Did you know Honda makes a Monster?

[Bruce in OK]

AND it's a quarter-liter! I was looking at Honda Japan's domestic site. They have changed the styling of the VTR 250 to look like the Ducati. Kind of cool!









I have a strong preference for the smaller discplacement bikes.

[David (N. Alabama)]

AND it's a quarter-liter! I was looking at Honda Japan's domestic site. They have changed the styling of the VTR 250 to look like the Ducati. Kind of cool!









I have a strong preference for the smaller discplacement bikes.

That is what the Japanese do best. Take someone else's styling and add great engineering to make a better product.

[Bruce in OK]

For 2013, Honda is making three versions of its new 500cc platform. The CB 500F is the most appealling to me.

[David (N. Alabama)]

If you want an inexpensive naked small displacement bike, pick up a 1st gen Ninja 250 that has been rashed a little and turn it into a classic.

I have a photo on my computer but can't access photobucket from here to upload and link it. What are you using to host photos Bruce? I can see your's from work.

[Bruce in OK]

I use Picturetrail.

http://www.picturetrail.com/

My motorcycle album:

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20646767

I found picturetrail when photobucket was having so many problems six or seven years ago. It has worked really well for me.

I have defaulted to the quarter-liters. I've ridden several of the older Ninjas and had a 2010 before my son wrecked it. I still have my 250 Nighthawk. Suzuki came out this year with a GW250 that is styled similarly to the CB500F. It is liquid cooled and fuel injected.

My real desire is for a bike of 400 or 500cc's that is a modernized UJM. When I was in jr. high, a friend had a CB550-Four with a Windjammer on it. He never let me drive it, but I spent some time riding with him. I also moved it around the garage for him and sat on it a bunch. It seemed then to be the perfect blend of size and weight to be my "ultimate".

[David (N. Alabama)]

Thanks. Here is a Ninja 250 turned into a retro UJM. If all my riding were local I would have a fleet of small displacement bikes. Cheap to insure and maintain as well as great fuel economy and easy to ride.

[Bruce in OK]

The Ninja looks good. That would be perfect for a lot of the running around I do. To be honest, the GTS Vespa was the best for my in-town, errand bike. With a tall windscreen, there was none better for weather protection. Twist the throttle and go. It would also do highway speeds when asked to. Though I wasn't comfortable on the little tires when doing faster than 60 mph.

[HMB Don]

Count me in on the small cc bikes, I like 250 and 350 cc two-cycle Yamahas. RZ350 watercooled was the best, I did a 3,000 mile trip, with soft saddle bags. Just had to carry a quart of two-cycle Yamalube.

Four-cycle I have a CB500 Four with Vitter Windjammer plus lowers. My fav was the GPZ550 (94) longer wheel base made for a great sport touring bike. With soft bags I toured all over the southwest on my GPZ550.

My son bought a new FZR400, you had to be young to ride this one. Came with clip-on handle bars, and rear sets. Great engine just the egos were harsh. R6 Yamaha was another small bike I liked, but here the engine was great but the egos were for young people.

I think the new Ninja 300 will be a great bike, with the extra torque it'll be fun to ride.

Don Medina
2012 Voyager 1700

[Bruce in OK]

Count me in on the small cc bikes, I like 250 and 350 cc two-cycle Yamahas.

Don,
The November issue of Cycle World had an article entitled "No Quarter Given" by Blake Conner. In it, he stated that Yamaha would be bringing out for 2013/2014 a YZF-R250. In the picture, it looked more like the Ninja than the CBR250. He also spoke about the offerings of Honda and Kawasaki. Nothing was mentioned about Suzuki's GW 250 (mini B-King).


Conner said they expect this segment of the market to have an "explosion of growth" in the coming years.

I've never been around the GPZ550, but if it is anything like my little Zephyr was, it would be a blast to ride! I just wish Honda would bring their CB400 to the U.S.



The 2012 CB400 ABS