Selling My 2018 CB650F? Here's Why!

[@exploder69]

I think it's fair to conceive of it like this: "I had my splash of the fast, cross it off the bucket list". Realistically you can get most of the fast dancing you need to keep your soul alive, on the 300, and the truth is that most of the thrills but at less lethal speeds is actually a bonus (ask my XT250 how I know). There's a reason people love the Grom. And the 300 can still do long road trips if the urge ever strikes you, even though not as fully comfy as the 650, it's still doable, and probably a good nudge in the direction of taking the fun roads instead of the freeways. As an inducement, budget and buy that fancy shock, buy a Seat Concepts seat, fancy foot pegs, heated grips, etc.. Go to town on it. Make the 300 into a high comfort bike where you will never be forced to say "I don't want to or can't do that on the 300". In the end you will actually end up polishing a unicorn (a rare honor), and the only real loss is the most lethal and illegal. Find and practice on some good single track instead, there's tons of world class easy trail riding in your area, stuff that won't break your knees.

[@Scoottoots]

Yeah, that's all true. I totally agree with your thoughts. Funny you should mention the Grom. I sat on one in the showroom the other week. Oddly enough it didn't feel way small like I thought it would. It did feel like it would be hoot. I had a 50 cc scooter that had the same top speed as the Grom though. Well, the small bikes are satisfying. I know that for certain. We'll see what happens here, soon I think.

[@clivewinters7479]

We are all individuals with different perspectives. For my part, I’d hang on to the cb650f. As you say, a great bike. Variety is the spice of life, our thoughts and moods change, nice to be able to “ring the changes.”, But my friend, it’s your choice. Make the right one...

[@Scoottoots]

I took it for a ride today and was thinking about how I might miss the feel of the 650 :-)

[@cbk95]

I have a 650F too in part due to your excellent videos! It's such a great bike however you ride it, so of course I say keep it. I get how that howl at the high revs might tempt you to misbehave a little she has a naughty side :)

[@Scoottoots]

Hahaha, yes indeed. Since the video, I'm thinking I may keep her. You're right, it's a great bike however you ride it :-)

[@Mjr1348]

We think a lot alike. I’m 59 and sold my other bike (CRF 450l) because I was going to get myself in trouble. I “try” to live a simplistic lifestyle as much as possible. I really enjoy my 300l. Keep up the good work on the vids. Always enjoyable and insightful.

[@Scoottoots]

Thanks Mike. It pays to follow our gut I think. I've heard of several people moving from the 450L to the 300L. Enjoy :-)

[@pugnboots5683]

I live in Chilliwack BC, and I am going to get either a used newer 250L or a new 300l. After watching your videos I'm thinking of getting a new 300l. The used 250l's are very pricey. Great video content, my wife say's you have a very relaxing voice. We were in Penticton a couple of weeks ago for a family visit. I'd love to ride the trails out your way, beautiful country. I couldn't believe how clear the lake water was when we went swimming.

[@Scoottoots]

Yes, the value is much better getting a 300L than paying inflated used prices for a 250L. It is beautiful in the central and south Okanagan. Well, normally that is, without all the smoke and fire troubles. Thanks Rick.

[@pugnboots5683]

@@Scoottoots What is ICBC insurance like for the 300l. I got an estimate on the 250l and it was like $400 a year. Is the 300l in that range?

[@Scoottoots]

@@pugnboots5683 My ICBC rate for basic mandatory coverage is $321 for the full year. Then I have Beacon motorcycle insurance for the fire/theft, etc., etc. for $231 for the full year, so $552/annum

[@Jmaninaz1]

The flute improv was great, and I think you should do more of it in your videos--fits perfectly. I am into simplicity and minimalism as I get older, also, and generally take the approach that you just need one of everything - 1 car, 1 house, 1 motorcycle, etc. The bikes are different enough that I can see the appeal in keeping two, but on the other hand, it is a great time to sell, and the extra cash (not only with sale proceeds, but only one motorcycle insurance payment, one license/registration fee each year, etc.) would allow for 300l upgrades. Seems like the 300l does everything you need it to with enough of a fun factor to have it as your only bike. Either your way, you're golden--two really nice bikes or one really nice bike with extra cash in the bank--life's good!

[@Scoottoots]

You're right... both ways. Either way I look at it, I'm winning. Just have to pick the greater gain. I'm leaning toward keeping it. Yup, life's good :-)

[@paullin2824]

I love my XT250 and will put on hard-core off-road tires once I get my 2018 CB650F all set up, then I can really play on the dirt. I can do a couple hundred miles on it but it's not much fun going past 60-65. I like long drives (in my car so far) and want to setup the 650F as a tourer and see if I can make it to Alaska (from NY) one of these days! I plan to keep both. I have thought seriously of the adventure bikes and I will probably not go that route, too heavy (top) and tall for dirt (for me), especially if riding solo.

[@Scoottoots]

You'll have the perfect combo of bikes. Enjoy :-)

[@Casey_Schmidt]

I wish I could buy it! There aren’t any around my area for sale. But I’m also buying a house so I can’t really afford one right now anyway. What a cool bike for sure!

[@Scoottoots]

Yup, it's an awesome bike. So capable. Buying a home is important stuff. Hope that goes well for you.

[@freekolafdegroot2776]

Hahaha I have exactly the same. I have a XJ900S in Europe and it can go pretty fast even though it's 25 years old. It's smooth to ride with its in-line 4 and it and I like to go illegal with it. But my they're good at speed checks and speed limits are pretty much 60-80 km/hr everywhere outside the city and fines are massive. 30km/hr over the speed limit and you have to appear in court. Fortunately I only spend a few weeks a year there. In Thailand, I have a RE Himalayan which doesn't go fast and the police usually doesn't care much about speed limits beyond certain stretches of highway. Most of the roads are open but in questionable state so speeds over 90km/hr can be lethal. I always think, I should have swapped the bikes or countries. I'm pretty sure you'll have fun on whatever you ride.

[@Scoottoots]

Yes, it certainly sounds like you need the XJ900S in Thailand :-) I'll make a decision real soon, but as you say, I will have fun on whatever I end up with.

[@angryviking4496]

Awesome flute bud. Not bad at all. Sell it and try yourself a slightly used Goldwing. ✌

[@Scoottoots]

Ah, thanks man. I've never imagined myself riding a Goldwing :-)

[@clivewinters7479]

By the way, I have agreed to sell mine to a dealer for £4000. It’s in mint condition, about 3000 miles on the clock with lots of extras. I changed it for a Fireblade SP as I told you. I get what you say about being illegal, but we can find moments and places to safely “let off steam”. It’s necessary for me, even at 72 (in a weeks time).

[@Scoottoots]

I'm not going to be hasty about this. I rode it today and of course thoroughly enjoyed it. We'll see. Thanks Clive :-)

[@clivewinters7479]

Great bike, keep it and you have all the bases covered....perfect

[@Scoottoots]

@@clivewinters7479 I'm coming round to that thinking :-)

[@clivewinters7479]

That didn’t take you too long...maybe it’s because I’m a salesman...hehe. Keep the bloody bike

[@Scoottoots]

@@clivewinters7479 Lol, but I haven't said yes yet... but I might... soon... ish :-)

[@mcscotty325]

Someone is gonna get a great bike.

[@Scoottoots]

That may be true very shortly.

[@jgb1549]

I would simplify things and say good bye to the speed deamon.

[@Scoottoots]

The jury is still out :-)

[@tiggerable]

I think you already answer all the questions yourself. Why would you keep the 650 if it's only for getting tickets? I think it's pretty clear the CRF has many advantages over the 650 and the 650 has fewer over the CRF. And the money you get from selling the 650 could be well spend in making the CRF and even better ride. No matter what you choose thanks for the awesome scenery!

[@Scoottoots]

That's one good thing about making videos. I often get to work things out as I talk :-) Thanks.

[@jimperry4420]

If you can afford it, I say keep them both. I have a Drz400 and a Gsxs750, so we are kind of in the same boat. The 750 wants to run! Have to restrain myself at times. But, the great thing is, having two bikes definitely keeps the miles down on both. Also, why didn’t you get the super moto?

[@Scoottoots]

I could have had an awesome deal on a new 2020 DRZ400SM, but they suddenly removed the heavy discount and the pandemic complicated things as that bike was in another province, in the winter, and I don't have a trailer, etc. lol. Happy with the 300L though. Having both bikes has been fun. I just don't see me having the motivation to ride the 650 like I enjoyed before. The desire has diminished for that kind of riding. That can change, but that's how I feel right now.

[@SweeneyTTodd]

Your almost sure to miss it when it's gone , but if budget means one bike , i think sell for your needs ( and you know i'm a big 650F fan )

[@Scoottoots]

Yeah I think I would miss it, but maybe for all the wrong reasons, lol. It is an awesome bike!

[@josephpotterf9459]

Nice flute playing, did you make it yourself just curious i am in the process of making my first one, five hole out of eastern cedar. As for selling bikes I sold my r1200gs to buy a crf250 and had enough to buy another one but really like the 250 l accept the seat could be better.

[@Scoottoots]

Oh thanks. No, that flute is a purchased one. It a plastic Mid A flute. I have a couple Cedar flutes in G, a bamboo flute in high C (though it's higher than that), and I made a PVC flute in E4. It's a constant learning process. I plan to make a couple flutes from Sunflower stalks. We'll see if it works out. Yes, the 250L seat was a bit harsh for most. The 300L seat seems better.

[@mikeisland7382]

This is why I love my 450L. I can single track with the 2 strokes and keep pace with my buddy's Versys 1000 up to 100km on the street where I quickly run out of legs. Lack of top end due to re-gearing keeps me out of trouble which is a plus. I too like the idea of one bike simplicity. With your rear shock are you already able to set your sag correctly? Wondering if a stiffer spring would add enough and switch to some heavier oil for more damping? Also wondering if a stock spring off any of Honda's performance Showa shocks would drop in or a complete Showa unit with a Zeta lowering spacer to get the length right? Just thinking out loud...

[@Scoottoots]

Sadly, the shock on the 300L is seriously downgraded from the 250L, with almost no preload possible. Only 10mm of preload can be set, which doesn't do much for the 150mm rider sag. That and the lack of damping cause it to bounce and wallow. Sure, I could get a spring and increase the oil viscosity, but it will still be a cheaply made shock. I'll definitely get a new and proper shock instead. I can see what you mean regarding your 450L. Sounds like it suits you well.

[@beomsukim3929]

I would keep crf300l only.

[@Scoottoots]

That might happen

[@zefautino]

I had the 650R and the 300L on my radar. After testing the 650R, and liking it, there's a couple things I wouldn't be able to live with. The engine vibration and the rear shock harshness. If the rear shock can be replaced at extra cost (not a cheap motorcycle to start with), the vibrations is something I can't change at all. The 300L is still an option. Yeah, I understand the pigs making your life miserable. Last time I gave my T7 room to breathe... Let's just say I lost the will to ride. Those fu@@**ng pigs.

[@Scoottoots]

I've heard the vibrations are a bit much for some on the 650R. Same engine in the 650F. I noticed some vibrations causing a numb hand. I installed Grip Puppies over the grips and no issue after that. The 650R, or 650F, is a great bike for sure. So different from the 300L. Completely different riding experiences between the two. I don't blame the cops. They have a job to do. I hear all too often that someone has crashed and died while going extremely fast. It's great fun going very fast, but the reality is it's almost impossible to stop in time for a deer jumping into the road ahead you. So I can see why the laws are there. I can also see why it's great fun to ignore them. We make our choices and accept the possible consequences.

[@zefautino]

@@Scoottoots On a straight, obviously they are filthy enough to not place the speed trap where people actually crash, no other traffic whatsoever, we don't have large animals here other than boars, and those stay away from any human presence. They were there not for safety but for money extortion, I have no respect whatsoever for sheep dogs. People who are paid by my taxes who deliberately hurt me deserve no respect. Thieves is what they are. Their time will come. Yes, the 650 and the 300 are complementary. Only comparable if you can't have both. Given the choice and only one, I would take the 300 due to it being the most versatile, cheaper to run, and less likely to get you in financial crisis with the "law" (roadside thieves).

[@Scoottoots]

@@zefautino I hear ya, man. I see that cash incentive for their speed traps, also. But then I think, what would happen to society without them? I have more problems from the other side of the law; the lowlifes who break into my garage and steal my stuff (three times in two years). It's only been happening since the do-gooders out their with their misplaced compassion have tied the police force's hands in dealing with the street drug problems. But police forces can draw the wrong people into their ranks, and we see that regularly; the outcomes of that. An overhaul is needed. So many aspects to this.

[@zefautino]

@@Scoottoots They only have their hands tied for defending, scratch that, preventing crime against you and your property. If it happens you defend yourself from aggressors or your property from thieves, like the traffic pigs, and you have a bad day and get caught, suddenly they can enforce the "law" on YOU. Which they won't do on whoever is not paying taxes (you can fill it as you see fit). So, you pay taxes, which means you pay for their existence and their food, their houses, cars... And you get financially punished, if you hit someone robbing you or your property, you'll end up in jail, at the same time, and I have witnessed this, foreigners and protected species (again, I'll leave it to your interpretation) won't even get a slap on the wrist, and they are also being feed by my taxes. I saw a ***** cause a traffic accident, and the fu(!$** pig telling him what he should do to get free of any burden. He cause the accident, the other driver (tax payer) got fu(£€d in the @$$. Is this the law you agree to be enforced by filthy pigs?

[@zefautino]

@@Scoottoots Mate, nothing against you, but this topic grinds me gears.

[@michelod.i.y.5202]

Don't sell the 650! You just need to buy another three bikes, Honda goldwing (cruiser) CBRR(sport) and Africa Twin (adventure) completel the family 😁

[@Scoottoots]

Right on! I decided not to sell. The 650 is too nice a ride to part with :-)

[@hooligantimes9132]

I need to listen to more quiet.

[@Scoottoots]

It creates space in the mind to explore, free from the all the mental figuring.

[@2wheels327]

I think you should sell the 650 before you hurt yourself going at those speeds

[@Scoottoots]

High speeds increase the risk considerably for anyone (stopping distance, reaction time, etc.). I'm confident at 'those speeds' though. Just not something I want to continue on a regular basis is all ;-)

[@OccasionallyEvil]

You sold your 250 and regretted it right away. There is no replacement for horsepower. But if you never go out on the highway, you might not need the 650. For me, dodging the cops is part of the fun. Pick your spots, get a radar detector and dare them to catch you. :) If you never want to break the law, join the dark side and get a Slowly Davidson or similar old man's bike.

[@Scoottoots]

Ha ha, yeah I've thought about that; that I would miss the smooth strong performance. I haven't set this in stone yet. We'll see. Slowly Davidson, lol. Harley is changing its game. Their iconic styled Low Rider S with the Milwaukee 8 engine is 100 hp with 119 lbf ft of torque, with improved lean angle and more responsive steering. Their new Sportster S has 120 hp and 94 lbf ft of torque, weighs 504 lbs and handles well in corners. The Pan American has 150 hp and 94 lbf ft of torque. I'm not, nor will I ever be, attracted to the Harley lifestyle thing. Some of their bikes are interesting though. Reminds me of days long ago. So much to enjoy in motorcycling. I don't want to limit it to any one thing. Just need to follow my gut.

[@johna6968]

Im sure the answer is a cb500x

[@Scoottoots]

No way would do that. The 300L is way better in the dirt and fun enough on the pavement. If it were as a second bike, then also no way. Too much cross over. I would opt rather, for a standard ergo street or cruiser style... maybe :-)

[@johna6968]

@@Scoottoots I was angling at an only bike :-)

[@badbruise]

Shock upgrade money if you sell it

[@Scoottoots]

Yup, that has to happen!

[@badbruise]

@@Scoottoots smaller bikes are more fun anyway, who needs to go over the speed limit?

[@Scoottoots]

@@badbruise That's true. When you are on a smaller bike you find the fun at lower speeds. On a faster and the more aggressive bike, that fun begins at a much higher speed. Or so it seems to me :-)

[@MP-sp4nx]

Get an adventure bike sell both

[@Scoottoots]

Adventure bikes are great, but not for me. I've never been attracted to the style.

[@MP-sp4nx]

@@Scoottoots they go off road I think?

[@Scoottoots]

@@MP-sp4nx Yeah, but not with any ease or nimbleness. Far too heavy to truly go off road, despite the advertising and riders who do that. I wouldn't want one.

[@timsatch9198]

I think you are already convinced. The 300L is a Duel Sport. The name answers your question. The 250s proved them selves as a RTW bikes and the 300 seems so much better. Sell the 650, spend some on the upgrades you want, and move on. Enjoy

[@Scoottoots]

I'm heavily leaning that way. Thanks for your thoughts Tim.