Off topic: Any motorcyclists??

[WHOA]

Hey Perb users

This has nothing to do with this forum at all, but I'm really just trying to call in every cavalry I can muster...

I'm looking to buy a motorcycle, but not just any motorcycle. I'm looking for a low output (under 400cc) late 70's to early 80's foreign bike. In a perfect world, a Honda CB350, a Suzuki GT250... this kind of thing.

Unfortunately, the 'vintage' crowd have gotten ahold of these kind of bike and have started making them into 'cafe racers' which basically means taking them and removing all the parts that make me like these kind of bikes... if you're interested, just search "cafe racer" and you'll see what they like to make them into. Hey, to each his own, but it just sucks that my favorite bikes are made into these, making it hard for me to find one!

Anyway, basically, I'm just hoping that if I spread the word around the forums I frequent, through my friends, etc. that eventually one will come into my life... so if you have one, or your dad the gearhead might have one in the shed, or your friend Bob bought one but was too fat to ride it... It would be greatly appreciated if you could hook a brother up.

Below are some pictures of the style of bike I am looking for! Anything in this style, I would like to hear about it!

 

[WHOA]

Oh, also, yes I am of course keeping a sharp eye on craigslist, autotrader, kijiji, usedvancouver, etc...

Unforutaly, the only ones I have seen available are either in 110% glowing collecter condition, which makes them out of my budget, or in broken down seized engine condition, which makes them out of my skill level nothing in the "fixer upper" but not "full restoration" area.

 

[Urquell]

you're two weeks too late. One of my neighbours just sold his Honda Hawk (400cc) which was in excellent running condition and was just minus a little cosmetic appeal (needed a sidecover and maybe new seat)

They seem to be more common outside the lower mainland, for whatever reason. That seems to be counter intuitive for me, because you usually want something bigger on the highway, but most of the ones I've seen have been out of town.

I like something bigger, because I like to travel on mine, as well as my daily transport (although not right now after a recently dislocated shoulder) but I'm always willing to look at a nice bike. If I see any more I'll let you know.

Have you been picking up the Bike Trader?

 

[WHOA]

you're two weeks too late. One of my neighbours just sold his Honda Hawk (400cc) which was in excellent running condition and was just minus a little cosmetic appeal (needed a sidecover and maybe new seat)

They seem to be more common outside the lower mainland, for whatever reason. That seems to be counter intuitive for me, because you usually want something bigger on the highway, but most of the ones I've seen have been out of town.

I like something bigger, because I like to travel on mine, as well as my daily transport (although not right now after a recently dislocated shoulder) but I'm always willing to look at a nice bike. If I see any more I'll let you know.

Have you been picking up the Bike Trader?

...no, there's a bike trader!? I will for sure pick one up tonight (assuming they're available at the same place as auto trader and RV trader and stuff).

I agree that they seem to be more popular outside the lower mainland. I've been considering booking some time off and driving down to oregon to find one, there seem to be a lot there (and therefore they're cheaper). I would venture a guess that it has something to do with the climate... motorcycles in general seem to be rare finds here.

I may one day move up to something bigger, but for now I'm looking for something that I can put around town with... I have a small retro pickup truck which I use for long distance travel... an I'm a beginner motorcyclist so I'm looking for something without too much power to get the hang of things.

Thanks for the extra eye!

 

[Urquell]

yes, you get the Bike Trader in the same place as the rest of the "Trader" mags.

Two warnings:

1) If you are going for something smaller due to inexperience then maybe get something around the 650-750 mark, which is heavy enough for the highways but still pretty easy to handle, until you want something bigger. You will outgrow a small bike very quickly. If you're buying a small bike due to cost and insurance then that's different.

2) If you get something from the US then you will have an importation process to follow, which, while not complicated is a bit of a pain in the ass. There is a delay involved with many types of bikes because you must get a letter from the manufacturer stating that there are no recalls on the bike. The bike must also be metric compliant, so you may have to change the speedo on it, which might be problematic for older bikes. Look carefully and be aware of the import requirements when you do it. I imported my last bike, and it was no problem, but it can be a headache depending on what you buy.

 

[WHOA]

Yeah, that's why I haven't pulled the trigger on a US bike yet... I read a little tutorial somewhere written by a guy who had down it on a goldwing, and I recall notice is what I shyed away from.

One of the additional reasons I'm considered a small bike is insurance cost... the jump from $48 (under 400cc) to $98 (400-650cc) isn't too much, but this is just something I'm considering as a side project that has the room to grow into something practical.

 

[booblover]

you can't beat one of these......

 

[Shiver22]

I bought a bike last month. I jumped on the chance when I found a 185 cc yamaha exciter. Had it transported from langley to van. The next day got a learners license and insurance. In my maiden voyage found out it will only shift into 1st and neutral. Cant get it into 2,3,4,5. Lesson, dont let emotions get in the way when buying....and get it checked!!!!

 

[luvbigtits]

make sure you outfit the bike with either flat or downward angled handle bars.. changes the dynamic of the bike completely from gay to stylish

 

[WHOA]

make sure you outfit the bike with either flat or downward angled handle bars.. changes the dynamic of the bike completely from gay to stylish

haha... in my opinion that ruins these bikes! You're supposed to sit upright!

 

[TheSilkenBadger]

For the bucks I'd love to have one of these again..