Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi everyone
I just got interested in bikes, and I really can't wait to start learning. My father owns a 1980 Honda CX500 custom. I've read that it's a good learning bike, but he says it's too heavy for me. I'm 24 right now, but I'm not too tall, just 5' 5". Anyway, I think I can convince him to let me learn on it, unless any of you actually think it might be dangerous.
Anyway, I'm glad I found this forum, and look forward to hearing from all of you.
thanks

Welcome!!!!!!!

Have a great one and ride safe
Deedee

Welcome to the forum ¡




You will find good advices here from the members......

Welcome,


I think, 5'5" is enough! I havent tried Honda CX500 (about 220kg - 487.2 pounds) but I have tried Honda CB400 (407.9 pounds) when I started learning. So it was not too heavy, but I felt that something bigger would be too much.. I'm 24, 190 pounds, 5'9".

Are you big? Because that can make a lot of difference too... I'm 6'2", 280 lbs, and a 550 lb bike is no problem for me... If you're more built than most, then no VStar is gonna be too big for you... My Volusia weighs so much more because it's got a drive shaft, instead of belt or chain. Plus it's the longest bike in the 800cc class...
Wrider

Wrider wrote:Are you big? Because that can make a lot of difference too... I'm 6'2", 280 lbs, and a 550 lb bike is no problem for me... If you're more built than most, then no VStar is gonna be too big for you... My Volusia weighs so much more because it's got a drive shaft, instead of belt or chain. Plus it's the longest bike in the 800cc class...
Wrider

Actually I'm not that big, I'm pretty slim. When I'm seated on the bike, my feet do touch the ground, not entirely, but more than enough to hold the bike in place. Obviously, when I'm balanced, the bike doesn't seem heavy at all. When tipped to either side, like when you are stopped at a red light, I can hold it with one foot, and it doesn't seem like to much weight, as far as it isn't too inclined towards any side. I can move it perfectly on a flat surface, but if it's slightly inclined, then it's to heavy for me. In that case, I need to get off the bike, stand on one side, and move it as I walk and hold the handlebar. So I'm not really that strong. My father has been driving this bike for years, he is 67 right now, about my same height and build, and can drive it perfectly, still does almost everyday, but I'm guessing that experience has a lot to do with this.
Since this is the only bike available to me right now, it seems like a good learning bike, but if any of you think that I'd be better off learning in a lighter one, then for for my own sake I'll follow your advice.

Learn on that bike, but be careful. Don't drop her on your leg!
it might be good choice for starting.

Yeah, I'd prolly go for a smaller one, such as a ninjette (ninja 250) or even a cruiserish style Honda Rebel. Whatever you do, don't start off on something too big for you, ok? Ride safe and keep the shiny side up!
Wrider

Welcome aboard!

I had to look up a pic of the Honda to even know what we're talking about. Anyway - it seems like it would be a fine learner bike. I'm guessing that the center of gravity is fairly low down, which has more to do with bike weight that the actual numbers. A lighter bike with all its weight up on top is not so good for a beginner.

It seems that there is a good amount of power in that bike, so I would suggest taking your time, progressing in baby steps with some good training. As far as convincing your dad... well, it is his bike, so it's ultimately up to him what he'll be comfortable with in this situation. But I honestly don't think that the weight of the bike would be a huge factor for you.

Enjoy the forums!

Cheers,
Loonette

I just found a picture of the bike. This is not my dad's bike, it belongs to a man who is currently selling it.
It appears that my dad is starting to give in, he probably finds it depressing to see me up on the bike just moving it back and forth without starting it.
Regarding speed, I will start very slow don't worry. All of my friends tease me for being a slow driver, and I have a certain respect and fear of this bike. Not fear as if I don't wanna use it, but fear of knowing what it's capable of, and what I'm capable of. Just a few hours ago my foot slipped and I thought I was gonna fall, luckily nothing happened, but I'm glad I slipped, it showed me what can happen with this bike, and how should I react.
Anyway, here is the picture, and if you are interested in buying this bike (which again, is not mine, nor do I know the owner, I just found it on the net), here is the link: http://mysite.verizon.net/awbarnett/cx5 ... X500C.html
I'm not doing any publicity, but since I'm using this man's picture, I guess I should give something back in return