re: Royal Enfield Motorcycles

quote:

---

I just took the msf at Harley.

---

Do you think it would be a bad idea to take the class even if I know buying a bike is a future and not immediate goal? Or should I wait until I am ready to buy a bike?

Also can you rent a bike for a day or two like you can a car?

quote:

---

So then you really don't know what you prefer.


Nobody has ever gotten on the highway and said "I wish I had less power to pass this vehicle or get out of this dangerous situation"

---

Thats fair. I guess what I should have said is that I don't intend to be a speed demon and picture more of a leisurely ride on a nice day.

But you are correct that I have zero idea what I prefer when it comes to actually riding. In my mind, I don't want to go super fast and 60mph seemed like plenty of speed. But I am here to be educated and would love your opinion in more detail.

quote:

---

I know nothing about any of this. Can you explain why so I can incorporate that into my research. Like I said, a bike purchase is at least 5 years away for me so I am looking for info just like this to stop from making a poor choice.

---

When you are on a motorcycle and there are big trucks nearby the wind buffets you. Open highways like the causeway are also prone to strong winds that do the same thing. On a lightweight motorcycle that wind buffeting shakes you and makes you feel like you might lose control. It can be unpleasant even on some big bikes but it can be terrifying on small bikes.

If you're riding a bike that is nearly tapped out, you are stressing the motor, it may be somewhat buzzy and unpleasant just from motor vibrations. Top speed on any vehicle is largely a matter of wind resistance. Add in a 10-15mph headwind on a small underpowered bike you can find yourself struggling to get away from big trucks on the highway.

In most of the world there are a plethora of roads w/ lower speed limits in 35-50 mph range - a 350cc RE can make a lot of sense there. Here in the US where you will be routinely operating at 55-70mph that bike is going to feel underpowered and overwhelmed.

A 40hp bike isn't a hot rod by any stretch, that's just kind of the floor for a bike that you plan on using regularly on US highways ( not freeways/ Interstates). The 650 will be much more pleasant to ride. The 450 Himalayan will also be much nicer (Liquid cooled, 40ish hp).

I understand the attraction to the lower price point, for a simple easy to ride bike, but I think you will be making a mistake. Take a course, get your endorsement, get some gear and then try renting a few bikes just to get some feel for how different bikes ride.

Ride Share

Thanks for the info. Does everything you say also apply to the Honda Rebel 300?

I know its also a smaller bike and I like the look slightly less but the reviews/comparisons I have seen on Youtube are more complimentary of the Rebel's speed and power.

quote:

---

Thanks for the info. Does everything you say also apply to the Honda Rebel 300?

---

Yes.

Honda Rebel 500. When you out grow it sell it and get the 1100. Take an MSF course. Spend lots of time working on low speed maneuvers in an empty parking lot. I’ve been riding for years and still practice U turns and emergency stops. It will make you a better rider. Good luck out there.

quote:

---

Honda Rebel 500.

---

I am now leaning Honda Rebel 500. I like the look of the RE's better but I have heard enough to realize the 350 isn't gonna be enough engine. I have plenty of time to figure out what I actually want but this is my current thinking.

You will be much happier w/ the Rebel 500, good choice!

I’d disregard the opinion that a 350 is too small for you. I think it’s perfect for a first bike, assuming you aren’t wanting to take it on long highway stretches, and you aren’t a big ol baw that weighs a ton. If you’re just using it for fun around town, or out on country roads I think you’d be more than happy with a 350 for your first bike…imho.

Ps, triumph has also released a more beginner friendly bike for the first time in a 400cc engine in the Speed 400 for 5k & a scrambler styled 400 for 5700.


Speed 400


Scrambler 400 X

quote:

---

I’d disregard the opinion that a 350 is too small for you. I think it’s perfect for a first bike, assuming you aren’t wanting to take it on long highway stretches, and you aren’t a big ol baw that weighs a ton. If you’re just using it for fun around town, or out on country roads I think you’d be more than happy with a 350 for your first bike…imho.

---

I think they are warning against it because I stated that I might want to take the bike across the lake on the Causeway or to the beach several hours away. In that instance I think they are correct that I would be better off with a bigger bike. BUT I do have some time to think of what I want to do and the use of the bike.

Riding to the beach may not even be feasible considering I have 2 kids and a wife and it would mean them agreeing to drive another car without me. BUT with a smaller bike, maybe we could tow it to the beach and I can ride it up and down 30A once we are there?

IDK. Lots of time to figure it out though.

Just curious, do bikes hold their value as far as trade ins? I am curious because it seems there aren't many used bikes for sale on line. Is there somewhere besides cycle trader I could look?