too much craigslist! WTB bike HELP

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I hope this is the right section to post something like this but what I'm really searching for is some advice on buying a bike. I'm new to this forum so let me introduce myself - I'm Joey and I'm a petite female looking for a petite ride...but I don't want to be topping out at 65mph either... I have to keep up with my fiance's sportster and all our friend's sport bikes. His sportster feels downright ungainly when I stand it up, so I'm looking for something real nimble and about as light as possible. So far I've been looking at the obvious 250cc or less bikes, but I'm wondering if I should be considering 350-360s too? This is also my first bike so no experience on this whatsoever. I've read that the Honda 350s weigh in at just under 400 lb...how much weight will I realistically be able to shave off that or any number by stripping the bike down? Another thing I'd like your thoughts on (if you'd be so kind!) is the new vs old question. Originally I wanted something old (but running or real close to it) so that it would be a project yes, but one that could be running and ridden before the season is over. I've been thinking though, even once it's running it's not guaranteed to stay running, and I don't want to be missing out on riding time because of the bike goin lame. Guys with older bikes....what do ya think? Thanks in advance for your time everybody!
 
Hey.. Welcome to the site...
For you, I think you'd be happier with a cb350 or cb360...
In a few years, you might like to move into a cb450...

Where are you located?

oh.. on the new vs. old question... the answer is a no brainer... Get a few or each!!!..
 
First of all, welcome to the site!

Of course, we as a whole are probably going to say "get an older bike". But that's because they are 1) cheaper and 2) easy to maintain. Especially for the CB350's, they made tons of them so parts are very plentiful. The top speed on them is definitely above 65 mph so cruising shouldn't be that big a deal.

And if the motor is remotely "fresh", any of the maintenance only takes about a half hour, so you can ride it more than you wrench it.
 
locO leoN said:
Hey.. Welcome to the site...
For you, I think you'd be happier with a cb350 or cb360...
In a few years, you might like to move into a cb450...

Where are you located?

oh.. on the new vs. old question... the answer is a no brainer... Get a few or each!!!..
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'm in central MD near the PA line...I'm stalking about 20 different bikes right now trying to see if one suddenly decides to come home with me... there are a lot of ninja's that pop up but I don't really know how to work with that styling - this bike's gotta look cool to ya know. Whatever I land I'll be making it cafe fer sure. Old bikes are plentiful too though around here it seems and they're just inherently beautiful so I don't know I'm havin a tough time. Doesn't help that I'm real impatient!
djelliott said:
I guess a good question to ask is, what is your price range?
Click to expand...
I'm hoping to spend as little on the bike itself as possible - I've got $1,000 saved up in a jar to put into this right off the bat so I was hoping to have some $ left over after the original purchase price for repairs and mods. 1k isn't the end budget though, just what I have now
Big R said:
First of all, welcome to the site!

Of course, we as a whole are probably going to say "get an older bike". But that's because they are 1) cheaper and 2) easy to maintain. Especially for the CB350's, they made tons of them so parts are very plentiful. The top speed on them is definitely above 65 mph so cruising shouldn't be that big a deal.

And if the motor is remotely "fresh", any of the maintenance only takes about a half hour, so you can ride it more than you wrench it.
Click to expand...
Big R - thanks for your advice, that's encouraging!
 
Another good question.. how mechanically inclined are you?
 
go! said:
Another good question.. how mechanically inclined are you?
Click to expand...

Me? I'm not. But I'm surrounded by geniuses (this will be a team project fer sure). Plus, you have to start somewhere. I understand basic mechanics and engines but that's about it.
 
Sounds to me like a good start. I bought my CL175 (half a CB350) for $250. And to have people right there talking you through something is the absolute best way to learn. Old bikes are really simple - fuel, compression, spark. Period.

And you have 5000+ folks on here willing to help too!
 
Hope this isn't too heretical to say here, but a supermoto or tracker might be something to think about. Enduro bikes can often be picked up cheap (with very few miles) and are geared to be quick (smell ya sportster- at least off the line), and are very light. Many bikes are ~250 lbs. Having just spent a lot of time stripping a KZ400, I can tell you that you'll probably never get a CB350 down to that kind of weight.

There are a lot of cafe racers out there and coming up with something unique is a challenge. Playing with the moto meets cafe might mean something really original and well suited for who you are and what you're looking for. Been thinking about making one for my missus as she likes the look of old dirt bikes. Honda XLs and Yamaha TTs are strong contenders, (or a KTM if I can find one on the cheap). The big thing is finding something titled, unless your state is like Colorado, where it's pretty simple to title just about anything.

Then there's the whole tracker look/feel you can bring to them. There are some super sexy street and flat trackers out there. This is one of my favorites...

http://street-tracker.blogspot.com/
 
RobK said:
Hope this isn't too heretical to say here, but a supermoto or tracker might be something to think about. Enduro bikes can often be picked up cheap (with very few miles) and are geared to be quick (smell ya sportster- at least off the line), and are very light. Many bikes are ~250 lbs. Having just spent a lot of time stripping a KZ400, I can tell you that you'll probably never get a CB350 down to that kind of weight.

There are a lot of cafe racers out there and coming up with something unique is a challenge. Playing with the moto meets cafe might mean something really original and well suited for who you are and what you're looking for. Been thinking about making one for my missus as she likes the look of old dirt bikes. Honda XLs and Yamaha TTs are strong contenders, (or a KTM if I can find one on the cheap). The big thing is finding something titled, unless your state is like Colorado, where it's pretty simple to title just about anything.

Then there's the whole tracker look/feel you can bring to them. There are some super sexy street and flat trackers out there. This is one of my favorites...

http://street-tracker.blogspot.com/
Click to expand...

That thing is awesome! Yeah I've thought about it..I see a lot for real cheap and some are pretty neat looking - I think what I really need to do is go stand up some bikes - my buddy just bought a new KTM so i can see how that feels, and I got another buddy with a Buell that hopefully I can hop on this weekend. If I were smart and less stubborn I'd go take that motorcyle class and come out with a license and a better feel for riding but...that's like $200 out of my budget!
Big R said:
Sounds to me like a good start. I bought my CL175 (half a CB350) for $250. And to have people right there talking you through something is the absolute best way to learn. Old bikes are really simple - fuel, compression, spark. Period.

And you have 5000+ folks on here willing to help too!
Click to expand...

I like those CL's - there's a couple around I've got my eye on, but most are 350 scramblers. They're pretty sweet looking. Agreed on the 5,000+ smarter-than-me helpers...so glad I found this site! I've found it's slightly addicting though....my productivity at work is way down this week
 
I know you said you were concerned about your size compared to the size of the bike.. I'm 5'3 and in the double digits in weight and my 350 is pretty perfect. I've had a 550 as well, but would recommend the 350 or 250 to start on
 
toink said:
That thing is awesome! Yeah I've thought about it..I see a lot for real cheap and some are pretty neat looking - I think what I really need to do is go stand up some bikes - my buddy just bought a new KTM so i can see how that feels, and I got another buddy with a Buell that hopefully I can hop on this weekend. If I were smart and less stubborn I'd go take that motorcyle class and come out with a license and a better feel for riding but...that's like $200 out of my budget!
I like those CL's - there's a couple around I've got my eye on, but most are 350 scramblers. They're pretty sweet looking. Agreed on the 5,000+ smarter-than-me helpers...so glad I found this site! I've found it's slightly addicting though....my productivity at work is way down this week
Click to expand...

Yeah I know what you're saying abt productivity - bikes are pretty addictive. As a side-note, I'd take the course. As someone who is generally of the opinion that you can teach yourself anything, (and am apologetically cheap), I have to admit that the course was worth the time and money. I'd also recommend some of the books out there like Twist of the Wrist by Keith Code and especially, Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatsch. We humans have not yet developed instincts that help with machines (especially ones that behave somewhat counter-intuitively due to gyroscopic force).
 
go! said:
I know you said you were concerned about your size compared to the size of the bike.. I'm 5'3 and in the double digits in weight and my 350 is pretty perfect. I've had a 550 as well, but would recommend the 350 or 250 to start on
Click to expand...

Awesome thank you! What size did you learn on?
 
RobK said:
Yeah I know what you're saying abt productivity - bikes are pretty addictive. As a side-note, I'd take the course. As someone who is generally of the opinion that you can teach yourself anything, (and am apologetically cheap), I have to admit that the course was worth the time and money. I'd also recommend some of the books out there like Twist of the Wrist by Keith Code and especially, Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatsch. We humans have not yet developed instincts that help with machines (especially ones that behave somewhat counter-intuitively due to gyroscopic force).
Click to expand...

I'll take that advice fer sure - I'm big on researching so I'll check those books out. I'm definately taking the class, I just wanted to plan on getting the bike first. I've already been in a wreck (as a passenger too...GREAT) so I'm pretty paranoid as it is about riding, but I also can't stop thinking about it so I think I have to do it
 
I learned on the 550. It wasn't ideal, I remember thinking it was a bit tall. Welcome to the addiction, by the way!
 
And hey, you're not too far! Let me know if you need any help :) or a riding buddy.. when I've got my bike done anywho
 
+1 on the CL/CB 175/350.
Sooooo easy to work on and parts are a plenty.
You'll have LOADS of fun rebuilding one of them.

Cheers.
 
Allright, any thoughts on this bike?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220594033578&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

I read that the CB360s are about 390 lbs stock - what are the chances I'll be able to shave atleast 50 ibs off that by getting rid of the junk? Also I'd like to put a fiberglass seat on it.

I'm also looking at a funky little 1987 yamaha thumper so I think it's between these two bikes now... unless something better comes along. I'm so sick of stalking classifieds and ebay!
 
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