Another beginner question: what is it about a motorcycle that determines how practical it is?

Question

Hi! I am buying my first big bike soon, and think that something along the lines of a Honda CB500 would be ideal for me, based on what others have said.

I need the bike to be capable of both long and short haul, on open roads and through city traffic. It must be able to cope with 30mph town roads but also cruising at 60/70mph all day.

I am a young man of average weight and height. The bike will be my only transport- I have no car- and it will have to be a workhorse as opposed to something that is extremely fast or large but otherwise impractical for donkey work.

What is it about a bike that dictates it's practicality in terms of daily riding? Engine size, rider position etc?

Please help a beginner. Thanks!

Answer 1

in my opinion, the most practical bike is the cheapest bike with the best gas mileage that meets your needs.  

practicality isn't the only factor to look at though, power and comfort might be important as well.  a fairing for instance, isn't for practicality, its for comfort. if you're just commuting in town, a honda rebel is probably the most practical, but that doesn't mean you'd want one, but maybe you would.  

for your uses, a CB500 might be the most practical option, i dunno, its very situational.  

Answer 2

make sure it has wheels, thats always a winner with me

Answer 3

Given the parameters you have set, a 'practical' bike for you will:

Have a full fairing (or can have a full fairing easily fitted).

Have shaft drive.

Have hard luggage (or be easily fitted with hard luggage).

Check out what the couriers use - they need bikes with the same type of requirements as you.  Depending on your budget, you may consider:

BMW R65-RT

BMW R80-RT

BMW K75-RT

Honda CX-500

Honda CX-650

Honda NTV-650

Honda Deauville 650 / 700

Kawasaki GT-550

Kawasaki GT-750

Suzuki GS-850

Answer 4

If you are going to be on it alot it needs to be comfortable. So that doesnt mean get a cb500 because its known as a commuter bike etc. You may hate the riding position, where as on a cb600f hornet you may love it.

You need to go out and sit on a few at dealers. Comfort isnt everythin though, or we all would be cruising around on armchair goldwings!!

You need to look at, servicing costs as you will be raking up the miles, whats in your price range. Power versus fuel consumption if you want to be kind on your pocket.

More importantly you need to be happy with it. No point in opting for a cb500 if you dont like it or feel bored with it 2 weeks later.

Personally i would look at depending on price range

FJ12000 1991-1993- under a grand (dont be put off by engine size slower than hornet)

RF600 - under £1000

RF900 - Under £1500

CB500 99model - under £1500

CB600F Hornet - 2001 - 2004 Under £2900

If you want a sportier looking bike then Suzuki RF600 Is a nice looking comfortable bike with the gsxr engine.

http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuk...

Or bandits are cheap and carefully and very well priced in uk. solid engine and ride pretty well.

Answer 5

There's only one important factor for every day use - a fairing. A naked bike is just not the most practical idea for every day use, especially commuting.

Answer 6

Get yourself a Parkers used bike guide. All the bikes are rated on things like comfort, reliability, maintenance costs etc. Its good place to start, and will also give you an idea of what you should expect to pay for a bike, and what insurance group its in.