Trying to help a friend find an (automatic) motorcycle

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

My friend Mike has been experiencing health issues for over a year and is finally to the point where he might be able to ride short distances once again. He's still having hand/grip strength issues, so would like to find something automatic. Other criteria are: ~400 lbs. and low seat height. He's been looking for a Honda CM400A/450A or Suzuki GS450GA. I've found a few on Craigslist, if anyone knows of any others available (preferably within a days drive of central MD) please let me know.

Other motorcycles of similar size that I'm forgetting about? Really doesn't want anything made in China and a scooter might be his "last resort". Aprilia Mana and Convert are both too big. 

[Lannis]

My friend Mike has been experiencing health issues for over a year and is finally to the point where he might be able to ride short distances once again. He's still having hand/grip strength issues, so would like to find something automatic. Other criteria are: ~400 lbs. and low seat height. He's been looking for a Honda CM400A/450A or Suzuki GS450GA. I've found a few on Craigslist, if anyone knows of any others available (preferably within a days drive of central MD) please let me know.

Other motorcycles of similar size that I'm forgetting about? Really doesn't want anything made in China and a scooter might be his "last resort". Aprilia Mana and Convert are both too big.

An electric motorcycle might be made JUST for him, since he won't be riding long distances and an electric bike won't GO long distances, but is easy to operate ....

Lannis

[flip]

Ridley?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

An electric motorcycle might be made JUST for him, since he won't be riding long distances and an electric bike won't GO long distances, but is easy to operate ....

Lannis

Good idea, probably out of his price range though. <Edit> Then again, I'm finding a few in the $4k range after just a short search.

Ridley?

I wouldn't recommend one of those POS if it was the last motorcycle on earth. 

[Groover]

I was also going to also suggest a Hondamatic, but not sure about the weight on them. There is a nice looking on in the Columbus area, but haven't seen in in person.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/5194632345.html

Good luck. I'm curious to see the replies to this.

[Joe A.]

I have a Honda NC700x manual trans, great motorcycle. I did demo the automatic and really liked the DCT. Got a better deal on the manual, that was the only deciding factor for me. if seat height is an issue, the CTX 700 may suffice. some great deals on these, new and used. Most Americans need 1000HP anymore and these collect dust

[ITSec]

I lowered a Mana for a customer of mine using the stuff from Hyperpro and a bit of shop work - he loves the machine, and it suits him well. He's 5'4" and not long in the inseam...

Or is the 'too big' a matter of engine size?

If so, my best suggestion is the Burgman 400 - like its bigger brother, it's really a 'step-through motorcycle', not a scooter.

[Rich A]

What about a scooter?

Rich A

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I lowered a Mana for a customer of mine using the stuff from Hyperpro and a bit of shop work - he loves the machine, and it suits him well. He's 5'4" and not long in the inseam...

Or is the 'too big' a matter of engine size?

"Too big" is physical size and weight. He tried my friend Leo's (for sale at Valley Cycle in Winchester, VA) on for size and wasn't comfortable with the weight, mostly.

What about a scooter?

Rich A

See my original post:
Other motorcycles of similar size that I'm forgetting about? Really doesn't want anything made in China and a scooter might be his "last resort".

[hooah54]

I hope you get him on a bike again!.  I like my Piaggio MP3 250 ie.  Easy ride and can easily reach 70 mph...still a scooter.  steve

[Wissing]

Honda CTX 700 DCT/ABS could be an option. Last Saturday, I bought a slightly used for commuting to DC when my California 1400 is in the workshop for warranty repairs. My impression after the first 300 miles is positive.

[Murray]

Piaggio MP3 or depending where you are/how its marketed a Gilera.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

He has considered an MP3, but really would like a motorcycle, rather than a scooter 2 or 3 wheeled.

[nunzio]

Scooters should be his first choice!!
I have found very few people who poo-poo scooters have actually owned one.
My wife has a Burgman 650 (too big for your friend) and I had to upgrade from a R75/5 to an FZ1 to keep up in the twisties.
The only problem my wife has had is when a friend asked.."if her Burgman came with Granny Panties or if she had to buy them ;)
A "little" 250-400cc scooter will keep up with most 70's automatics.

They stop quicker with less hand pressure which now days would tip the scale to scooters for me.

I will be getting a scooter when I can't throw a leg over a motorcycle....I just want to ride!!!

[mentalfloss]

I have both bought and sold a hondamatic 400 and the market is pretty stable. You can find a real nice one for under $1,000.00 and if it needs some basic stuff like tires,maint, ect you could get one for $500.00.

They are a pretty cool piece of motorcycle history. Nice commuter if not too far!
The hondamatic 750 was another one!

[Cam3512]

Good idea, probably out of his price range though. <Edit> Then again, I'm finding a few in the $4k range after just a short search.

I wouldn't recommend one of those POS if it was the last motorcycle on earth. 

True dat!  I know a guy who's Ridley's frame crumbled beneath him while he was riding it. Came apart at the steering neck. Amazed he's around to tell the story.

[jackson]

If weight is selling point, he would probably be surprised at how quick some of the Japanese & Piaggio-made scooters can be.  My wife used to have an Aprila 250cc/fuel injected/water cooled/CVT automatic transmission scooter.  It would do 80 mph (verified by GPS).  This model and others have large wheels for longer tire life and they handle more like a motorcycle than a small wheeled scooter.  If I remember correctly, hers weighed around 325 pounds (with all fluids).   

[mjptexas]

Scooters should be his first choice!!
I have found very few people who poo-poo scooters have actually owned one.

 :1:

After forty years of riding I bought my first scooter this year (Vespa GTS300).  It won't be getting rid of my motorcycles soon, but you can do a lot more with a bigger scooter than one would think.  I even heard about a guy that rode one from Austin to Maine and back!  Really a great way to get back into the sport.

[Lannis]

:1:

After forty years of riding I bought my first scooter this year (Vespa GTS300).  It won't be getting rid of my motorcycles soon, but you can do a lot more with a bigger scooter than one would think.  I even heard about a guy that rode one from Austin to Maine and back!  Really a great way to get back into the sport.

I understand how the guy feels though.

Doesn't matter "what" they can do, how far they can go, how fast, etc.    Sometimes you just want a motorcycle instead of a motor scooter ..... and if that what someone wants, the encouragement to get a scooter isn't going to work ....

Lannis

[eldoroddo]

I was also going to also suggest a Hondamatic, but not sure about the weight on them. There is a nice looking on in the Columbus area, but haven't seen in in person.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/5194632345.html

Good luck. I'm curious to see the replies to this.

That little Honda is so funky, I kinda dig it.

[Lannis]

That little Honda is so funky, I kinda dig it.

I'd get something like that just for kicks.   Maybe show up at a rally on it.    There wouldn't be many people ignoring it I'll bet!

Lannis

[cwiseman]

I owned a Hondamatic 400 one time. Just like the worlds best electric blender, it worked very well but was boring as hell to operate.

If he rode a 400 Burgman and then a automatic bike the same day he might just change his mind. They impress me everytime.

[Travman]

Charlie,  Does he still own that relatively small Suzuki GS425?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Charlie,  Does he still own that relatively small Suzuki GS425?

Yes, as far as I know.

[Travman]

Yes, as far as I know.

Just curious. Hopefully he can ride the Suzuki when he gets even stronger. 

[Bob Wegman]

Charlie there is a Suzuki 450 automatic on the Rochester, NY Craigslist posted today.   1983 SUZUKI GS450A - $700 (HENRIETTA)

1983 SUZUKI GS450A

condition: good
engine displacement (CC): 450
fuel: gas
odometer: 10850
title status: clean
transmission: automatic

safety tips
prohibited items
product recalls
avoiding scams

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Charlie there is a Suzuki 450 automatic on the Rochester, NY Craigslist posted today.   1983 SUZUKI GS450A - $700 (HENRIETTA)

1983 SUZUKI GS450A

condition: good
engine displacement (CC): 450
fuel: gas
odometer: 10850
title status: clean
transmission: automatic

safety tips
prohibited items
product recalls
avoiding scams

Saw that one earlier today and sent him a link. Looks great in the ad. Are you local and could have a look if he's interested?

[Bob Wegman]

Saw that one earlier today and sent him a link. Looks great in the ad. Are you local and could have a look if he's interested?

I can give it a look if you want,  as long as it is still available.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I can give it a look if you want,  as long as it is still available.

Thanks. I'm waiting to see what he thinks.

[vstevens]

Ask him to try out the Vespa 300 or 250.  Gorgeous Italian bike.  Yes, he says he prefers a motorcycle.  But so did I until I had my first Vespa.  V7 is my fave motorcycle but the best fun and most pleasant riding bike I had was the Vespa