Need help for advice on first bike and new rider!!! - Honda Shadow Forums : Shadow Motorcycle Forum

TheBusDriver707 · 01-02-2013, 05:08 AM

Hello all,
Name is Josh, live and go to school in Oregon. Going to be taking the weekend class they offer there in January to get my motorcycle license, and am looking for a bike now. New to the bike world, so I figured joining a forum would be the best way to get these questions answered. My question is basically, what advice do you guys have on a bike I should be looking for/advice in general/gear to purchase? Here is some information that will probably help.

I have little experience with bikes. But, I restored a Corvette with my dad when I was 17(now 21), and then a Mustang with him and my brother. I love cars and am mechanically inclined. While I am not a mechanic, I do like working with my hands, and have a pretty good idea of what I am doing. I have been looking for bikes on CL that need some TLC and work, as not only will I understand them better if I work on them, I can also save money, which leads to...

I don't have a huge budget. College kid. Thinking at about $500, $750 max if I find a nice one. Obviously don't want new, as I know this will be laid down/get a bit beat up possibly/probably sell it within a year. Just something to start me into the motorcycle world. However, I would prefer I get something I keep for a while. I have an old muscle car that goes damn fast, and while the bike will be a new world, I have a pretty good feeling I won't sell it to get one with a bigger engine.

The actual bike itself. I am a pretty big guy. About 6'1, 260lbs, size 16 feet, big hands, huge freaking head. Besides finding clothes that fit, I feel the 250cc and smaller engine bikes recommended for first time buyers would be a bit small. I was looking at 500cc engine bikes. I also don't want something that will look like a clown trike with me on it. The kind I have narrowed it down to is what I guess is called a "standard" look. I really don't like crotch rockets or that little ones. I really like how the brand new Triumph Americas, Bonneville, and Thunderbird. The ones I like that are reasonably in my price range are early 1980's Honda's. MY buddy had a 1984 Magna that I liked the looks of, and I found a 1981 CB750C Honda on CL for $500 bucks that needed some TLC that I liked. It also looked like it would fit a girl on the back fairly well.

Anyway, not sure if you guys need more info, but ask away! I don't really plan on highway trips or anything or needing bag room. Look forward to talking to you all.

J

TheBusDriver707 · 01-02-2013, 05:08 AM

1981 cb750c honda

Here is the CL post I was talking about. I won't be able to see it until this weekend.

ZackDaniels · 01-02-2013, 07:49 AM

The 80's Magna's and Sabres were superbikes so watch out on those as far as a first bike, they're deceptively small engine displacement packs a hell of a punch.

The CB750's and VT750's all have a standard riding style, and can be found regularly in $500 condition. A little TLC and some suspension upgrades can have them right as rain in no time. At 6'1" you'll likely want to find one with highway pegs or be prepared to snag a set early on, the standard position and 30 year old seat is going to have you begging to be able to adjust your butt every 25-50 miles.

MikeB · 01-02-2013, 10:11 AM

#1: Make sure the registration is up-to-date and current. In CA at least if the registration has been allowed to lapse the new owner has to pay all back year registration fees (unless the vehicle has been registered as non-op for that time).
#2: Bear in mind the the initial purchase price is just the entry fee. Replacing tires, chain, sprockets, battery, etc. on an older bike can run up the price pretty fast. At $500 any bike you get will probably need a lot of things, and even if you do the work yourself you will have to buy the parts. Be sure to look up the cost of any pieces you know you will need and add them mentally to the purchase price before you pull the trigger. After the purchase is not a good time for surprises.

An excellent, dependable entry-level bike that has enough power and can usually be found at a good price is the Honda Nighthawk 750, mid-90s version. They can be found pretty cheap, but not $500 cheap.

Good luck, but I think your limited budget will make this a difficult quest.

Dropkick_pride · 01-02-2013, 10:51 AM

No girls on the back.... Use the muscle car with the back seat for that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBusDriver707

1981 cb750c honda

Here is the CL post I was talking about. I won't be able to see it until this weekend.

Make sure all the details are in order - proper title, etc...

Then take cash... Hand the guy 300.. Put it in his hand... Then slowly hand him another bill and then point out more isses... until he gives in... try to get it for as cheap as possible... Hey, brakes cost money - front and rear, and you have to rebuild the carb, and but a new seat, and fix all those scratches, and .... Hahaha. You know the deal.

Then take the bike home and clean it with a tooth brush and go through everything with a fine toothed comb.... Ad then start looking a pictures of bobbers.... with basic knowledge and tools you can do it.

Fun stuff.

Oh! And good deal taking the class first!!! Your starting off smart.

MikeB · 01-02-2013, 12:41 PM

Maybe a fun project as Dropkick says -- lord knows I have taken on enough of them -- but there are a couple of things in that ad that set off my caution alarm:
"needs front brake work." OK, but this could be anything from seized/rusted caliper to master cylinder needing rebuild.

"Will run with battery" can be translated as "needs a battery to start." If the buyer is going to listen to the engine run -- an absolute necessity -- he will have to bring his own.

"needs a carb clean probably" Probably? It either runs well (or did when it had a battery to start) or it does not. Rough idle?...can't rev?...stalls...?needs choke all the time? Why does it "probably" need this work? This can also be translated as "does not run well" and that could be almost anything.

But the big issue is this: the sum of all these disclaimers is that the potential buyer can't ride the thing, run through the gears to check the clutch, or maybe even listen to it run. Any time somebody is selling something that is not in running condition you have to ask yourself why.

Dropkick_pride · 01-02-2013, 02:47 PM

Sounds like it sat too long, battery died, and the gas went bad sitting in the carb.... BUT you could be right there could be more. All great things to check out.

Give the guy a call, ask a few questions to see what he says about condition before you drive out.

And ask around at your motorcycle class for someone that will go with you that knows the mechanical side of things. A second pair of eyes can be a big help!

93gc40 · 01-02-2013, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dropkick_pride

Sounds like it sat too long, battery died, and the gas went bad sitting in the carb.... BUT you could be right there could be more. All great things to check out.

Give the guy a call, ask a few questions to see what he says about condition before you drive out.

And ask around at your motorcycle class for someone that will go with you that knows the mechanical side of things. A second pair of eyes can be a big help!

Dead battery means almost NOTHING, all it takes is 30 day of storage to kill a brand new battery. Pretty much the same thing for the fuel. Neither of these should be used to determine condition.

IMO, wait till you have cash for a better bike. After buying over 15 used bikes, over the years I know that a $500 bike costs at least another $1000, to make it worth $700. Project bikes and cars do not make for economical transportation. They are just things to spend money on. Kinda the opposite of what a POOR person needs.

hunnus2000 · 01-02-2013, 03:39 PM

Here you go dude!

Perfect for a new rider. Let me know and I will go look at it for you:

1969 Mini Bike LOOK!!!

vzshadow · 01-02-2013, 04:09 PM

Bus,
You have the right idea. You're first bike won't be your last. It takes a while to figure out what you want. I recommend an old Honda VLX 600. I think it would be a good size for you to start on. If you get an older bike and have some know how, you will very likely be able to recoup your investment a year or so down the road, maybe even make a buck. Get yourself a good helmet, an armored jacket and some decent gloves.

I share your affection for the Triumph line, but I can't imagine you'll find one in your price range. You could get one for a second bike.

Good luck. Let us know what you get.

01-02-2013, 05:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
TheBusDriver707 Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 50	Need help for advice on first bike and new rider!!! Hello all, Name is Josh, live and go to school in Oregon. Going to be taking the weekend class they offer there in January to get my motorcycle license, and am looking for a bike now. New to the bike world, so I figured joining a forum would be the best way to get these questions answered. My question is basically, what advice do you guys have on a bike I should be looking for/advice in general/gear to purchase? Here is some information that will probably help. I have little experience with bikes. But, I restored a Corvette with my dad when I was 17(now 21), and then a Mustang with him and my brother. I love cars and am mechanically inclined. While I am not a mechanic, I do like working with my hands, and have a pretty good idea of what I am doing. I have been looking for bikes on CL that need some TLC and work, as not only will I understand them better if I work on them, I can also save money, which leads to... I don't have a huge budget. College kid. Thinking at about $500, $750 max if I find a nice one. Obviously don't want new, as I know this will be laid down/get a bit beat up possibly/probably sell it within a year. Just something to start me into the motorcycle world. However, I would prefer I get something I keep for a while. I have an old muscle car that goes damn fast, and while the bike will be a new world, I have a pretty good feeling I won't sell it to get one with a bigger engine. The actual bike itself. I am a pretty big guy. About 6'1, 260lbs, size 16 feet, big hands, huge freaking head. Besides finding clothes that fit, I feel the 250cc and smaller engine bikes recommended for first time buyers would be a bit small. I was looking at 500cc engine bikes. I also don't want something that will look like a clown trike with me on it. The kind I have narrowed it down to is what I guess is called a "standard" look. I really don't like crotch rockets or that little ones. I really like how the brand new Triumph Americas, Bonneville, and Thunderbird. The ones I like that are reasonably in my price range are early 1980's Honda's. MY buddy had a 1984 Magna that I liked the looks of, and I found a 1981 CB750C Honda on CL for $500 bucks that needed some TLC that I liked. It also looked like it would fit a girl on the back fairly well. Anyway, not sure if you guys need more info, but ask away! I don't really plan on highway trips or anything or needing bag room. Look forward to talking to you all. J

01-02-2013, 02:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dropkick_pride Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Marysville, Ohio Posts: 466	Sounds like it sat too long, battery died, and the gas went bad sitting in the carb.... BUT you could be right there could be more. All great things to check out. Give the guy a call, ask a few questions to see what he says about condition before you drive out. And ask around at your motorcycle class for someone that will go with you that knows the mechanical side of things. A second pair of eyes can be a big help! __________________ 2003 Honda 750 ACE

01-02-2013, 03:39 PM	#9 (permalink)
hunnus2000 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 3,563	Here you go dude! Perfect for a new rider. Let me know and I will go look at it for you: 1969 Mini Bike LOOK!!! __________________ Life is not "either, or" - Life is "both, and" Riding for the Sun!

01-02-2013, 05:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
TheBusDriver707 Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 50	1981 cb750c honda Here is the CL post I was talking about. I won't be able to see it until this weekend.

01-02-2013, 10:11 AM	#4 (permalink)
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Placerville, CA Posts: 4,870	#1: Make sure the registration is up-to-date and current. In CA at least if the registration has been allowed to lapse the new owner has to pay all back year registration fees (unless the vehicle has been registered as non-op for that time). #2: Bear in mind the the initial purchase price is just the entry fee. Replacing tires, chain, sprockets, battery, etc. on an older bike can run up the price pretty fast. At $500 any bike you get will probably need a lot of things, and even if you do the work yourself you will have to buy the parts. Be sure to look up the cost of any pieces you know you will need and add them mentally to the purchase price before you pull the trigger. After the purchase is not a good time for surprises. An excellent, dependable entry-level bike that has enough power and can usually be found at a good price is the Honda Nighthawk 750, mid-90s version. They can be found pretty cheap, but not $500 cheap. Good luck, but I think your limited budget will make this a difficult quest.

01-02-2013, 12:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Placerville, CA Posts: 4,870	Maybe a fun project as Dropkick says -- lord knows I have taken on enough of them -- but there are a couple of things in that ad that set off my caution alarm: "needs front brake work." OK, but this could be anything from seized/rusted caliper to master cylinder needing rebuild. "Will run with battery" can be translated as "needs a battery to start." If the buyer is going to listen to the engine run -- an absolute necessity -- he will have to bring his own. "needs a carb clean probably" Probably? It either runs well (or did when it had a battery to start) or it does not. Rough idle?...can't rev?...stalls...?needs choke all the time? Why does it "probably" need this work? This can also be translated as "does not run well" and that could be almost anything. But the big issue is this: the sum of all these disclaimers is that the potential buyer can't ride the thing, run through the gears to check the clutch, or maybe even listen to it run. Any time somebody is selling something that is not in running condition you have to ask yourself why.

01-02-2013, 04:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
vzshadow Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Veazie, Maine Posts: 701	Bus, You have the right idea. You're first bike won't be your last. It takes a while to figure out what you want. I recommend an old Honda VLX 600. I think it would be a good size for you to start on. If you get an older bike and have some know how, you will very likely be able to recoup your investment a year or so down the road, maybe even make a buck. Get yourself a good helmet, an armored jacket and some decent gloves. I share your affection for the Triumph line, but I can't imagine you'll find one in your price range. You could get one for a second bike. Good luck. Let us know what you get.

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