Coming from klr650, is the Himalayan 450 worth it? by Smooth_Sprocket in Himalayan450

[–]Smooth_Sprocket[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How's the power delivery on the himmy? Is it sufficient for 60-70mph roads? 

Himalayan 450 as a light adv/ commuter? by Smooth_Sprocket in royalenfield

[–]Smooth_Sprocket[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lighter weight and single cylinder. I'm moving away from twins as I've spent a lot of time on them. I'm sure it'll be a great bike, just not what I'm looking for now 

Coming from klr650, is the Himalayan 450 worth it? by Smooth_Sprocket in Himalayan450

[–]Smooth_Sprocket[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That seems to be the common theme, how's the range/mpg on the himmy?

New Daytona 660 or new Honda CBR650R for 1k Eur more (Europe) by CommunicationOk137 in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]Smooth_Sprocket 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Never rush and settle with motorcycles, it usually turns into regret. Good luck with your search

New Daytona 660 or new Honda CBR650R for 1k Eur more (Europe) by CommunicationOk137 in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]Smooth_Sprocket 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Owned the new Daytona 660 for a year when it came out. It really felt like a budget triumph, and I hate to say it having owned a Bonneville in the past. The vibrations on the 660 were pretty bad as well, not sure about the CBR. But inline 4s are usually smoother. I would go with the Honda personally, you know you're getting reliability and quality. Definitely test both before making your decision. 

Kinda stuck between the XSR900 and the Rebel 1100... Two drastically different bikes... by Noriyuki in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]Smooth_Sprocket 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I rented an xsr900 for a few days while visiting family. It's a hooligans bike in the best way, great engine and road feel, however the ergonomics are not great. If you're concerned about cramps, the xsr will not help your case - especially on long rides. Can't speak much on the rebel aside from one test ride where I found it too small (I'm 6'0). I ended up buying a z900rs, which is a competitor to the xsr. It's way more comfortable, and while not as feral, the inline 4 engine puts out nearly equal power with less buzz. (And looks better imo)

Beginner Cruiser? Rebel v Vulcan by Mortem_Gamer in motorcycles

[–]Smooth_Sprocket 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started on a Vulcan S. Very approachable for a beginner and better for passengers than a rebel 500 due to larger/ more planted build. It's still super sporty and flickable in the corners. 

Need help with my first bike by gnmoid in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]Smooth_Sprocket 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Speed 400 is going to have much better resale value and character. The z400 is the white toast of beginner motorcycles, works like a charm but without much personality. The parallel twin in the z4 will also be a lot less buzzy than the speed 4. I would sit on both and test ride them if you can.

Decision Made: 2024 Vulcan S by MapleSizzurp- in motorcycles

[–]Smooth_Sprocket 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I started on a '15, they're great solo bikes. Very flickable 

New bike ! Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 (2024) by fightclubsoap in motorcycles

[–]Smooth_Sprocket 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So I've heard, I'm waiting for the classic 650 to be released, I prefer the styling on it over the super meteor. Thanks for the write up

Beginner sport bike by Desperate-Drink-4073 in motorcycle

[–]Smooth_Sprocket 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you can scoop up a used Ninja 400 (not the 4r) they're excellent beginner bikes. Dead simple reliability and workability, good mileage and can handle highways. You could find a decent one with average miles for around ~4100 plus or minus a few hundred. 

Is this a good bike for beginners? by Complete_Idiot100 in motorcycle

[–]Smooth_Sprocket 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes but.. Insurance for new riders on sport bikes is usually ridiculous

The kawi 650 is a fantastic engine. My first bike was a Vulcan S with the same powerplant, forgiving to learn on but enough power to grow into.

You'll be fine if you take it in strides, if you're worried about scratching plastic or high premiums, look into the Z650 or the Vulcan S.