I have owned only about eight motorcycles, but have held on to most for a long time. I have had exclusive use of a couple more, provided for work when I was in NE Thailand years ago. However, I couldn't count the number I have ridden, ranging from 50 to 1,000 cc.
The poll seems to be fairly steady now at the CBR250R being the first bike owned, or potentially the first, for just under 50%. Add in those for whom it is the second, and we come to about two thirds of respondents, which makes it look like a bike that attracts novices. My guess is that many, if not most, will be looking to move on to something bigger (or "upgrade" as the like to say).
About a third have had quite a bit more motorcycle experience, most of whom have probably tried the bikes they wanted, and settled for the bike they need for their purposes.
__________________ there are old motorcyclists and bold motorcyclists,
but you seldom meet an old bold motorcyclist
@Michael: Don't get me wrong, I love the bike. The only thing that has me keeping the CBR500 in the back of my mind is the same thing as the NC700 it replaced my interest in, and the Ninja 650 that the NC700 replaced my interest in before that (newer, better suited bikes come out ever year it seems)... and that's the ability to carry a passenger. The 250 can do it, but the bike is very minimalist in that regard. The rear seat is small and not exactly soft. It comes with the territory of the bike, but a few more horses and a little bigger frame would better accommodate that, particularly when riding out of town. If not for that, the 250 is dirt cheap to own and operate and the light weight really shines in urban maneuverability.
@Phatch: My lady rides a Genuine Buddy 125 when we ride together. Sometimes when we get back, I take that scooter out for a spin. It's so much fun it's stupid. Twist and go CVT with Dr Pulley slider variator weights FTW! Perfectly legitimate vehicle. I've gotten a GPS 61mph on it. Comfortable as all get-out, too.
The ONE thing I miss about riding the scooter regularly is the convenience - big storage space, helmet hook, push-ignition trunk access...
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@Michael: Don't get me wrong, I love the bike. The only thing that has me keeping the CBR500 in the back of my mind is the same thing as the NC700 it replaced my interest in, and the Ninja 650 that the NC700 replaced my interest in before that (newer, better suited bikes come out ever year it seems)... and that's the ability to carry a passenger. The 250 can do it, but the bike is very minimalist in that regard. The rear seat is small and not exactly soft. It comes with the territory of the bike, but a few more horses and a little bigger frame would better accommodate that, particularly when riding out of town. If not for that, the 250 is dirt cheap to own and operate and the light weight really shines in urban maneuverability.
What do you ride now days?
Yes, I'd agree that if someone has carrying a passenger long distances in mind a bit more grunt and a better pillion perch are more desirable.
On the other hand, for someone using a motorcycle as a day to day hack, mostly ridden solo, less tends to be more for someone looking for practical, economical transport...... Perhaps not "real motorcyclists" in the eyes of some, but many in this group have been riding for years. A motorcycle may be their main (or only) way of getting around, or perhaps a second vehicle in a household along side the family car.
Then we have the likes of Aufit, for whom it is another venture in a range range of motorcycling activities. A quarter litre is a relatively economical way to get into racing. The buzz, and results, come from finesse; being a better rider, rather than relying on thrust alone to get the job done.
Here in Thailand two or three (or four or more) up on a 100cc bike is commonplace. Most households have a small motorcycle or two; most still don't have a car.
Still here in Phuket (I didn't expect to be) I still have the 100cc 1997 Honda Dream that I have had since 2003. It has over 208,000 km (130,000 miles) on the odometer now, and is still good for a good many more. It is all I need on a small island where traffic is heavy and often slow moving. Around town I use a bicycle, which is almost as quick point to point.
I had expected to be back in New Zealand by now, but that is not the way things have panned out. Now it is looking more like Q2 2013, after the end of the present university term..... and a junior cricket league that it seems to have fallen on me to organise.
In NZ I often travel greater distances, on more open roads. A quarter litre bike is a better proposition, and the CBR250R still looks a good choice. However, pleasingly, the options seem to be increasing as manufacturers have started to take more interest in the lighter weight classes again.
According to the poll, at this stage (111 votes), for about 50% the CBR250R is, or will be their first motorcycle. That is higher than I would have expected, but I guess reflects the demographic of the forum, rather than motorcycling as a whole.
__________________ there are old motorcyclists and bold motorcyclists,
but you seldom meet an old bold motorcyclist
Some of them were around at the same time; I remember having a motorcycle for each decade of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s in my Man Garage for a while . . . .
Now I'm down to four: the '86 FXRT, '07 Burgman, '01 'Wing, and Claudia, my new baby.
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"What do YOU care what other people think?" --Arline Feynman
1989 Honda NX250
2009 Honda CRF230L
