Looking for cheap Motorcycle

SkyHog

SkyHog

Touchdown! Greaser!
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Feb 23, 2005
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Castle Rock, CO
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Everything Offends Me
I figured there's a lot of bike riders here, so I'd ask here.

I am looking for a motorcycle that is cheap, since I've never ridden before and I know I'll lay it down at least once, since the drivers here suck.

I want it to be a cruiser, since I have no desire to be laying down on a motorcycle (and I'm a big d00d, too).

My price range is very low, since this is more for fun and to possibly save a little bit of money on gas for mundane driving (ie, to and fro work, maybe to the airport only on good weather days).

Any suggestions? I want a V-Twin some day, but I don't want to drop 4-5 grand on a bike I know I'm gonna lay down.
 
I fix up a few old motorcycles; here are some of my favorites:

Yamaha Radian 600 - fast and halfway between a cruiser and sportbike

Honda V45 or V65 magna - liquid cooled, shaft drive, quick, cheap

Honda nighthawk or just plain old CB750 four cyl. - often under $1000

CL450 scrambler - a little smaller, getting to be collectible

Some Sportsters of certain years can be had for low 3's if they need enough work.

I'm sure others will add more.


If you plan on "laying one down" better dress for the occasion. Ride like they're all trying to kill you. I profile my fellow motorists heavily and have been known to pull off the blacktop and let some go by.
 
SkyHog said:
since I've never ridden before and I know I'll lay it down at least once,
Click to expand...

Nick, I'm going to give you a quick bit of advice I give all new potential riders (it's free advice, so it's worth what you paid for it :D ).

Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider course (http://www.msf-usa.org/) before you do anything. These courses typically are on a weekend, Friday night class, Saturday class and range, and Sunday range and riding test. These cost around $150, and all is provided. They have bikes, helmets, and instructors. You'll need gloves, jacket, jeans, and over the ankle boots.

The positives:
  • Learn from trained instructors
  • Learn enough street smarts tactics to stay alive until you really learn how to ride.
  • Abuse the clutch and maybe drop someone else's bike for the first few hours you're riding.
  • In most states, when you pass the riding test on Sunday, you get your motorcycle endorsement.
  • See if riding is for you: If you don't like it, you've only lost $150, and had an interesting weekend. No stupid bike turn around and sell just after buying.
The negatives:
  • $150
  • A weekend
Also, if you do get a bike, please PLEASE dress for the crash. I like a textile riding suit, but leathers are even better. Yes, a full suit is hot, but I'd rather sweat than bleed. Seriously.
 
tom. said:
I'm sure others will add more.
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Also consider an older dual sport (purpose) motorcycle like a Suzuki DR-350S. These are basically street legal trail bikes with 4 stroke air cooled motors. Dirt simple, reliable, fun to ride, great gas mileage. And, they're designed to be dropped. Another potential bonus, if you like exploring back dirt roads and trails, these bikes are fun fun fun.
 
Bill Jennings said:
Nick, I'm going to give you a quick bit of advice I give all new potential riders (it's free advice, so it's worth what you paid for it :D ).

Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider course (http://www.msf-usa.org/) before you do anything. These courses typically are on a weekend, Friday night class, Saturday class and range, and Sunday range and riding test. These cost around $150, and all is provided. They have bikes, helmets, and instructors. You'll need gloves, jacket, jeans, and over the ankle boots.

The positives:
  • Learn from trained instructors
  • Learn enough street smarts tactics to stay alive until you really learn how to ride.
  • Abuse the clutch and maybe drop someone else's bike for the first few hours you're riding.
  • In most states, when you pass the riding test on Sunday, you get your motorcycle endorsement.
  • See if riding is for you: If you don't like it, you've only lost $150, and had an interesting weekend. No stupid bike turn around and sell just after buying.
The negatives:
  • $150
  • A weekend
Also, if you do get a bike, please PLEASE dress for the crash. I like a textile riding suit, but leathers are even better. Yes, a full suit is hot, but I'd rather sweat than bleed. Seriously.
Click to expand...

What he said--it will be a good investment and you'll meet some good people. You'll find someone to help you vet out your first bike too.

On the other hand, when I first started riding in 1977, one of the dealerships I went to gave lessons, started riders on smaller dirt bikes. My first three bikes were thus motocrossers and my first street bike was a Honda 350 that I paid $200 for (and spend most of my time after that taking it apart and putting it together again.)

My little sister Laura (the racer) recommends the MSF seminars very highly.

Good luck

terry
 
One thing you do NOT want to do is run through a cloud of bugs at 150 mph wearing only sunglasses, shorts and sneakers.
 
tom. said:
Honda V45 or V65 magna - liquid cooled, shaft drive, quick, cheap
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I owned one of the first V45s in the US, and later got to play with my friend's V65. I don't think either is appropriate for a beginning rider.

The older CBs are better for beginners, with the Honda CB 750 Custom a good one because of the lower CG from the pre-Custom CBs. I agree that the Honda Nighthawk might be a good choice.
 
SkyHog said:
I was looking at this one:
http://motors.search.ebay.com:80/4634115456_W0QQfromZR40QQfviZ1

Any opinions?
Click to expand...
That's a lot of bike for a first ride. Pretty speedy, especially given the vintage. I had an 82 Magna that I regret selling to this day, despite its first-model-year transmission foibles.

I used to take it camping two-up in Canada. Once the customs guys gave me the full treatment because the radiator cooling fan came on while he was screening me. "What is THAT?" "The radiator fan." "Motorcycles don't have radiators..."
 
Ken Ibold said:
One thing you do NOT want to do is run through a cloud of bugs at 150 mph wearing only sunglasses, shorts and sneakers.
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Been there done that ... only it was a swarm of honey bees... I was a swolen mess for three days...

My absolute worst experience was riding thru a swarm of those beetles that live in the orange groves in FL. Hit one of those wearing proper gear and it still hurt like hell. Had to pull over and scrape the guts off my face cover so I could see... When I got to the next rest area I looked like I had been sprayed w/ bug guts from a fire hose. It was disgusting. I've not been riding in FL since. ;)
 
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I've know of a good website if you want to be talked out of riding. I'll have to PM you the address because it's full of graphic scenes.

I started riding at the age of 6. I've been riding street bikes since I was 16 (so 20+ years now). I've had to put down two bikes on the street. Both times it was due to stupid (edit: CAR) driver tricks. Just remember, every one driving a car is out to get you and you'll do fine.
 
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If it is close to you, and you can verify that it's in decent shape, you could do a lot worse.

Also, if you are planning on "laying it down" because the car drivers around you are morons, you're headed for trouble. If you lay it down in traffic, you are likely to get run over, which pretty much equals deceased.

ASSUME they are all trying to kill you, and drive accordingly. If you can't get to the point where you can figure out what they are going to do by looking at the back of their heads, go back to cars.

Also, look for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation beginers course near you, and take it. Find a set of "highway bars" for that bike and install them. That will go a long way in keeping the bike off you if you do go down.

Full face brain bucket ... not the Nazi helmet with the spike on the top. If you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet ... if not, buy Bell. (or any other SNELL certified)

Good Luck!

Brett
(Motorcylce license before my car license, some 250K highway miles on 4 different bikes, didn't as much as scratch the paint. It can be done, but it ain't easy)

SkyHog said:
I was looking at this one:
http://motors.search.ebay.com:80/4634115456_W0QQfromZR40QQfviZ1

Any opinions?
Click to expand...
 
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Go to http://www.joerocket.com and look for "Phoenix" jackets, pants, and gloves (get full wrist protection). The JR "Phoenix" products are a textile open weave shell which allows air to flow through the coat and pants and therefore will be cool enough for an ABQ summer. They zip together (pants & jacket) so you don't find yourself sliding on your stomach or kidneys, and the shell material has slide abrasion testing results at or better than leather. The jacket and pants have armor built in to protect the vital spots (shoulders, elbows, forearms, kidneys, spine, knees, hips, tail bone, crotch). Find yourself a pair of boots with ankle, shin, and toe armor (Alpinestars "GPS" is my personal choice, YMMV). Finally, find top line (Snell rated), full face shield helmet that fits your head like a stocking cap (no slop side to side, front to back, etc.). Brand doesn't matter near as much as perfect fit. My personal favorite is Arai, but YMMV.
 
Ed Guthrie said:
Go to http://www.joerocket.com and look for "Phoenix" jackets, pants, and gloves (get full wrist protection). The JR "Phoenix" products are a textile open weave shell which allows air to flow through the coat and pants and therefore will be cool enough for an ABQ summer. They zip together (pants & jacket) so you don't find yourself sliding on your stomach or kidneys, and the shell material has slide abrasion testing results at or better than leather. The jacket and pants have armor built in to protect the vital spots (shoulders, elbows, forearms, kidneys, spine, knees, hips, tail bone, crotch). Find yourself a pair of boots with ankle, shin, and toe armor (Alpinestars "GPS" is my personal choice, YMMV). Finally, find top line (Snell rated), full face shield helmet that fits your head like a stocking cap (no slop side to side, front to back, etc.). Brand doesn't matter near as much as perfect fit. My personal favorite is Arai, but YMMV.
Click to expand...

Goto http://www.newenough.com and pick up last years model of pretty much any motorcycle gear..and save a nice chunk of money.

I'll testify that my Joe Rocket Ballistic 4.0 has saved my skin. It faired very well for a 55 mph + slide down the road. Infact. I still wear it. Only a minor tear and my skin is still perfect ;)
 
I have a 750 NightHawk. Best bargain out there. Good gas mileage and enough power to go from 0 to scared @#$@# in no time. The only thing I don't like about it is the chain. Wish it were a shaft drive.
 
Nick, if I read your post correctly, you say you've never ridden a motorcycle before? If that is the case, then take Bill's advice and take a rider course first. On you're first ride, be very gentle with the throttle. Even a small bike can scoot out from under you if you're not careful. I took the MC course during driver's ed in high school, and on my very first ride, had a Honda 90 shoot out from under me. :hairraise: The experience left me very...:redface:.
 
Probably not the bike you are looking for but Kawasaki sells, new, a Ninja 250 for under $3k....you can get it in green, black, red and maybe another color. From what I've read it is light and quick with a 14,000 RPM red line.

Len
 
jkaduk said:
I have a 750 NightHawk. Best bargain out there. Good gas mileage and enough power to go from 0 to scared @#$@# in no time. The only thing I don't like about it is the chain. Wish it were a shaft drive.
Click to expand...

Well. The answer is simple. You want a 84 to 87 Honda Nighthawk 700S. It is shaft drive :)...and enough power to go 0 to 60 in 3 seconds.
 
Ed Guthrie said:
Go to http://www.joerocket.com and look for "Phoenix" jackets, pants, and gloves (get full wrist protection). .
Click to expand...


I second the Phoenix jacket. And for the 104F days, add a JR Sahara evaporative vest. You soak it in water for a minute or two, wring lightly, wear under mesh jacket. Evap cooling for about two hours. If you're out in the sticks, bring along a 2 gallon ziplock with some water in it for a recharge. Saved my arse on the way through South Dakota last summer.


I like my Sidi 'Way Tapor' boots and I've been happy with my Shoei full face helmet. Just bought a Nolan flip face (bright yellow), the flip down shade is real nice. A bit noisier than the Shoei, though.

And take the MSF class as someone else pointed out. And if you buy a Honda, join the Honda Riders Club. They send you a cert for $75 bucks back if you pass the MSF course. Plus discounts on other stuff, too.

My first bike was a 2005 Honda Rebel, 250cc. Perfect for local riding, gets 85+ mpg. Brand new they are 3,000. You can find them for about 1500-2500 uesed. Easy to fix and maintain, and not much will break if you drop it.
 
First off, you have to start with the attitude that you will constantly, without exception, do absolutely everything possible every single time you get on it to NOT lay it down. Hostile avoidance is critical. Being able to maintain control while avoiding hostiles is absolutely essential. If they bump you, even a little, or if you dump it, you're going to get hurt and possibly run over. If you know you're going to be taken down even before your first ride, you should think about staying in your car or working on the proficiency thing before getting on the streets at all.

Since you've never ridden, take the MSF course. I'm not sure in all cases but around here and most I've heard of supply the bikes to train on. After that continue training, reading, practice, tactical riding procedures on a regular basis. Crashproofing yourself and knowing how to get off with minimal personal damage when all the above fails is something you really need to consider. Treat riding proficiency and maintenance just like you do flying so you'll have a fair chance of not going down at least on self induced situations.

The older 4 cylinder CB series bikes to about 750cc are good first rides for $1000 and often less depending on condition. The smaller ones do not like running at 80mph but they're honest, simple to work on and they'll last forever with proper maintenance. (They may go 80+ but you feel like you're standing in the highway naked at those speeds) It's a type to consider anyway. I have a CB650 and love it. It's a little short on power sometimes in the mountains but it'll take me anywhere I want to go and get me home afterward.

Crash gear gets spendy. Allocate the funds for it right now. You can run the bill to $800+ real easy and still have not made it to helmet section of the store yet. Look around and you can keep the price somewhat sensible. Whatever you do, go with a properly fitting full face shield helmet and nothing less. A lot of the crashed helmets and most of the reports I've seen put the cheek/chin guard regions of the helmet in the 50%+ impact/abrasion zone.

Here's some interesting safety tips and skills reading:
http://www.msgroup.org/DISCUSS.asp
 
I've mentioned it here before, but I'll say it again. Don't ride without a helmet. Period. End of discussion. Not negotiable. In high school and college (late 1960s through early 1970s) I knew 4 people who needed them (including my wife and me). 3 of us had them and are alive today. 1 did not and he died at the scene. Limited sample, but 100% correlation. Oh, and watching the car driver isn't 100% effective. The one that got us ran a stop sign at about 30 mph. Got us broadside as there wasn't anything I could do (couldn't stop in time and a Honda 175 doesn't accelerate well with two aboard). Fortunately, 1968 Ford Mustangs have flimsy front ends. We put his radiator back in his fan. Bike was operational and street legal. Now, I spent 5 days in the hospital and my wife 6. I was picking boot leather out of screw heads on the engine. That was 32 years ago.

Have fun, but remember - they ARE out to get you.
 
DeeG said:
My first bike was a 2005 Honda Rebel, 250cc. Perfect for local riding, gets 85+ mpg. Brand new they are 3,000. You can find them for about 1500-2500 uesed. Easy to fix and maintain, and not much will break if you drop it.
Click to expand...

Even as a newbie bike, I think Nick is a little large for a Rebel.
 
SkyHog said:
I was looking at this one:
http://motors.search.ebay.com:80/4634115456_W0QQfromZR40QQfviZ1

Any opinions?
Click to expand...

I like it. But like the others have said, it's a little big. However, I've seen people buy them and do really well right off the bat (especially the big guys).

I took the MSF ridercourse before I started riding. I made sure I had good tires on my bike, an 86 Radian. The bike was given to me for free so I thought new tires and brakes was a good idea.

I wear a helmet for safety reasons and because bugs hurt! I find I'm more comfortable riding fast with the full face helmet than with a 3/4.

I'm planning to take the "performance based" ridercourse next.
 
I spent all weekend doing the MSF course near here. Boy was it hot and we were wrung out with all the class elements and the testing. I learned scads and have to say I am probably a better car driver as well now. Very well worth it, almost want to say it should be mandatory. (we were quoted '96% of all new riders who don't take the course will have an injury or a reportable accident in the first year')
Only half of us passed, this was not a gimme - they won't let anyone by who is not ready for the road. They busted my chops on timing; 0.02 seconds off during the curves. How they measured .02s is beyond me, but I still passed.
 
Definitely take the MSF course - it will also save you money on the insurance.

At 6'3" and 220 - I started with a Yamaha 400 cruiser, then went to a Honda CB650 (I think - water cooled shaft drive), and my last bike was a Yamaha Virago 750.

When I get another bike the first thing I'll do when I get it is go take the MSF advanced rider course - it's a fabulous tune-up of rusty skills and also saves $$$ on insurance costs.

I'd recommend any of them
 
Nothing more to add...the MSF course is worth EVERY penny.

I am a fledgling pilot but an experienced motorcyclist (including race license) and can attest to several things:

1) Never stop learning (just like flying)
2) Wear the proper gear, which includes a FULL FACE helmet!
3) Remember that it IS scientifically possible for people to NOT see you even though they are looking right at you.

I know there are tons of comparisions out there...but even my wife finds flying safer the riding....just remember that they ARE out to kill you.

Then....have fun! We did a 10-day, 3000-mile round trip from Atlanta to Canada two years ago and it was AMAZING! Never stop having fun, safe fun, but fun, cause when it is no longer fun then it is time to hang up the helmet.
 
tdager said:
Then....have fun! We did a 10-day, 3000-mile round trip from Atlanta to Canada two years ago and it was AMAZING! Never stop having fun, safe fun, but fun, cause when it is no longer fun then it is time to hang up the helmet.
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I LOVE long motorcycle trips. In my younger days: a camping/visiting/bumming trip from Wisconsin to New Orleans to Los Angeles to Seattle over 5 weeks. WoW!! 8,000+ miles on less than $200 in gas.
 
Bill Jennings said:
Even as a newbie bike, I think Nick is a little large for a Rebel.
Click to expand...


You'd be surprised at the size of folks that ride the 250cc Rebels. However, back in the mid 80's, they did build a 450cc Rebel. They are becoming quite the collectors item, but you can still get one for less than $2000.
 
Ken Ibold said:
I LOVE long motorcycle trips.
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Pete and I did WA to MN and back this past summer. That was fun. A bit nerve wracking as I had only had my endorsement for three months and I was on my brand new Shadow Aero 750.

Going to take two trips this summer. WA to SoCal in June and then the WA/MN trip again in August. This time I'm going to take the Guzzi instead of the Honda. Making a detour to Duluth to Aerostich's shop and have two Roadcrafter suits custom fit for us. I wonder how screaming yellow with safety orange shoulders and knees will look. :)
 
Ken Ibold said:
I LOVE long motorcycle trips.
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In two weeks I'm doing a quick long trip up to northern NH and back, will be about 3000mi in 5 days.
 
CapeCodJay said:
Have you thought about the Vespa Scooters? :)

~Jay
Click to expand...

LOL - that's not happening.

Thanks for the advice all. I think I'm gonna take the motorcycle safety course first and then decide on what I want.
 
Ghery said:
I've mentioned it here before, but I'll say it again. Don't ride without a helmet. Period. End of discussion.
Click to expand...

But... But... It's just not REAL riding without the wind through your hair! :rolleyes:

Rick Durden said this on the Pilotcast: We've all gotten in trouble, and it's easy to imagine getting in trouble. It's very difficult to imagine getting dead.
 
flyingcheesehead said:
But... But... It's just not REAL riding without the wind through your hair! :rolleyes:
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SNORT!!! Yeah, the wind through your hair, the bugs smashing into your face, the cloud of no-see-ums at dusk, the rocks and gravel and roadwaste kicked into your head by the car in front of you, the windchill at 70 mph when its 27F out. Yuppers, helmetless is the way to go!
 
DeeG said:
SNORT!!! Yeah, the wind through your hair, the bugs smashing into your face, the cloud of no-see-ums at dusk, the rocks and gravel and roadwaste kicked into your head by the car in front of you, the windchill at 70 mph when its 27F out. Yuppers, helmetless is the way to go!
Click to expand...
Don't forget that special joy when the yahoo in the right lane flicks the lit cig butt out without looking.
 
Ken Ibold said:
Don't forget that special joy when the yahoo in the right lane flicks the lit cig butt out without looking.
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I've had that happen several times. Crusing along not bothering anyone..all the sudden there is an explosion on your helmet. It can catch you off guard sometimes.

It makes me want to carry fireworks and see how they like an explosion in their face.
 
flyingcheesehead said:
But... But... It's just not REAL riding without the wind through your hair! :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

It's the ribbon of hardened sandpaper under the tires going through your hair that bothers me. Big bugs in the knees STING and should tell bandana types something. Opposite direction traffic rock tosses in the eye would ruin your day real quick.

Here's what happens when hit a really big bird square on at chest level with a 3/16" thick acrylic windscreen at 60mph:
 

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