04-20-2019, 11:33 AM
(04-20-2019, 10:52 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: There are so many that could fit that description, however shaft drive models would be hard to find. I've thought about buying a beater with the caveat that it's not going to be used for long distance work so anything 250cc and above would probably work and $3500 would probably be my limit for spending on a beater.
A 250 adventure bike like a Honda CRF 250, a CB 500X ( my nephew bought a low mileage 2014 model for $2500 and has only put tires, oil & filter into it), older SV650 or Weestrom, a 150-400 scooter, a KLR 650, a CB250 or 300 Ninja, DR 350 Suzuki,
Might I add that for me, I roll up such high mileage on my bikes, they are worth next to nothing when I am done anyway, so I don't worry about their resale value. Once bikes get above 40,000 miles they get real hard to sell or trade in, and I try hard to put 100K miles on all my bikes so I don't worry about things like scratches in the paint, oxidation on bolts and engine cases or wheels, or a little grit or grime up under the fenders, or center stand. I do take very good care of my bikes mechanically and anything that needs fixing mechanically gets done at the local Honda Yamaha shop. But as far as washing and waxing and detailing, I'd rather be riding and getting my money's worth out of my bikes. I don't take care of them for " the next guy".
Nice idea! I was kind of thinking about the Honda 500cc twin platform as a candidate.
(04-20-2019, 10:52 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: There are so many that could fit that description, however shaft drive models would be hard to find. I've thought about buying a beater with the caveat that it's not going to be used for long distance work so anything 250cc and above would probably work and $3500 would probably be my limit for spending on a beater.
A 250 adventure bike like a Honda CRF 250, a CB 500X ( my nephew bought a low mileage 2014 model for $2500 and has only put tires, oil & filter into it), older SV650 or Weestrom, a 150-400 scooter, a KLR 650, a CB250 or 300 Ninja, DR 350 Suzuki,
Might I add that for me, I roll up such high mileage on my bikes, they are worth next to nothing when I am done anyway, so I don't worry about their resale value. Once bikes get above 40,000 miles they get real hard to sell or trade in, and I try hard to put 100K miles on all my bikes so I don't worry about things like scratches in the paint, oxidation on bolts and engine cases or wheels, or a little grit or grime up under the fenders, or center stand. I do take very good care of my bikes mechanically and anything that needs fixing mechanically gets done at the local Honda Yamaha shop. But as far as washing and waxing and detailing, I'd rather be riding and getting my money's worth out of my bikes. I don't take care of them for " the next guy".
I totally understand that perspective. I'm that way about cars!
(04-20-2019, 11:30 AM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: They were a great value when new, and an even better value now that they're 20-30 years old: Kawasaki ZG1000 Concours. Great weather protection, shaft drive, locking bags, 7.5 gallon tank, 16 years in production so parts are readily available, reliable liquid-cooled 1000cc engine, plenty of performance if not a bit porky (600 lbs.) and buzzy above 80 mph. And no ABS. I see them for sale around here all the time with paltry miles (30,000 - 40,000) for less than $2000.
Nice! Way to accelerate the exercise, LR!
ferret, the CB250 looks like you could just hose it down every now and then. Simplicity at its finest.