Looking for a cheap, slow, and damn reliable motorcycle

[eflat]

The best idea I have come up with so far is a used 10 year old Ninja 250 that would run me around $1500.

If anyone has any ideas for a good cheap bike for more in the $500 range that would be awesome. Basically this thing doesn't need to go any faster than 50mph and is only going to be used around town.

I would like it to be a popular model so a lot of mechanics are familiar with it. Any ideas?

 

[hevnsnt]

:thumbsup: to the old ninja!

 

[Steelerz37]

you can get those ninja 250's dirt cheap, i would think one 10 years old would be less than $1500? I am wanting a bike myself and a ninja 250 is probably what i will get if i get one at all.

 

[cavemanmoron]

take the bus,
or buy an old car.

A co-worker of mine was almost killed in a motorcycle accident
last week.Saw him today,he said he will not ride again.He was lucky to live.

A minvan ran headon into him.

The young woman said she never saw him.:|

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: cavemanmoron
take the bus,
or buy an old car.

A co-worker of mine was almost killed in a motorcycle accident
last week.Saw him today,he said he will not ride again.He was lucky to live.

A minvan ran headon into him.

The young woman said she never saw him.:|

So who was driving the wrong way down the street?

 

[klah]

Loud pipes save lives.

 

[Viper GTS]

There are plenty of cars that get great gas mileage, & you won't risk your life driving them.

For their size/weight/utility motorcycles get horrible gas mileage.

My g/f has gotten over 40 mpg out of her 10 year old Civic.

Viper GTS

 

[Zenmervolt]

1980's Honda Nighthawk 450. I bought mine for $600 with only 6,000 miles on it (still had the original tires). It's fast enough to run at 55/60 MPH (can run to about 75-80 but isn't comfortable at that speed) and is a dead reliable design. It's a great commuter bike, I loved it.

ZV

 

[ActuaryTm]

Virago (Yamaha), one of the 650 variants (Yamaha), GS650/850 (Suzuki), etc.

I could go on and on, but all listed above can be quite reasonable cruisers.

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
For their size/weight/utility motorcycles get horrible gas mileage.

My g/f has gotten over 40 mpg out of her 10 year old Civic.

Years ago when I commuted to and from college/work, I generally found I got between 60 to 70 miles per gallon - even more (80+) when it was necessary to commute to another campus (mostly highway miles).

If you're a safe and aware rider, motorcycle commuting can be very cost effective. If you haven't yet done so, take the MSF course.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Honda Cub 90. Will never die.

 

[eflat]

Originally posted by: cavemanmoron
take the bus,
or buy an old car.

A co-worker of mine was almost killed in a motorcycle accident
last week.Saw him today,he said he will not ride again.He was lucky to live.

A minvan ran headon into him.

The young woman said she never saw him.:|

You are right they are incredibly dangerous.

That said, being responsible and wearing safety gear goes a long way.

Don't think of this as a car replacement. I already own an awesome, reliable and efficient car (Mazda Protege LX!!).

This motorcycle is more of a bike (the kind you petal) alternative. There is no parking where I live except for motorcycles so having a motorcycle will save me from having to walk or bike up a giant hill 1/2 a mile 5x a day.

Insurance is only $200 a YEAR so it's not like it's more more expensive than getting a new bicycle.

 

[eflat]

Also an update on the bike: I'm leaning hander than ever towards the Ninja 250.

There seems to be a big following and I love they way they look. I think I'll be able to find a used one for around $1000 if I look hard enough too. Or else I'll just wait a couple of years and get a like new $2000.

Any advice on where to get safety gear? I assume I'll want a leather jacket and good helmet at the least. (Keep in mind this is only for errands around a small town so I don't want to go overboard).

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

250's are a good choice from what I'm reading, I'm hoping I can get one early next year or something to learn on and for just puttering around town

 

[faZZter]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
There are plenty of cars that get great gas mileage, & you won't risk your life driving them.

For their size/weight/utility motorcycles get horrible gas mileage.

My g/f has gotten over 40 mpg out of her 10 year old Civic.

Viper GTS

Yeah, cars never get in accidents........

Motorcycles still get better gas mileage than most cars.........bottom line.

 

[quakefiend420]

honda rebel 250

reliable and will only go about 75mph

good gas mileage also...the 450 isn't bad either

 

[Malfeas]

There are a ton of choices out there for a city commuter bike. Practically any of the 500cc or less UJM's (Universal Japanese Motorcycles) from the 70's and 80's will make a good choice, and get excellent gas mileage ~ 70MPG.

Now riding gear is more important than the motorcycle, don't skimp on it, even if you plan on only going around the block. For a leather jacket, DO NOT wear a fashion leather jacket, only wear a motorcycle jacket. They are made from thicker tougher leather and are cut and sewn differently for more comfort on the bike. Also try to buy one that has CE certified armour on the elbows, shoulders and back (also the chest if you can find one). A cheaper solution would be to buy a textile based jacket, they are not as good but are cheaper, do not buy a mesh jacket. I also suggest you buy a full face helmet, the open face or half helmets only protect the area covered. You would look pretty funny after getting in an accident and having you jaw torn off. Riding pants are just as important, your knee will probably be the first thing to hit the ground in an accident. Regular denim jeans are not good enough, at the minimum I would suggest you buy a pair of Draggin Jeans (google it) with the armour knee pads. If you can buy some leather pants or chaps that is much better protection.

Also if it is available in your area I would sign up for a MSF course (Motorcycle Safety Foundation). You will learn a lot, they will teach you all the basics you will need to survive on the rode. It doesn't make you an expert, but provides you with the basic skills and knowledge to practice on your own. Also you may get an insurance discount and a discount on gear at your local shop.

And the most important thing I can tell you: DO NOT RIDE WITH SQUIDS. Squids are the guys you see wearing shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops doing wheelies or stoppies or going 100+ mph on the highway on a supersport bike. Do not even talk to these guys, their stupidity is contagious and will kill you.

But the 250 ninja is an excellent choice for a city commuter. It is light, cheap, and highly maneuverable.

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: cavemanmoron
take the bus,
or buy an old car.

A co-worker of mine was almost killed in a motorcycle accident
last week.Saw him today,he said he will not ride again.He was lucky to live.

A minvan ran headon into him.

The young woman said she never saw him.:|

So who was driving the wrong way down the street?

The lady in the Minivan took a left,to go into a store,off the main road;
ran right into my friend.
He was able to slow the bike down a little,left about 20 ft of skid marks.

2 year old motorcycle.Totaled.Minivan was able to drive away,
the young woman got a ticket,my friend got an Ambulance ride to the hospital.

He can walk,slowly.

Oh,he is 50 years old,and has rode Motorcycle since 13 years old.