Cheap Thrills - Can you get started in motorcycling for $2,500 or less?

[Seavoyage]

The May 2012 issue of American Motorcyclist (AMA) magazine showed up in my mailbox:

The main article: "Cheap Thrills...AMA members say motorcycles don't have to be expensive to be fun" Can you get started in motorcycling for $2,500 or less? You bet!

I've been motivated by these threads:
Building a ADV on a budget
Minimalist Touring Thread (250cc and under)
Adventure gear at Walmart

and of course Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (the Metaphysics of Quality)



Rules:

1. Max budget: $2,500 (who says? ... the AMA)
2. Must prove it's street legal (highway 70mph) but worthy to ride off pavement.
3. So technologically simple,, you can do your own maintenance... (this is the key to budget motorcycling...independence from the dealer)
4. Can get you where SUVs dare not thread...

Show us your candidates!

[dbarale]

That's not even a challenge. You can buy a lot of really good bikes for $2500...

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by dbarale

That's not even a challenge. You can buy a lot of really good bikes for $2500...

true, buy or build, either one. the premise that this concept is the least bit unusual or in any way challenging is way off base to start.

forget reading the AMA article, start reading ADV, the real world. the bikes you're attempting to define are already in the hands of countless riders.

the last bike i bought that fit your definition, i made a phone call, handed the guy some cash, loaded it on the trailer, drove away. big deal, call the AMA, it was a momentous occasion.

...and what is this thread doing in "some assembly required"?

[pookiebear]

DR350s
94-99 models with electric start were street legal. (the dr350e was not)
All should be under $2500
easily dirtable. easily did 70mph.

next

[FlySniper]

Hmmm... I can't recall even owning a bike that cost as much as $2500...

[tkent02]

Originally Posted by FlySniper

Hmmm... I can't recall even owning a bike that cost as much as $2500...

I've had one. Not much fun to ride as I didn't want to drop it.

[ikonoklass]

Bought my '99 DR650 two years ago for $1,500. Next.

[bk brkr baker]

Yep, it's possible.
Bike, used and old. $750.
Panniers , used and adapted.
The rest from the parts pile.
Total about $1000.
That leaves enough for some gas ,a tent , helmet , jacket , whatever.

[sailah]

Until I bought a ducati, I had never spent more than $500 on a bike.

I was a teenager with little money and less brains but boy howdy did I have some adventures.

Now I can afford what I want, the challenge for me is to recreate the magic of being 16 going on a camping trip to vermont, no money, no place to stay, no gps, no direction, just uninhibited freedom.

Thats the challenge, not the money. Imho.

[Seavoyage]

Originally Posted by dbarale

That's not even a challenge. You can buy a lot of really good bikes for $2500...

We should ignore the AMA constraint and fix thecost at $999 including riding gear... and able to survive an overnight camping trip that includes both legal highway and off-road.

1990 Suzuki DR250 http://www.advrider.com/forums/showp...ostcount=11271 Inspired by Mondo Enduro

Purchased for $250, stripped and sold spare parts for $300. Junk title with 1990 DR250S motor in 1994 DR350SE frame. Engine/transmission: OK. Not registered, no title, no DOT electricals (lights, horn, etc.). Did research on VIN and found registered owner of DR350SE frame. Drafted an affidavit "Statement of Facts' on DMV form; and was able to register (dual): License Plate and Off-Highway Vehicle (not so easy in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornication)

Phase 1: Meet DOT requirements for Highway use: Installed Moose Racing DOT headlight: $70, Acerbis Tail light: $32, LED rear signals: $13, Tusk racing front signals integrated in handguards: $45. Turn signal relay $15; Horn $7; dual sport mirror: $9; Hydraulic Brake switches: $13 x 2. YTX4L-BS Battery: $24 Kenda Trackmaster II DOT tires: $103/set.; OEM switches. Speedometer/Odometer (use GPS)
Phase 2: Extend range: Acerbis 4.2 Gal tank: $216
Phase 3: Tune up: Spark plug: $3; Uni-filter; $23; Carburetor jets: $10
Phase 4: Cosmetics: Polisport front fender: $5 (on sale), Fork Boots: $19 (eBay); Guts Racing seat cover $50



Next

Originally Posted by sailah

... recreate the magic of being 16 going on a camping trip to vermont, no money, no place to stay, no gps, no direction, just uninhibited freedom.

Thats the challenge, not the money. Imho.

+1 on the challenge

[hrolf]

please. counting *everything* -- bike, gear, MSF class, registration and DMV fees -- under $1500. Good grief.

[amk]

I’d rather do RTW trip on a bicycle than on 250cc. That is way more fan and much cheaper. Which happens to be true, there were times when my pedal bike annual mileage was greater than car’s. Anyway, there are many sports that sucks far less money, but far superior in adventure than any motorcycle would ever be. Think about mountaineering, ski mountaineering, etc.
If you are an adult, do not fool yourself, 250cc is for backyard off-road playing. To go and see places you need something more substantial, it still can be acquired within the budget, but some manufacturing is required rather than bolting on, if you get my drift.

[Seavoyage]

Originally Posted by amk

I’d rather do RTW trip on a bicycle than on 250cc. If you are an adult, do not fool yourself, 250cc is for backyard off-road playing. To go and see places you need something more substantial, it still can be acquired within the budget, but some manufacturing is required rather than bolting on, if you get my drift.

Lois Pryce XT225: http://loisontheloose.com/lois.html

Mondo Enduro:

[Randy]

Originally Posted by amk

I’d rather do RTW trip on a bicycle than on 250cc. That is way more fan and much cheaper. Which happens to be true, there were times when my pedal bike annual mileage was greater than car’s. Anyway, there are many sports that sucks far less money, but far superior in adventure than any motorcycle would ever be. Think about mountaineering, ski mountaineering, etc.
If you are an adult, do not fool yourself, 250cc is for backyard off-road playing. To go and see places you need something more substantial, it still can be acquired within the budget, but some manufacturing is required rather than bolting on, if you get my drift.

Must disagree with you on two items highlighted in red above.

The first one of course is purely a subjective judgement call and depends on your idea of what defines "adventure"...

Case in point, http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=730691

If you can read this, as well as his sister thread over on bamarides, along with his other trip reports, and say that he didn't have an adventure, didn't go anywhere or see anything, or that he needed more that 250cc (actually in his case it's 225cc although he did spend a bit of cash upgrading the bike) I'll kiss your ass!

And while it could possibly be done cheaper in other ways, I think that in general you'll agree that he was very frugal.

And regardless, if you have an adventurous spirit I believe you will really enjoy the read, or reads...

Well documented and written IMO...


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[ThomasVolomitz]

Another great and fun thread.