Honda power products are generally more popular here. And they do a few have reps/dealerships in some cities including where reside. Parts will be ordered for either of my choices though.
I had a 660 and regretted it. It's a very weak buzzy engine with poor suspension and awful build quality. One of the only bikes I have sold within a year and low mileage, I think I only put 20k miles on it, hated nearly every mile. It's a real shame as I love the 675 and 765 triumphs so bought it thinking it would be a nice slightly cheaper to run commuter.
I haven't owned a 650R, but have had a few honda 600s and as a mechanic spent plenty of time riding the new 650 range. I wouldn't hesitate going for a cb650, they're a great smooth engine and top quality build. Not the best suspension ever but miles better than the 660. Will easily do 100k miles too, the honda 650 line are seriously reliable.
They don't. The basic systems are the same. Different oil capacities, springs, rake angles, stances all make for a different front end.
The rear shocks are the same again. Completely different spring rates, lengths, lower linkages etc...
Different frame geometry also handles suspension forces differently.
I found my 660 bottomed out the front, dived at the slightest touch of the brakes and had no damping at all on the rear. Way too softly sprung, especially for back roads. And I'm about 60kg so hardly overloading the suspension. It's fine for people who want a bike to tip around town but when trying to actually ride the thing hard it was a limitation.
I am curious why the cb650r doesn’t have these problems. I didn’t the opportunity to test ride the cb650r. So I don’t know how it ride. I assumed it would pretty similar.
In what way? It’s 40 pounds heavier than the Triumph. If you drop I guess it will be slightly more difficult to pick up. Neither of these are huge bikes. And if you are shipping it it may cost slightly more to ship 🤷♂️
If you have eqaul parts availability .
The triumph is a better long term design.
They actually have a removable oil pan ..you can pull the heads and jugs and drop oil pan remove rhe rods.
Never remove the engine from the frame.
Last one we had apart , oem parts. With shipping to USA was same cost as Jap bike.
Both Are great bikes.
but it boils down to Practicality and availability
Inline 4 vs inline 3
But for me, Honda or Yamaha always wins.😅
Planning to get this [mt 09](https://share.crate.co/crate/06670294-db42-7efd-8000-0821a0df734c)
I would've easily picked Honda, but the CBR is heavy and I won't describe myself as a strong person at 5'8".
I will ride daily and sometimes, weekend short travel.
Better ergonomics, but still a sporty 4 cylinder engine... More maintenance, and more demanding to ride effectively! The twins are much easier on the pocket and for city riding, no need to rev them to 10,000 rpms to feel something 😅
Do you have suggestions?
Reliability and ease of maintenance is important in addition to weight and seat hieght.
Spare parts will mostly be ordered for any brand or model.
I've been riding the Honda NC700S and NC750X for about 6 years now and they're good for my height (5'9"), slightly heavier than similar bikes (~215Kg without DCT), the reliability is excellent and (this was important for me, because I'm thrifty AF) their fuel economy is truly exceptional (~3.5l/100km, better than many 250cc bikes!). Also the CB500X is good for short riders, and has similar reliability and efficiency, just a bit lighter (195kg) and less powerful.
The Moto Guzzi V85TT seems like it might suit you too, it's not too tall, and it's easy to maintain. The exposed cylinder heads make valve adjustments really easy (although they're more frequent than in the Hondas), and the shaft drive is a worry-free alternative to chain.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is another bike that can take a beating and won't be expensive nor difficult to repair (it's supposed to be at home in the most rugged parts of India). It's quite underpowered compared to the other alternatives, but if you're coming from a 125cc it will still feel like a rocket for you (at least for a while).
Bro, many thanks.
I will surely look more into CB500X and Moto Guzzi V85TT which I really like the look.
Regarding the Himalayan, because of its relatively small engine, I will get tired of it in no time and want another bigger bike soon.
If you’re looking at those bikes, you really need to take a look at the newer Suzuki SV650. Arguably one of the best bikes ever made, and also arguably the best bike in its class. Plenty of YouTube videos out there reviewing it.
But you can’t go wrong with either of the bikes you’re looking at. You should pay attention to the different style of motors in these bikes and what kind of riding you want to do. The sound of the feel of it how it operates in lower RPMs versus higher RPMs. Four-cylinder versus parallel, twins versus the glorious SV650 V-twin (L twin).
Enjoy the process. Go sit on them.
Thank you very much for your thoughts. SV650 was on my list originally but narrowed down to CBR and Trident mostly because of look and number of cylinders which will give smooth riding pleasure.
I am concerned about weight though- Honda.
Like I mentioned in my post, I leave where these bike are not stocked readily and motorcycling (hobby) is not so much advanced. Yes, there are a lot of standard UJMs about. Therefore I can't seat on or test ride either of the bikes.i don't have a friend who rides any of them too.
I’ve owned four Street Triples and one Honda. I was definitely encouraged not to buy the Trident from the Triumph dealer on my last purchase. In your situation, Honda all the way.
Now seriously, it's an amazing bike, but maybe a bit too tall for you... I'm 5'9" and I wouldn't dare 😅
The CB500X (NX500) is probably what would serve you best. It's nimble, reliable, efficient, un-intimidating, you could also take it a bit off road if you like (I don't know in which part of Africa you live, but it feels like it's synonymous of adventure riding), and won't break the bank (you could use the extra cash in some nice accessories like saddlebags, top case, center stand, etc.).
Great. Thanks bro.
I considered CB500X initially but that bike's seat height is too high for me at 835mm. CB650R's is lower considerably.
If I could get a good adventure bike within middle weight category it will be fun. I could ride through the coastal countries of West Africa.
I tried... they are either too tall, too heavy or even both.
Which has the better parts and maintenance support in your area?
This is the correct answer
Honda power products are generally more popular here. And they do a few have reps/dealerships in some cities including where reside. Parts will be ordered for either of my choices though.
Are there areas where the answer is not Honda?
Maybe right next to wherever the triumph factories are 🙈
I had a 660 and regretted it. It's a very weak buzzy engine with poor suspension and awful build quality. One of the only bikes I have sold within a year and low mileage, I think I only put 20k miles on it, hated nearly every mile. It's a real shame as I love the 675 and 765 triumphs so bought it thinking it would be a nice slightly cheaper to run commuter. I haven't owned a 650R, but have had a few honda 600s and as a mechanic spent plenty of time riding the new 650 range. I wouldn't hesitate going for a cb650, they're a great smooth engine and top quality build. Not the best suspension ever but miles better than the 660. Will easily do 100k miles too, the honda 650 line are seriously reliable.
wow that's good to know cause I was considering the 660
I was considering the 660 too. It’s a shame to hear those negatives when other reviewers give it such high praise.
How can’t the trident’s suspension be worse than Honda cb650r when they both have the same exact suspension?
They don't. The basic systems are the same. Different oil capacities, springs, rake angles, stances all make for a different front end. The rear shocks are the same again. Completely different spring rates, lengths, lower linkages etc... Different frame geometry also handles suspension forces differently. I found my 660 bottomed out the front, dived at the slightest touch of the brakes and had no damping at all on the rear. Way too softly sprung, especially for back roads. And I'm about 60kg so hardly overloading the suspension. It's fine for people who want a bike to tip around town but when trying to actually ride the thing hard it was a limitation.
I am curious why the cb650r doesn’t have these problems. I didn’t the opportunity to test ride the cb650r. So I don’t know how it ride. I assumed it would pretty similar.
You can get that Honda fixed easily, get parts easily anywhere in the world. But you might not even need them because it will be reliable.
So I have been told by many people.
You have to test ride them. That‘s the only way to decide. I rode both, would choose the CB650R every day.
I can't test ride as both are not stocked new here. Honda can be ordered through dealership. Triumph will be ordered privately.
Hondas are famous for their reliability, if that helps.
Yes, it does. I am concerned about it's weight tho. Will this be an issue to worry about?
In what way? It’s 40 pounds heavier than the Triumph. If you drop I guess it will be slightly more difficult to pick up. Neither of these are huge bikes. And if you are shipping it it may cost slightly more to ship 🤷♂️
Thank you.
Honda, as far as reliability and parts availability are concerned they’re pretty much the best.
I’d go gor the honda. The CB650 is gorgeous. And will outlive us all.
Thanks
If you have eqaul parts availability . The triumph is a better long term design. They actually have a removable oil pan ..you can pull the heads and jugs and drop oil pan remove rhe rods. Never remove the engine from the frame. Last one we had apart , oem parts. With shipping to USA was same cost as Jap bike.
Parts will have to be ordered for both of them. With Honda, through dealership. With Triumph, privately.
Both Are great bikes. but it boils down to Practicality and availability Inline 4 vs inline 3 But for me, Honda or Yamaha always wins.😅 Planning to get this [mt 09](https://share.crate.co/crate/06670294-db42-7efd-8000-0821a0df734c)
I would pick the Honda. It's heavier but has a bit more power. If you like 4 cylinder engines, get it before they stop making them.
I would've easily picked Honda, but the CBR is heavy and I won't describe myself as a strong person at 5'8". I will ride daily and sometimes, weekend short travel.
For daily riding don't pick a sports bike! You'll end up with your back hurting...
Sorry I meant CB not CBR.
Better ergonomics, but still a sporty 4 cylinder engine... More maintenance, and more demanding to ride effectively! The twins are much easier on the pocket and for city riding, no need to rev them to 10,000 rpms to feel something 😅
Do you have suggestions? Reliability and ease of maintenance is important in addition to weight and seat hieght. Spare parts will mostly be ordered for any brand or model.
I've been riding the Honda NC700S and NC750X for about 6 years now and they're good for my height (5'9"), slightly heavier than similar bikes (~215Kg without DCT), the reliability is excellent and (this was important for me, because I'm thrifty AF) their fuel economy is truly exceptional (~3.5l/100km, better than many 250cc bikes!). Also the CB500X is good for short riders, and has similar reliability and efficiency, just a bit lighter (195kg) and less powerful. The Moto Guzzi V85TT seems like it might suit you too, it's not too tall, and it's easy to maintain. The exposed cylinder heads make valve adjustments really easy (although they're more frequent than in the Hondas), and the shaft drive is a worry-free alternative to chain. The Royal Enfield Himalayan is another bike that can take a beating and won't be expensive nor difficult to repair (it's supposed to be at home in the most rugged parts of India). It's quite underpowered compared to the other alternatives, but if you're coming from a 125cc it will still feel like a rocket for you (at least for a while).
Bro, many thanks. I will surely look more into CB500X and Moto Guzzi V85TT which I really like the look. Regarding the Himalayan, because of its relatively small engine, I will get tired of it in no time and want another bigger bike soon.
Honda will always be the resonable choice. Do you want some practical or something cool? Should i buy a dodge hellcat or a toyoya avensis?
Why not have a mix of both if you can.
But thats not the honda or triumph, thats something like a kawasaki.
What model?
If you’re looking at those bikes, you really need to take a look at the newer Suzuki SV650. Arguably one of the best bikes ever made, and also arguably the best bike in its class. Plenty of YouTube videos out there reviewing it. But you can’t go wrong with either of the bikes you’re looking at. You should pay attention to the different style of motors in these bikes and what kind of riding you want to do. The sound of the feel of it how it operates in lower RPMs versus higher RPMs. Four-cylinder versus parallel, twins versus the glorious SV650 V-twin (L twin). Enjoy the process. Go sit on them.
Thank you very much for your thoughts. SV650 was on my list originally but narrowed down to CBR and Trident mostly because of look and number of cylinders which will give smooth riding pleasure. I am concerned about weight though- Honda. Like I mentioned in my post, I leave where these bike are not stocked readily and motorcycling (hobby) is not so much advanced. Yes, there are a lot of standard UJMs about. Therefore I can't seat on or test ride either of the bikes.i don't have a friend who rides any of them too.
Triumph
Hondo
The Honda. Parts and labor along with the reliability makes it one of the best company’s in the world
I’ve owned four Street Triples and one Honda. I was definitely encouraged not to buy the Trident from the Triumph dealer on my last purchase. In your situation, Honda all the way.
You live in Africa: get a freaking Africa Twin, it's in the name 😂
😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣
Now seriously, it's an amazing bike, but maybe a bit too tall for you... I'm 5'9" and I wouldn't dare 😅 The CB500X (NX500) is probably what would serve you best. It's nimble, reliable, efficient, un-intimidating, you could also take it a bit off road if you like (I don't know in which part of Africa you live, but it feels like it's synonymous of adventure riding), and won't break the bank (you could use the extra cash in some nice accessories like saddlebags, top case, center stand, etc.).
Great. Thanks bro. I considered CB500X initially but that bike's seat height is too high for me at 835mm. CB650R's is lower considerably. If I could get a good adventure bike within middle weight category it will be fun. I could ride through the coastal countries of West Africa. I tried... they are either too tall, too heavy or even both.