How much money for a decent cruiser to start?

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ve3nef
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How much money for a decent cruiser to start?

#1 Unread post by ve3nef »

I'm wondering how much money I should spend to get decent used cruiser with enough power to go traveling on (with possibly a passenger), and keep me interested. I live in Canada, so this would be a estimate in loonies :P

Right now, i'm thinking 800 dollars for lessons, then 1500-1700 for a bike?

Also, I live in the Okanagan Valley (Kelowna), but I haven't managed to find any good sites that show used motorcycle classifieds. What sites do you guys recommend? Or should I just stick with the daily papers?

Keep in mind, this bike is going to get a beating as I will be learning on it.

thx!
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ANDS!
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#2 Unread post by ANDS! »

Most people use Craigslist, but man there arent any deals in your area. How far is Vancouver from you - because they are swimming in used bikes.

800 for lessons. . . :shock:
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jonnythan
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#3 Unread post by jonnythan »

ANDS! wrote:800 for lessons. . . :shock:
Man those are going to be some serious lessons!

FWIW, I paid $200US or so for my 2-day MSF course here in the states, and that was one of the higher prices I've heard.

What you haven't budgeted for is gear. That will take up the rest of the $800. By the time you get a helmet, gloves, boots, pants, jacket, and mesh jacket, you've spent a good bit of dough.

1500-1700 should probably get you a bike without too much problem.... but you really are in the middle of freakin nowhere. I found my perfect bike about 4 hours away in New Hampshire then trailered it home. You can do the same by shopping the Vancouver Craigslist ;)
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ve3nef
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#4 Unread post by ve3nef »

ANDS! wrote:Most people use Craigslist, but man there arent any deals in your area. How far is Vancouver from you - because they are swimming in used bikes.

800 for lessons. . . :shock:

Well I could always go to Vancouver but that's a 5h drive from here. If I found I good bike there I could always take a greyhound there, and ride the bike back I suppose. But i'd have to be absolutely sure the bike is in good condition. Well yeah, i'm not sure about the cost for lessons, but i'm sure the cheapest ones are around that range... I still have to phone the V-twin guys here.

I'll check out Craigslist! Thx.
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#5 Unread post by jonnythan »

ve3nef wrote:
ANDS! wrote:Most people use Craigslist, but man there arent any deals in your area. How far is Vancouver from you - because they are swimming in used bikes.

800 for lessons. . . :shock:

Well I could always go to Vancouver but that's a 5h drive from here. If I found I good bike there I could always take a greyhound there, and ride the bike back I suppose. But i'd have to be absolutely sure the bike is in good condition. Well yeah, i'm not sure about the cost for lessons, but i'm sure the cheapest ones are around that range... I still have to phone the V-twin guys here.

I'll check out Craigslist! Thx.
I would *not* recommend you attempt a 5 hour "ride home" as your first ride!!! :shock:

How old are you? Can you rent a truck or trailer for the day? I'd generally expect to pay about $60US to rent a pickup or full-size van for the day, and that would be more than sufficient for transporting a small cruiser.

BTW, there's a nice Shadow on Craigslist in Vancouver for about $1700 ;)
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#6 Unread post by dr_bar »

jonnythan wrote:
ANDS! wrote:800 for lessons. . . :shock:
Man those are going to be some serious lessons!

FWIW, I paid $200US or so for my 2-day MSF course here in the states, and that was one of the higher prices I've heard.
I don't think he has estimated too far off. Most MC Schools in BC charge between $500 - $700 for the 28 - 30 hour course.

Edit: V-Twin looks like it's around $695... so, after taxes etc it will be close to $800, but you should be able to hit the taxman up for a bit of a refund next year...
Last edited by dr_bar on Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:56 am, edited 1 time in total.
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jonnythan
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#7 Unread post by jonnythan »

dr_bar wrote:
jonnythan wrote:
ANDS! wrote:800 for lessons. . . :shock:
Man those are going to be some serious lessons!

FWIW, I paid $200US or so for my 2-day MSF course here in the states, and that was one of the higher prices I've heard.
I don't think he has estimated too far off. Most MC Schools in BC charge between $500 - $700 for the 28 - 30 hour course.
Whoa. :shock:
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Eahuntley
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#8 Unread post by Eahuntley »

IT's been a while since I've been able to say this, but.... Damn! I'm glad I live in the states!
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jstark47
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#9 Unread post by jstark47 »

How 'bout this: one hour away
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#10 Unread post by NightNurse »

jonnythan wrote:
ve3nef wrote:
ANDS! wrote:Most people use Craigslist, but man there arent any deals in your area. How far is Vancouver from you - because they are swimming in used bikes.

800 for lessons. . . :shock:

Well I could always go to Vancouver but that's a 5h drive from here. If I found I good bike there I could always take a greyhound there, and ride the bike back I suppose. But i'd have to be absolutely sure the bike is in good condition. Well yeah, i'm not sure about the cost for lessons, but i'm sure the cheapest ones are around that range... I still have to phone the V-twin guys here.

I'll check out Craigslist! Thx.
I would *not* recommend you attempt a 5 hour "ride home" as your first ride!!! :shock

No doubt!!! That is a bad idea lol!
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