Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I just got my motorcycle's license a few weeks ago and have been searching for my own bike since. Unfortunately my budget is extremely low ($500 - $1000).

Does anyone have any suggestions as to which year/make/model to keep an eye out for as a reliable starter bike? I'm alright with something old, and I really wouldn't mind having a project bike, but it needs to run from the get go.

I did find a '79 Yamaha 750 on craigslist for about $600 that seemed to be in good working order. I did a little research and got excited about the history of the bike. Would this be a good first bike?

Thanks!

Them older bikes are a pretty top heavy and the 750 is not underpowered either. It's not going to outrun a modern 750 but it will make you giggle if you twist the throttle good. Im going to say its a gray area beginner bike. maintenance is going to be a real issue with any bike that old. Even good condition 30 year old bikes are still 30 year old bikes.
Definitely a gray area beginner.

Thanks for the input. I don't really have the funding or the resources to maintain a bike like that, so I'll probably shoot for something newer. It did look like fun though.