MacDoc's new ride 2015 CB300 to 2018 MT03 to 2017 GS310 now sold!

[xrljoel]

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Nobody asked for my opinion (and probably shouldn't) but is the $800 AUD in your pocket, assuming you get a replacement for $4K REALLY worth it?
You've got a bike now that suits your riding, has some versatility for off highway if the mood strikes, is in good condition after you fixed the brake issue and purchased a stock exhaust can, has the accessories applied that make your experience more enjoyable and most importantly (for me) FITS you. Some of your other options have higher pegs and lower bars. Do those work for you and your "experienced" knees & back, not to mention shoulders and neck?

I'm all for getting new/different bikes as often as possible, but I've also fumbled a couple times by ignoring the positives of what I already have and ended up missing those attributes after the bike was gone.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Jayell]

Nobody asked for my opinion (and probably shouldn't) but is the $800 AUD in your pocket, assuming you get a replacement for $4K REALLY worth it?
You've got a bike now that suits your riding, has some versatility for off highway if the mood strikes, is in good condition after you fixed the brake issue and purchased a stock exhaust can, has the accessories applied that make your experience more enjoyable and most importantly (for me) FITS you. Some of your other options have higher pegs and lower bars. Do those work for you and your "experienced" knees & back, not to mention shoulders and neck?

I'm all for getting new/different bikes as often as possible, but I've also fumbled a couple times by ignoring the positives of what I already have and ended up missing those attributes after the bike was gone.

Just my thoughts.

I couldn't agree more. Stick with what you have, Macdoc. It's a nice bike, set up exactly as you like, and you scored a deal. A few hundred bucks won't make a difference in the end.

 

[MacDoc]

All opinions welcome and swapping a $4800 bike to $4000 bike "just because" does not make sense.
Swapping to $4800 to say $2000 does if the new ride meets other criteria as cash has some play in this.
For instance I emailed Brian about this

2024 Honda CB125F LAMS Approved
$2,200 Negotiable
Burdell, QLD

2024 Honda CB125F LAMS approved motorbike for sale. Registered until April 2025. Comes with its 2 year warranty from Honda. It’s barely broken in with only 281km. Great little motorbike to zip around town on, great on fuel. As the bike is LAMS approved AND it has BarkBusters it would make a great first motorbike.
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/burdell/motorcycles/2024-honda-cb125f-lams-approved/1329824706

Upside
A Deal √ certainly
Newer√ a lot - 7 years over the GS with 2 year warranty, combined braking ( something I like a lot ) lowish seat but not too low (31") lower km on bike ( basically zero ).
Lighter√ wet 115kg vs 160kg CB300 and 170 for the GS
Better fuel mileage √ circa 120 mpg that's double the GS

I can basically ride this for two years with zilch cost and net $2800 which we need, spend less on fuel, have a quieter, lighter ride but still a full sized bike.

So light I can do mild forest trails and pick it up if needed plus it has BarkBusters. My existing Shad top case, tank bags etc all fit
It would look like this plus my tank bag and the BarkBusters. I prefer a single seat over split.

Downside it is 5 hours away and no easy way to get there.... I can ride it back from there.
Other downside as Brian told me, it's the aircooled Grom motor not the liquid cooled smoother CBR125 version.
Smaller tires and hard to find. Gives me pause.

Fun?? not so much at all but the GS or CB300 barely gets into that and frankly I'm just not that comfortable yet with the GS despite the tweaks. It's way better than when I started and if I don't get my price or close I'll just ride it and adapt. It's fine on the highway in all respects - it's just slow speed/lots of clutch is not smooth.

Short throw on the clutch other baby GS riders don't like - neither do I. It's first gen and had it's share of issues as a result tho apparently resolved in the most part.

I surveyed the asking prices around Australia and actually upped my asking price a bit to give myself more room.
If the guy that came today buys at $4800 I probably left $500 on the table as price was not a concern for him and the bike happened to be a perfect fit for him physically

Will know in a few hours.

 

[MacDoc]

The potential is this route - effectively new old stock. I know the owner. He has 5 to sell.

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[GreyGhost]

All opinions welcome and swapping a $4800 bike to $4000 bike "just because" does not make sense.
Swapping to $4800 to say $2000 does if the new ride meets other criteria as cash has some play in this.
For instance I emailed Brian about this

Upside
A Deal √ certainly
Newer√ a lot - 7 years over the GS with 2 year warranty, combined braking ( something I like a lot ) lowish seat but not too low (31") lower km on bike ( basically zero ).
Lighter√ wet 115kg vs 160kg CB300 and 170 for the GS
Better fuel mileage √ circa 120 mpg that's double the GS

I can basically ride this for two years with zilch cost and net $2800 which we need, spend less on fuel, have a quieter, lighter ride but still a full sized bike.

So light I can do mild forest trails and pick it up if needed plus it has BarkBusters. My existing Shad top case, tank bags etc all fit
It would look like this plus my tank bag and the BarkBusters. I prefer a single seat over split.
View attachment 71547
Downside it is 5 hours away and no easy way to get there.... I can ride it back from there.
Other downside as Brian told me, it's the aircooled Grom motor not the liquid cooled smoother CBR125 version.
Smaller tires and hard to find. Gives me pause.

Fun?? not so much at all but the GS or CB300 barely gets into that and frankly I'm just not that comfortable yet with the GS despite the tweaks. It's way better than when I started and if I don't get my price or close I'll just ride it and adapt. It's fine on the highway in all respects - it's just slow speed/lots of clutch is not smooth.

Short throw on the clutch other baby GS riders don't like - neither do I. It's first gen and had it's share of issues as a result tho apparently resolved in the most part.

I surveyed the asking prices around Australia and actually upped my asking price a bit to give myself more room.
If the guy that came today buys at $4800 I probably left $500 on the table as price was not a concern for him and the bike happened to be a perfect fit for him physically

Will know in a few hours.

~10 hp on a full size bike :S. I assume you can get wherever you need to go on roads with speed limits of 80 or less? Big rider, normal size bike, low hp will be working really hard. I doubt you can get it to 100 unless you are going downhill. I don't know. There are a lot of upsides as you outlined but I don't love how slow that will be climbing some of your awesome roads. I don't want to get run over.

 

[MacDoc]

I asked Brian and he's big rider. The bike is not small physically - just small powerplant. I'm going over to the Honda guy tomorrow and sit on one.
Yeah 100 is the top speed anywhere and most is 60-80 and you've seen speeding fines here...crippling.
Speeds on the mountain climbs are max 60 and many 40s and I don't ride hard these days anyway.
My klr 650 with 606s on it was just about topped out at 80 and with audio books on I don't care.
Filtering and using bike lanes is legal here so light and flickable useful.
I'm winding down my riding career with a nearing horizon and had contemplated something along these lines. Will move it forward if needed.
The 300Xmax is another route that appeals but I doubt I can get a deal Log into Facebook
And that seat concerns me.

 

[mimico_polak]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that's wishy washy with my bikes! LoL

Good luck @MacDoc. Personally I think what you've got seems to work, so no need to change. But it's your money / time / body that needs to find the right fit for you.

 

[MacDoc]

This whole thing started when I unexpectedly got my full asking for my high mileage CB300 then made coin flipping a couple to get either into a different class or cash out some much needed funds.
I CAN live with the GS but if someone will offer my asking I will always flip a bike.
Still considering a CB500 2013 as a known bike...but all depends if I sell the GS

 

[MacDoc]

Yes sale pending for $4800 cash with roadworthy ( $55 ) and without top case or tank bag. Either $1000 deposit today or paid in full today ...in any case cannot get roadworthy til Jan 9th. The tale continues.
He is coming by at 1pm with $1k deposit. It is stoopid hot today already. 29 real feels like 35.6 at 8.30 am Might just stay home as iffy sleep last night and day before traffic might be fraught.....and yeah I left some coin on the table.


Just to answer a bit more, I am not 100% convinced it was the correct bike for me despite the tweaks.

Will shop for a bike seriously now.....most likely the CB500f. There are two - one close - ugly - another better deal but a half day away. $3800 asking 66k km

You gotta know my preference by now.

 

[Sunday Rider]

I think you like the deal making as much as riding. Looks like you are having a good time horse trading. The right bike will find you.

 

[MacDoc]

There is an element of that - spent 40 years buying and selling millions of dollars of Macs and to a much lesser degree motorcycles.
Headache here is smaller pool of bikes to choose from but also smaller pool of buyers especially for road bikes not LAMs approved.

Other options.

Take a riding break until April while watching the market for a "deal". Let my plumbing heal entirely.

After a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) procedure, you can expect to recover over a period of 3–8 weeks

Now I had a mini-Turp but there is still lots of blood in my urine. Doc says okay to ride but giving a rest would not be amiss. The blood and tissue normal

and will go away over a while.

Hang up my boots for good with an okay cash out
Pick up a few more dollars selling gear.

Prolly won't happen...don't think the bug has expired
$1000 in hand...booked for January 9th roadworthy.

 

[MacDoc]

On with the hunt. Possible is a 2016 Ninja 300. 17k km and has OEM bars and exhaust available $3500 Hassle is it is 1/2 day ride away and college kid second owner seems not too interested in getting it to me. Comes with road worthy.

If we could, think I might be able to live with it. Like the power, slipper clutch and mature generation of the model. More to research on it. Looks like ergos too sport bike for my tastes

Nother potential. 2013 CB500r. Like the look. Mileage a bit high but that motor will go forever. Decent power.....more likely to opt for CB500F that are around but damn thats a sweet looking ride.

 

[MacDoc]

Looking at ergos.

I might be able to live with the CBR500 with risers but will likely be sensible and opt for what I know with the CB500x.

 

[MacDoc]

Pretty settled on the 2014 CB500x .$3800 is well priced if with roadworthy 66k km ...no gain over the CB300 but significant power and space gain.

..I can get a bus down there for $65 - get there at 1 pm.
Uber to the guy
Pick up the bike and head back to Cairns - likely book a place to stay part way home.
Take my big magnetic tank bag for essentials...and it's red

Windscreen $100 and I like the looks of it with the cutouts to prevent backpressure - actually like the looks of the cheapie and I can return it.

Pare-brise de moto pour Honda CB500X CB400X CB 400X CB 500X 2018-2024, carénage de déflecteur de vent à double bulle - AliExpress 201355758

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or splurge on the Givi for $189
Tank bag, cupholder and my usual cockpit stuff will all work fine.
As ever top case is an issue. I don't like the looks of the Shad on it...one reason I went with no top case in Canada. Turns out I CAN get a $210 mounting kit for my 34L....ouch.


I could get a Madstad here $$$ and SH23 side cases then I'm nudging $800+ kitted out as above.
I might not need it lowered - I did not in Canada even tho it is a fairly tall bike ..it's only $70 or so for 2" lowering kit.
Thinking about it I would likely do that as I had a hard time getting my leg over the double sidebags and I was 7 years younger. It's not a hard install

Honda Lowering Kit 2013-18 (Final Sale)

Our Honda lowering kit was designed specifically for Honda CB500X, CB500F, and CBR500R. It comes in two sizes and allows you to lower the bike’s rear suspension by 1.25 inches (31.75 mm) in Honda CB500X, CB500F, and CBR500R by 2.00 inches (50.80 mm) in Honda CB500X and CB500F The Moto Werk Honda...

motowerk.com

There is another CB500x closer to me but it's grey and does not appeal as much plus is first year 2013....not a deal killer but the guy is asking $4500 tho it's 2/3 the mileage.
With the big tank bag available I might not need a tail solution. I better not give up my big magnetic bag until I sort what bike I'm buying.

It's a done deal.
Deposit sent. Details worked out Bike comes with the top case attachment for the top case I already own.
Roadworthy, 50k Honda service done at the dealer.
Start

finish

I like red Hondas. 60 years of fun in between.....and a few other red Hondas.

 

[mimico_polak]

I think the Ninja 300 may be a bit too aggressive in terms of sitting position. It’s a fairly small bike.

The 500 class from Honda would fit the bill best and tick majority of your boxes.

 

[MacDoc]

A red Honda to close off my 60+ years of riding. Deal done - deposit sent - pickup Jan 11/12 in Townsville
He has the adapter on the bike for my Shad box.
Comes with Roadworthy...solo seat set up. He's bought a Tenere 700. Bike has the 50k km Honda service done by the local dealer.

Yeah tyres start of the year same as chain, both done less than 5000k or so not sure on exact figure, battery replaced about this time last year, rear brake pads I just did to make sure no roadworthy issues, front ones start or the year

The CB500F is slight lower than the X. Same motor on them all.
Comes with buddy fairing which finishes the look - the Shad box of course will destroy that.

and most important the mounting gear for my Shad 34 ...he had a Shad 39 he moved to his 700 Tenere.
This is the actual bike.

Metal tank so my magnetic storage will work.
Just need to sort a windscreen. Stock muffler yay. 15.7 L tank ...nice jump from the 11 on the GS which was ridiculous.
It is 40lb heavier than the GS but more HP 47 vs 34 and I know the bike.
31" seat height ...no lowering needed. vs orginally 33" on the GS lowered now to 31.

and I'm $1000 ahead on cash tho I'll use a couple hundred of that for windscreen and travel.

and IT'S RED !!!!

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