Here are a couple of CL/garage sale scores I made about 5 years ago, both in your price range. I flipped them ASAP...

1994 Yamaha Seca II, charging system was somewhat suspect but otherwise ran great. Paid $1500, sold for $2200.

1984 (?) Kawa 650, paid $800 or so, needed the intake boots for $50, sold for $1500.

Either one would be great learner bikes, with "some" potential for 500-mile trips.

 

Here's what can be done with an old Suzuki 650 Savage engine and some left over parts and some crazy engenuity. This was built by one of the guys from Indian Larry's Shop at Gasoline Alley.

 

Several years ago I gave one of my tech's son an old Yamaha I took in on a trade. He did our web site and some computer work and that was my way of thanking him. I had about $450.00 in it. He and his dad did a little work on it and he rides it to this day. He was 16 then and now he's 21. Point being there are plenty of good old bikes out there at good prices BUT......The best advise I can give you is to try to find a bike that you're familiar with or someone that knows if the owner is trustworthy. Magna, Shadow or whatever when I find an old one I try to figure in the cost of any repairs I see it needs. Add that to the price and if I can still come out I'm O.K.

 

all good advice ..I have bought 100 dollar bikes ..been given old dead bikes ..and bought one near new harley ..still have it ..after the safety course ..any twin 650 or better will get you down the highway ..I have ridden a 350 cc honda over 900 miles in two days ..just because ..any smaller bike will give you experience ..and that will let you know what your in for as you learn ..any bike will be a learning experience..get out and have fun !!! let us know what you find ..good luck ( I like old Bikes best )

 

We're taking a look at a '95 Honda Shadow 1100. My brother managed to get about $2000 to look for a bike and it's the season to find one now that Sturgis is over (we're actually a major stop on the way to this if you're coming from the west and take the north route)

Right now I'm waiting to see if he's willing to deliver it, he's about 2 hours south of us, but my brother won't be able to drive it back just yet. Looks like a great bike, has a bit of miles on it but still:

Honda Shadow 1100

Any thoughts? Concerns? Things to check for? Avoid? It's odd being so new to buying a bike when they're in our blood so much so to speak. But that's life I guess.

 

17 year old bike ..looks nice ..say's he race's it..straight pipes ..I would offer 1500 ..maybe ..what kind of maintenance has he done ?it is water cooled ..has he changed antifreeze in the last few years ? hose's ..tuneup's ?? how many miles on the tires ..I have one of these bikes ..I neglected to check th eoil level and lunched the motor ..easy to do ..so I would be carefull

 

It looks like you are mostly talking about touring or cruising bikes, but I love these old BMW toasters. They are easy to work on and have the ultimate vintage look, IMHO.

You can turn them into cafe cruisers for a little meaner look too, but i like the classic look.

 

Nice airheads, Stylemon! I like those older simpler bikes, too. Fussing with 4 carbs or fuel injection doesn't appeal to me.

 

exactly. just simple mechanical functionality

 

For about that price you can get some nice scooters... no special license in most states - insurance optional often as well.

Kikker 5150 search will give you an idea a scooter does not have to be "lame"

 

Great bikes, horizontally opposed with drive shaft makes smooth! My first bike was a 1969 R69S with Earls front forks (when you stop using the front brake the bike doesn't dive, it rises. My second bike was a 1978 R80S. I loved them both! I have also owned a K75 bike which is a 750 inline 3 cyl liquid cooled. I am about to restore an 84 K100 that has been sitting for 18 years. My favorites though are the old airheads.

 

so ..what have you figggered out yet?..honda ..yamm'y ?? vintage ..new..what?

 

I'll post some pictures when I have some, but it took a surprising turn. My brother was going with a Honda Shadow that was in great condition, to the point he was setting up when to buy it today. Then one of his friends gave him his Harley Davidson Sportster about an hour later. It's a little bit to pay off with it, but basically $10,000 off. He's always loved the bike and took amazing care of it, it's one heck of a blessing. I mean... a Harley. That's like looking for a first car and being given a Ferrari.

edit: 2008 Harley Sportster 1200cc, black with Mirage Orange Pearl. Amazing condition. He'll have it Monday.

Man, what are the chances of that happening?

 

Smokin` deal, it`ll be something he`ll have for many years if he takes good care of it.

 

I have to agree. I have 4 carbs on my 86 Yamaha and if I don't ride it regularly those carbs will make me pay for it. Next time, I'm going with fuel injection!