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I'm back to thinking about bikes, even more so now that I've passed the MSF course. But I'm weak on budget right now. So, I'm thinking about getting a cheapie bike for this year, then upgrading to new, or slightly used next. I've got about $1500 cash, may be a bit more for something exceptional. In that price range, I can get something from the early to mid 80's, from most of the big four makers. The other tack is to bite the bullet and buy new/almost new right now, and finance the remainder. I'm leaning towards the oldies since: I haven't ridden street in almost 15 years, and I'd hate to drop/damage a shiny new ride. I figure that I can beat up an old bike a bit, sell it next year, and not lose much $$$ in the experience. I'm pretty good with wrenches, so working on them isn't much of a concern, though parts availablility is.

So what sez the wisdom on the list? New (finance), almost new (finance again, but not as much), or used (cash sale, but maintenance question marks)?

Here's another question: I'm in Denver, so altitude may be a factor in performance. So I'm thinking of a bike in the 650/750 range. I want enough power to get over the hills here. I'd also like a bit of weight to the bike so that it's less bothered by the wind, and highway traffic. Valid concerns? Faulty logic? I know myself well enough to stay off sportbikes right now! This bike will be a commuter / around town bike, with probably monthly day rides to the mountains.

Oh yeah, for the elderly bikes, I'm thinking CB-something, KZ-something, or the likes...

Thx!
Chris

sell one of those land cruisers and buy new.







fj40?

i only have first hand experience buying used, but here is how i would do it.

buy a used 500-750 this year and save a few pennies til next year and get a better bike then.

My brother had a late 80's early 90s shadow until last year and it never needed major work, so bike like that are out there and probably well within your price range.

even a 500 would probably work for you depending on how much bombing down the I you would be doing, but as long as Denver metro area hasn't changed that much since i used to live in Broomfield, it's possible to get from one side of the city to the other without much 70mph (and even then a decent 500 should still do that)

the mountains might be a different story but for the first year you might just stick to day tripping east instead of west.

anywho, lots of factors to consider, but i would advocate going with a used bike now and using it as a trade in maybe at the end of the season when the prices are lower

Used man, cant go wrong if you can do some of your own wrenching.

As for what to get, check out http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/

also, any other cities in your area, dont know the geography though, srry.

I would avoid a 250 up here but anything bigger than that is fine.

I live in cheyenne which is about 100mi north of you and I ride a 500 which has no problems getting up the hills or doing 80mph on I-25

does your $1500 budget include riding gear? Cause the gear alone can cost $1000+

Sell a Cruiser? No way! Though my F350 will be on the market soon...wish me luck selling it! And yes, the 1964 Cruiser is an FJ40. I've been checking out craigslist, eBay, Cycle Trader, etc. almost daily for the past few weeks, but haven't really looked at any bikes yet. I wanted to wait till I passed the MSF course first. The $1500 is only for the bike...gear is another reason to go cheap this year! I'll basically consider anything from a 400 and up. Thanks for the opinions everyone!

Chris

ninja79 wrote:does your $1500 budget include riding gear? Cause the gear alone can cost $1000+

What are you wearing, mink?

Good gear does not have to cost that much. Just shop around.

I would (and did) buy used for my first bike since I last rode (80's).

Bought a beautiful 1980 Honda CB750F SuperSport for $425. Here in no-mans-land of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I'm sure you could find something as good or better for that price in your area.

I saw the pics of your 400, Andy. Nice score! I've found a bunch of older CB's in my area, all in my budget. Now I just have to start looking at them in person. I really think I'll end up with an older bike. I'd rather not worry so much about the bike since I'm (re) learning how to ride.

Chris