The Vintage Honda Motorcycle Thread

[Neal_J]

Although I've ridden bikes infrequently and don't currently have a motorcycle license, I've been bitten by the Bike Bug bad.  I plan to take a safety course, get my license and invest in some good gear. 

At present, I think I want a small, mid-1970's Honda.  Mainly for cruising around town on nice weekends and the occassional Friday commute (office is 4 miles from home).  I live in the city so offroad stuff is unlikely.  Also, I don't need to or plan to ride it in either in bad weather or on the freeway.   

I'm partial toward Honda's and plan to spend less than $1,000 for an operable bike in good overall shape.  Any wise opinions, positive or negative, on the CB-125, CB-200, CB-350 or CB-360?  I'm most interested in your thoughts...

Thanks,

Neal J.

[69bronzeT5]

On the topic of vintage Honda motorcycles...my dirt bike is a 77 Honda XR75

[moparguy01]

I used to have a 61 honda dream, but sold it to afford storage for my charger.

[Shakey]

Neal, I heard this exact same story just about a year ago from one bestest buddies.  He also got bitten by the bike bug again as he grew up on a dirt bike ('82 CR125), had an 1100 Interceptor back in the early '90's and ended up on four wheels as he got older.

Last year he bought a bike and some gear, took the bike course and got his license.

He found an '84 or '85 Honda Ascot just to get his "bike legs" back.  He loves touring around on it when he can find the time.  He paid around $2,500.00 CDN for it and it had minimal miles.  A good bike to get back into the groove and then he plans on moving up to something bigger and more powerful in the near future.

Here are a couple of shots of it when he stopped by just after he got it.

[69DodgeCharger]

I knew a lot of people that were pretty fond of Nighthawks.

[Lowprofile]

Neal.....
Those old Honda CB's are great beginner bikes. I've owned a 550-4, A 650 Custom, a 750-F, & a CB-1000 Custom. I have had nothing but great luck with my Honda's.

Good Luck Bro!

[Charger-Bodie]

ok what i have is not a motorcycle but i do have 2 3 wheelers 1 86 yamaha 225drs and a 1985 honda 350x

[Neal_J]

Thanks for your insights, Shakey & Low.   Remember, the thread asks for your opinion and/or recommendations of vintage Honda starter bikes ...... not what bikes you have/had.

Thanks!!

Neal

[Shakey]

Thanks for your insights, Shakey & Low.   Remember, the thread asks for your opinion and/or recommendations of vintage Honda starter bikes ...... not what bikes you have/had.

Thanks!!

Neal

I had an '88 Yamaha back in the summer of '89 and ......

Honestly, I don't know that much about bikes so I thought I'd tell you about the bike my buddy bought as a starter.

I'd figure with an older bike, just like our older cars, maintenance would be key and parts may not be that easy to come by.

For a grand, find decent bike and take a chance and go out and have some fun.  If it turns out to be a piece of crap, sell it and buy another.

Don't forget to post some pics and register it!   

[Bob]

Neal,
I had a CB125 as a kid. It was a very reliable bike. Cruising 45-55 was no problem. What ruined it was, later I used it for a dirt bike . I would believe any of the early or even late 70's CB series would fit the bill. I had a rare 305 Honda also. Should have kept that one. Good Luck.
Bob

[Vainglory, Esq.]

I didn't have a vintage Honda, but you know what they say, Honda's bikes break down as often as shrimp climb trees.  I didn't have a single problem with mine, and if I hadn't hit a deer with it, I'd imagine it would have given me many, many more years of service.

[Charger-Bodie]

Thanks for your insights, Shakey & Low.   Remember, the thread asks for your opinion and/or recommendations of vintage Honda starter bikes ...... not what bikes you have/had.

Thanks!!

Neal

oops sorry about that man!

[BMOTOXSTAR]

On the topic of vintage Honda motorcycles...my dirt bike is a 77 Honda XR75

That was my 1st dirt bike.

Honda Magna's are a great older cruiser !

[Charger_Fan]

Honda Magna's are a great older cruiser !

Not the early 80's V65's...stay away from those, absolute death traps! That is without a doubt the most ill-handling bike I've ever been on. They do killer burnouts, though. 

Nighthawks are good bikes & most parts are still readily available. VT600 Shadows are a good, more modern starter bike.