Is it worth buying an old motorcycle for little money?

Question

Im looking for a motorcycle to start out with but i dont want to spend a fortune. I found a 1982 honda cb900 or something like that. The body looks pretty good, but im sure it needs its carb cleaned and a tune up...but is it worth getting that old of a motorcycle?

Answer 1

I've had old bikes and new bikes, and I think your best bet is to get an 'old bike', but not more than a decade or so. I'd say anything from 1995-2003 would be a good deal mechanically and financially.

If this is your first bike I would really recommend getting a suzuki gs500 instead of that cb900 you are looking at. 900cc's is a lot of power to give to a new rider and it will make the bike much harder to control when you are just learning how to ride. The GS500 is naked (no fairings), so if you drop it you won't have to pay a lot of money, also since its only 500cc's it has enough power to ride on the freeway but not so much that you will get into a lot of trouble.

Also the best thing about it is I regularly see gs500's for around $1500 here that are in really good condition. If you get an older bike you will have to worry about rust in the gas tank and a bunch of other mechanical stuff that you shouldn't have to worry about as a new rider. Trust me, i've owned an 1984 kawasaki GPZ900, and a 2002 gs500 and the GS was a MUCH better bike all around.

Here is a good review of the GS500:
http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/suzuki-gs500-review

Also if you are a brand new rider this is a good article that talks about motorcycle gear.
http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/beginner-motorcycle-guide

Good luck, and keep the rubber side down!

Answer 2

Buy Old Motorcycles

Answer 3

Yes, if it's in decent shape. There may be some things that need taking care of, but when they are small enough, it builds familiarity (and therefor confidence) with your bike. Unless you want to keep it for eternity, you don't need to rebuild it. Just fix the broken stuff to be safe. Good brakes, good tire and tight bearings are all you really need. When you're done with it, toss it and get another. Or the nice new one you decided on. The early '80s Hondas will run reliably with little more than chain maintenance.

Answer 4

I'd say 'no'. The brake lines are probably hard and cracking, the tires are shot, fork seals probably need to be replaced, battery replaced, tank is rusted on the inside, etc, etc.

Old bikes, unless they're collectible, are a very bad investment in my opinion. Good-money-after-bad.

Besides, if you're starting out, you're already taking your chances as a new rider. Why rely on 25yr old suspension and brakes to save your butt when you've got enough things in your life to worry about?

Answer 5

Buying a used bike is the best way to go but i wouldnt buy something that old unless it has really low miles and hrs on it. i would go with a mid 90's or so. I just bought a 95 fzr600 with low miles and its a great bike. The older you go the more repairs your looking at. Keep that in mind.

Answer 6

For a starter bike it's an excellent idea. That way if you drop it, it won't be a big deal. You want to get something that won't matter if it gets messed up a little bit.

Answer 7

Absolutely. While a cb900 would be a bit on the heavy side for a bike to learn on old bikes are great for the purpose. You can get them for cheap, if you drop it while learning its not going to hurt your feelings too much, and they hold their resale value well when you decide to buy the bike you really want.

Answer 8

ya i would buy it if it was a low price and all it would need is a oil Chang, carb cleaning. if you don't know how to do it just take it to your local shop and let them do ll the work.

Answer 9

That's an awesome bike. If you don't buy it can you tell me where it is ?

Answer 10

not a bad idea for a starter bike.......as long as your mechanically inclined.