first big bike between 250-400 cc

Hi everyone

I am doing my restricted training course this week and test is on
friday. I am fairly happy with my CG125 but would consider something
slightly bigger (between 250-400cc) if I found a model I liked.

Are there any older bikes in this range which naturally are under
33bhp? I dont mind something older as I can keep my CG and work on
another bike at the same time. I've had a quick look around the net
and I do like the yamaha RD model but I've heard there arent many about
anymore. My instructor has both a honda CB1-400 and yamaha XJR400
which both look nice.

Are there any other bikes I could consider that fit in to my
requirements? I want a standard looking bike with possibly small
fairing on the front to help motorway riding but dont really want full
fairing.

Thanks in advance for any helpful replies! I know some will say get a
500 or even 600/650 but for weight/mpg/bhp reasons I'd like to keep it
under 400!

Ta

 

Hi everyone

I should also add I am on the short side at 5 '6" and I find I can only
just put both feet down on the CG, so Ideally Id like something with a
lowish seat, I'd feel more comfortable on it.

 

In uk.rec.motorcycles, ben belched forth and ejected the following:

The CB1 is a good choice with the CBR400 engine in it but mind you don't
buy an ex-despatch bike.

CB400 Superfours are nice, too but watch the courier thing again.

 

Guzzi V35.

 

I don't regard something with a 16,000 rpm red line as a good 1st bike!!

 

In uk.rec.motorcycles, Hog belched forth and ejected the following:

Why? It's not like they do more than 112mph in standard, imported trim!

 

the Guzzi looks nice, never heard of those before, but 16k revs sounds
scary! Basically I want something more powerful than the CG that will
cruise easily at 70, possibly with some windscreen fairing, and a
lowish seat.

 

Honda Bros 400s are nice little bikes. But again, watch for courier
history.

Si

 

13500 surely...

 

oh it was about 14, this was a Super Four or summat

 

I loved my ZZR 250. Ace little bike, quick compared to my cb125rs, and it
managed well two up. Could never catch christofire on his RS125 but this
might be due to me rather than the bikes.

Ken
GSXR750
BONY?? MIRTH??

 

In uk.rec.motorcycles, ben belched forth and ejected the following:

Don't let that blithering idiot put you off, they're sublime.

I doubt he's even owned one, much less ridden one!

 

Honda CB250N

Suzuki GSX250

Yamaha RD250

Suzuki GT250X7

Kawasaki KH250

Kawasaki Z250

Suzuki GN400

Yamaha XT350

Kawasaki KL250

Kawasaki KLR250

Suzuki TS250

Suzuki TS250X

Kawasaki KMX200

MZ TS250

MZ ETZ250

MZ ETZ301

MZ ETZ 251

MZ ETZ300

Moto Guzzi V35

Moto Morini 250

Moto Morini 350 Sport

Moto Morini 350 Strada

Moto Morini Dart

Harley Davidson SS250

Yamaha XS250

Yamaha SR250

Honda CB250RS

Honda CBX250

Honda CB350K

Suzuki T350

Yamaha XT250

Honda XL250

Honda XL250S

Honda CB250G5

Honda CJ250

Kawasaki Z250 single

Innumerable horrible old British things

Gixxer Thou

Angle grinder.

 

In communiqué
<1hmalol.5jbacl1p8xglcN%>, The Older

If the 33 BHP is measured at the crank opinions differ:
35 for the Strada and 39 for the Sport IIRC.

Also is there not a 0.16 Kw/Kg rule? A 350 Morini is only about 160Kgs.

The MRC web site only mentions the Kanguro as being restricted licence
legal.

I suspect that plod is unlikely to know that though.

<expects link to official list citing Morini 350s as 'legal'>


--

+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Pete Fisher at Home: |
| Voxan Roadster Moto Guzzi Mille GT/Squire RS3 Gilera Nordwest |
| Gilera GFR Moto Morini 2C/375 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+

 

Ridden it? I made love to it!

 

<snip huge list of small bikes>

<envious>

Jesus H. Christ you lot have a ton of fucking small bikes.

</envious>

 

Jawa 350 Oilmaster

Kawasaki Z200

HD 883 Sportster

 

Hrmpf. I had a Strada back when I had a restricted license and no-one
gave a monkey's.

*ding*

 

If insurance is not a problem, then why not get a larger capacity bike,
restricted to 33bhp? Most dyno operators will "restrict" a bike without
doing a great deal to it!

Unless you want to get involved in a waking nightmare, or are prepared to
spend a lot of money on something thats been properly restored, I would
avoid all the older bikes recommended in this thread like the
plague.........many werent that good when they were new, and years of abuse
and mistreatment is not likely to have improved them!

k

 

In uk.rec.motorcycles, Hog belched forth and ejected the following:

I bet it was knackered afterwards as well

Are you sure you don't secretly lust after a motorised sofa? Think of
the benefits: Comfort *and* a revving engine. I have to say though, that
14,000 rpm in a recliner might be too much even for a professional like
you! <G>