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I have a 1971(Pretty sure, could be a 72) Honda SL 350. I am able to get my permit in Februrary, and was wondering if that is a good starter bike? I am 6ft tall and growing. Also will it be good on the freeway once I get my license? Just would like the pros and cons of it.

Thanks

Should be a sweet little starter bike. Older Hondas are easy to work on, a nice bonus. I don't know how it will do on the highway, I'd guess it should keep up. Welcome aboard.

Thanks for the quick reply and welcome. My grandpa also has a 1972 CB750 that he doesn't ride much anymore that I think I will use after I get used to the 350. I am hoping insurance will be cheap on the 350. I also ride the bike off-road so I am used to it. Thanks again

Your SL350 will do nicely for a first street bike. I had one years ago, and converted it to a motard, though motards hadn't been invented yet, after it was replaced in its off-road duties with a XL350. Modifications included 5.10x16 and 4.00x18 rims and tires, a set of TT pipes with lightweight mufflers, the front fender mounted down on a fork brace, a set of foam air filters, electronic ignition, drag bar, and a quartz-halogen 7-inch headlight. It would cruise 80mph until my hands, feet, and butt went numb. Everyone who rode it commented on how well it served the commuting role.

On the other hand, the stock SL350 with knobbies and its straight-up ergonomics will do the commute if you ask, but it won't be happy about it.

Hold off on the 750 for a couple years. It is a LOT more bike than a SL350. Handling and braking are not up to its power level like the newer bikes are.

Thanks, so what type of mileage should I expect? Are there some semistreet tires that would also work in dirt? I just asked grandpa, it is geared up quite a bit. He saw the other side of a 100 a few times with it. So freeway wise it should be good. Any ideas on insurance?

I would expect about 60mpg. There are good street tires, and good dirt tires, but any tire designed to do both isn't very good for either. I'm afraid you'll have to pick your poison on tires. It really only takes a few minutes to swap wheels on those old bikes, so maybe a spare set of wheels is an option.

So with dirt tires, just cruising around town would be fine right? What type of gear would I want when I am going to be riding to school. A jacket and helmet and jeans? Is it fine to carry my backpack on my back? Thanks for the replies.

GeekyGeekster wrote:So with dirt tires, just cruising around town would be fine right? What type of gear would I want when I am going to be riding to school. A jacket and helmet and jeans? Is it fine to carry my backpack on my back? Thanks for the replies.

I would not suggest using dirt tires for the street, even if it is just around town... years ago I use to harass all the cagers in my competition dirt bike on the roads around my neighborhood... in tight corners at your everyday speed limit I could feel the bike slipping and drifting around on the road. Believe me... it dosn't help your confidence levels in the bike when your slidding around a turn with trucks and cars comming right for ya. Oh but the look or horror on their faces is... im sure they appriciated my "oh great... im about to die and the paramedics arn't going to be able to pry the seat off my behind" face. After awhile it got kinda fun... but I was way to stupid in my teenage years to really fear death for any length of time.

And in the rain on the street... forget about it... not going to happen.

Get a helmet, jacket, and gloves at the very least. Some motorcycle jeans or pants will be an investment you will be thanking yourself or kicking yourself in the road rashed bottom for having/not having.

P.S. I use a backpack commuting nearly 100 miles everyday to class, mostly at freeway speeds... so you should be fine.

+1 for never using dirt/knobby tires for the street. Knobbies will wear down really fast, and they have poor traction on the street. Get tires that enduros use, then you should be fine.
-this is my opinion of course, to each their own..-