Kawasaki Concours Forum
Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: ZG on May 30, 2011, 05:50:10 PM
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Hey guys,
My brother-in-law is looking to possibly get a bike, thought I'd ask you guys for some input/direction on what bikes/models/years I should target helping him try to find one.
Some background on him and what he's looking for:
He hasn't been on a bike for about 15-20 years, prior to that he had a couple street bikes (one cruiser style, one touring style) I don't remember what they were but do know they were nothing special and probably late 70's early 80's era. Prior to that he had a couple dirt bikes and had also rode dirt bikes from an early age.
He doesn't need anything too sporty, but doesn't want something that isn't enough bike for him either.
He's about 6' and about 250 lbs.
He wants something that has hard luggage bags, trunk is a plus but not a neccessity.
He wants something fuel injected, no carb bikes (at this point), but I guess if we have to go down this road we will...
Shaft drive is preferred, but not a neccessity if it came down to it.
The newer the better, he wants to be able and ride it for commuting and some possible longer trips, doesn't want something requiring alot of wrenching or unreliable on longer trips.
He'll most likely drop it, so physically mint is not required, finding something with a couple scratches is fine by him, and should be able to save him some $.
He doesn't have much money, so price definatley comes into play here, it has to be something bought with cash, he won't finance.
He's got about $2k saved so far and my wife and I are thinking that if I could find him something in the $2500 to $3k range ($3500 MAX) we'd pick up the difference as a birthday present for him, he turns 50 this summer...
So here's were I need your help, you guys know of what kind of bikes fall into this category for me to search CL etc for?
Thanks in advance for any help brothers, much appreciated! :grouphug:
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http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2004-Suzuki-SV1000S-98500880 (http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2004-Suzuki-SV1000S-98500880)
How about this? Add bags.
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buy new boots...you are gonna walk a lot....$$$$$ add 5k$ and you'll find a fuel injecteded bike
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I was looking for a bike for a friend, similar situation with regards to experience. Locally (Cincy), I found a ST1100 Honda late 90s model, 27K and $5K asking price. Good shape and I would've bought it.
Also found a 2005 ST1300, 47K, same price.
There's never a ton of these available out there, but definitely worth looking for. An ST1100/1300 have a well-earned reputation for being extremely long-lasting with 130,000 miles on the engine not unusual.
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A 650 V-Strom might be a perfect fit. Nice for taller riders. Not too much power, but enough to have fun on. They are already non-beautiful, so a drop won't be so emotionally painful. I have a friend who is new to street riding (an old dirt biker) who picked up a slightly scratched DL650 and loves it.
An SV1K has a lot of snort for someone who has been off bikes for 15-20 years.
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http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2004-Suzuki-SV1000S-98500880 (http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2004-Suzuki-SV1000S-98500880)
How about this? Add bags.
Thanks Blue, yep I've been checking out the SV's, definately a possibility.
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buy new boots...you are gonna walk a lot....$$$$$ add 5k$ and you'll find a fuel injecteded bike
If it was an easy order MOB I wouldn't have asked for help... As I said below, this bike isn't for me.
I know there are deals out there that I'll find if I know what to look for, I just need to know what models to look for! Trust me I'm a CL, tempest, and ebay whore... just need model year etc details to put in my sights.
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I was looking for a bike for a friend, similar situation with regards to experience. Locally (Cincy), I found a ST1100 Honda late 90s model, 27K and $5K asking price. Good shape and I would've bought it.
Also found a 2005 ST1300, 47K, same price.
There's never a ton of these available out there, but definitely worth looking for. An ST1100/1300 have a well-earned reputation for being extremely long-lasting with 130,000 miles on the engine not unusual.
Thanks JJ. My thoughts as well, the ST would be a great fit for him I think, I'm trolling for those now, if I can find one that's been laid down lightly that would be the ticket! I've never owned one myself but it has all the things he wants/needs.
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A 650 V-Strom might be a perfect fit. Nice for taller riders. Not too much power, but enough to have fun on. They are already non-beautiful, so a drop won't be so emotionally painful. I have a friend who is new to street riding (an old dirt biker) who picked up a slightly scratched DL650 and loves it.
An SV1K has a lot of snort for someone who has been off bikes for 15-20 years.
Thanks It, I did think about the V-stroms but I think he wants a little more "comfortable touring" type style than those. His dirt bike days were a good 30 to 40 years ago, I don't see him wanting to hit any trails or anything like that, so we've ruled those out for at least now on the search.
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Another possible is a Bandit adding bags.
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I'm a sport bike background guy, my C14 is the closest thing I've had to a "touring" type bike in any sort. (Yes, I know the C14 is just as much sport as it is touring).
What are some of the "Goldwing style" type of bikes? Sorry, I just don't know the model names etc to search for... ???
I think most all manufactures made these "Goldwing types/style" of bikes with hard luggage within the last 15 years or so...
Any help please, thanks.
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Anyone out there had one of these Duc ST2's?? Any comment?
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/2407046089.html (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/2407046089.html)
I also found this Bandit, but then it would still need bags... ??
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/2401900349.html (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/2401900349.html)
These are both more "sport" than I think he wants/needs though and are carb bikes I think, but the price points are right and local to me...
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Anyone had one of these Triumphs? Appears they are fuel injected which is a big plus! Any comments good or bad??
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mcy/2408194598.html (http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mcy/2408194598.html)
Thanks.
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Oh, and yes I am already looking at C10's too, even though they are carbed, most I've found so far though have alot of miles (of course ;) ) at this price point.
My best candidate so far is this one with low miles...
http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/mcy/2402102969.html (http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/mcy/2402102969.html)
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Thanks It, I did think about the V-stroms but I think he wants a little more "comfortable touring" type style than those. His dirt bike days were a good 30 to 40 years ago, I don't see him wanting to hit any trails or anything like that, so we've ruled those out for at least now on the search.
NP. It's hard to give good advice twice. His loss, not mine.
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I think your friend (wink wink) needs to revise his parameters as what he wants is impossible at his price point.
His first thing to do is sign up for a MSF class.
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Oh, and yes I am already looking at C10's too, even though they are carbed, most I've found so far though have alot of miles (of course ;) ) at this price point.
My best candidate so far is this one with low miles...
http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/mcy/2402102969.html (http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/mcy/2402102969.html)
Don't know the price but that C10 gets my vote. Looks good and still plenty of parts/accessories out there for it so he can join the Farkle of the Month club.
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I think your friend (wink wink) needs to revise his parameters as what he wants is impossible at his price point.
??? I'm not sure if you're hinting that this bike would be for me Cholla, it's definately not, anyone on here that knows my posts would vouch for my farkle addiction with my C14 that I just got this past year... ;D
The bike is for my brother-in-law, my wifes brother. I want him to get a bike so that we can ride together etc, trust me he knows he doesn't have enough $ in pocket to get a really nice quality one, that's where my wife and I come in to try and cover the difference for his 50th birthday...
Thanks in advance guys for all your help so far, please keep the ideas coming... :grouphug:
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Just havin a bit of fun with ya. You see all the stories about how folks are asking a legal question or something along that line for "a friend". All in good fun.
Although I did see an 02 Katana 600 here on the STL CL that had new tars, clutch, sprocket, chain, and INJECTORS for $2800....but I dunno about buying it...plus it doesn't fit the bill with bags and shaft.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/2412292770.html (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/2412292770.html)
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OK, I think I might be on to something...
Has anyone ever had a Kawi Voyager 1200 (ZG1200)?? Any comments on these?
From what I'm finding so far in research it's fitting quite a few of the points he's looking for... Let me know your thoughts.
http://www.google.com/search?q=zg1200+pics&hl=en&biw=1342&bih=556&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=iCflTemYJo72swPXhJgW&ved=0CBkQsAQ (http://www.google.com/search?q=zg1200+pics&hl=en&biw=1342&bih=556&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=iCflTemYJo72swPXhJgW&ved=0CBkQsAQ)
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Carbed, not FI.
But, a couple on the STL CL...a 2000 model for $2250....if it's decent I'd be all over it.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/2412152955.html (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/2412152955.html)
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Yep, it is a carb'd bike, not ideal but still a very good candidate right now from what I'm finding... I'm finding some of these Voyagers in decent shape that fall right in line with the funding available for this. Look like a comfy ride, has luggage, and shaft drive.
Are they good bikes? Any known commonly problems with them?
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ZG1200 V'ger's - Well liked by those I know that have/had one. Several with over 100k miles with no big issues. Plastic hard to come by if needed.
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I'm partial to Kawi's, but might I suggest you expand your search to include the Yamaha Venture Royale... looks just like the Voyager. The father-in-law had one (the Yamaha) waaaay back in the day. Good running bike, very strong V-4 1300 cc engine, all the bells and whistles.
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Thanks Tom, much appreciated! I'll check that one out.
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a couple older ones in the Phx area:
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/2358212715.html (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/2358212715.html)
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/2398652119.html (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/2398652119.html)
a little newer (the look has changed on the newer ones):
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/mcy/2351368968.html (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/mcy/2351368968.html)
-anyway, you get the idea...
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a couple Voyagers on C.L... phx area:
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/2367265783.html (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/2367265783.html)
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/2408095492.html (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/2408095492.html)
and this listing is for a "honda" voyager... you might snooker this guy out of a lot of money since he obviously can't read!
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/2344570043.html (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/2344570043.html)
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Got it, yes Tom I'm checking these in my area now. I'm in Portland OR, hoping to find something local, or at least within a couple hour drive worse case. I've got a pretty good list of candidates so far and emails out to sellers...
Thanks for the help.
I did do some google searchers and from what I've been reading so far the 4 cyl Voyager is better than the 6 cyl one, anyone out there agree or disagree with this??
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Another well thought of bike....ZZR 1200. Chain, carbs but otherwise mostly modern as opposed to Voyager.
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The 6 banger was injected and the electronics were somewhat troublesome. The dash was all LCD readout and was troublesome, too. The rest of the bike was straightforward Kawasaki, aka bulletproof. The V XII was conventional with carbs and analog dash, but dead reliable...except IIRC the radio.
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...did the Voyager have KiPass ??? Ha! -gotta work KiPass into every thread.
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I'm partial to Kawi's, but might I suggest you expand your search to include the Yamaha Venture Royale... looks just like the Voyager. The father-in-law had one (the Yamaha) waaaay back in the day. Good running bike, very strong V-4 1300 cc engine, all the bells and whistles.
What do you think of this one Tom? It just posted up on CL and is local to me, price is right for my brother in-laws budget...
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/mcy/2444327787.html (http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/mcy/2444327787.html)
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What do you guys think of this one?
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/2439230950.html (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/2439230950.html)
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Hate to say it but well maintained BMW R series are great bikes ....................hard to find
Mikr
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Hate to say it but well maintained BMW R series are great bikes ....................hard to find
Mikr
I was tracking this K1 SoS, it didn't make the reserve though...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270763868057+&viewitem=&clk_rvr_id=241920468077 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270763868057+&viewitem=&clk_rvr_id=241920468077)
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ZG,
That Venture appears much cleaner than any I've seen recently- might be worth a look.
If there are no oil leaks (those v-4's mostly have seal problems) and it's not blowing smoke out, it might be a low-risk purchase... a decent amount of bike for the $$
good luck.... let the guy know that it's spelled 'tears'. "No tares in seat."
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What do you guys think of this one?
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/2439230950.html (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/2439230950.html)
Reconstructed title. It was totalled at one time.
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Reconstructed title. It was totalled at one time.
Yes, he said he bought it that way, and that the "totaled" happen with the owner prior to him and that it was only cosmetic but all the bodywork was replaced with oem...
Definitely some risk, but if it could be had for $1500 then it is a possibility??
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ZG,
That Venture appears much cleaner than any I've seen recently- might be worth a look.
If there are no oil leaks (those v-4's mostly have seal problems) and it's not blowing smoke out, it might be a low-risk purchase... a decent amount of bike for the $$
good luck.... let the guy know that it's spelled 'tears'. "No tares in seat."
Yep, I went and looked at it this weekend, no smoke but did see some oil on the under side of the motor. I was really surprised at how many options it had for being a 25 year old bike, radio, cb intercom, cruise control, adjustable air suspension setting at the push of a button for heavy loads or passenger, on board computer, etc, all factory original and in working order... :o
It could use a little TLC to clean it up and also needs new tires.
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Yes, he said he bought it that way, and that the "totaled" happen with the owner prior to him and that it was only cosmetic but all the bodywork was replaced with oem...
Definitely some risk, but if it could be had for $1500 then it is a possibility??
I agree with that. Main thing is that you know this is the case before you buy it, and it is priced accordingly.