Is a CB160 Enough Bike?

akpasta · Post by **akpasta** » Thu Oct 27, 2011 2:50 pm

I've been riding an S90 for a couple years now, and I really want something bigger that I can take out on the highway. Thing is, 90% of my riding is in San Franicsco, I like to be agile and easily be able to stop and start on hills, split lanes (safely!) and maneuver a bike well in the traffic here. Complicating that, I'm on the small side, 140lbs so riding a 305cc cb77 (which is def big enough for the highway) might be a bit cumbersome for me.

I was considering the 160, which is similar in size and feel to my 90, but with lots more performance. What do you all think? Is this big enough to ride for long distances? Could say, ride to Sacramento, using the Interstate only when totally necessary and riding the rest on two-lane highways?

Should I just go for the gold and get the 305? Isn't a CB160 a 6v ignition? That can be problematic, right?

Any advice? Thanks.

Andy in San Francisco.

CliffC · Post by **CliffC** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 1:26 am

Andy,
I would go with the 305. I've ridden both and feel the 305 is just as agile as the 160 and it will be better on the Interstates if you need to use them. At 140# you won't have any problem. Cliff

davomoto · Post by **davomoto** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 9:53 am

Yeah, the 305 would be better, especially considering the hills around the Bay Area, and the average speed on the freeways. I have a nice 67 I'm thinking about selling, PM me if you're interested.

Davo

akpasta · Post by **akpasta** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 10:17 am

Thanks for the advice. Like I said, I'm only about 140lbs, my 90 works just fine on the hills in SF, even with my girlfriend on the back! hahaha.

I think I'll have to actually try riding a 305 to see how it feels. I know a lot of other dudes my size who ride even larger bikes, so I imagine it's plenty possible. The thing that got me thinkin about the 305, is I ran into a girl on the road who was riding one, and I thought "oh, that looks like the 90 and 160, but has real power." The girl riding it was def no larger than I am.

I was also thinking about a 250-300 2-stroke as they tend to pack a bit more power per cc than 4-stroke counterparts due to the expansion chamber. anyways.

rustywrench · Post by **rustywrench** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 10:21 am

I don't know about California law but here in Washington I seem to remember something about needing at least 200 cc's to be on the freeways. That could be a deciding factor for you. Rusty

akpasta · Post by **akpasta** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 10:22 am

rustywrench wrote:I don't know about California law but here in Washington I seem to remember something about needing at least 200 cc's to be on the freeways. That could be a deciding factor for you. Rusty

I believe in California it's 150cc.

lifewithoutparole · Post by **lifewithoutparole** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 5:19 pm

Well, I still ride my S90 all over town though I obviously don't go on the interstate. I had a CB175 for 8 years and put 10,000 miles on it around town as well and it was better on the big bridges over the Halifax river than the S90. The 175 was a great all around bike and a little more flexible than a 160 due to the 5 speed trans. I think it is awesome you ride an S90 at all. I have put about 10,000 miles on mine since I restored it in 2002 and love that little bike. The 305 would be a good choice but I would recommend a 350 since they are easier to find parts for and a little more powerful+a 5 speed trans make them a better all around vintage bike if it is going to be ridden alot+ alot cheaper to buy in good condition....another S90 rider, I am amazed!! Good luck, Tim

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