This is the first of a series of several posts discussing the right motorcycle for the beginner. The word "Beginner" is used to describe a person who is new to, or performing a task for the first time. For many it also carries a negative meaning as well, "one who is in-competent" or inexperienced. thought true factually, from a positive perspective, this could also be interpreted as an opportunity to learn from the beginning, a clean slate, no bad habits have formed yet, a chance to do it right. There are many occasions where the student will actually outperforms the teacher at some point. Such is the charge of this Blog, "The Motorcycle Coach". The dedication to share the valuable information gained by an experienced rider(s) with those who have little or none, "a Beginner". A key ingredient to your foundation of learning is starting with the right bike. The proper bike could mean the difference between a long safe pleasurable riding career or a short, miserable, dangerous riding experience.
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| CF-250T V3 |
Therefore, the first & second bikes I'd like to start this post off with are unusual one.s The bikes are manufactured by one of the newer companies on the motorcycle manufacturing scene, at least as compared to the Honda's, & Kawasakis etc. The manufacturer is CFMOTO, a China based company. The CFMOTO Power Company manufactures liquid cooled engines, Motorcycles, ATVs and Power Utility vehicles. The first 2 beginner bikes I would suggest are both be from CFMOTO, the V3 and the V5. Both bikes have 2 distinctions which sets them apart from most bikes on the market. Each has an automatic transmission as well as 2 hand brakes. As you may or may not know the typical motorcycle has a manual gearbox. One which needs to be changed manually, by foot, typically 5 or 6 speeds. The CFMOTO does the shifting for you. This is one less task that needs to be performed by the rider. The pros are: You are left to focus on riding style, turning, braking and traffic and defensive driving. These are crucial to the survival of a new rider, this is not an exaggeration. The other distinction is the lack of a foot brake. The typical motorcycle has a foot brake which operates the rear wheel brake. These bikes function more like a scooter than a motorcycle. Each has a 250cc engine which provides just enough power to keep their riders out of trouble. Each also has approximately 15 hp which yields a maximum top speed of 65 mph or so.
What are the CONS you ask ? If you plan to upgrade, as most motorcyclist who stay with riding tend to do. You will have to learn to shift a conventional manual transmission, as well as getting used to abandoning the second hand brake for a conventional right side rear foot brake. So basically you have to UNLEARN one habit and replace it with another. This seems to go against my opening argument of learning to do things the right way. However, I believe this is a small price to pay for learning the much more vital skills faster in the beginning. As a matter of fact, once a rider transitions to a manual gearbox with much more power, not only will it be a change, but it will be much more exciting than the auto tranny. One more observation, Apparently the CFMOTO company has introduced a 150cc street bike. All three bikes are very reminiscent of a line of older Honda motorcycles (1980's), as a matter of fact the latest addition, the 150 looks amazing like the Honda Hawk. Which also just happens to have been one of the only and best I might add automatic motorcycles made, The Hawk happened to be a 400cc bike.
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| CF-250T V5 |
What are the CONS you ask ? If you plan to upgrade, as most motorcyclist who stay with riding tend to do. You will have to learn to shift a conventional manual transmission, as well as getting used to abandoning the second hand brake for a conventional right side rear foot brake. So basically you have to UNLEARN one habit and replace it with another. This seems to go against my opening argument of learning to do things the right way. However, I believe this is a small price to pay for learning the much more vital skills faster in the beginning. As a matter of fact, once a rider transitions to a manual gearbox with much more power, not only will it be a change, but it will be much more exciting than the auto tranny. One more observation, Apparently the CFMOTO company has introduced a 150cc street bike. All three bikes are very reminiscent of a line of older Honda motorcycles (1980's), as a matter of fact the latest addition, the 150 looks amazing like the Honda Hawk. Which also just happens to have been one of the only and best I might add automatic motorcycles made, The Hawk happened to be a 400cc bike.
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Check out additional posts on beginner bikes to come in the next several days.
Also, take a look at this and other posts at my new website:
Http://www.themotorcyclecoach.com
MotorcycleCoach@gmail.com
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You can also purchase my complete book on learning to ride, from soup to nuts called "Motorcycling 101: Your First Ride". If you need some direction on what to do after earning your bike license pick-up my book. I've filled it with as much riding experience as you could need in your beginning stages as well as your intermediate stages of riding.
You can Purchase Motorcycling 101 by clicking the Buy now button Below.
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