Unlike the 600 Mercedes that were well known in Russia in the 1990s, motorcycles from the “six hundred” category are among the most affordable. What road classics in this size can be purchased in Russia in the spring of 2012?
Igor Vladimirov
A few words. Classics in our “narrow” understanding and “automotive” approach to the issue are fairly universal motorcycles that represent a kind of compromise that allows you to move equally well around the city and on the highway, that is, on the highway. In a word, “station wagons” for those who like to be nimble around the city and feel confident on the highway. It is clear that in the city it is easier to travel on narrower and lighter motorcycles, for example, motards and enduros, as well as “dual-purpose” motorcycles (which is more important for many Russian cities), but they lose in speed and controllability on country roads. But classics (neoclassics) always remain classics, so let’s see what leading manufacturers are now offering us through distributors. For those who did not know or have forgotten, let us remind you that today motorcycles from the “classic” series can also be called “city”, “road”, etc., each seller (or manufacturer) positions the class of their motorcycles in a slightly different way . Much confusion with the classification is especially noted in Russia. Therefore, we will not go into the nuances of the types, subspecies and genera of motorcycles, but just look at which of the motorcycle rides you can use today to equally successfully travel around the metropolis to work and at the same time quickly “bullet” along the highway.
HONDA
Honda CBF600 - excellent equipment and comfort © Photo: Honda
Among the mass of motorcycles that Honda offers today, we get from the “classic six hundred” models CBF600SA and CB600FA Hornet. Unlike the well-known “CB” of the 90s, the new generation can be called “highly advanced”, although the legendary handling of the previous CBs still remains unsurpassed; it’s not for nothing that in many motorcycle schools abroad you can often still find CBs in the role of the educational apparatus. What is attractive about motorcycles in this series today? Handling, which even a neophyte will seem “primitive” and safe, but at the same time, even the elder will find a lot of tasty things in these motorcycles, mainly thanks to the engine and suspension.
CB600 Hornet
Honda CBF600 Hornet - you can misbehave, or you can just ride © Photo: Honda
The motor is approximately the same, but the power and torque are increased. Refers to nikes, that is, “naked.” But, in principle, it is suitable for both the city and the highway. The “push and push” of the engine, as well as a rigid frame and good brakes make this motorcycle desirable for those who like to ride fast in different conditions.
What are the classes of motorcycles?
If all of the above doesn’t scare you and the question of how to choose your first motorcycle is still relevant for you, it’s time to get acquainted with the classes of two-wheeled vehicles, because they are the ones who determine applicability.
Road motorcycles
"Classics of the genre". Their design is as versatile as possible, and such a motorcycle can be ridden around the city, on the highway, and, with some luck, even on off-road dirt roads. Simplicity and convenience of controls, the most upright landing, mostly average size, power and dynamics, although there are “slopes” up and down. They often have standard safety features and small glove compartments for tools. It is almost always possible to install additional components, such as luggage racks, wardrobe trunks, cigarette lighters, and so on.
Please note that in recent years, “road bikes” have begun to be styled as sportbikes and “street bikes” with the help of a plastic or metal body kit, but the character of such models and design features will not allow them to fully “chase” or stunt. So if you are crazy about “sports”, but are a neophyte in the motorcycle world, this is a good alternative for the first season.
Cruisers
This class and its variety, choppers, are associated with the concept of “bikers” and are often called “Harleys” by the domestic public. A loose fit, an abundance of chrome, smooth and impressive contours, a solid size, a low center of gravity, and often wheels of different diameters and widths prevent them from being confused with anything else. Heavy cruisers are designed for quiet driving over long distances, but their medium- and small-capacity versions are quite suitable for daily use.
Another thing is that the impressive size, weight and landing features can create some difficulties for a beginner, especially in the city. Therefore, if you are in love with this class, we recommend starting with lighter and simpler models, especially since selling them on the secondary market will not be a problem later.
Scooter
Their main technical and visual feature is the hooded body and the power unit shifted to the rear wheel. Together, this allows you to protect the driver, passenger and units from splashes and wind, as well as provide luggage space, which is sometimes quite impressive. But the skin is mostly plastic, suffers from stones and debris flying from the road, and cracks from vibrations, which significantly spoils the visual appeal. Wheel sizes vary from 10 inches on small models to 13-15 inches on maxi scooters
Most modern models are equipped with a variator, that is, there is no need to change gears. And if the goal is to get comfortable on the road, to get used to the presence of other road users, then this is the best motorcycle for beginners, especially considering the variety of sizes and characteristics.
Scooteretta
A kind of hybrid of a light road bike and a scooter. Most models have a semi-automatic transmission (there is a switch, but no clutch lever), wheels with a diameter of 16-17 inches, a motorcycle engine with a volume of 50-125 cm3, a chain drive and a partially hooded body.
Honda Cuper Cab, its most famous clone - Viper Active and many of its Chinese brothers are very popular in the periphery, guaranteeing low fuel consumption and relatively calm overcoming of any roads, even dirt tracks.
Off-road motorcycles
Long-travel suspension, “serious” large-diameter tires, significant ground clearance - everything you need to not pay attention to the surface and the presence of the road as a whole. But full-fledged cross-country motorcycles and “hard enduro” are not intended for riding on public roads. They have high windage, short service life, terrible stability on flat hard surfaces, a small tank and low cruising speed.
You should choose a “clean” SUV as your first motorcycle only when you strive to conquer “virgin lands” on a regular basis or live in the wilderness. But, in the category there are “civilian” versions - universal motorcycles with less cross-country ability, but more suitable for developed roads. And most importantly, such models are equipped with all the necessary lighting equipment and are certified.
Sportbikes
We have already said that a sports motorcycle is suitable for a beginner only if it is mastered on an equipped track and under the supervision of an experienced instructor. Anything that can rightfully be called a sportbike is too powerful, fast, heavy and unsafe (arch bars and sliders are absent here, and often impossible even as an option).
Additionally, true sports bikes are often made with expensive materials and technology, and their initial cost is much higher than most other classes. And due to the high risk of falls, we strongly do not recommend buying such a bike first - even if everything ends well for the owner, thoughts about the cost of repairs will discourage the love of motor riding for a long time.
Tourers
Touring motorcycles are not the best choice as a first choice. With a lot of advantages, an attractive appearance, and a bunch of useful options, they have two serious drawbacks for beginners - very heavy weight and an extremely “toothy” price tag. The class is divided into three types according to purpose and use:
- Luxury tourers – for long distances and ideal surfaces.
- Tour-enduro – off-road motorcycles for “green tourism” (the large weight of two wheels does not allow such equipment to be a full-fledged “all-terrain vehicle”);
- Sports-touring motorcycles are a hybrid of a tourist, a cruiser and a sportbike, which can cost the same as all of them combined.
But, since many people ride a motorcycle for long trips and a sense of freedom, we will still include a couple of “adequate” models in our rating of motorcycles for beginners.
Suzuki
Suzuki Bandit © Photo: Suzuki
If we talk about Suzuki, then you can’t do without the “Bandit”, although the displacement here exceeds 600 cubic meters, almost the volume of a scooter’s engine, which can be driven without a license. The engines of this motorcycle, which can be bought from us in the GSF650SA and GSF650A versions, have a glorious pedigree and no less decent external characteristics. Good torque and maximum power, coupled with a good frame and suspension, also allow it to be used both as a city motorcycle (Street) and as a space eater on the highway.
Suzuki Bandit S © Photo: Suzuki
Another candidate for city dwellers who occasionally travel out of town is the GSX650. This motorcycle is something between “classic” and “sport”, i.e. allows you to drive well and confidently dart between cars. The plastic body kit on the highway protects well from the wind and reduces aerodynamic drag, while in urban conditions it does not interfere at all.
Suzuki GSX650 © Photo: Suzuki
Naykids
Many naked bikes are stripped down sportbikes , and they can do things that no classic road bike can do! Although the street class, or naked class, also includes ordinary “road cars”, which are emphatically devoid of a plastic body kit. The obvious disadvantage of this approach is the complete lack of protection from headwinds, so driving for a long time at high speed will be uncomfortable. But it usually looks very stylish, and if it falls, you won’t have to worry about the safety of the plastic due to its absence. And, if you are wondering which motorcycle to buy for short trips, naked bikes may be a good choice. Just keep in mind that most of them have a powerful engine, and it is better to look in the direction of such equipment for those who already have driving experience behind them.
Yamaha
Yamaha XJ6 Diversion © Photo: Yamaha
In the class of road motorcycles, Yamaha positions us with three models at once. This, oddly enough, is VMax (a separate song in terms of the classification of this motorcycle, which dates back to the previous model of the 1980s), as well as FZ1, FZ8 and XJ6. Today we are only interested in the 600 cc XJ6 model, also known as “Diversion”. We sell it in two versions, like many “classics” from other manufacturers - with and without a body kit. The body kit is quite conventional compared to sports models, but it is quite enough to feel good at high speeds.
Yamaha XJ6 Diversion © Photo: Yamaha
The controllability of the XJ6 allows it to be successfully used by both beginners and motorcycle elders, because for a neophyte it is simple, but for an experienced driver it allows them to unlock their full potential and race well if desired. Good torque, a comfortable fit and a good seat allow you to use the XJ6 not only for short distances, but also for long distances. The bike handles well and has enough comfort to keep you feeling fresh after a long ride. In short, the XJ6 is a good choice both as a first motorcycle and as a daily vehicle for those who are already tired of the nervousness of “sports”.
Yamaha XJ6 Diversion © Photo: Yamaha
Retro
In general, retro technology within this class is practically no different from the above-mentioned examples. The main and almost the only difference lies in the vintage appearance, so dear to the hearts of antique lovers. Although there are exceptions like the Kawasaki W650, the creators of which not only gave it old-fashioned features, but also equipped it with equally archaic brakes, and in combination with a rather powerful engine. But such equipment is still well suited for the role of a motorcycle for every day, because the best motorcycle for the city is the one that you enjoy riding! And how exactly it will look is up to you to decide. Some people like futuristic modern bikes, while others are in awe of the classics of the 60s of the last century.
Kawasaki
This manufacturer has only one model that matches our current choice - a series of two modifications of the ER6 with and without a body kit. This motorcycle at one time grew out of the ER5, which rightfully earned a good reputation for its simplicity and ease of operation. The modern ER6 also handles well, has a high level of comfort and... a very original appearance. One of its features is a comfortable fit for people of any height.
Kawasaki ER6 © Photo: Kawasaki
A well-balanced suspension and a powerful engine provide the proper level of comfort both in urban conditions and outside the city. Winding country paths are also easy for him, the main thing is not to get carried away, because... he doesn’t really like broken roads on standard tires, however, like all “classics”, which are primarily designed for asphalt or, in extreme cases, good, hard ground. The displacement, just like the Bandit, is more “for a scooter” than 600 cubic meters. What is tempting...
An interesting model from the “true classic” series, made in a “retro” (more like “vintage”) style, is the W800, but, unfortunately, today it is not included in our review due to its “voluminous” engine.
So, today, out of the “six hundred”, it is possible to buy mainly only the products of the well-known Japanese quartet. All models are of decent quality and will bring pleasure from owning and driving to completely different people, i.e. will meet most of their requests.
Kawasaki ER6 © Photo: Kawasaki
Of course, they are not suitable for fans of “sports”, as well as fans of mixed mud, but they will be useful in life to those who need a motorcycle as an everyday and quiet vehicle - from point A to point B with minimal losses, but not without receiving positive emotions ...
Many companies today produce road motorcycles, which we today call classics (let conservatives forgive us this liberty). This is Triumph with its airy 800s, and Aprilia with 750 cc engines, and Dukati, and BMW, etc., but “six hundred”, as it turns out, are not that many, it will be easier to choose.
Kawasaki ER6 © Photo: Kawasaki
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Light road motorcycles 125-200 cc.
IS “LESS WORSE” ALWAYS?
Any questions that arise after reading the article, please ask on a specialized forum about motorcycles from China china-moto.ru Anyone can name the main advantage of “octagons” (as 125 cc motorcycles are often called because their displacement is 1/8 liter) off the top of my head: price. Is that all the advantages are limited to? No, this is exactly the case when the majority, I dare say, is mistaken.
Anyone who sits on an “octagon” after a “normal” motorcycle cannot get rid of the feeling that underneath there is a bicycle. And hence their “high cross-country ability”: they are able to penetrate tight city congestions no worse than small scooters, and if they get into off-road conditions, they are easy to pull out of the mud, even alone. It’s not for nothing that in the old days “Minski” and “Voskhody” were so valued in the villages. Another advantage, if not of all light motorcycles, then of the vast majority of them: simplicity of design and, hence, maintainability. Let's not ignore the cost-effectiveness factor. In the early 90s, the author of these lines participated in a Honda motorcycle race across the CIS. And now, somewhere in Ukraine, one of the test subjects, a Honda CG125, shamefully stalled. It turned out that we had embarrassed ourselves - we forgot to fill it. So it’s my own fault - I made you forget: no matter how you stop at a gas station, you look into the gas tank - and there’s splashing there almost at the neck. So they stopped looking... Nowadays there is a choice of light motorcycles for every taste and budget. Let's divide all this diversity into several groups: “classics”, “chopperoids” and “sports”. CHARM OF "CLASSICS". In all this abundance, classic-style motorcycles remain increasingly popular. It was “aggravated” by the Yamaha YBR125: immediately after its relatively recent debut, the model became a bestseller in our market. Not surprising: the combination of a big name and a rising price (about 58,000 rubles) is irresistible. The car has a modern design, an economical 4-stroke engine with electric start, cast wheels and a front disc brake. And the affordable price is explained by the fact that the motorcycle is produced in China, however, under vigilant Japanese quality control. If you are still confused by the geographical factor, remember that Yamaha has the most developed service network in our country.
KEEWAY Speed 150 is inexpensive and, in the opinion of many, attractive.
PATRON Simpler 125 is the simplest (that’s how simple is translated from English) of the imported motorcycles.
The cheapest champion among all 125 cc motorcycles is the product of the Belarusian OJSC Motovelo, known under the Minsk brand. Thus, the modification MMVZ-3.11214 “Sputnik” costs a little more than 23,000 rubles. The design of the car clearly shows the features of its distant ancestor - the DKW RT125 from 1939: a 2-stroke engine lubricated with a petrol-oil mixture and without an electric starter, a single steel frame, spoked wheels with drum brakes. But the front wing is raised, which makes it clear about the off-road capabilities of the motorcycle. The MMVZ-3.11215 “Pioneer” modification is a little more expensive - it has a low “city” wing and a small semi-fairing. Even more expensive is the MMVZ-3.1135 “Leader” model, which has a more rigid duplex frame. The most expensive (RUB 35,000) modification is MMVZ-3.114. Its 4-stroke power unit (5-speed gearbox, electric starter) is made in China. In the 2008 season, the plant presents an updated range of its motorcycles. The models of series 112 and 113 were replaced by MMVZ-3.119 (RUB 30,000). It still has the same 2-stroke engine mounted in a single steel frame, but now has a front disc brake, a new muffler and Chinese-made suspensions. The MMVZ-3.119 “Lesnik” modification is equipped with a large trunk, high wing, and crash bars. New in the 4-stroke series is a stylish retro modification of the MMVZ-3.127 “Neo-Classic” on 16-inch wheels. Only slightly more expensive (23,500 rubles) than the most affordable model from Minsk, the budget version of the motorcycle from the Ural Motorcycle Company is Patron Simpler 125. Under this Russian brand hides a Chinese motorcycle of the simplest design: spoked wheels, drum brakes. However, the car is equipped with a 4-stroke engine and a 5-speed gearbox. The Patron Aero 125 (RUB 38,000) has a more stylish appearance, a small semi-fairing, cast wheels and a front disc brake.
“MINSK” has a MMVZ-3.114″ Chinese power unit, the chassis is from Belarus.
YAMAHA YBR125 is a modern motorcycle from a venerable brand at a reasonable price.
The Keeway brand appeared on our market relatively recently, but has already gained a good reputation. Which is not surprising: behind it is the Chinese corporation Qianjiang Group, which recently acquired Benelli and is making full use of the experience of the Italians. Keeway Speed 150 (RUB 47,000) is a stylish “classic”, equipped with a 4-stroke engine with an electric starter, cast wheels with disc brakes. Almost the same model is also sold under the name Stels Delta 150. The products of several Russian-Chinese manufacturers are located in the “pole of availability”. A distinctive feature of their cars is a 200 cc engine, which, believe me, is significantly more than 125 cm3. Kovrovsky ZiD-Lifan 200 is the cheapest of this group: 40,500 rubles. In fact, this is the chassis from the familiar “Owl” (ennobled with cast wheels and a disc brake), in which a 4-stroke Chinese-made engine is installed. More expensive are the Izhevsk Forsage 200 Meteor (51,500 rubles) and BM Street 200 from the Kaliningrad company Baltmotors (55,000 rubles).
Baltmotors BM Classic 200 is an example of a “pocket” cruiser.
The Indian company TVS works in alliance with the Japanese corporation Suzuki, and you can feel it: its motorcycles can be distinguished by their modern design and good workmanship. TVS Victor (RUB 53,000) is a classic 125 cc car with a 4-stroke engine and front disc brake. The TVS Apache (RUB 60,000) has a 150 cc engine and backpack-type gas-filled rear shock absorbers. The small semi-fairing gives the device a somewhat aggressive look. Zongshen LZX150-24 is far from the cheapest - 72,000 rubles. One can assume that such a premium is for the glory of winning the Endurance World Championship (though on Suzuki motorcycles). In technical terms, this is a typical representative of modern Chinese “macaques”, except that the semi-fairing is larger and an aerodynamic “beak” is attached below. But the real high cost is the products of the European motorcycle industry: Jawa Dandy 125 costs almost 100,000 rubles! For this money - a design that is truly worthy of its name (and which has hardly become outdated in ten years), rear suspension with a monoshock absorber and disc brakes on both wheels (sportbike 17-inch size). The 4-stroke engine, however, also comes from China... I WANT TO GO TO AMERICA! There are different ways to turn an ordinary road motorcycle into a chopper. Here is the simplest way: we install a teardrop-shaped gas tank, a two-level saddle, a high handlebar, and the front wheel is a little larger than the rear. This is how Patron Tribute 125 (RUB 34,000) and Zongshen LZX125-5B (RUB 60,000) are designed. Iron Eagle DD150E-2 (52,000 rubles) and Iron Eagle DD150E-5 (55,000 rubles) are more interesting: they have an extended base and are equipped with a backrest for the passenger. The motorcycles look very stylish, and the difference between them comes down mainly to variations in the exhaust system: full chrome “pipes” on the “five” and original blackened “stumps” on the “two”.
IRON Eagle DD150E-2 attracts attention with unusual-looking mufflers.
Baltmotors BM Street 200 is a product of a company from Kaliningrad.
KAWASAKI Eliminator 125 is small, but with a name.
The Baltmotors BM Classic 200 (RUB 68,000) and Vento Rebellian 150 (RUB 60,000) are designed in cruiser style. These have cast wheels of small (15-16 inches) diameter, deep fenders, luggage cases, the Vento has a large windshield, and the Baltic has more traction. But the Chinese Guowei GW150-5C (RUB 56,000) effortlessly combines a mishmash of styles: a high chopper handlebar, small cruiser wheels, mufflers angled for a sportbike, a gas tank and the saddle of a classic motorcycle. The “white bone” in this category is the Kawasaki Eliminator 125 (RUB 85,000). It is distinguished by a stretched base, “correct” spoked wheels, a duplex frame, a backrest for a passenger... And a big name.
PATRON Tribute 125 - “Americanization” with minimal means.
JAWA Dandy 125 is, first of all, a non-trivial design.
IN PLASTIC ARMOR. If you want girls to like you, pump up your muscles! If you want to attract buyers, wear a sports outfit! This simple logic apparently motivated the creators of the Chinese Defiant DT-200 Renspeed. It looks like a sportbike. But under the fairing is a conventional tubular frame and a 4-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine. So the price is 67,000 rubles. - doesn’t bother me. Even cheaper - 45,000 rubles. — the Chinese Skygo SG200 (III), made according to the same patterns. The designers of the Taiwanese Kymco Quannon 125 (RUB 105,000) did not overthink it either. But here the canons of style are adhered to more strictly: a diagonal frame (even if it is steel), a saddle with a “splash” for the passenger, an instrument panel with a liquid crystal display. An oil cooler helps cool the engine. The Chinese Lifan LF125-30 is suspiciously similar to Kymco, but it has two important advantages over the “Taiwanese”: price (53,000 rubles) and a liquid-cooled engine.
KYMCO Quannon 125-road motorcycle in sportbike clothes.
APRILIA RS125 is a sportbike without any discounts.
But the Aprilia RS125 is, without any discounts, a real sportbike, albeit a small one. The liquid-cooled two-stroke engine is mounted in an aluminum diagonal frame. Despite its combative nature (if you remove all the “chokers” from the engine, it produces about 30 hp and accelerates the vehicle to 160 km/h), it is equipped with an electric starter, a separate lubrication system, and even a balancer shaft. In addition, the motorcycle has an inverted front fork and a 6-speed gearbox. Anyone who is going to master the intricacies of road racing will be pleased with it. It’s not for nothing that Valentino Rossi himself started with its racing version (a racing kit is in the list of options). Only these considerations can be reconciled with the price: about 250,000 rubles!
Text Alexander VORONTSOV
Please ask any questions that arise after reading the article on the specialized forum about motorcycles from China china-moto.ru
