Older bike help

[jrw69]

Sorry for the vague title, but didn't know what to put. Can anyone give me some help on suggestions for a good older bike? I haven't ridden in years but every time I go and look on Craig's List or Ebay they are full of really nice 70's-80's bikes. I am looking at standard bike if I can find one that is low enough for my short 31' inseam. Also wanting to try and stay between 300-500cc range. What I am trying to avoid is something that is constantly needing work or me having a hard time getting parts for.

So in a shorter version, is there something in that range that can be a good daily driver without a lot maintenance??

Thanks!

[UJM]

I'm amazed there aren't a ton of replies already. Honda CB or CM400s are pretty bulletproof and lots of parts out there. I like Honda because they still carry a ton of parts. CX500/GL500 are lovely and shaft drive but parts are getting really scarce. Try to find an early 80s model that has a CDI instead of points. Honda nighthawks are pretty good - driving schools use them and there are lots around up to 750s. Suzuki Savage, more of a cruiser but nice and low and a great reliable little 650 thumper (single) that draws attention. Condition is important and expect to pay more for someone else's work. Check the cables, wiring and brakes to see if it's been taken care of. Research like crazy and find something that feels right. And get a manual right off.

[skyhawk]

If you buy an older bike EXPECT to spend some money on it. Most older bikes wind up sitting in someones garage and then one day the owner wakes up and decides to sell. There can be lots of issues from old tires, inoperative brakes, gummed up carburators, valves out of adjustment, and so forth. To make an older bike safe and reliable it really needs be gone through. Expect to do some work, and be sure to pick something that is in good shape. I just completed an older Yamaha and had a lot of fun doing it. It's safe, runs great, and reliable. It also has lots of upgrades and improvements. The best part is you can do what you want with it. Just don't buy something that is a basket case already.

[bajakirch]

I'll second the vote for something from the Nighthawk line. My first bike was a 1983 Honda Nighthawk 550 and it's been great for a beginning rider. Very easy to ride, incredibly reliable (for a 29-year-old piece of machinery), and easy enough to work on even though I had virtually no mechanical skills when I got it. Size-wise, you have your pick of 250, 450, 550, 650, 700 and 750.

Other models I would recommend:
- Suzuki GS
- Yamaha Seca/Seca II
- Honda CB

Happy hunting!

[UJM]

Unless someone has an over-inflated idea of what the bike is worth, you sort of get what you pay for. I bought a $50 backyard POS and my buddy (I was new at this) had it running in a week with $900 in parts. It still looks like a POS though - lol but I've had no trouble with it. If it's your daily rider, be prepared to spend some time on maintenance. Older bikes need a little more TLC.

[bajakirch]

Yeah, if you're thinking about an older bike you'll have to do some of the maintenance and repairs yourself. If you're going to rely on a shop to do the work for you, you may was well buy a newer bike. Costs will end up being about the same.

[Finalcut9]

Honda.