Hey all. Looking to get into the two wheel world here, and would love to get a slightly older fixer upper, and well, fix it up

I'm really not all that familiar with motorcycles, though I'm pretty mechanically apt. My only experience is tooling around on dirt bikes in first and second gear really.

I'm not looking for anything crazy fast, or rare. Well, I don't really know what I'm looking for... Pretty much older (80's, early 90's) import bike. Maybe modify it a bit, who knows.

It doesn't have to be a Honda, though looking around craigslist I've noticed alot of older Honda Shadows available that run, but need a little TLC. For instance the one I just found is an '83 500cc.

Just wondering, are there any makes and models that would be a phenomenal find? Or ones to completely stay away from? Etc...

Thanks in advance.

Edit: Okay, the Shadow looks like it might be a little too 'cruiser' for me. Though, since I have limited(read none) on road driving experience this probably means crap. I think I'd prefer something a little more 'sporty', though ultimately I'll take comfort and ease of riding/fixing over looks....

I dunno, what do you see a tall, scrawny white guy riding?

 

The CBR F2 and F3 bikes are super bikes to get. They are usually mechanically sound. Well-maintained examples can last way more than 50,000 miles. You pay a little more for these, but you won't likely need to spend more in the long run.

The FZR600 is also a great bike that can be picked up for cheap. Or its successor, the YZF600R.

MSFGEARINSURANCE.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladedad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The CBR F2 and F3 bikes are super bikes to get. They are usually mechanically sound. Well-maintained examples can last way more than 50,000 miles. You pay a little more for these, but you won't likely need to spend more in the long run.

The FZR600 is also a great bike that can be picked up for cheap. Or its successor, the YZF600R.

MSFGEARINSURANCE. </TD></TR></TABLE>

thanks. is 50,000 miles a usual going bad mileage for bikes? Enginewise, suspension wise?

And do you think those bikes would be decent beginner bikes? I was liking the CB series I saw while searching. I really dig the 80's style on some of these.

And the bike I pick up will be more about the whole 'experience' of fixing up my first bike and riding it, unless I get a good deal on one that doesn't need much work

 

50k was just a number I threw out there. Of course, some bikes are in real crappy shape with just 2000 miles...be sure to check the bike's records. The suspension should be reworked (new fluid, fork seals) about every year or so.

Those older bikes are pretty sweet. But, IMO, a first bike shouldn't be too much of a fixer-upper - the point is to be riding, not trouble-shooting problems. I don't know where you're located, but with the winter upon us in most parts of the country, good deals are bound to be had.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladedad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">50k was just a number I threw out there. Of course, some bikes are in real crappy shape with just 2000 miles...be sure to check the bike's records. The suspension should be reworked (new fluid, fork seals) about every year or so.

Those older bikes are pretty sweet. But, IMO, a first bike shouldn't be too much of a fixer-upper - the point is to be riding, not trouble-shooting problems. I don't know where you're located, but with the winter upon us in most parts of the country, good deals are bound to be had.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, I hear ya on that.

I'm in NorCal. So it's been pretty nice up until today, been raining non stop. We don't have too bad of winters, but hopefully some deals will start popping up.

 

i doubt transitioning from dirt to pavement will be tough at all, just take it slow... msf gear insurance. yada yada.

i recently picked up an 85 suzuki GS550, got it for a grand, it was real clean, started right up and ran. it was sitting for a year so i just swapped the gas out. but ill propably be doing a bit of maintenance over the winter... replace the chain and whatnot.

suzuki gs550: