CBR125 or a beater

[snoopjonnyjon]

I'd go for a Buell Blast. They are in CBR125 territory moneywise, and have the performance of the CM400T... poor!

While I haven't seen any done up around here, there is actually a ton of potential in the Blast motor. They are just a single cylinder Sporty Evo motor, so you could make big bore kits, cams, cylinder heads, and all that stuff from the bigger Buells and Sportsters work. Anyone that overheats and seizes the rear cylinder on their hipo Harley, can use the front cylinder and head to make a badass Blast. You see Blast motors being used in flat track racing for 500cc class.

Just thinking about this makes me want to buy a cheap blast and build up a 60-70hp single.

[chuck_uppercut]

I haven't driven a new 125, but those old bikes under 600cc are bulky, heavy, no power, and not easy to manouver. 
I would bet that a new 125 would at least keep if not out-perform the old 400, the 125 looks better, easier to ride, she will enjoy riding it much more during learning curve.

[TGSXR]

I haven't driven a new 125, but those old bikes under 600cc are bulky, heavy, no power, and not easy to manouver. 

This is a good thing for someone who is learning to ride. A tip over won't be as costly, but they will learn more.

I think it comes down to the question of... what type of girl is she? A girly girl who wants to learn? Or is she more mechanically inclined? I'm asking because there are two types of ppl out there. Those who can pick up riding easily, and those who will struggle. If shes a great driver and handles a stickshift well (all innuendo aside), I'd go for something that you wont have to turn around and sell immediately. If you think she'll be a slower learner - I'm leaning towards the older bike that will teach her more in the long run.

All of that aside, you shoul djust buy my hayabusa, and let her ride your bike.

[T-bar]

Come on guys.......

Is there no love out there for the '81 CM400T's of the world with weather checked tires and no left controls?

Oh and the carbs need to be rebuilt,  it could use brake pads on the front and the chain has seen better days. It has also had the idle set to 3000 rpm to keep it from stalling at lights, but that could just be rust in the fuel filter from the gas tank.

All for $1600

I wouldn't pay more than a grand for a 400cc bike in that kind of shape. the high idle spells carb issues. probably need new/reset floats, and a good sync and cleaning.

[claffix]

I'm not sure a bike that needs a ton of work is the best bet for someone who is just starting out.  Most new riders will sour pretty quick when its a beautiful day and everybody else is out riding while they are stuck in the garage cleaning carbs or waiting on parts.

[BuellThumper]

I wouldn't pay more than a grand for a 400cc bike in that kind of shape. the high idle spells carb issues. probably need new/reset floats, and a good sync and cleaning.

The bike is fictitious, but the description is fairly representative of what's on the market at any given time. If you're trying to stay under about $2000 your choices get pretty feeble which is why the CBR is so attractive to me warts and all

[chuck_uppercut]

If you are looking to go the beater route, I have a friend who will be looking to sell an early 80's gs550 in good shape, and as far as I know needs nothing.  Spent some cash on it last season getting it in good running condition, and has since bought another bike. 
Let me now if you are interested, and I can let you know what he will be asking for it. 

[Hawker]

If she has her heart set on something super-sporty, get the CBR125.  If she is willing to learn on something a bit more versatile in the long run, get an older UJM in the 350-500cc range.  The 125 is a great learning and inner city bike, but it is not highway or freeway friendly.  A well preserved CB400T will handle both quite easily and she won't outgrow it right away.

[Gosha]

Or maybe wait and hope that after success of kawi 250r the honda and yamaha would bring their euro 250s to canada?

[BuellThumper]

Or maybe wait and hope that after success of kawi 250r the honda and yamaha would bring their euro 250s to canada?

Those will retail for probably close to $6000.

 A 2-3 year old SV650 would be a far superior bike for very similar money

[h.scorpio]

I'd go for a Buell Blast. They are in CBR125 territory moneywise, and have the performance of the CM400T... poor!

While I haven't seen any done up around here, there is actually a ton of potential in the Blast motor. They are just a single cylinder Sporty Evo motor, so you could make big bore kits, cams, cylinder heads, and all that stuff from the bigger Buells and Sportsters work. Anyone that overheats and seizes the rear cylinder on their hipo Harley, can use the front cylinder and head to make a badass Blast. You see Blast motors being used in flat track racing for 500cc class.

Just thinking about this makes me want to buy a cheap blast and build up a 60-70hp single.

Those are sweet.

[TGSXR]

Another thing to keep in mind is that maintenance and working on the bike is part of learning to ride!

[T-bar]

Another thing to keep in mind is that maintenance and working on the bike is part of learning to ride!

QFT 

[claffix]

Another thing to keep in mind is that maintenance and working on the bike is part of learning to ride!

This is true, but in the first year most people are gonna want more riding then wrenching.  I agree that it's a part of owning a bike, but very few people (and even fewer ladies) get into motorcycles with the primary goal of learning to pull a wrench.

[dizzieb]

i have an 08 cbr125, that i am trying to convince my wife to sell, because we upgraded her to a 250 ninja.  its only got 200km or so, not 2000, i mean 200.  if i can convince her, i could even bring it up around the end or march cause I'm heading through Saskatoon.  i was looking for about 2400- 2500, but could work a bit. its in super shape, she loved learning on it, and she took the course so it boosted her confidence in a hurry.  however she would like to just have 2 bikes.  send me a pm if your interested