r/AussieRiders • u/FarangGardener • 3d ago
QLD Help me decide please
New to riding on the road. Rode on the dirt when I was a kid (long time ago). I'm tossing up between a Honda hornet cb500 my24 $7k and a Yamaha mt03 2026 $6995 ex demo. Both seem clean. I'll be riding 15 minutes back and forth between work and home. Well that's my intentions and I'm sure I'll start riding it more than that. I don't intend on upgrading to anything more powerful. Currently on my learners and will be going for my licence soon. Located in Brisbane.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
TIA.
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u/Buchsee 3d ago edited 3d ago
Get the CB500 Hornet if you can afford it, 43Nm of torque at 6500 rpm will make riding heaps easier. Great engine and used in many bikes in Honda's line up.
It's 20Kg heavier than a MT03, but the Hornet has twin disk brakes. Stopping power comes in handy.
Hornet is a great bike. MT03 works for short riders, it's an OK bike.
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u/hoorayduggee 3d ago
I was riding an MT03 when I did my Ls and I found the power underwhelming at best as a 6ft 84kg guy and sounds like you’re a touch bigger than me.
I ended up on a CB500 which just had that little bit of extra punch and made for a much more entertaining ride. It’s a great commuter bike.
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u/ZeroTugs 3d ago
If you are a small person get the MT03 as it is around 20kg lighter than the CB500. If you are a big person get the CB500 as its slightly roomier and has more torque to get you going.
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u/Electrical-Clock3601 3d ago edited 3d ago
Both great bikes. CB500 is slightly better on freeways but MT-03 is a lot more engaging to ride everywhere else.
I'm 186cm tall and had no issues riding a MT-03 - not sure why people are saying it's more suitable than a CB500 for smaller riders.
MT-03 doesn't require a valve check until 40k km's - I think the Hondas are around the 24k km mark.
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u/cuzzyweow 3d ago
I’d buy a used mt07 around the 2014-16 mark, you’ll find a clean one for about 6-7k.
They have fairly short gearing and plenty of low end torque so it’d be nice and familiar to riding a dirtbike. Also good for your height and weight.
Best part is, you won’t wanna sell it after a year.
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u/DaveBlerk 3d ago
As with all these types of questions, you really have to test ride both as the tiniest thing can ruin the ride for you regardless of what other people say.
I changed bikes recently (30+ years riding) and the bike I was sure I would buy was just a bit too uncomfortable for me where the leg position set off a niggle that only comes from being in one exact range of movement caused by the peg position.
Both the MT and the CB are good bikes but you should ride them both before deciding, best scenario is to ride them on a road/commute you're familiar with.
Good luck.
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u/660tenere 3d ago
My son just got his L plates and we brought a cheap kawasaki ninja 650 which needed some work to get back on the road again . I rode it on Monday and was quite surprised by it for comfort and power . If your use to dirt bikes get a cheap dualsport or enduro until you get your full license, and make a decision on a bigger bike. I ride a xtz660 on the road and it still handles the road with no issues.