first bike for beginners looking to do a lot of freeway riding. The bike has a Positive Neutral Finder, which will prevent accidentally shifting into second gear while the bike is not started. This bike also does come with the option for ABS.
CB300RKawasaki Z400
Take a 399cc twin engine and throw it into a crowd-pleasing naked style motorcycle and the Kawasaki Z400 is born. Kawasakis new Z400 is a sharp-looking, compact, fast but not-overly-ferocious motorcycle thats ideal for either the new rider or someone living in an urban area. This is a light and very comfortable bike.
Honda CB300R
The CB300R is a learner-friendly model thats equipped with a surprisingly high-end array of features and components including full LED lighting, an inverted fork, anti-lock brakes, and blacked-out hardware throughout. In terms of performance, the CB300R is an incredible machine, with its amazing handling and a top speed exceeding 90mph.
Weight: 313lbs CCs: 286 Top Speed: 90mph Seat height: 31.5 inches Avg. price: $4-5kKawasaki Ninja 400
The Ninja 400 is quite possibly the best buy in its class, with the same price points as the other bikes you get a liquid-cooled 399cc twin-cylinder engine and a lightweight frame. It is fitted with great suspension, brakes, and led headlights. The bump in displacement from a 300 also enables the Ninja 400 to keep lower rpms on the highway leading to a longer life span.
Honda CBR300R & CBR500R
Powered by the same 286cc single-cylinder engine as the naked CB300R and CB300F models The Honda CBR300 offers a user-friendly entry point into full-faired sportbike riding. The relatively low 30.7-inch seat height and nimble chassis make navigating dense traffic flow easy, while still offering enough sporting capability to conquer the twisties. It also has a sibling bike the Honda CBR500R, this one is more freeway-friendly, and therefore gets better gas mileage when on the freeways. With the same seat height as the 300 and only 60 pounds heavier this one should be just as comfortable.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit motorcycles for grown ups.
Weight: 386lbs CCs: 321 Top Speed: 103mph Seat height: 31 inches Avg. price: $5-6kYamaha R3
The Yamaha YZF-R3 is a versatile supersport model thats capable of commuting and track days. With a top speed in the triple digits, and a liquid-cooled parallel-twin thats new rider-friendly it allows for plenty of growth. The immense popularity of this model has also resulted in an enormous amount of available aftermarket upgrades and a value that holds if you look to resell one day.
I can give you all the advice in the world on what your first motorcycle should be, but at the end of the day the answer will lie in what feels most comfortable to you. Trust your gut, you will need it when riding. With motorcycles, all these facts can be just ignored all together because of one simple reason: taste
You dont pick one over the other just because of the price, performance, or fuel economy. You pick one because you like it.
Because every time you throw a leg over it, youll be happy with what youve got.
Good luck on your first bike and ride safe my friends.
July 21,
Choosing the Honda brand is easy its the biggest motorcycles company in the world, it has decades of excellent motorcycle production under its belt, and it makes some of the most dependable and recognizable motorcycles ever ridden. The hard part is choosing which Honda motorcycle to buy there are so many! Fortunately, this guide will help you choose.
Honda really does manufacture every type of motorcycle there is. As a truly global corporation, they have a presence in nearly every market. Not all models are available everywhere, so Southeast Asia may have Hondas in the showroom that will be unfamiliar to European riders. With that being said, lets go over some of the key types they have become famous for.
Owing to Hondas legendary reliability, buyers today have a wide array of both used and new models to choose from. In many cases, models with decade-long histories and legendary status are still in production today. This, combined with the broad honda motorcycle lineup, means our top list will contain some of their most popular models, but not specific years.
Here are some of the best Honda bike models in no particular order:
The Honda Goldwing is one of the most standout motorcycles in its class. This heavy touring bike is renowned for its smoothly delivered power, legendary reliability, and imposing size.
The Goldwing is still made today, so a new one is bound to be an outstanding investment. However, models from the 80s and 90s can still be found on the used market in good working condition.
The Africa Twin actually has two distinct model designations coexisting under that title. The XRV650, XRV 750, CRF, and CRF are collectively known as the Africa Twin, and they share a strong lineage of cross-country performance. The newest and most powerful additions to the family the CRF and CRF have yet to earn their stripes, but the older XRV models are considered by many to be practically bulletproof.
These bikes share a designation with their big brother, the CRF, but the similarities just about end there. The smaller Honda CRF bikes up to 450 are lighter dedicated off-road dirtbikes and motocross bikes that have been proven in some of the toughest races in the field. Whether new or used, these bikes are usually high in demand because they represent an excellent performance and reliability to price ratio.
The CB line is one of Hondas most venerable and storied lines, going back practically to the companys inception and featuring some of its most important historical models. There is nothing old about the modern models, however. This line of models sticks to a naked/street silhouettes across a number of different-capacity engines. All of them, however, are sporty, reliable, and loved by their fans.
The CBR line of sport and superbikes is where Honda has made some of its most cutting-edge contributions to the motorcycle industry. Many of these models can be bought race-ready new, while some of the most beloved older models like the Fireblade and the Super Blackbird are considered not just bikes, but investments.
Cruisers can be intimidating for some riders, especially when starting out. The Rebel, however one of the most popular bikes in Hondas cruiser lineup has been a favorite among riders who know they want a cruiser but arent prepared for the power most cruisers pack. The Rebel, or CMX, has spent most of its history as the CMX250, but the modern model comes in CMX500 and CMX varieties, checking all the boxes for new and experienced riders alike.
For all of the iconic larger bikes that many in the West know Honda for, it is the humbly excellent Super Cub that might be Hondas most commercially dominant bike. Forget Honda the Super Cub is the worlds best-selling motorcycle. Its reliability and utility are enjoyed widely throughout Asia. But its not the only excellent small Honda bike.
This undersized and underpowered sports bike is an oddball in Hondas lineup, but its fans have nothing but good things to say about it. Despite a lower displacement, this bikes sporty power delivery has made it a favorite among younger riders who just want to have a fun joyride around town.
If the Rebel is an everymans cruiser, the Shadow comes with the sort of classic American cruiser styling that might cause Harley Davidson fans to take a second look. This bike, now popular around the world, was a big part of Hondas growth in America as it sought to give American cruiser riders something to ride. Today, they also offer the Fury, a powerful chopper-styled bike, as well.
Because of Hondas wide range of motorcycles, their prices also vary significantly. At the low end, we have scooters like the Metropolitan and the Ruckus with MSRPs under $3,000 USD. Their most expensive motorcycles are going to be the fully loaded Goldwing Tour and the Fireblade, both with MSRPs over $28,000 USD.
On the other hand, used Honda motorcycles are also in high demand due to their proven reliability. Here, however, there are too many variables to determine the price. The year, model, condition/mileage, customization, and location can all impact the final price, so we suggest researching local marketplaces before making your choice.
If youre going for a new Honda motorcycle, be sure to visit a dealership for a test-ride or at least to talk to someone who can help choose the right bike for you. Their position as a global leader means there are Honda motorcycle dealers all over the world, and you can use their Honda motorcycle dealership finder to find the one closest to you.
Buying a used motorcycle will always involve a bit more research. Some general tips include:
That being said, used Honda bikes tend to be quite excellent. Hondas approach towards many of its models has been reliability through over-engineering, so depending on the model youre looking at, you might be fine daily-riding a 30-year-old bike.
Because of their excellent engineering, new Honda motorcycles are great ideas as custom project platforms. There are a few models that stand out among customizers:
Honda Rebel: The Rebels simple structure makes it a good cruiser platform for customization, and the latest 500 and models embrace this by offering customization options direct from Honda.
Honda CB: Naked bikes are always good customization platforms and the Honda CB is no different. The CB series especially the older models are especially popular among cafe racer fans.
As is the case with any brand, used custom motorcycles are a mixed bag. Buyer beware! Judging the value and condition of a stock used bike is already tricky, so its even harder with customized bikes. Even if they look good aesthetically, those shiny fairings might be hiding serious technical or even structural problems.
Every bike brand and models is different, but theres one thing thats the same no matter which Honda motorcycle you choose, and thats the importance of safety. The number one tool to stay safe on the road is a knowledgeable safety-first mindset, but you cant account for everything, which is where motorcycle safety gear comes in.
Q: Why did Honda stop making cruisers?
A: Honda never stopped making cruisers, but their range has narrowed in certain markets. This probably has less to do with Honda specifically and more to do with current market trends, which reflect lagging interest in cruisers for new riders. While Honda still offers models like the Rebel and the Shadow, more cruiser-centric motorcycle brands are struggling to survive.
Q: Where are Honda motorbikes made?
A: Honda has a major manufacturing plant in Kumamoto, Japan, but not all of its motorcycles are made there. In fact, they have manufacturing sites in Asia, Europe and America where certain parts are made or bikes are assembled. The manufacturing location will depend on the model and year, so do your research.
Q: What is Hondas best-selling motorcycle?
A: Not only is the Honda Super Cub Hondas best-selling motorcycle, it is also the best-selling motorcycle of all time. In , the Honda Super Cub passed the 100-million-unit milestone and there are no clear signs that it has slowed.
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