Compiled list of recommended motorcycles for mains city riding.
Based on information from Webike users, you can search for recommended motorcycles for each situation, "Find a Motorcycle from Bike Life" of Webike Motorcycle Selection. In this article, I will introduce the motorcycles recommended for "city riding" along with the voices of actual users!
What is the recommended motorcycle for main city riding?
Some users may have a large motorcycle for touring on holidays, and another small-displacement one for transportation around their living area.
It is possible to ride around town on a 1000cc or larger naked motorcycle, but it is not practical because it takes a lot of energy to get it out of the garage. On the other hand, if it is lightweight, you can take it out like a bicycle. Of course, it can also be used to navigate the labyrinth of narrow residential areas. Even if you have to make a sudden stop due to a runaway, the light weight will increase the probability of preventing a fall.
The second is displacement. Large displacement motorcycles need to be warmed up first in order to perform well, and you have to wait for the engine to finish its preparatory work for about three to five minutes. If you don't do this, the remaining gasoline will dissolve in the oil and cause dilution, which will damage the engine. Above all, it is annoying to have to wait for a few minutes when you are just starting out on a street ride. Then there is the overwhelming disadvantage of economy. If you drive a large motorcycle around town, the fuel consumption will continue to deteriorate. In these days of high gasoline prices, I don't want to worry about fuel efficiency.
The third is the degree of stylishness. Riding on the street means that your motorcycle will be seen by a wider range of people than a long tour on a holiday. If you are going to go to the trouble, you want to ride a motorcycle that will catch the eye of many people. For example, there are many fashionable towns in Tokyo, so it is desirable to have a design that can gently blend in with them. Also, if you have such a stylish motorcycle parked at home, people will think, "Oh, what a nice motorcycle," and your neighborhood will be smoother. It's better than being ridiculed by people who say, "Your partner must be picky".
Based on the above, I have selected the following four units. Please refer to them for your reference.
Comments from owners who ride motorcycles recommended mainly for city riding.
Here's some of what some of the owners have to say about their actual motorcycles that they recommend for "street riding mainstream"! We've picked them up by displacement so you can use them as a reference when looking for a motorcycle!
Electric motorcycles recommended mainly for city riding.
E Vino (Electric Motorcycle)
A city motorcycle that best fits the current trend. Electric, so no need to worry about economy. No noise. It looks cute and stylish, no complaints.
Medium-sized motorcycles (up to 250cc) recommended mainly for city riding.
GTS SUPER 150
If you are looking for a stylish city motorcycle, Vespa is the best choice. The GTS has a water-cooled engine, which makes it economical and environmentally friendly.
| Purpose of purchase, purpose of use, comparative models | I'm on a Bonneville Bobber that can't hold two people. To fulfill the wish of my 5 years old daughter who said, "I want to ride on Daddy's back!" (If I miss this, I'll never get another chance to ride with my daughter! That's what I'm thinking, lol!) I bought it on the spur of the moment, even though I had no savings. I wanted to find a different model from my previous R1200GS and my current bobber. This was the first time in my life that I owned a scooter. |
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| Strengths/Satisfactory points | Perfect for daily use. You don't have to make a two-step right turn and you can get on the highway. No need to worry about following vehicles when going up hills. |
| Weaknesses and complaints | There is not enough space under the seat to be called a helmet housing space at all. Drain and oil filter position, which is difficult to change the oil. There is no hazard switch. When parked on the side stand, it easily falls over to the stand side. |
| Advice to prospective buyers. | It's not for those who are looking for acceleration or maximum speed, it's a little more sedate. For those who are looking for something a little more fashionable for everyday use. Depending on whether you consider the 150cc displacement to be convenient for multiple uses or half-baked. It looks like the evaluation will be very divided. |
Mopeds (~50cc) recommended for city riding.
Gyro Canopy
The engine displacement is also suitable for city riding. If you look at the fact that it can outrun the wind and rain, it is probably the most powerful motorcycle in the world for city riding. You can use the carrier to carry as much luggage as you want.
| Purpose of purchase, purpose of use, comparative models | I found a canopy for parts on an online auction. I've repaired it. |
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| Strengths/Satisfactory points | It is registered as a mini motorcycle, so you can ride it without a helmet. It is very useful for shopping and garbage disposal. I also use it for my hobby of mountain stream fishing. |
| Weaknesses and complaints | I would like to change the rear shock to a reinforced shock because it shakes when the wind blows. The 4th canopy (TA03-111) does not perform at all on the uphill. |
| Advice to prospective buyers. | I bought this motorcycle because it would not idle when the engine was cold, so I replaced the water temperature sensor and throttle body (IAC valve), but no luck. The pistons and intake/exhaust valves on the 4th st canopy seem to have failed after about 40,000 km. If you want to replace it yourself, you can do it for about 30,000 yen. If the noise is coming from the crank bearing, it will cost more. |
Mopeds (~125cc) recommended for city riding.
Super Cub C125
I've always wanted to buy something other than a Cub, but I've always ended up with a Cub. That's because it's the ultimate street-legal vehicle nurtured by the Japanese culture. It has a beauty that matches any environment, and it's not easy to look at.
| Purpose of purchase, purpose of use, comparative models | I've been curious about it ever since it was announced at the Tokyo Motor Show, but I didn't like the coloring and had to pass it up; when the new Pearl Cadet Gray color was to be released in 2019, I immediately made a reservation and had it delivered on the day it was released. |
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| Strengths/Satisfactory points | Styling and equipment. Heritage design has become popular among large motorcycles, and the Super Cub C125 is a moped version of this design. I like the fact that it makes up for the shortcomings of the Cub, such as the full LED lights, disc brakes, and cast wheels, while retaining a strong atmosphere. |
| Weaknesses and complaints | The cowl is difficult to remove. The cowl is not well made, and most of the claws hold it in place, so you have to be very careful or you will break the claws. I wanted the rear brake to be a disc brake anyway. Also, if the fueltank were a little larger, I think it would have a longer range and be more enjoyable when touring. |
| Advice to prospective buyers. | The price is a bit high, but it is definitely a bargain if you consider customizing the suspension later. It looks unique but not flashy, so it is recommended to ride it in business and formal occasions. I'm putting it all together on my blog, so please come check it out. https://supercub-c125.com/ |
