It's almost 2023 and Ryan hasn't given us a moto-vlog like this in years. It's time, Ryan. It's time.

I've been riding since the days of the original "café racers" and have built several of them myself. Now at 69 I've finally gotten tired of playing with 40 year old worn out carbs and electrical systems and primitive suspensions. My 78 Yamaha XS650 café bike is now parked under a tarp while I ride my new faster, smoother, better braking and handling, more comfortable and infinitely more reliable Honda CB500X. I still enjoy looking at a nice café bike, but so many of them are built for looks only. I see bikes with $1000 custom tanks and seats, but still running on the original ancient rear shocks that were about as effective as pogo sticks even when new. My biggest problem with café bikes though is that they were originally built in the 60s by young guys who worked in warehouses or on the docks and had no money and used parts scrounged up for a few bucks at salvage yards. Today these guys would be riding old Japanese sport bikes with all the plastic removed, while café racers are now built by rich old guys who are willing to pay big money for scarce vintage parts or over-priced aftermarket stuff. It's just not the same somehow.

One of my favorite philosophies as a carpenter is that the tool is only as good as the person using it. I feel the same about bikes.

I was a founding member of what I believe was the first state high school sanctioned motorcycle club down here in Australia... Circa 1969. I've been a motorcyclist going on half a century. I've owned bikes ranging from Eastern European motocrossers, a very early UJM, Japanese enduro bikes, homolagtion model superbikes; 1100cc, 750cc and a Thou et al. And I've ridden professionaly 9 hours a day, 5 days a week. And I can tell you dear reader, that young Ryan Kluftinger is well worth listening to... Outstanding commentary. Warm wishes to you Ryan. Alan Squires.

+10000000000 points for not starting your video with some BANGING DUBSTEP and screaming and whooping. SUBBED

this is possibly the best verbal motoessay on the cafe racer topic. ever. seriously.

Everyone should learn how to wrench on a bike. Rebuilding a carb on a bike (especially a simple single cylinder bike) is one of the most satisfying things you can achieve....to take an old bike that wouldn't start or idle or run right and transform it into a smooth running machine again is really empowering in my opinion.

Never underestimate the power of having your name on the title of your bike. Not making monthly payments liberates enough cash to transform a Craigslist reject into a show-stopper over the winter. Learning to maintain, repair, and eventually modify a machine that brings so much joy is therapeutic and satisfying. Excellent content here.

The absence of wind noise, the smooth video, the awesome scenery and an excellent narrative.... just kills it, Ryan! Thanks for another great one.

I love the point(s) in every RyanF9 motovlog where he loses track of the topic for juuust a second and realizes how cool the ride is and takes a second to appreciate the moment and/or scenery (the first one in this video happens around 3:27). You can tell he genuinely loves riding motorcycles in every video.

I started on a cafe bike with carbs I had to rebuild myself... made me fall in love with motorcycles IMO

"I guess they're doing it on purpose...pedalling around." LOL

I think of all the bike trends that have introduced new riders to the sport, cafe racers are probably the best of them all. In my life I've seen the new rider trend go from full fairing speed war superbikes to custom choppers to cafe racers to thug style dynas and now dirtbike/supermoto. I think anything that gets more butts into the saddle is a great thing and the cafe racer is the most approachable bike and probably the one that will be the least likely to get you killed or arrested.

Oh man, I'm giggling over here because I did all of these things you've outlined not to do. Took a motorcycle safety class and the day I finished I bought a Craigslist special cb360 that some poor soul had tried (poorly) to modify. Thankfully they gave up before doing anything irreversible, and it was cheap since it didn't run. I pushed it home, and I spent the next four months figuring out how to fix it up. Learned a lot about bikes through the process and it's kept me from being reckless (since parts fall off occasionally) and made me really appreciate the way they work. I'm a pretty casual rider still, it'll probably never be a long-haul rider, but it's fun to tinker with and learn on.

"That's what a cafe racer is, it's the real coffee!" Love that.

As a newbie I started on a cafe racer, absolutely loved it, then I understood it was totally illegal (at least in Italy) and sold it. Now I ride a 1992 Kawasaki Zephyr. Love your videos, keep it up!

Damn. That is some freaking crisp audio. I closed my eyes for a second, and it sounded like it was being recorded in a booth with some ambient noise.

Being a closet mechanic, I bought a cafe racer and dealt with more than what you listed here! But with lots of time spent on the bike, and more with it taken apart, it just comes down to what you want! There were many times I wished I was riding instead of re jetting the carbs, or fixing the brakes... but all in all, I felt it taught me so much about my bike from the start!

I love going back to a video like this, one that I watched almost 8 years ago because I was allured but the cafe racer craze. I love that I bided my time, waited until last year to get over that craze and land on my first bike, a naked bike, which was the bike I guess I wanted all along. But I especially love the nostalgia of these old vlog style videos that were so popular, that Ryan was trying to do to kickstart this channel before beginning his journey into the cinematic masterpieces that are today’s, and recent years’ FortNine videos.

Perfect advice! My first bike was a 1949 bsa bantam d1. I would never tell anyone to start with a cafe racer, no matter what the size or age. Modern Triumph or Royal Enfield etc at a push.

Very interesting discussion Ryan, I'd not really thought of the effect the style crazed café club could have on new riders, completely get what you're saying though...I learnt the hard way that what you really need as a new rider, as you so eloquently said, is a reliable/cheap bike that you can ride a lot and learn your craft on in a relatively short period - then you can work out what you really like and don't like about the various motorcycle genres and take it from there...these things are dangerous, it just makes sense to start with something easy to ride and work up - and as you say the "modern retros" these days (thinking Triumph T100 or Street Twin) are cool and new rider friendly. Lovin' your work, keep it up - all the best from across the pond - TMF

*Get a Royal Enfield Continental GT!* (No assembly required.)

I don't know about the past but I do love those neo-retro bikes. They look so much flavorful minus the problem it comes with for those old retro bikes. I'm rising a standard Now though and seriously considering a cruiser but I know I'm going to miss those curves and lean actions if I do. Ahhh... Dilemma.

The best online / vlog documentary on today’s Café scene that I’ve heard. Well done! Ride safe my friend.

I really like a lot of stuff you said in this video. Good stuff! But far as safety goes, I've seen chopper/bobber riders riding shirtless with no helmet and sport bike riders doing 120mph+ in traffic on the road more than anything else. Safety comes down to the driver's choices more than anything else I think.

I always wave to the bicycle riders. Two wheels is two wheels. :-) Now, those weirdos on the unicycles... don't get me started! ;-)

that “Helloooo” and “I always feel bad when I pass cyclist bc I have an engine” HAHAHAHAHA

I agree with you 💯% on a new rider jumping right in on a cafe bike and the costs and things you've mentioned. I still love the way the cafes look and the old school vibe talks to me. Thanks, I enjoyed the vid!

I am worried that you are so worried!

I just recently bought a Suzuky sg500 to convert into a cafe racer, but been riding since I was 16 years old, I'm 25 now. And totally agree with all you just said. Great channel, thanks!

Thx for the advice, much appreciated! Your reviews are excellent.

Everything you said sounds like my first bike, a carburettored Supermoto. Regardless of all the issues my next bike will be a cafe racer because I love all the steps that go into starting them and the style and everything!

I bought one of those half finished bikes (79' Honda cb750) for $800, with a box of parts. I'm very experienced mechanically. And that year had duel front disks and single rear. No frame mods either. That said I am a beginner motorcyclist. And if I didn't have this bike I would not have any (because of price) . It's now running well and safe. I'm in it under 1k about 15 hours of work put in. I'm going to put at least 1000 miles on before doing any more mods. Thanks for the video as always.

Excellent observations, Ryan. I have seen a number of beginning riders who go off on these "builds" and end up with a piece of crap with clogged carburetor, no front brake, and an oil burning engine. Many have accidents and never ride again. And then there are the "clothes" and the obsession of the "look". I saw a number of them at my first and last DGR.

Your videos have come a long way since this episode, well done !

I found the perfect compromise as a 66 year old new rider with a cafe racer fetish! My ‘86 Honda 450 Nighthawk was modified by a father-son team who found the right look, without sacrificing comfort and ride ability. They replaced the warn parts and spruced it up perfectly. It has plenty of power for a newbie like myself, and has amenities like electric start and a disk front brake. Also, new chain, sprockets, rear shocks, and tires. All for $3,000! Five years later, I couldn’t be happier with it! Now, I’m hunting for a classic scrambler to add to my quiver!

Hey Ryan, i totally understand your point of view on those cafe racer bikes. However, you missed one very important point why people actually want to have a cafe racer. It's the build experience itself that draws lots of people into that type of motorcycles. Of course such a cafe racer project only makes sense if you have another bike you can ride IMO.

Honestly things these days have so much tech that it actually makes things more difficult. Going back to something that is all mechanical is kinda nice.

I started motorcycling on a '83 XS400K barn find that sat there for 20 years. It had 23k kilometers on the clock and cost me less than I sold my scooter for. It was drum brakes in the rear, and I wore jeans and a open faced retro helmet with aviator glasses, much like he described in the video. The bike itself was a mess, in hindsight. Its exhausts were manually pierced and the engine ran too lean. It had front suspension with busted seals, a clogged carburetor and a rusted (and pierced) gas tank. It was painted by hand with a brush and looked disgusting. It was straight up dangerous to ride that. But I fell in love with it anyway. I took vocation school for bodywork just so I could fix it. Did the paint, exhausts, treated the gas tank to be rust proof and clogged the hole in it. Cleaned the carburetor. Changed seals and swapped suspension parts. Probably cost me shy of 2k$ all in all. Restored it stock. I was already aware everyone turned those things into Cafe Racers and so I wanted to keep mine original. Last week, after seven years of riding my XS400 way farther than it should have, I put it to rest with just over 60k kilometers on the clock. Certainly feels wierd to no longer ride my little bike that could and drive something thats so much better in so many things. Its no longer on the road and still needs work to be completely rebuilt. But I really enjoyed working on this bike. Just thought I'd share a story.

Now I'm torn, because this touches on some sub conscience thoughts I've had while saving up for my first bike. I have fallen IN LOVE with cafe racers, both for style and history. But I'm having a hard time figuring out if what I want matches what I'm capable of. While this video gives me more questions than answers, I suppose that's a good thing as I go through this process.

8:25 That disappointment really hit you hard, went so quiet afterwards haha

what do you use for you mic to get such good quality out of your vlog?

I started on an old cb750 in highschool and started cafe'ing it out over time. I really value the experience of having an old bike because working on it taught me a ton about bikes and made me appreciate it more. Now I ride a newer SV650 and am loving riding more than ever.

1:40 - 1:50 HOW DARE YOU (describe my bike so perfectly) SIR!

Scramblers all day

I agree with your assessment on café racers as a first bike, but I can't help but pine for mine. I got a '75 CB550 as a barn find which I cleaned up, wrenched on and rode for many years. I was in the middle of a teardown and restoration when I got deployed, had no space to store it and had to literally give it away. I'd kill to find that bike again.

My first road bike that I owned, after getting my M Class and spending a year riding my dad's 250 dual sport, was an 84' Honda CB700 Nighthawk S, a direct descendant of the legendary 750-Four that everyone loves using for cafe racers. I loved that bike. When not chopped, classic UJM's and their descendants make excellent, affordable, starter bikes.

Wow this video was greatly insightful! Answered a bunch of doubts/questions for me. Nice to see those roads too! Reminds me of home, except my ride at the time was a subbie R-STI with a touch of lachute in the ecu department 😉

I wish I had seen this before takong the plunge. 100% true. My 1st bike is a cafe racer and it's spent 90% of its time in the shop. Huge money pit. Plus the nightmare that is locating qualitu used parts.

In my country cafe racers are not built from old bikes, they are genuinely new bikes imported the factories outside my country (dont know the origin tbh). Is it good to start on a bike like i described above??

I appreciate your fair insight. Recently bought my first bike - a 2015 TU250X - and totally agree. I feel I have the best of both worlds: vintage looks and disc brakes/ fuel injected engine ✅ . Enjoying the ride and looking forward to a long and varied motorcycling experience 🏍💨 🛣

Great advice! I just got my license and I am looking to buy an old bike to customize into a café racer. But now I’m gonna ride it plenty and get to know it before I begin working on it. Thanks!

I ride mine every day almost...rain, shine, hot cold. In fact, I rode it to work today ..and yesterday too.

Hey Ryan! As a brand new rider into the cafe' racer aesthetic, I appreciate your critique here. Just got a 2015 Suzuki TU250X with the Cafe' racer kit on it. I deffinitely appreciate the modern features (fuel injection, ABS brakes, electric start, etc) paired with the vintage aesthetic and stripped-down look of a cafe'. Its been an amazing daily commuter for me, and I am not at all disappointed with my first bike! Very glad I didn't start out with a rigid old project bike and went with the "new vintage" style.

huh. you explain exactly what i'm doing. and I love every minute of it.

You just described me, I bought an 84 Honda Sabre VF700 and evening though I love the bike I’m tired of having to fix something at least once a season of riding. I’m looking for a new bike right now. Any advice on a 2017 Moto Guzzi V9 bobber?

You're right Ryan. I loved the style of cafe racers so much, I started to "coffee" anything with wheels on it. Well, I started, never finished. Now I'm at the point of having seven and a half motorcycles, all in parts or different states of "not running". I'll have to take a half year off at least, to finish some of them. And that by working eight hours a day. While my neighbour drives through the whole of Europe on his beamer or what ever new adventure bike he has at the moment. If i wouldn't have ridden some very reliable old Hondas before, I would never ride again. And once your house looks like a salvage yard and you had to rent the garage in your neighbours house and a third space in an unheated industrial building, just to leave your bikes somewhere, because they never run, in the moment, you want them to, it is like having a big stone chained to your ankles, which will drag you down, where ever you are. So don't be like that. There are many nice things, which look old but drive nicely. Kawasaki made the W-series, Triumph and Royal Enfield practically don't make anything else, the Italians still have some pretty nice driving half retros. They mostly even drive like an 80's motorcycle, which means, the handelbar leans into a corner, before the rest of the bike does, because the whole frame flexes so much. Then there is so much to choose from, for driving retro styling with a nice handling, as the Japanese show or the Germans. You could even buy yourself a new Ural or Chang Jiang and make your life dreary. Why bother with old machines? They will go wrong, because their old and driven on a shoestring for the last twenty to seventy years. Also, most of you have a butt, which is ok-seated on a motorbike. So do I, so does your girlfriend. Ah, well, you will not have a girlfriend anyway, because you're sitting in the garage every weekend, when all the people you know, will go out to have something called a "life". Anyway, you have a normal butt, so what's the idea of putting a ridiculously narrow saddle on the ride, which leaves you with enough pillow for the half of one cheek? Cafe racers are what they are: Racers. Ever driven to work in a race car daily? Was cool no? Highway driving with ear protection, meeting every bump in the road, no heater in winter, no A/C in summer, windows don't open, because you glued them shot and took the handles out for beeing to heavy. Ten minutes to strap into the racing harness... But hey, at least it looks cool, when driving through your village... Well no. Same with a bike. Can be cool, to drive to a cafe with that thing. But seriously, most of the drivers look like an ape on a tricycle. Then they put them infront of the cafe and fade to the background, while people look at the bike, which is normally way cooler and in a way better shape, than the driver.

Triumph just redesigned their whole product line. They're getting rid of the old Bonnie's pretty cheap. For some reason, the Bonnie started out as a 650, mine is an 865, then 900, now 1200. Maybe there is a Bonnie Bagger in the works with twin tanks and a hot tub for next year!

I just want to know what model helmet this is. I think I need that...

Oh boy, must be nice riding on such quiet road in the morning. Where I live, it's traffic congestion everywhere.

When are you going to review your own bike? I like it but Im not sure I wanna buy one.

Reading the title Ia first thought you are going after the "lifestyle" ;-) Actually I´m going to buy a Thruxton R soon, my second bike after a Street Triple.

I ride a 1977 (2 stroke) Yamaha R400 to work almost every day. I also tour all over the province on it. It's been heavily modified. I love it and I've been riding it for almost 20 years. See you on the Hwy Yammi.

New rider and I totally agree with l his points. I was literally just about to go into this direction. Thank you for the safe hesitation.

r/motorcycles is full of kids with ZERO experience and 1000 dollars who buy a 30 year old motorcycle with zero mechanical skills and a million questions lol

I agree with your thesis however I think there is a flaw in your initial premise. Cafe racers are great first bikes since many are low powered nimble city bikes. You won't see a lot cruising back highways since that's not their purpose, they are city bikes, narrow for traffic, and fast between lights. The other issue I have is that many cafe guys know a lot more about maintenance and repair than others. All that electrical re-wiring, carb re-jetting, tire swapping, and air box to pods mods gives a level of connection that makes them long term riders. All that heart ache and customizing makes them hold on the bikes for a lifetime, while also weeding out the ones that wouldn't have stuck with it anyways. Again, I agree with most of your statements but if you're looking for cafe bikes head into the city, find the rock roll bar on bike night and enjoy the stories these guys share.

I'm curious to know what you think about the CSC SG250, a new bike in the style of a cafe racer.

I'm a beginner motorcyclist and I just bought a new T120 Bonneville Diamond. Having a lot of fun with it. Personally, I like the ABS, wet clutch and traction control. Makes it quite forgiving to ride as I learn. At least here in Switzerland there are not many people who start by buying an ancient, customized motorcycle.

This felt like a direct attack, lmao. I have been planning to buy an old bike to get into riding for two years now.

I remember watching this when this vid came out, and that was before I had my license or my bike. I can now say that I love that I chose a cafe racer build. Lol I even chose a “bad” bike for the build, the CM400t, but nonetheless it turned out great. I enjoyed it as my first bike and first build. I definitely agree with the comforts of a new bike, but I chose to ride bc I had no money and thought cafes were cool af. But now like any rider I want a bigger bike! Lol, great video!

I'm new to being into bikes and fell in love with bobbers and cafe racers right away. Good to know these things now.

I agree with everything you are saying, and I’m glad you are right, it makes for allot of good buys on none running half finished bikes for us guys who actually do wrench on bikes and finish them.

Vintage enthusiast two cents ...You're not wrong, but i kept thinking the term "Cafe" (which is vague) needs to be swapped with "Vintage" or "Over 20 or 30 years old" something more specific. If you're a 100% rider, mainly interested in the riding aspect of owning a motorcycle over all else, a vintage motorcycle may not work for you (literally). What do you want most out of the bike? There are bikes out there for 100% riders (new ones usually), to 50/50 garage mechanics, to 100% shop rat fabricators. Many of us fall within or between these groups. If you don't LIKE (i mean, really love) working on engines/machines or are incapable for whatever reason, do NOT get a vintage/old bike or you WILL be like the guys F9 talks about here. Do your homework online before you buy, on forums and owner reviews, be smart and you'll find its fairly easy to narrow in on the bike the fits you.

@FortNine , I gutted a 1987 BMW k100 to become a cafe racer. 124,000 miles and still going strong :P

My first bike was a 82 Kawasaki KZ750. It was crap. Barley ran, had a tendency to randomly shut off, and was generally more hassle than it was worth. But it taught me so much experience in mechanics and how motorcycles work, that I'll never forget it. I think for some people, cafe's can be a good teacher for certain people that are willing to learn from them. And that's why I'll always love em.

Your channel is so good. I've watched probably all of your vids in the past 2 days

An excellent video my friend and you make some extremely valid, irrefutable and well thought out balanced points relating to the modern Cafe racer cult, although I must say that in my own personal experience I've found that many modern bikers who begin with modern machines, find it extremely difficult, in some cases even impossible to adapt to a vintage machine, sometimes being put off them for life, which is a great shame, whereas those who begin with something old (and infinitely more troublesome of course), I find in general do adapt way easier to a more modern user friendly bike, even with the quantum increase in performance in every aspect! There's also the hands on factor of starting vintage, one tends to learn much more about a bike, the riding of it and what makes it tick in general if you have to work on it yourself, yet with modern bikes (like modern cars), that is becoming increasingly more difficult, in some cases even impossible. This comment is most certainly not meant as a criticism in any way to your brilliant video (about the best I've ever viewed). I'm just a massive believer in empirical knowledge and always advocate that if approached correctly and sensibly, "In at the deep end" sometimes has its advantages, but that's just my own personal opinion and not necessarily correct, but it's just a thought.

What do you think of the Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle

I don’t want to take ANYTHING from your newer high production quality scripted videos but imo THIS is where YOU really shine. It’s very nice as a contrast to the current videos to have you just speaking your mind without editing or the jokes etc.

I couldn't agree more. I talked a friend of mine out of getting an old cafe racer for exactly the reasons you mentioned. I directed her to a much more modern Triumph Bonneville and she's been super happy with it. I think that's a much better choice for anybody who's either getting started or doesn't know / isn't interested in being their own mechanic.

Quotable, “a cafe racer is like a double espresso”. 👌🏽

My first bike was a little GPz550 that sure looked good in front of the coffee shop. I went across the country on it. Don't hate.

being that i'm building a cafe racer right now, i couldn't agree more. Everything you have said is exactly on point

It's crazy how your production quality has skyrocketed. This is an interesting video, but it's similar to the ones that a lot of other people make. Your new videos are 10 minute masterpieces. Can't wait for the next one. Stay safe bud.

3:53 - 4:04 weird silence saved by the lake ;)

Ryan, I really enjoy your vid's and look forward to new ones. I personally have one of those '70's UJM's you reference: a '75 Honda CB550F. It's basically stock with some period correct upgrades like Lester alloy wheels and an oil cooler. It has pods too (it came that way), but is really well tuned for them thankfully. The '69-'78 Single overhead cam 4 Hondas (SOHC4's) are very very popular with the US cafe racer crowd and there are lots of really well done cafe's over at the SOHC4.net forum. There are also a lot of guys doing just what you talk about, taking a long neglected SOHC4 and converting it to a cafe a a first ever motorcycle. Your basic advice to not start with a cafe project is spot on. However, some of the shortcomings you point out are based on your perspective as an ADV rider who takes his bikes on long trips and onto gravel and dirt roads. While I have one friend with a beautifully cafed '73 CB750 (thin seat, rear set pegs, clubman bars) who regularly takes long trips (I did a 6 day 1400 mile trip with him in 2011), but most people use their cafes for an afternoon of local riding that might cover 40-50 miles, but probably more like 20-25, and all of it on paved roads when no rain is forecast. So the thin seat, low bars, and minimal fenders are not likely going to be an issue. The riser bar on your V-Strom are indeed comfortable... if you have a windshield or fairing, but over 45 mph that upright position sucks with no wind protection and the forward lean of clip-on or clubman bars makes a huge difference and also help with weight transfer and confidence in the turns the way risers and standing does for an ADV rider on dirt. Most of your advice is well given and new riders should take heed, but I would say that you personally should find someone to let you test a well setup vintage bike based cafe (I might actually be able to help with that, the SOHC4 owners forum has a number of Canadian members) and spend a day with it in its natural environment, you might be surprised how comfortable that thin seat and bent over position can actually be.

Hey RF9! Another great clip, thanks. Am currently doing my A2 in France after spending many years on 125's. Looking at the V-Strom 650 among others as a possible starter bike. Noticed your dashboard! Any thoughts? PS that certainly is a magnificent road. I'm not far from the Alps. Will let you know.....

I’m a new rider. Bought a 1978 kz650. It is currently in pieces in my garage. Slow and steady work, but I can’t wait to be finished! It will look and feel amazing.

kills me when someone destroys a classic honda turning it into a cafe racer. Also pisses me off that the hipsters have driven up the price of classic 70s hondas.

Honda cb is one of the greatest motorcycles of all time and it's the most popular bike for cafe conversion. Easy to work on and super smooth for an old bike. I think they are a perfect place to start riding. Modern bikes don't give you the connection to the road they might give you a better ride but they do not make you a better or safer rider.

Question: CSC sg250 for beginner, since it is a cafe racer. Yay or nay?

I got a virago 535 as my first bike. I am a bit on the tall side for it at 6ft2 but it has been great to learn to ride a bigger bike than my old 50cc moped. It still has ok power and its nible in the city centre here in europe. Now after a year and half i feel pretty confident and am looking towards a vulcan 650s 😄

Do you think there's a place for an entry level Cafe Racer segment for automakers? Including 250cc or 500cc Cafe racers? The retro-designed bikes like the Triumph Thruxton and the Ducati Scrambler are great bikes with modern suspension and tech but may turns new riders away due to a high price tag and intimidating engine capacity.

I respectfully disagree on this one, I think a lot of the spirit of motorcycling especially in the UK has been lost through low maintenance imports and high performance Japanese bikes (I know there are a LOT of positives here too) I know some people to take their bike to the shop just to get a tyre changed. I built and modded my first bike, it was a lot of work but so worth it. Though I understand I might just be a statistical outlier here and maybe you're completely right for most people. Great vid either way!

I was down a horror KZfaq spiral and Ryan just pulled me out. Needed that man

Very insightful. What do you think about the fuel injected Yamaha SR400 as a starter though?

I started motorcycle on a '79 suzuki gs550, she was pretty reliable and had plenty of power for me as a beginner, she was definitely way more comfortable than my cbr1000. I also learned how to change a tire and how to change a chain through wrenching on that thing. I love it and I still miss it. I think vintage bikes are fantastic first bikes.

I feel like you made this video for me hahaha. I didn't start out wanting a 1970s Honda CB, it was more love at first sight. I quickly realized my folly after going to see some potential purchases, but now I really don't know what I'm looking for. I just don't have the knowhow for a vintage bike and hey, that's ok. Thanks for making a video that made me feel less like I was giving up and more like I'm being reasonable and safe.

Awesome clip!!!! Very thoughtful words for potential new riders.

Oh wow, what's the gearing on that bike, it seems super chilled! What's the displacement?