Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I am a new rider looking to buy a late 1980's cruiser...600-800cc. I see a lot of cruisers from the late 80's in really good condition, but I don't know if the fact that they're 15-20 years old can make them a liability. I don't have the ability to do major maintenence on a bike, and my budget is maxed at 2K, with everything else already taken care of.

Would a 1988 virago 750 with 12K mi be a good idea? Or an '86 magna with 15K (both being ridden currently with new tires etc)? Or should I try and find a slower/smaller newer bike? I remember seeing an article on parts that need to be checked on older bikes, but I couldn't find it so that would be useful too if you know where it is.

Thanks!

I can't comment on the Virago, but my first bike was a 1984 Honda Magna in great condition. It was old but ran great, I paid $1700 for it and sold it for the same amount 8 months later. The old magna's are great starter bikes, the only problem I had with mine is the starter went out on it. Like I said I don't know much about the Virago's, I would say go with the magna.

My friends first bike was a Yamaha Maxim 400 he put 9000km on it, then sold it to his brother who has since put another 15000km on it. And it's still going strong.

Hey There,
This is my first post, but I have been lurking about since September when I bought my first bike.

I bought a 1985 Honda Rebel for 500 bucks from a local mechanic. The bike had 45,000 miles on it and I have put on a few hundred more. I recently had the front fork seals done and a new rear tire put on. I intend to sell it as soon as the weather breaks.

This bike was perfect for learning on as it has no power and won't do more than 55. Although the Rebel is much too short for me and physically uncomfortable, I feel like it was a great first bike and for the price who could complain.

I now have a 1992 Seca II at the mechanic and can't wait to have a ride on it. The Rebel has been a good bike and I am ready to move on.

Personally I'd go with the Virago 750. The magna will be faster, but parts are more scarce....the Virago 750 from 88-on to the mid 90's was pretty much unchanged so parts are still readily available (the Virago line evolved into the V-Star bikes).

Buy based on maintenance.....what condition are they in,

the Virago is technologically simpler, air cooled, shaft driven, 2 cylinder so that would be my reccommendation.