[Madmarine0311]

Im looking to get my first (running) bike. I'm wanting an older bike I can run any where on/off road. Scrambler/cafe with a mean sound. I would like to start out with a Yamaha xs or a Honda CB just because there's a lot out there and there not that expensive from what I'm seen. Guys chill out I've been reading some of the other new guys threads about inquiring on how they should start and I think the word used the most to describe you knowledgeable gents is harsh. I respect you guys and your experience. I'm here to become informed and to make the best decision I can with the knowledge you guys can provide. Now with out further ado I get to the meat of this thread. My goal although it maybe an ambitious one or done right left field is to build a Harley 883 into a scrambler/cafe with some aggressive tread just looks mean as hell to me. I want to start out with something smaller as to not end my life sooner rather than later. I know the the Honda CB's, the Yamaha XS's, and the Suzuki GS's area good starting point. I'm not really too impressed with the Suzukis. Th CBs have caught my eye the most and the Yamaha's I could settle for since they still can be turned into some really nice bikes. I'll start with a stock bike and ride for awhile. I'm not going to start with a ninja 250 they have no style. I want classic. The lines are way better. I'm assuming that you colorful group of gents already know this. So, down to the age appropriate question what bike do you think a 32 year old novice should start out with first?

 

[TrialsRider]

Most people say off-road and what they really mean is dirt roads. Off road is a relative thing and if you really mean you want to ride a motorcycle off-road, it had better be a full on dirt bike or it will simply wear you out. Dual purpose bikes come in two varieties, street bikes that look slightly like a dirt dike and dirt bikes that you can ride a little bit on the street. Dual sport bikes live in a world of compromise, they are not particularly good for either dirt or street, but they are fun to play at both. Personally I find more appeal for a dirt bike that is marginal on the street rather than a street bike that is marginal on the dirt, but it really depends on where you live and the terrain you have available to ride on, that is what determines your choices.

This an over-simplified explanation of the 70's motorcycle model lines:Honda CB is a full street version, CL is basically the same bike with raised pipes and SL looks and works slightly more like a serious dirt bike.

<- SL350

Yamaha had similar designations, RD and XS were a full on street bikes (2 stroke vs 4 stroke was the typical difference between those two), DT was a street legal enduro and YZ indicated you were out for serious dirt.

A good old bike to start with is one that is complete, running and hasn't been modified or trashed, it will probably have been purchased long ago, ridden seldom and stored really well in a climate controlled environment. It will also be a model that was popular enough to be made for a very long time with little changes and even better, it will be a model that is still made today with the same basic parts so you can simply order parts from your local bike dealer. That makes for a very short list of motorcycles!

Modern bikes have style :/ it's modern style and it is recognizable by things like real brakes, possibly decent suspension and hopefully an advanced frame design and construction. Tires on modern bikes can usually be fitted with modern tires too, whereas vintage bikes will have none of those features in exchange for items that look like they belong on an old bike. The "lines" might appeal to your eye more, but they aren't better, they are old! Take it from an old guy, if we had modern bikes back in the day as well as the classic bikes that we did have, we would have been buying the modern bikes.

Reading between your lines, I think you should look at a Yamaha SR400, that will go anywhere that an old 350 Honda or XS will go, it has classic style with things like spoked wheels, it's a fuel injected single which will give it character and simplicity to service, it's light enough to learn on, plus they still make them. Check it out

 

[kenessex]

Well, you have clearly stated what you want, so don't distract with ideas of XS and Cbs. Just get an 883 Sportster and start from there. So, here is what you should do. Get the nicest available Sportster within your budget. Put some 80/20 dual purpose tires on it. Replace the rear shocks with some 1 inch longer shocks, rebuild the front forks with new springs and emulators. Replace the bars with some flat track bars and the footpegs with some dirt bike pegs. Finally, put on some XR750 dirt track up pipes on it. Then, just ride it around and enjoy it. As you ride it and figure out what you want and it needs you will be able to do a bunch of one day projects, like putting on stainless brake lines, replace the tank and seat and change fenders and maybe put on some wire spoke wheels or even change out the front forks for some USD units.

Just get the Sportster and go from there. Check out the Phil Little racing stuff.

 

[Madmarine0311]

I appreciate you guys taking the time to give me your opinion. I got a lot of good stuff here. I was hoping for some more input from some other guys as well. But I think I've heard why I needed to hear.

 

[monkey]

you'll be limited by the smaller bikes and wish you saved the money to buy the sportster.

or you could get a klr 650

 

[TrialsRider]

I guess we should have asked, do you have a motorcycle license or have you taken a basic rider training course yet? Based on your username I'm guessing you are a marine and that means you might be able to sign up for a training course that is supported through your employer. That is an excellent start point and in addition to that, I highly recommend that you ride absolutely every motorcycle you can get your hands on, it will give you a better idea of the differences in various models and styles. There are soooo many to choose from and you might be surprised by what appeals to you.

 

[mortar-forker]

I appreciate you guys taking the time to give me your opinion. I got a lot of good stuff here. I was hoping for some more input from some other guys as well. But I think I've heard why I needed to hear.

The replies you have are pretty spot on. I have owned most of the bikes you listed and agree with getting the Sportster. They are cheap, plentiful, and fairly reliable. When you want more, get a 1200 kit. If your interest fades, you can easily sell it and move on.

I also second the base safety course if you are still in. It is a good course, especially for a new rider.

If you get a sportster, go through the maintenance items first. The platform is not great, but not bad. My sporty is pretty stiff and still handles the gravel well enough. The front travel is decent and you can get some okay numbers in the back if you are willing to cycle it and and get longer travel shocks. You will need something in the 14" range and you would ideally want the shock stack built with an enduro/scrambler in mind. With truck shocks we flutter stack to be soft initially and stiffen up on the bigger hits. You could do something like that with your setup to make the most of the limited travel. My ironhead has 6" of travel, an evo will be similar.

I personally think an enduro is the best bike for a new rider. You can drop it. It is maneuverable and light weight. They are simple and affordable. The suspension usually is pretty good. KLR650 electric start in running stock condition would be my suggestion.

 

[Madmarine0311]

I think got an information over load between this one and my other thread.