A Few Questions [Archive] - Motorcycle Forum

andy6

08-22-2008, 04:59 AM

Hey I just signed up on this site after looking around for a couple days. Anyways, I have a couple of questions...

Im 17 now and am looking to purchase a motorcycle by the end of this school year. The ones that I like the most are a lot of the 1970's Hondas. I like that style of motorcycle. (example: cb200, cb125, etc...)

Would this sort of bike be recommended as a first? If not how come? I guess that Im just curious to hear your guys opinions.

Thanks a lot...

Hogrider

08-22-2008, 05:10 AM

Sure they will but you may have one problem, many of the old bikes went through limited production in that they were never real popular. It is because of this there isn't a large following. While you may find one in great shape, if it breaks you may find it difficult to get parts for it.

Dodsfall

08-22-2008, 10:27 AM

As far as size and weight these are ideal. My first street motorcycle was a CL350 and it was great.

The parts for these are rare. It would be quite a project to find and keep one in good condition. It's possible if you have the patience though.

andy6

08-22-2008, 04:21 PM

which size would be ideal? Do you think that the 400 would be to big? Thanks again...

andy6

08-22-2008, 04:33 PM

Sorry I'm not sure how to edit posts, but a few more things...

How rare are the parts for these? As in, if I needed something specific, would I be pretty much screwed or would it just take a little bit of hunting? The other thing is, I see a lot of people selling these bikes on ebay and craigslist that are advertising them as in great running condition. Is it likely that they will have problems soon, just because they are pretty old?

Thanks.

Dodsfall

08-22-2008, 05:42 PM

which size would be ideal? Do you think that the 400 would be to big? Thanks again...

I don't think a 400 would be too big to learn on.

Dodsfall

08-22-2008, 05:46 PM

How rare are the parts for these? As in, if I needed something specific, would I be pretty much screwed or would it just take a little bit of hunting?

That would depend a lot on your location and which parts you needed, as well as the model of bike. If you look hard enough/have enough cash, you should be ok.

The other thing is, I see a lot of people selling these bikes on ebay and craigslist that are advertising them as in great running condition. Is it likely that they will have problems soon, just because they are pretty old?

It's funny, but the majority of people will say this when they have something to sell. It's definitely a "buyer beware" situation.

Goliath616

08-22-2008, 07:03 PM

If you do happen to find a good condition older bike, there is a section here http://www.motorcycleforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=159 that will help with SOME of the parts, there may be a few that you will not be able to find, but with patience you can find almost anything in this day and age with the internet. Good Luck.

andy6

08-22-2008, 07:46 PM

Is there anything specifically that I should be looking out for when looking at a possible purchase? Or is all I can really do just start it up and make sure it runs at the time?

Thanks again and sorry for all the questions.

Dodsfall

08-22-2008, 09:29 PM

I would look for how well maintained the bike is. It should run and ride well unless you are prepared for some wrench-turning. Don't fall for the old "it just needs the carbs cleaned" if it isn't running right. If that's all it needed, the previous owner probably would have already done that. With a classic bike, it pretty easy to tell if it has been cared for properly.

Goliath616

08-23-2008, 12:10 AM

cosmetics, like paint, chrome (as long as it isn't pitted badly), and seat cover can be fixed pretty easy, the mechanical is what you really need to look at when considering an older bike. Look at the engine, does it look like he just scrubbed it clean for the sale? is the chain in good shape, loose, clean, brakes work right (ie no sticking) things of that nature. You can almost always find that perfect 25-30 year old bike that is in mint condition, as long as you take your time and search hard for it, may take years, but someday (right after you buy one in not so good condition LOL) you will find that perfect bike.

pspock

08-23-2008, 11:57 PM

I live in Marysville, OH, where Honda started it's American production 30 years ago. I'd suggest stick to a Honda built in the last 30 years, as anything older wasn't built here.

andy6

08-24-2008, 03:47 AM

I live in Marysville, OH, where Honda started it's American production 30 years ago. I'd suggest stick to a Honda built in the last 30 years, as anything older wasn't built here.

Why would it matter if it was built here or not? Harder to find parts?