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Which Motorcycle?

B

BruceForrest

Inactive
Sep 18, 2012
175
1
Bellingham, Washington, USA
#1
I've been thinking about getting a motorcycle, but absolutely do NOT want one of those two-wheeled motor homes I see everywhere these days. Not even something as large as a stock Sportster.

I am thinking 450-650cc. Air-cooled. Kick start. A basic machine. A cycle with a motor on it. No computers. No fuel injection. Just a plain old carb, or maybe even a magneto :-) And it should have a good muffler.

An old (60's-70's) Norton Commando would be just fine, but I'll bet they
are hard to get parts for and they cost an arm and a leg.

Does anyone make bikes like this anymore?

Bruce
 
#2
I had a 78 Honda CB 750 that was about as basic as you can get. Big bike, about 580 pounds I think. Electric start though. Why would you want a kick start?

My first bike was an 85 Nighthawk 650. Great bike. Air cooled, carbs, etc...Got it for $250 and put $400 into it and it was awesome.
 
#4
tastybasslines said:
I had a 78 Honda CB 750 that was about as basic as you can get. Big bike, about 580 pounds I think. Electric start though. Why would you want a kick start?
[/QUOTE[

Just want things as simple as possible. I really don't want to spend half my leisure time working on it. (1/4 would be OK :)

My first bike was an 85 Nighthawk 650. Great bike. Air cooled, carbs, etc...Got it for $250 and put $400 into it and it was awesome.
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That looks real nice. If it had 2 cylinders instead of 4, I'd probably look for one. (I don't want an engine that wide.)

Bruce
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#5
bassteban said:
Mentioning Norton Commandos as a useable motorcycle makes me wonder if you are aware of how much maintenence these beasts demand. Absolute OPPOSITE end of the upkeep spectrum from the oldest Honda
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No, I wasn't aware of that. I recall that a friend had a Honda 450 twin that was a real nice bike. I do NOT recall it ever needing any maintenance at all. Good tip.

Bruce
 
#9
mc_muench said:
How about a Suzuki Savage/LS650/Boulevard S40, 650cc single cylinder, even the new ones are still carb'd. Its been the same since 1986 besides changing from a 4 speed to a 5 speed in 93. And cheap.
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Nice looking bike. I hadn't considered a one-cylinder. It sure meets the most of the simplicity requirement. I can't tell if it is kick start, but the older ones probably are.

Bruce
 
#10
bassteban said:
Mentioning Norton Commandos as a useable motorcycle makes me wonder if you are aware of how much maintenence these beasts demand. Absolute OPPOSITE end of the upkeep spectrum from the oldest Honda
Click to expand...

TRUTH!

I say..... look for a Honda XL500.
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Plentiful (they made a gazillion of them) - Durable - Dependable - Affordable - and fun to ride!

Keep it set up as a dual sport if you like to get dirty, or put some street tires on it (think supermoto) and tear up the pavement.
 
#11
nortonrider said:
TRUTH!

I say..... look for a Honda XL500.
Invalid Link Removed

Plentiful (they made a gazillion of them) - Durable - Dependable - Affordable - and fun to ride!

Keep it set up as a dual sport if you like to get dirty, or put some street tires on it (think supermoto) and tear up the pavement.
Click to expand...

It would be nice to have a bike I could take off road now and then.
Definitely goes on the list.

Thanks to everyone here for the guidance.

Bruce
 
#12
While it doesn't fulfill the kick-start requirements, Ninja 250s are cheap, plentiful, and a hoot to drive. The bigger brother 500 is a little harder to find, but a LOT of fun.

Other than that, you may want to look at a small Dual-Sport or SuperMoto bike, never ridden one but they should be illegal for all the fun those guys have riding them :)

Peace,
Greg
 
#13
The Kawasaki W650 hits on all the key points you desire (older brit-bike style to boot!), and is a real fun, reliable ride. They are discontinued of course, but are definitely out there to be had. The perfect blend of old school, wit just the *right* modern appointments.

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#15
kanonfodr said:
While it doesn't fulfill the kick-start requirements, Ninja 250s are cheap, plentiful, and a hoot to drive. The bigger brother 500 is a little harder to find, but a LOT of fun.

Other than that, you may want to look at a small Dual-Sport or SuperMoto bike, never ridden one but they should be illegal for all the fun those guys have riding them :)

Peace,
Greg
Click to expand...

I'll google all that stuff. TNX

Bruce
 

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