I'll second that - my 2001 Bandit is pretty much a perfect riding position for a spinally challenged rider. And... I don't mean lack of spine. When you roll the throttle on the bandit - wanna be holding on.
What can I tell you. Two days ago I got GL1200 Aspencade with 50K on the odo for $1500. The seat needs to be replaced, but rather than that, it runs like a champ and everything works on it. I am tempted to put it for sale for $2500 and see what happens. Or should I keep it. Everything on it works. Pictures to come....
Back in July I picked up my VX800. Since then I have replaced the rear fender and treated it to a spray of Flat Black and powder coating of Flat Black as well. Its a great bike and everything I wanted.
I really love this thread !!!!! it is a good reminder that one doesn't need 10k to have a nice bike 'cept now my cheap bike looks.... so cheap you dogs out there are finding such nice stuff for so little $ not that anyone will tell but what's your trick?
This one's more sketchy than a Peanuts cartoon (Still $1500 though): http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/mcy/1407316838.html
I just emailed him to ask him to get the real story. It's a fast bike, though a bit chubby for track use. I tried to convince him to part it out so I could purchase the Corbin seat, but no luck.
78 Suzuki GS 1000, Paid $800 last summer. $200 for a stator and a regulator $50 for a battery $20 Daytona bars $200 for a set of Sport demons $50 for a full gasket set (Sprung a leak out on the base gasket, got covered in oil and ruined a pair of boots)
Bought a 1980 GS550L as my first bike for $750. To get it up and running well, I've spent maybe $150 on parts, cleaned and rebuilt the carbs, replaced intake o-rings, inspected valve clearances and replaced a shim. (Also managed to find a used cylinder head, cylinders, pistons, and oil pan for around $70.) Lots of wrench time, but not a lot of money. First and only bike, and only thing I've EVER wrenched on. Nothing like learning while you go.
If you have a bad back, you probably have no business doing the wrenching required when you bring home one of these finds. Even with a good back, all the hours hunched over working on a bike can get painful.
I found a 1970 Kawi F5 Bighorn in fair condition. I wonder what the value is these days. The guy wants $290 I offered $200. See where that goes.
I'd like to add that if you have bad knees, the same probably applies. :) My knees have been killing me since I've started working on my GS550L. And bwringer, are you the guy who did the carb sync and o-ring replacement guides linked to so often from TheGSResources.com and BikeCliff's site? If so, thank you IMMENSELY. Pictorial guides are so freakin' helpful.
Shameless plug for anyone looking for a cheap but nice ride V45 Inteceptor Clean bike that doesn't need anything for well under $1500.
Well I assume that "<1500" means "<1500"... anyways.... 1991 K75s with 32k miles for $1500. Works well (minus the ABS). I changed the fluids and put new tires on it. Oh, I had to adjust the handle bars too. 500 miles so far and no troubles. <img src="https://dudesdodelhi.smugmug.com/photos/674711813_yUXoX-O.jpg">
1981 model that PO's dad bought new in '83. Parked in a garage with a bad stator in 1996. Resurrected this summer after I bought it in June for $450. Repair costs: $130 Stator $100 Front Tire $150 Carb manifolds, o-ring kit, and float bowl plugs $55 New chain $150+ parts and pieces Back on two wheels after 22 years, priceless!