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.