My first bike.....gonna need some help

[JCS]

You can't always go by the blue book on these bikes. Last year we sold a 1981 CM400C. It is a very similar bike with cosmetic differences. We took it to a dealer ans put it in on consignment. This bike had about 16000 miles when we sold it.
I had bought it 3 years before with 4500 miles. Very clean cosmetically and very sound mechanically. These bikes will get you an easy 50 mpg and run 70-75 all day long. Top end around 95-100 mph. Very easy to ride and very reliable.

After the dealer took his cut we cleared more than the $1200 that the other guy is asking for the 1980.

In the real world, these bikes have bottomed out in price and even started to go up a little. This is because of the lack of current models in this category. The dealer had mine for 2 days when he got interest in it and sold within a week. I also had 2 other dealers ask if I would let it go.

When you look at bikes like this, factor in what you are going to need to do to get it up to daily riding condition. Also figure what you are willing to have invested when you are finished. When I got mine it had been sitting for a while. I figured I wanted to change tires, battery, chain/sprockets, and a few seals here and there. You always change the oil when you get a used bike anyway so I didn't count that. Then I calculated what it would cost to do these changes. I was willing to have about $1100 total in it and made an offer reflecting that. Ended up getting the bike. When I was done I was within $50 of my target.

In the time I owned it we put about 12000 miles on it. I used up one back tire. Other than that, basic maintenance and oil changes. Also gas and insurance. Then sold the bike for about $150 more than the original investment.

Be careful when buying old bikes but don't be scared of them either. They can be the best deals going.

[Wankel7]

Bike #2 -

Going to go check this one out tomorrow

1980 honda CB750F - $1200

http://dallas.craigslist.org/mcy/153791335.html


It has that 4 to 1 header on it also. Anyways, the biggest downside is it has 40,000 miles. The owner has had it for 15 years. So, obviously an older guy. Figured it is worth a look.


James

[DenverDude2002]

The engine design is pretty much bulletproof, make sure hes maintained it well, make sure it runs ok as he may have needed to rejet it with the aftermarket exaust.

[Wankel7]

Well, I went to go check out that CB750. It wasn't a very good bike for me. The clutch was super stiff. He said that was because he added another clutch disk to it. And the throttle didn't return to idle when you opened it.

I think those two things would have resulted in a bad accident.

Time to keep searching....

My motorcycle friend that is helping guide me thru this gave me a few back issues of Motorcycle Consumer News. What a great publication! Going to have to get a subscription.

James

[Wankel7]

Just signed up for my MSF class second weekend of May:)

Can't wait!

James