Best Beginner Motorcycles! Ninja 400 vs Meteor 350 vs CRF300L vs Sondors Metacycle vs G310GS | CTXP
TLDRIn a quest to find the ultimate beginner motorcycle, five budget-friendly bikes are put to the test in a series of challenges. The Kawasaki Ninja 400, BMW G310 GS, Honda CRF300L, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, and the electric Sonders Metacycle compete in tests of weight, repair costs, acceleration, maintenance, and versatility. Through drag races, oil changes, and off-road trials, the bikes are evaluated for performance and practicality, with the Ninja 400 emerging as the top choice for new riders, offering a balance of capability and value.
Takeaways
- ๐๏ธ The video compares five beginner-friendly motorcycles under $6,000: Kawasaki Ninja 400, BMW G310 GS, Honda CRF300L, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, and the electric Sonders Metacycle.
- ๐ The Ninja 400 has the largest engine, the Meteor 350 is the most affordable, the CRF 300 is the lightest, and the Sonders Metacycle has the longest service intervals.
- ๐งโโ๏ธ A test was conducted to measure the effort required to lift each motorcycle after a tip-over, revealing that the heaviest bike was not the hardest to lift.
- ๐ง The cost of potential repairs after a tip-over was calculated, showing significant differences in the price of parts across the different models.
- ๐๏ธ A drag race was held to determine straight-line acceleration, with the Ninja 400 winning due to its powerful engine.
- ๐ ๏ธ An oil change challenge revealed the ease of maintenance for each bike, with the Ninja 400 and G310 GS performing well.
- ๐ฆ The final test involved a multi-terrain course to evaluate the versatility of the motorcycles, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each for different riding conditions.
- ๐ The Ninja 400 emerged as the overall winner with a total of 22 points, closely followed by the G310 GS.
- ๐ฃ๏ธ The video emphasizes that the best motorcycle for a beginner is often a matter of personal preference and not solely based on performance metrics.
- ๐ฐ While the G310 GS has a high repair cost, it offers an affordable entry point and excellent performance for an adventure bike.
- โก The Sonders Metacycle, despite its limitations, showed surprising versatility and attracted a lot of attention, indicating the growing interest in electric motorcycles.
Q & A
What is the purpose of the video?
-The video aims to test and compare five beginner-friendly motorcycles under $6,000, providing insights into their performance, maintenance, and overall suitability for new riders.
How many motorcycles are tested in the video?
-Five motorcycles are tested in the video: Kawasaki's Ninja 400, BMW's G310 GS, Honda CRF300L, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, and the all-electric Sonders Metacycle.
What is the first test conducted in the video?
-The first test is to measure the effort it takes to lift each motorcycle upright after it has been tipped over, which serves as an indicator of the bike's weight and balance.
Which motorcycle was the easiest to pick up after being tipped over?
-The BMW G310 GS was the easiest to pick up, with the least effort required, despite not being the lightest motorcycle.
What is the second test about?
-The second test calculates a theoretical repair bill for each motorcycle based on the cost of parts that would need to be replaced after a tip-over incident.
Which motorcycle had the highest theoretical repair cost?
-The BMW G310 GS had the highest theoretical repair cost due to the expensive parts like the clutch lever and handlebar.
What is the third test in the series?
-The third test is a drag race to determine which motorcycle has the best straight-line acceleration.
Which motorcycle won the drag race?
-The Kawasaki Ninja 400 won the drag race, demonstrating its strong acceleration despite its larger engine size.
What is the oil change race in the video?
-The oil change race is a timed challenge to see which motorcycle is the easiest to perform a common maintenance task on, with the fastest time earning points.
Which motorcycle was the most difficult to perform an oil change on?
-The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 was the most difficult due to its old school design and the complexity of accessing the oil filter and screen.
What is the final test in the video?
-The final test is a multi-segment course that includes a racetrack, urban obstacle course, dirt trail, highway section, and a wide dirt road to simulate various riding conditions.
Which motorcycle won the overall comparison?
-The Kawasaki Ninja 400 won the overall comparison with the most points, closely followed by the BMW G310 GS and the Sonders Metacycle.
What conclusion does the video draw about choosing a motorcycle?
-The video concludes that choosing a motorcycle often comes down to personal preference and that there are virtually no size or price limitations when it comes to enjoying riding.
Outlines
๐๏ธ Introduction to the Beginner Bike Test
The script introduces a comprehensive test of small, budget-friendly motorcycles aimed at beginners. Five models are presented: Kawasaki Ninja 400, BMW G310 GS, Honda CRF300L, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, and the electric Sondor Metacycle. The narrator highlights key specs like engine size, price, weight, and service intervals, emphasizing that specs don't tell the whole story. A fun and possibly transformative test for beginner bikes is teased, involving colleagues with strong opinions and riding skills. The test will cover weight, price, performance, maintenance, and overall capability, with points awarded for each category. The selection of the motorcycles begins with a playful and competitive atmosphere.
๐ช Testing Motorcycle Lift Effort
This section details a practical test to measure the effort required to lift each motorcycle after it has been tipped over, a common occurrence for riders. The test participants, all experienced motorcyclists, lift their assigned bikes and the weight required is recorded. The Sondor Metacycle, despite having the largest battery, is surprisingly easy to lift, while the BMW G310 GS, the lightest bike, has a higher lift pressure due to its weight distribution. The heaviest bike, the BMW, is surprisingly easy to lift, challenging the notion that the spec sheet tells the whole story. The test reveals that the Meteor 350 is the lightest to lift, followed by the Metacycle, Ninja, and the heavier off-road bikes.
๐ง Theoretical Repair Costs After a Drop
Following the lift test, the script discusses the potential repair costs for each motorcycle after a drop, a situation that could lead to damage. The producer has calculated the cost of replacing parts that touch the ground during a tip-over. The BMW has the highest individual part costs, while the Royal Enfield has a surprisingly low total cost, making it the cheapest to repair so far. The Honda CRF300L offers a more affordable repair bill if one chooses not to replace the front fender. The Ninja's parts are moderately priced, but its total comes to a higher amount due to the cost of the left bearing. The Metacycle's repair costs are uncertain due to its newness and potential part availability issues.
๐๏ธ Drag Race to Determine Speed
The script moves on to a drag race to determine which of the beginner bikes is the quickest in a straight line. Despite the fact that racing is not a top concern for beginner riders, the desire to know which bike is fastest is universal. The race is set up on an empty runway with a quarter-mile distance marked by traffic cones. The race is best two out of three to account for any excuses. The outcome is surprising, with the Ninja, despite its large torque claim, not living up to expectations in the first run, while the Royal Enfield, a heavier bike with less horsepower, performs admirably. The race continues with the aim of crowning a clear winner.
๐ ๏ธ Oil Change Race and Maintenance
After the drag race, the focus shifts to motorcycle maintenance with an oil change race. The challenge is set to see which bike is easiest to work on and which participant has the best mechanical skills. The race is timed, and the first to finish gets five points. The test reveals that some bikes, like the Ninja, are more accessible for maintenance, while others, like the Royal Enfield, are more complicated due to their design. The BMW, being a performance machine, is expected to be more time-consuming and costly to maintain. The oil change race ends with Patrick and Spurgeon in a close competition, showcasing the importance of knowing how to perform basic maintenance on one's motorcycle.
๐ Final Test in the Desert
The final day of testing involves a combined loop that includes various segments to represent different riding disciplines. The test starts with a Le Mans style race start and includes a racetrack, an urban obstacle course with mail pickup, a desert trail, a highway section, and a final dirt road stretch. The test is designed to simulate real-world riding conditions and to determine the ultimate beginner bike. The competitors discuss their strategies and expectations, acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of their respective bikes in different terrains. The race is intense, with various challenges and mistakes along the way, ultimately leading to a thrilling conclusion.
๐ Conclusion of the Super Test
The script concludes with the results of the super test. After tallying the points from various tests, the Ninja 400 emerges as the winner with 22 points, narrowly beating the G310 GS. The Sondor Metacycle secures the third place, while the Meteor 350 and CRF300L tie for fourth. The test reveals insights into each motorcycle's performance, maintenance, and overall suitability for beginners. Despite the results, the script emphasizes that the choice of a motorcycle often comes down to personal preference and that any bike can provide a good time when riding with friends.
๐ฅ Sponsor Acknowledgment
In the final part of the script, the hosts acknowledge the sponsor of the episode, which is the channel itself. They explain that the videos are funded through purchases made by viewers on RevZilla, a motorcycle gear and parts retailer. The hosts encourage viewers to consider buying from RevZilla to support the production of future videos, thus creating a cycle of community support for the content they enjoy.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กMotorcycle
๐กBudget Conscious
๐กNinja 400
๐กG310 GS
๐กCRF300L
๐กMeteor 350
๐กSondors Metacycle
๐กDrag Race
๐กMaintenance
๐กLe Mans Start
๐กVersatility
Highlights
The video features a comprehensive test of small motorcycles under $6000, aiming to provide context for beginner riders.
Five motorcycles are tested: Kawasaki Ninja 400, BMW G310 GS, Honda CRF300L, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, and the electric Sonders Metacycle.
Tests include lifting effort after a tip-over, theoretical repair costs, acceleration in a drag race, and ease of maintenance.
The Ninja 400 has the largest engine, while the Meteor 350 is the most affordable.
The CRF300L is the lightest bike, and the Metacycle has the longest service intervals.
The test reveals that specifications don't always reflect real-world performance or ease of maintenance.
The tip-over test shows that the heaviest bike, the BMW G310 GS, was surprisingly easy to lift.
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is the cheapest to repair but has the shortest service intervals.
The drag race demonstrates the Ninja 400's dominance in straight-line acceleration.
The oil change challenge highlights the ease of maintenance, with the Ninja 400 and CRF300L performing well.
The final็็ปผๅ test emphasizes versatility, with the G310 GS showing strength in various riding conditions.
The electric Metacycle shows versatility but faces challenges in repair availability and seat comfort.
The BMW G310 GS is praised for its off-road capability and value for money despite higher repair costs.
The Ninja 400 is recognized as a well-rounded beginner bike, excelling in multiple tests.
The video concludes that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing a motorcycle.
The importance of supporting the channel by purchasing from RevZilla is emphasized to fund video production.
Transcripts
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