| Author | Message | ||
     Dustybueller |
So I was lookin on the local Craigslist and found this http://redding.craigslist.org/mcy/379379920.html Granted it's not a Buell but it's cheap so I wouldn't mind too much if/when I lay it down while I'm learning. Anyway I was just wondering what everyone thought of it and if it's a good buy or not? Thanks guys and gals! | ||
| Irideabuell |
Nice deal. My boss back home in VT had one of those as he an artificial leg. I rode it on occasion and it surely would be a great bike to learn on. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
You do realize that this bike has a unique automatic transmission, right? Thank might help getting started in motorcycling, but it will not help learning vital shifting, downshifting, and clutch and throttle coordination. I don't know about the availability of parts for this almost 30 year old bike, but beginners often need replacement parts, so you might want to check if they are available. Bottom line: it might be better to start on a used Blast. It is a bit more expensive, but you can get in and out of a used one at very little cost. They are a better pathway to learning how to ride, in my opinion. | ||
| Aeholton |
My dad had an old Hondamatic 450 and I believe it did actually have a 2 speed transmission (low and high). Just didn't have to clutch it, if I remember correctly. It wouldn't be a bad bike to learn braking and turning techniques on. I bet you could ride it for a year or so and sell it for the same or more money when done. | ||
| Djkaplan |
You should only get the bike if there is a reason you can't operate a clutch and foot-shifter. Those bikes are great for riders who need or prefer them, but it's probably not the kind of bike you want to start out on. A Blast would be a great starter bike, but I always recommend a cheap, used Japanese dual-sport for beginners. Most of them are indestructable and the chances of finding a good cheap one is always good. | ||
| Chasespeed |
Thank might help getting started in motorcycling, but it will not help learning vital shifting, downshifting, and clutch and throttle coordination. Yeah, one of the biggest things in traffic, is the ability to coordinate LOW speed clutch control, steering, braking, etc... Probably not the best bike... And I agree with DJ, there was a Yamaha 350 kicking around here, for about 1000.... Most kids only want a crotch rocket.. so, dual sports usually end up being cheap... Chase} | ||
| Cityxslicker |
I had the CM450A and I pretty sure there was a clutch on it. I cant imagine that it was there just for decoration. You did have to shift the bike at 35 or so, but other than that, it was 2 gears, topped out about 80 often, would do 90 but that is what probably led to its breakdown. Dumb kids (I was 16) | ||
| Djkaplan |
There was no manual clutch on the Hondamatic. That lever on the left handgrip is a parking brake you can set so the bike won't roll away on the sidestand. | ||
| Swampy |
I saw on advertised in a paper in South Bend, IN for $3000. You are looking at a possible collectors piece. Go with the Blast, you can modify it without hurting your concience. | ||
| Sshbsn |
One of the herd of bikes that passed through my Dad's warehouse back in the day was a Hondamatic 750. I tell you, it was slow slow slow, but I don't know if it was because of automatic trans inefficiency or gear ratio. Nevertheless, I can't imagine riding that even slower 450 in modern traffic. And, as has already been said, that bike won't really teach you to ride since you don't have to clutch and shift it. You can find an '80s Suzuki 450 for not much more money, and that was pretty much the cream of the crop for 400 twins back then. Also, a version of that engine is still made--though enlarged a bit in the GS500--so parts may not be so hard to get. I still wish I'd had a GS450S before I jumped into I4s. | ||
| Dustybueller |
Awesome. Thanks for the information on the bike guys. As always you guys have been the voice of reason haha | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Keep your eye out for a Kawasaki EX500. Those are pretty good to start on. Fast enough to be dangerous too. | ||
| Xb9ser |
My spare bike is a 93 suzuki gs500 picked up 4 mo. ago for $1000. |
