Pre-2000 Honda (?) choices for first bike. Which suits me?

[ginny]

I do tend to ramble on... It is another first big bike thread, but at least I kind of know what I want...

This forum has been invaluable so far, just after some more direct advice! 

So, as the title suggests, I'm at the stage where I am looking a start considering a big bike. I'm pretty set on Hondas, because I want a properly bulletproof build. Dont like the look of SV's, bandits nice but heavy/not as reliable? I am also keen to keep maintenance and running costs low. Im no mechanic, but happy to learn- just dont want a bike that needs work before i can get on and ride! Being my first bike, I am considering 400-600cc. 

A Hornet is more than I want currently, more power than I would use, along with less tank range and higher insurance cost. Fuel economy is more important to me than going 100mph+, but itd be nice if it were pretty nippy to get up to speed (I wont be speeding often, unless I have to keep up with my mate, I'm a pretty sensible guy). Might look at changing sprocket set (?) for more acceleration and less top end- is this practical? 

 I love the look naked look and would be perfectly happy with a 'vanilla' cb4/5/600, but am particularly taken by the cb400 superfour and the cb1, styling wise at least. 

I am looking for honest opinions about the cb/cbf range and what size is most applicable to me. Are the 4s underpowered? If I'm looking at a 4 should I just skip to a 500, or 6?  In terms of preferences, I would want a fairly good condition bike that runs well, less than 40k miles and less than £1000. Pre-2000 obviously given my price. Ive no me mechanical knowledge, but happy to learn basics such as brakes, carbs etc- just dont want a bike that needs work before i can get on and ride! I would look to keep it for a year or two, minimum.  

The bike would be used as a most- weather runabout ( I have a car but don't want to use it), will have to cope with some motorway journeys of up to an hour on occasion, and once my mate (brand new cbr600- git!) gets back from afghan I'm hoping to do a bit of touring/ camping trip to France etc with him. So basically a cheap nippy commuter that won't suck on a trip to France etc. 

Thanks all... 

[sidewinder]

Sound like you want a cb500 loads about and bullet proof ..Really good bikes

[ninja_butler]

I used to have a 1990's Honda CB 400 Superfour, it wasn't as good as the more modern V-Tec version but it was dead easy to ride and the low seat height probably makes it a good choice for women.
I wouldn't say it is underpowered, it's just a 400cc bike that feels like a 400cc bike.

[MG]

[harscot]

Hi bud, have wee look at the 650 shaft drive Deauville, downside is, it is a wee bit heavy, upside, no chains or sprockets to worry about, good alround torque, built in panniers, good all weather protection, will sit allday around 70 - 80 with out you knowing, and good fuel econemy, 50ish mpg ( 200ish mile to the tank ) and very comfy even for a pillion for long hauls, I own one, love it, I got her up to 120mph once but my bottle went, am quite happy at 80 - 90, anyway maybe not what your looking for but thought I would give you an alternative idea, good hunting and stay safe out there
____________________
First bike R reg Suzuki 125 GT twin in 1978:
2nd bike X reg Honda 650 Deauville in 2011:
Wish bike a Triumph Thunderbird: Dream bike Triumph Rocket........

[ginny]

[Derivative]

I'm leaning towards a CB500 more and more after having my heart set on an SV650.

Had a look at a few youtube videos, it goes fast enough for the roads, 0-60 in 5 seconds and is apparently reliable as.

Quote from Wikipedia:

[skiptalker]

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/skiptalker/kevs%20bikes/DSCN2462.jpg

tried all the cb range now on a cb1000 big one nice bike but big i am 6 ft and its tough for me to move it about but when shes out on the road wow a great ride.

[MG]

Rusted exhaust system, rusted rear shocks, try to get a later model with discs front and rear, and they put brembo calipers on later too IIRC.

More advice here: https://cb500.highbb.com/t122-buying-what-to-look-for

really helpful forum, I would recommend a trip over there

As we're whoring our bikes:

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/37572785/DSC07112.JPG
____________________
'03 Honda Cityfly 125 > '02 Honda CB500S > '98 Honda CBR600F

[harscot]

Hi Ginny, yes I have fun on mine, twistys shouldnt be a problem just take her down to 4th or 3rd and away you'll rocket, ( I'm a more sedate rider these days so tend to take it easy, albeit I have my moments ) the advantages of a shaft drive is no messing about with nchains and sprockets, cleaning, lubrication, tensioning, snaping, teeeth wear on sprocket ect, ect, price depends on you, 10 -12 year olds your looking at around £1000 - £1500, a good 4 year old around £3000 - -£4000, 2/3 year old £4000,( price depends on where you are ) the new style Deauville is a 700, it as abs brake system, it also has a through passage between panniers giving you extra space, enough to store a tent, it also looks alot smarter, the things to look out for is the same as any bike, clean looked after, not abused, look for cracks ect on the fairing body work, test ride and listen to see if the shaft is tight and NOT clunking when rolling on/off throttle, like every other bike it has its quirks but he the world aint perfect either ha ha, just do some reaserch, and dont be in a rush to buy, take your time and think it over, some times the head and heart get a bit mixed up and confused, hence a rash decision, good luck and stay loose and safe, if you need any more info get in touch and I'll try my best P.S I own a 2000 reg and havent had any problems.
____________________
First bike R reg Suzuki 125 GT twin in 1978:
2nd bike X reg Honda 650 Deauville in 2011:
Wish bike a Triumph Thunderbird: Dream bike Triumph Rocket........

[instigator]

[Derivative]