What do you think of these two bikes?

[JadeMonkey]

Are either of these bikes a good deal? I believe that they both are but I'm looking to get some more experienced opinions. Sorry, no pics yet of either bike.

1)
1997 Honda Magna Deluxe, 12,500 miles, Purple/White, Drag Bars, Aftermarket Pipes. Current owner used to be a motorcycle mechanic. Needs new front and rear brake levers after a minor drop. Been sitting for a year or so, will need a good looking over and basic maintenance but should be pretty good to go.
I think I can get this one for $2500 or so.

2)
1978-1982 BMW R80, 38,500 miles, Red, Hard Bags, Highway Bars, Corbin Seat. Was toured extensively throughout the US. This one has been sitting for many years but appears to be in excellent condition. I'm sure it will need a good bit of age related maintenance. The lady who owns it wants it to go to a good home and wants me to have it so I am sure she will give me a nice price. However, I have no idea what this bike is worth and want to come up with something fair for both of us, any thoughts?



About Me:
I'm new to the world of motorcycles, just passed the MSF and got my license. I realize that neither of these may be ideal starter bikes, I am willing to take that opinion as well. I am 6'3", close to 300lbs with a large build. Mechanical knowledge/ability/determination is not a problem, I've already restored a car but I'm new to bikes and not sure of anything special that either of these machines may require. If parts or mechanics for either of these are especially expensive that would be a good thing to know. Thanks in advance for any help or advice you guys can offer.

-Jade

[dr_bar]

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the older BMW's but that doesn't mean it's not a good bike. If the Honda's in good shape, I would go for that, if it's been cared for, it should be almost bullet proof.

[JadeMonkey]

Thanks for the opinions so far everyone. I'd appreciate it if you could write a line or two about why you picked what you did, that would help me out. Should I have put this in the main forum for a better response?

Also, if anyone knows of decent places for info/parts/expertise on either of these machines that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

-Jade

[FlyerPhil]

I like the Magna, mostly because I like all V4s.

From what I've read about the Magna its smooth below 6k rpm with a lot of power. Its engine is supposed to be nearly bulletproof with a lot of people racking up HIGH mileage on them.

And it doesn't look like your standard retro cruiser. I like that.

[TechTMW]

Hiya JM. I Voted for "Buy Both"

The parts for the Old BMW are not very bad at all, and because airheads have a worldwide following, they will be around for a long time to come.

However, they are not available at a local dealership. You'd have to mail order your stuff (Though to be honest most dealerships don't even stock parts for bikes like the '97 Magna any more)

I think you can break it down like this:

Comfort - Which bike is more comfortable to you?

Mechanical ability - If you like to tinker, upgrade, mess around, etc... the BMW is more for you. Honda V4's are stone reliable, but so are BMW airheads. The edge goes to the BMW (in my opinion) because they are so freakin easy to work on - especially compared to a Honda V4. Of course, the Honda is newer and will need less frequent care, and probably less initial care. This is a big plus considering the fact that you are a beginner.

I'm assuming the Magna is a 750. It will have much more power than the BMW. For this reason, it is less of a starter bike than the BMW (in terms of power delivery)

I guess while personally, i'd lean to the bmw, you'd probably be better off with the Honda as a starter, though you'd definitely have to take care to watch the power delivery on the v4.

Depending on the condition of the BMW, price can vary considerably. They run anywhere from $500 to $3000. I know it's a sweet old lady who is selling the bike, but it's worthless if it just sits there and rots. If you want it, and you think it's in good shape, offer her $1000 and be willing to pay up to $2000. I could give you a better idea of its value if I had some detailed photos. If you get the BMW for $1000-1500, you could easily have it in tip top shape for the extra $ you would have spent on the Magna, and have a classic bike to boot.

Here's my Personal BMW Project ... http://www.maditalia.info/iso/ProjectBMW.html

Any more ?? feel free to ask!

[flynrider]

I don't have a pick, but thought you might find this review helpful :

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mchonda/magna.html

I'm a fan of both the Honda V4s and the Beemer airheads. If I had to choose, I'd probably lean towards the Magna since it will have fewer age related maintenance issues.

[sapaul]

Although I am the BMW Pimp-meister, I have to steer you toward the Magna. At your size I think you will find the beemer an absolute dog to ride. That age bike does not steer well, the braking is shocking and the ride position will knock your bent spine straight. If you are new to biking that Beemer will not be friendly.