deciding on a bike

[upho366]

im currently trying to decide between two bikes to buy, they are the same price and both in good shape.

1) honda ascot ft500
2) honda sabre vf700s

i just wanted to get everyones thoughts on the two bikes, if you know what they are. i have been riding very limited-ly for about two years now, if that changes your responses towards me at all.
im hoping to go see them this weekend and that will probably decide for me, when i get on them and test them out, but anything like reliability etc. would really help in the decision.

[BuzZz]

The Sabre is a lot more bike in every way, more power, more weight, more stable, more comfort, more faster..... more stuff to break and wear out.....

The Ascot is a fun and agile little bike that likes surface streets and slower backroads over freeways and such. It's just a one lunger and runs out of steam long before the V-4 of the Sabre.

[upho366]

and another question.. i read an article on the sabre, saying that it handles and rides more like a street bike than it does a cruiser.
if anyone knows.. is that true? or is the sabre basically a cruiser?

[BuzZz]

It's a standard UJM with cruiser-esque styling cues. Very good all round bike. Check the cams before buying..... they have probably been changed early in it's life by Honda... if so, you should be OK, if not, make sure they are not worn or pitted. No way to do this except to pull the valve covers and lay eyeballs on 'em.

[upho366]

i think im a little to novice to take a look at the cams ill ask the seller about the cams tho, thanks for the heads up.

UJM?? what does that mean?

[BuzZz]

Universal Japanese Motorcycle

[-Holiday]

I think the long run you'll be happier with the Sabre. Thats depends on how you plan on using it of course, but the Ascot is pretty much an "around town" bike where as the Sabre will be a bit more versatile since its bigger and heavier, can carry more weight.

I've put about 5K on my 84 Nighthawk 650sc this summer after not having ridden bikes for 5 years or so, and now i'm ready to move up to something bigger. Not because I need to go faster, but because I want something with a bit more storage space, doesnt get as bogged down with a passenger, and is physically bigger since i'm a big guy at 6'3", 230 lbs. Something that is newer and with a small windsheild would be nice too. Perhaps a sport tourer! Maybe a Concours??!!
Anyway, i'm rambling now.

But yea, go for the bigger Sabre and you'll be happier in the long run methinks..

[upho366]

the biggest trip i plan on making on my motorcycle would be from LA to san francisco, all along the 1 (coast, curvy, probably take it in 2-3 days), so it would not be so demanding as taking a longer trip, or even the same trip, but along the 5 (straight shot thru dry dry dry, pretty much 75-80mph all the way)
would the ascot 500 not be able to handle a drawn-out trip along the 1? i understand the 700 would work better for that, but im just wondering if the ascot would be able to handle it with any confidence.

[-Holiday]

its not that it wouldnt make it, i've ridden my little nighthawk 300+ miles a day, but you'd probably have more room/options for storage on a bigger bike, and just generally be more comfortable.

Pick whichever you think will work for you, if you can get on each and see which one feels more comfortable.

I'm just saying which one i would pick if i were in your shoes...


good luck

size doesnt really matter when it comes to touring on bikes, it just depends what level of comfort you're looking for, and how much crap you intend to bring with you.
If my gf could tour on a vespa, you can do it on an ascot:

here's pics to proove it http://www.payne-mcaleer.us/brian/beach/index.htm

[-Holiday]

oh, and btw, i'm envious of your ride down the PCH. I'm planning on doing it one of these days myself.