[newagetwotone]

I've been looking around Motorcycle.com for a while and would love to get back on a motorcycle. When i was younger i rode a early 70s Honda 50 CL and a couple years later early 70's 100 CL on back woods trails. Unfortunately both are... well, long dead. I haven't ridden anything in 8 or 9 years.

I was looking around a bikes to get started with and found a couple bikes that I really like and was wondering if there were any opinions on them as starting bikes. Also, my other half is interested in learning how to ride so i would like to buy something she could start on as well.

The two bikes I've really been looking at were the Triumph Scrambler and the BMW F650 CS. I'm honestly not sure why the F650CS appeals to me so much, i do like the idea of buying the stereo tank bag for it at some point. I really do like the Scramblers Retro street Scrambler looks and all that jazz and I'm used to the ironing board seat after all those years with the old CLs.

I did notice something quite odd, the Scrambler with its 900cc twin makes less HP AND less torque than the 650 single? I honestly thought the Scrambler was going to be too much until i saw that. Honestly, did I miss something here?

Any other opinions would be great, just to give you an idea, we're both rather tall, I'm just over 6'1 and shes around 5'8 or 5'9 so seat height is not a huge problem.

 

[seruzawa]

I think that the Scrambler has a much fatter powerband and would be better for two up riding.

You should be able to get test rides for either bike. Try them out.

 

[BrowningBAR]

The F650CS is no longer in production. You can find them used, though.

As far as looks go (And I do love the funky Beemers) you just can't beat the retro stylings that Triumph puts out.

 

[newagetwotone]

It really is a beautiful bike... I'm trying to tell myself that i can't afford one till this fall... really trying.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

At last, a new rider who isn't buying a 'Busa or R1! Good for you!

 

[newagetwotone]

To be honest...

I'd really like to start off on my old CL100 but it bit the dust when i was 15 so that was about 6 years ago.

A friend of mine bought some liter sports bike to start off with last year, after me and a couple others told him it was a bad idea, his excuse was "I can't afford to buy an other when i get bored and out grow some little thing." He was in the hospital for a good while with a compound fracture (arm) because he was going way to fast into the rear of a stopped car. Now he's completely terrified of motorcycles.

Thats one hell of an "I told you so."

I would hate to have been there to witness that mess.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

It happens way too often. We had a guy get killed here on the way home with his new R1 about a month ago. And my co-worker was telling me how an aquaintance had to get his pal to ride his new Busa home for him. His plan is to "just follow you guys and do what you do." Glad I don't ride with him.

 

[57085]

Might want to pick up an old CL360 (or Nighthawk 250, about the closest thing to it on the market right now) and ride it for a while to get your practice back. The Scrambler's not all that crazy, but you might want to practice on something you won't have to worry about denting. Also be sure you're comfortable with its weight - although either one is going to feel like a tank after riding a 100.

 

[57085]

Although both of them look pretty sane for learning bikes. Never thought I'd say that about a 900, as I'm usually the cautious type.

 

[seruzawa]

And the newbie I saw buying a Repsol Honda a couple of weeks ago. Off he went Tshirt and no helmet. The salesman was shaking his head and saying that he tried to sell the guy a helmet but the guy said that he "had one at home".

What can ya do, huh?

 

[newagetwotone]

Although both of them look pretty sane for learning bikes. Never thought I'd say that about a 900, as I'm usually the cautious type.

Thats funny because its the same thing i thought when I looked at the numbers, but i once heard someone say "you don't ride the spec sheet, you ride the bike." I got to sit down on the Scrambler the other day (one was sitting out side of the store i work at) and it just felt like being on that old CL... It just really brings back memories.

Though you are right it is alot bigger, but since I was 15 when i rode the 100 last it doesn't feel much bigger than the 100 did at the time!

 

[sarnali2]

When Honda came out with the RC51 I was pretty pumped and the first one I saw I tried talking to the guy about it. Turned out it was his first bike and he'd had it a week. Didn't know jack **** about it but it "looked cool".......


I think the Scrambler would be an excellent bike to learn on, very user friendly power band, good brakes and handling and as your skills improve there's quite a bit of factory and aftermarket support for suspension, brakes and performance up grades. When I bought my T100 I literally had to toss a coin over it and the Scrambler.

 

[61293]

Kawasaki EX500 or Suzuki GS500 YOu will not "outgrow" any of those choices soon. They both have nice power, are light, inexpensive and really make great entry level or re entry level rides

 

[seruzawa]

Ha! I've never "out grown" ANY motorcycle. I laugh like a maniac when I screech down the street on a CB125. At least I KNOW I can get 100% out of one of those.

 

[The_AirHawk]

His plan is to "just follow you guys and do what you do." Glad I don't ride with him.

Heh.

"There's nothing to riding a Motorcycle, it's just like a bicycle, only with a motor - right?"

 

[vermicious]

I like the power to weight ratio on the Scrambler for inexperienced riders. It has more than enough get up and go to keep you from becoming someone's hood ornament without being over powered or absurdly heavy.