Good Deal? '14 STD

[metallyguitarded_imp]

The amount of corrosion on a bike with such few miles would have me looking elsewhere. That's simple neglect. I suspect it was left exposed to the elements and the owner didn't even care enough to put a cover on it. I also suspect that it's probably running the original oil and likely didn't even have the initial 600-mile service. I'd guess that the dealer doesn't have the service history for the bike (because there is none). The exterior looks like it does - after the dealer most likely prepped it. I wonder what's going on in places you can't readily see. Walk away from that one.

Whether the CB1100 is a good beginner bike is an interesting discussion. My thought is that it could be, depending on the person, but generally speaking, it's not. It's heavy. At speed that's not much of a consideration. It's during the slow speed stuff that the weight might prove problematic. A tight U-turn on a 500+ pound motorcycle by a new rider can be quite challenging. Some people take to riding better/faster than others. Some people seem to have better coordination. Not that you have to be an uber athlete to ride a CB11. In fact, I think it is a rather forgiving motorcycle once underway - smooth throttle response, good brakes, easy to maneuver.

I understand the desire to be realistic and to accept that you might drop or damage the bike someday but that's true at any point, regardless of experience. Let's hope you don't with any motorcycle you buy. If that's truly a concern and you're viewing this as just a learning bike, weekend toy, with cool styling, why not go for something much older and less expensive? I did a quick search on cycletrader.com just now and came up with this beauty just down the street from me:

[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/113855726_1thumb_770x574.jpg.html]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/113855726_2thumb_770x574.jpg.html]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/113855726_3thumb_770x574.jpg.html]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/113855726_4thumb_770x574.jpg.html]

I don't know the owner and have never seen the bike in person but it's described as a 1982 CB750 with 25,500 miles in excellent condition, clean title, new fairing, new tires, new chain, and more. The price is $3750. Now THAT would be an awesome first bike. Still something you'd have to be careful on and what a shame if you were drop that but for $3750, you'd be less worried. I bet you could find something similar close to you. And I've purchased enough motorcycles to know that every time you get your heart set on one and convince yourself it's THE ONE you must have, another will come along.

Good luck Tyson. It's going to happen for you soon. But be patient and get the right bike in good condition. Maybe it's the CB1100. Maybe it's something totally different.

[ClassicVW_imp]

My take....
Don't go with the '82 unless you like tinkering and wrenching. Just before the CB, I owned two older bikes, and they were in immaculate condition, but there's always something to do to keep it that way. And I don't want carbs any longer.

You sound like you're not 100% head over heels in love with the 2014. In that case, I would say go with a lightly used model, but probably not the one you show us. My '13 CB had 575 miles on it and was immaculate, and I paid $7010 before state tax. That was during the summer. There should be even a better deal now that it's six months later and in the middle of the winter.

The '13 you mention shows evidence of a not very thorough cleanup. They cleaned up the engine cases, but got very lazy around the bolts and wherever it would take some time and effort. Very lazy. No excuse for a job like that on a bike you're trying to sell. I do think the mess is cleanable, but I agree with others who said that may be indicative of general neglect, even though a Honda with only 2000 miles on it can't be all that "damaged" already.

[Tysondusch_imp]

It is done. Took delivery last night at the price I wanted. '14 standard with 0 miles on it, $10k OTD. The ride home was awesome with just a touch of light rain. This is an amazing bike and very friendly to ride. Thanks all for the advice along the way.

[the Ferret]

Congrats and welcome to the club!

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Ah, Tyson, you're back! Well done!!! Congrats. She's a beauty.

That first photo reminded me - Tip #1: Don't leave your key in the seat lock, even for a moment! You'll eventually forget it's there, bump it and bend it! Trust me, I know. And if you care to search, you'll find posts of others here who also know all too well.

I've also read that rain upon delivery is good luck. I've very happy for you. May she bring you many miles of safe, fun rides.

[Cormanus]

Congrats and welcome to the club!

+1

Good on you Tyson.

[Lord Popgun]

Nice looking bike! Congrats. You're going to love it.

Just needs RLETS to complete the look of the black bike

[Tysondusch_imp]

Pics from today's ride at dusk...


....waaaaaiiitttttt fooooooorrrrr iiiiittttttt........ (insert maniacal laughter)


HHHHHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA​AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA​........

[Jonnyallover_imp]

Ah, Tyson, you're back! Well done!!! Congrats. She's a beauty.

That first photo reminded me - Tip #1: Don't leave your key in the seat lock, even for a moment! You'll eventually forget it's there, bump it and bend it! Trust me, I know. And if you care to search, you'll find posts of others here who also know all too well.

I've also read that rain upon delivery is good luck. I've very happy for you. May she bring you many miles of safe, fun rides.

Well said.

[the Ferret]

Pics from today's ride at dusk...


....waaaaaiiitttttt fooooooorrrrr iiiiittttttt........ (insert maniacal laughter)


HHHHHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA​AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA​........

Smart man