The Best Motorcycles Under $3,000 - S2 E9
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- Опубликовано: 24 дек 2024
- The Best Motorcycles Under $3,000 - S2 E9
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Motorcycling is fun. A lot of fun, in fact. But, contrary to popular belief, it doesn't have to cost a lot of money, as well. In this episode of Highside/Lowside, the guys talk about the best (relatively) cheap motorcycles to get riders in the game without doing too much damage the their bank account. 
Авто/Мото
Everytime these guys say "commuting" what they really mean is "around town." My commute is an hour and a half, one way. There is no way in hell I'm taking a metropolitan or a little 250 dual sport on the highway.
I'm 3 years into a 2001 Vulcan 750. Bought it with 4,800 miles on it. It now has over 20,000 miles. $2,200. Best money I ever spent.
I bought a spanking new Sportster for $1863 OTD.
Thomas, great choice. I have an 01 VN750 as well, with 7,800 miles. It's comfortable, pulls hard, handles well, gets good gas mileage, is reliable, etc. It's a bike I like to hop on for an errand, or a quick ride.
Qualifications 1:34
Commuting 4:15
Track day 16:45
Touring 28:36
Ty wish u put all the bike to but beggers can't be choosers😂👍
Thank you!
Fart 26:47
Thank you!
thank you lol
Now this is something that the broke people like me were waiting for!
K Boodhun You are not alone!!!!
you aint alone bro. haha
Cheap ass myself 😂🤣😂
I am cheap my FJR 1300 only cost me twenty-five hundred bucks. You just have to look for them they're out there.
Everybody is now broke ass. Great show.
I cannot believe they didn't mention the Suzuki VStrom 650/1000. The first gen in very good condition would be within their budget, too. The bike is bullet-proof, fun to ride, has plenty power, good on gas and can fit to any riding style. It is also less buzzier than a KLR650 since it is a V-Twin.
They never mention the V Strom, the KLR wouldn't be in the same league as a commuter or tourer.
I've owned both a DR650 and a VStrom 650. The VStrom is MUCH more comfortable. If you are just commuting and very light exploring, that would be the way I go.
Its not really available under 3K anymore it seems.
I have a sub-$3,000 bike. She’s 22 years old and my faithful companion. I paid $1,400. She was sitting for 7 years. Then: fresh fuel, rebuilt carb, new battery, oil and filter change, new petcock valve, new tires (and balanced), new front brake pads, fresh brake fluid, changed out mirrors, added rear luggage rack, moved the rear lights to the license plate frame, and added hard leather saddlebags. I love her. And best of all, I owe nothing.
Wow having Zack on here improves the format drastically! So cool that Zack and Ari have come over to RevZilla.
@Zack Courts thanks for the reply! On Two Wheels with you and Ari is some of the best motorcycle content on RUclips. Your review of the Street Triple 765 had a huge impact on my decision to buy one.
@Zack Courts Cruiser hater
@@mr.b3168 He doesn't hate cruisers.
@Zack Courts So happy you and Ari are back. Love your content. Its so good to see you with the Revzilla guys to me it seems like a perfect fit.
Kawi Versys 650! In July '17, post divorce and 50 years old, I flew from NJ to Vegas, got a ride up to St. George, Utah to buy (all pre-arranged) a beautiful, PRISTINE '09 Versys with 9,600 miles on it for $3,000!!! Then took 22 days to ride it 7,218 miles thru UT, NV, CA, OR, WA, ID, MT, WY, SD, MN, WI, MI, OH, PA, and home to NJ! Camped (OFTEN backcountry/BLM) 17 nights + a few cheap AirBnB's. TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!! And I still have, ride, and love this Versys!!!!! (Seller LOVED my Fly-n-Ride idea, and the balls to do it, so, as a gift he installed a brand new front tire for me. After tightening a few times, I had to get a new chain installed in ID. Other than that, PERFECT, FUN, SAFE, COMFORTABLE adventure!!!). GREAT BIKE! DO A FLY-N-RIDE!!!!!
This high side low side is my garage.
My Commuter: gy6 150 $300 or 2017 hawk 250 $600 + about $100 in parts (jets sprockets chain uni and cat delete)
My Track Day: 89 Kawasaki EX500. Got it for free when I bought a bike trailer. Put $1000 in it now she rips
My Touring Bike: 1999 XR 650 paid $1000. New tubes, tires, and basic maintenance 6800 miles last year . 4000 or so on highway.
So a whole stable for $3000 + maintenance.
Zack!!! Cant wait for the content you and Ari are going to put out!
Zack Courts, for all your Gold Wing drifting needs. Braaaap!
Revzilla just got 1000x bet now we have Zack.
I did not start to watch the guys on MTOD :) Happy I dont need to start. Or do I? ;)
Zack Courts Where's the video of the Mexico City adventure..?
Haha, I had a Honda Shadow, I left the key in the ignition and turned on (not running) down town (not a great area)went had lunch, came back the bike was still there just dead. Spurge isn't wrong haha
My first and second bikes I never took the key out of them. Plopped the keys in when I bought them and sold 'em without taking the keys out I live in a small town though. Even my new bike I leave the key in it when I'm at work lol
My dad sold his to a friend (think it was a 500) but for some reason he could just not figure out the emergency tank. Think we ended up bringing him gas like 5 times over a year haha
HATED my heavy, sluggish Shadow. I'll never buy a bike without a gasoline gauge again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@usernamemykelThe "go fuel up some time in the next 30 miles" light really is too complicated for some people. The bike wasn't sluggish it's you.
@@RickR69 Light never turned on.
Compared to my Kawasaki Ninja 400 and even my Honda Grom, the Shadow was unresponsive, dead weight. I could practically ride the Kawi just giving it telepathic controls - it was that responsive and agile.
I think we need an MC commute with Zack on a Zuma
They've done it already on the "on two wheels" segment with Ari. He rides the Zuma 50cc along with Ari's Ruckus
Fabulous to see Zack and Ari are back!
Couldn't agree more! Getting not just your own content, but Ari and Zack, too! Was great to see you in person at the eXCel in London a few years back. Can't wait for all this COVID environment to blow over and revert to normal. Have you found that it has changed your way of vlogging?
Agreed. And high praise indeed. In moto videos, TMF, Zack and Ari are top of the heap.
@@lemotorbiker6226 Nice to meet you too! Lockdown stopped me riding at all for two months but other than that, not really no....
@@kombo731 You're too kind to put me in Zack and Ari's company"!!
Touring: Suzuki Bandit 600/650 series, OR Suzuki V-Strom
track day: YZF600R or the fairing version of Suzuki's GS500
Commuter: GS500, Ninja 500
My GS500F was a killer commuter. I did ride 1400kms each way on it from Adelaide to Sydney, it did pretty well. At Sydney I rode it around Eastern Creek (ex MotoGP track)for advanced rider training, it didn't enjoy that so much.
The GS has a tendency to burn oil at higher revs. Not a bad commuter, had one for 60K myself, but I wouldn't use it as a track bike.
I own a kLR650 and agree100%. Too bad they stopped making them. Although, an updated KLR650 with fuel injection and ABS would be a killer bike.
There will be, kind of. They will replace the KLR with a Versys with spoked wheels.
@@TommyAngelo1337 That'd be a nice bike too... maybe the KLR crowd needs to look more towards enfield now.
In the UK we had a really stripped back klr 650 . More like the dr650. Small tank, minimal headlight. In 1998 we had the klx650 and the klr650 both available. Klr was about £4k klx was £5.5k I think. (More power lighter better suspension)
Don't need ABS on a KLR, the brakes aren't powerful enough to lock up in the first place
@@MrRandomnoodle probably right. I had a really crap tyre on the front of a xr125l it would lock up so easy even in the dry. Got a new tyre and it stopped on a dime. That tyre was lethal!
I just purchased a 2014 Yamaha xt250 for just about 3,000. I'm 5'3 and a beginner rider and I feel very comfortable with the seat height. Great video!
the older xt's and dt's always had low seat heights, not sure about the newer ones, I had a DR250 back in the 80's it was as boring as hell, just a lame bike,didn't excite at all so I sold it and bought a ts250 2 sroke it was a good work horse and a bit of fun, I never liked 4 strokes, the 80's 4 strokes were really lame,and the ones that had power were to heavy and would bottom out.
@@gogogeedus Correct - the XT250 has the lowest seat in the class, unless you count the TW200 (which I don't cuz I think of it as a ranch bike). I almost bought one.... might do it in a year as I still want a dualsport....
being a terribly broke college kid i specialize in sub 2k bikes that took a couple years to save
i live in houston and bikes are cheap and very
good condition
first bike i bought
-used 2016 ninja 300 abs mint condition for $2000 under 5k miles
my options were
- used 2018 honda grom for $2000-2500 under 2k miles
-used 02-06 honda shadow’s $1500-2000
-any 250-450 dirt bike sub 2k mint condition
my current forever bike is a
-03-04 kawasaki zx6r 636
$2000 under 14k miles legal
point being come to houston with 3k and you can get speed triples any 600 cheap 1000’s any cruiser any dirt bike 3k in houston will get you anything you want a busa or even a new gold wing
there's absolutely 0 where i live lol
I live in Houston too and I am seeing tons of r3 for right around the 3k mark
I spent $1100 on an 04 Ninja 250. It was in spectacular condition and had 17,000 miles on it. Three years and 18,000 miles later, I'm finally upgrading. Can't recommend them enough!
Yamaha tw200 , suzuki sv650 , yamaha fz6 (actually own that one), honda valkyrie , honda vfr
I bought a 06 fz6 with 6000 miles for $1800. I love that bike. Probably my favorite bike I've ever owned
Vfr are hard to find sub 3k in my area. Older triumphs tripple are nice
I saw a Honda 250L for sale last year, seemed like a nice ride. I think a Ninja 500 would be a good pick for commuter, Sunday rides. I really enjoyed mine as my first bike sporty but upright. Also good for passengers. I hear they are even used on the track.
@LastRaven The FZ6 was made with ABS on some models but they might be hard to find outside of Europe.
I headed over to the states from Australia , spent $2500 on a VMAX 1200. Was awesome. Did 6000 miles in 5 weeks and rode the west coast 😀 I did put new tyres on. I left the bike with a friend in Phoenix and it's still going
That’s a great story, so much better than renting, and it’s a awesome bike !
Obviously Lemmy was needed for this episode to defend our cruisers lol 😂
FRFR you can get alot of variety in cruisers for under 3k
Indeed! 😄
We scored an R-titled 2000 Ninja 250R (the ex-F model) for $600. It had 5,000 miles on it. I commuted in it, it was my son's commuter in college, and it's ridden all of US-17. With the full Yoshi exhaust, it sounds like a beast. I agree totally, it's just fun to ride. I'll keep it forever.
got a 2014 Vulcan 900 with 2200 miles for $700
Yeah as a Kawasaki Vulcan S owner Zack was mercilessly roasting my bike. First he went after metric cruisers then he was dissing parallel twins.
Don’t beat me here but I have put thousands of miles on Chinese scooters. I have ridden a couple 250cc scooters I’ve bought for around $1,500 new, out the door after TT&L. Great mileage, fun little scoots, cheap to maintain, and as long as you don’t leave them sitting for a couple months I’ve never had one fail to start. I had a spinal surgery once and left my Wolf scooter sitting for almost three months and all it took was a can of Sea Foam to clean the carb and fired right up. Parts can be bought online for a couple bucks (replaced a broken brake handle for $20 after shipping). The thing would carry my 6’1”, 280 pounds at 60MPH on level ground all day long. With the trunk I could carry a ton of groceries. If I need to hit the highway I’d jump on the Star Venture or Tracer (or whichever big bike I had back then) but when most of my bikes had been big displacement V-twins it is a lot easier to hop on the scoot and roll to the store up the street for some milk and bread than to muscle the old 800 pound M109R to the store with a backpack. I’m currently in between scooters but as soon as I can get my wife to agree to let me take up some more garage space I’m headed down to pick it another little GY6 based scooter. Apparently three bikes is too many from what she says so looking for four is a hard sell.
If I may inquire... as a noob researching 125-250cc motorcycles, was your main factor for choosing Chinese brands on price point as the top priority, with quality/ reliability next on the line? If Chinese brand bikes are just as reliable as the tried and true... I'm down to at least research and look into them. Thanks for the 2 cents either way.
Eddie Song, I think to clarify things, I would never even try to pit a Chinese GY6 (the engine that is common to many, maybe most, Chinese scooters) based scooter against one of the Japanese Big 4 or the Italians. There’s a huge difference in fit and finish and if you don’t do regular maintenance or live in a cold climate where you may go months between rides, you will definitely have some work to do to keep them running. I live in south east Texas so my riding season is about 11 months and three weeks. Part will be more inclined to break as well. My wife knocked one off the side stand and the impact of a slow fall to the driveway broke the end off of the cast aluminum break handle. Again, $20 after shipping and I was back on the road. If you have a little mechanical aptitude or aren’t afraid to rip things apart and learn you could have a scoot that will last for many years. Now to circle back around, I put less maintenance and efforts in keeping any of my Chinese scooters running than my lawnmower. None of mine have been prone to breaking down out of the four I’ve owned in my more than 30 years of riding on the road. I had one as a kid which I played with to learn how they work. I got it cheap and rebuilt it because I came up poor.two I lost in a divorce almost a decade ago. One was my project bike I was building up, jetting, big boring, upgrading thro rollers, and performance exhaust. A few more tweaks as well. The goal was 90MPH on 13” wheels. The second was my daily commuter. For the record, at the same time I had a 2008 Boulevard C90T. After the divorce I picked up a Wolf brand 250. Loved that scoot. At that point I had moved on to a 2016 Boulevard M109R BOSS. Still wouldn’t give up the scooter until I road the 2019 Tracer 900GT. My current wife said I couldn’t have a third two wheeler in the garage so I had to make the hard choice. I traded the scooter in for the Tracer because I wanted to get the Disabled Vet plates transferred and if I sold it I couldn’t get more than a couple hundred bucks for it. I basically gave it to my dealership in trade for the cost of TT&L. After that the boss (wife) said she wanted to start two up motorcycle touring so the M109R got swapped out for the 2018 Star Venture TC. Long story short, I’ve finally convinced the wife if I clear out some junk from the garage she will talk about letting me get another scooter. I hack some really nice and new bikes but if it means anything, I am going back for another Chinese GY 6 based 250cc scooter as soon as I can get a yes and stay married.
Sorry for the long note here but I guess I wanted to have you understand the context of my discussion. I grew up on rebuilding hand me down dirt bikes which I repaired by scrapping worn out used parts off of other hand me down hanger queens until I final had a real road bike in the mid ‘80s when my brother-in-law said if I could get his Honda CM400T running again I could have it for $50. Done. Now I have become successful, financially, and have new truck, wife has a new SUV, I bought all three of my kids decent used cars, own my home, all the “successful stuff” and even though I could afford a Vespa I want another GY6. I just like to tinker on them, they are easy to work on. I Like to ride them. Short wheelbase, turn on a dime, and yes you can drag peg on a Chinese scooter, it just sounds like plastic sliding and leaves grind marks on the bottoms of the lower plastic.
Reliability; I may just be lucky but I’ve never had to make a major repair to one of these. I’ve replaced parts I broke off (or my wife followed a month after fixing, the same part when my daughter bumped it with her car pulling into the driveway). I stress, I broke them. The only thing I’ve ever had “fail” was gummed up fuel lines after not draining it before a spinal surgery that kept me off the road for a few months. Cleaned the carb and the lines, no more problems.
Quality/fit and finish; You feat what you pay for and a cheap scooter is made from cheap parts. If you let it live in the driveway the clear coat will peal off from the cheap finish on plastic. I fixed this by spray painting the plastic bits and decorating it like a Mad Max type motif. Sometimes, because I could and I wasn’t worried about ruining the resale value, that happened when I bought it, I would change it up and paint it red with flames. Just use your imagination and have fun. If nothing else, seeing the Army Disabled Vet plates on the back warned people I may not be right in the head so while people smiled at it a lot nobody ever gave me too much grief about it. The plastic over the dials would yellow but every couple years I polished it the same as fogged headlights. Piece of cake. The alternator is seriously under powered so either upgrade or kick start them if they sat for a couple weeks. I just hooked up a battery tender. These scooters do still have kick starters, just in case. My next one I will put on a bigger alternator because I wand a USB charger in the glovebox and some speakers I can hook to the phone.
Cost of ownership; I have a good driving record and paid cash for my scooters, around $1,500 out the door on the last one, so I just carry liability on them. The insurance would cost more than replacing the engine, I’m sure. I paid about $40/year for insurance on it. Gas? Well, I was a big boy at my fighting weight, around 230Lbs, when I was in the Army (no, not fat) but have put on some weight since then, around 12 years ago. I was still in the 65 to 70MPG range. Oil changes and filters every 3,000 miles or twice a year, whichever came first. There’s another $12 or so depending on shipping. If you want to trick it out then the sky is the limit but outside of the already mentioned costs I really didn’t spend anything on it.
Performance; Here’s the give and take. They are fun and nimble but you won’t beat anyone off the line. I mean anyone. That kid on the Big Wheel still rubs it in. You can actually replace the rollers in the transmission to get a higher top speed but slower acceleration or better acceleration with lower top speed, just decide what’s more important to you.i was shooting to increase top speed while increasing HP to help on the line. They ride pretty smooth until you hit high speeds. My last three got a little vibration after 50MPH. Not the death wobble, just vibrated. Breaks are what one might call, “there”. As in, they exists but only just. Like that uncle who claims to be a master chef but when he grills he always bring little charred pucks he swears are cheeseburgers. He’s proud of them and you make fun of him while you choke them down but he’s funny, if just a bit quirky, so you enjoy the day anyway even though it took three cans of root beer to get the burger down your throat. You just know it’s coming so you prepare ahead of time by lubing the bun with three times the ketchup and mayo. Just predict when you will need to stop and break before that. Way before that.
Bottom line; In my humble opinion, the most fun/dollar 2 wheeler I’ve had. I love riding them. Completely different kind of riding than a “real motorcycle”. Just remember, your left hand is the rear break, like a bicycle, not the clutch. Don’t get me wrong, I still want a Vespa but it will live next to my GY6. I couldn’t hot dog and tinker on the Vespa the way I would my mood machine. As in I modify it or paint it to match whatever mood I’m in that week. And by the way, expect whatever you paint it to be temporary because even not exposed to sunlight the clear coat will peel off. Hey, that’s half the fun though. Gives you a chance to change it up and paint it a new color.
I hope this never ending writing has helped, at least a little bit. Good luck and have fun on whatever you end up riding. That’s what it’s really about, enjoying ourselves.
I am so pumped that Zach and Ari are on Revzilla now. I've been getting my motorcycle fix from them while they were on the Motorcycle Magazine RUclips channel, and now have to come the superior Revzilla. Thanks for bringing them on!
Excellent discussion, great hosts. Not that it matters, but my two cents worth. I'm in the county, so no 50cc's on two lane country roads. I've had three Helix 250's: 70mpg at 70mph, grocery store runs, cross country touring, fun (not fast) in the twisties, one of the most comfortable rides ever, can add a GIVI trunk, great weather protection, capable of two up 150lb riders, easy to push around and park, made for over two decades. Met a guy in the Smokies that was going round the globe on a Helix. This is one of the top ten motorcycles ever made. Have seen several this past year for under $1,500!
Yamaha XT225 or XT250 or the TW200 are other choices for small dual sport
The Xt350 blows all of them out of the water. Might have to do some maintenance on one tho.
My first bike was a xt225, keyword was.. freaking bike thieves.
I am a simple person, I see Zack, I press like!
So, you have a thing for Zack eh?
@@hermanpanzerwerferhorkheim9853 yup
You all missed the best option. 2 versions of the Suzuki V-Strom. Talk about tried and tested as well as bullet-proof.
Just picked up 2001 Suzuki tl1000s with all the upgrades (street fighter) super clean 15kmiles and scary fast... $2200
Sport touring: Fz6 Fazer with extended windshield. Unless you're really tall.
Dimitar Yanev I have one of those. I might have to get a taller windshield. My damn full face is always covered with bug guts!
I would also second a Gen 1 Yamaha FZ1 as an excellent Sport Tourer for $3000 or slightly under. Plus theres a 100,000 mile club for them, bulletproof!
@@jameslamon6947 oh yeah, gen 1 fz1 is a great bike. I got mine for $700, but that was from a salvage auction so not really typical and it needed some work. But you can absolutely get one in fair shape for sub $3000, and won't regret it. One rider is up over 280,000 miles!
Yeah I have a mk1 fz1, sub 18k miles great shape for 2400 dollars. Threw some heated grips, tank grips, voltmeter / water temp gauge, LED headlights Kreiga US tank and tail bags. Smooth, capable and very quick tourer. People also track and stunt these bikes.
I agree. I have a 2005 FZ6 and I think it works for both the sport touring and commuting categories. I use mine for both and love it.
Hey guys love this. I have a Honda Silverwing 600. Picked it up for $1700. Like you said great dry storage, great wind protection, and the 600 really really moves! I run it on the interstate at 80 all day long and its very comfortable 2 up. (Big comfy seat!) I also picked up a Suzuki Vstrom 1000 for $2800. Another great bike for the value!
Loved this topic guys. Way to speak to a larger audience with smaller wallets! I think you guys gave some great options for all the categories. I’ve got the “poor mans Ducati” myself and enjoy doing track days with it. Had my 2006 sv650 for 5 years now and think I’ll probably never sell it.
Exactly my thoughts as well. I see so many reviews on flashy new bikes that I won't be able to afford anyway and then I also get shamed for riding scooters as if Asia is not a thing people in Asia commute with scooters all the time. At least here in this video my scooter is recognized and not shamed for, thank you!
I have the 2007 sv1000 and wouldn't sell her either! 👍🏻
I'm surprised nobody mentioned the Honda Helix, the literal precursor to the Maxi Scooter for touring. It was built for highway capable travel and you can get them as low as 800
I bought a 2003 VStrom 1000 in Nov 2019 for $2500.
I was about to ask, "Why wasn't the Vstrom mentioned?" I just bought an 06 Vstrom 650 in November with 38K miles for $2500. It's been great so far.
Bill Ellis the VStrom 650 is a great bike-wish I kept mine! I’m sure you’ll be happy with it.
@@Genisin great bike
I'll jump in... Just bought an 06 wee 650 with only 9k miles... Full Givi bags $2600... Love that bike - probably wont sell it because wife is comfortable riding with the trunk and backrest on
@@BracaPhoto I got a 06 wee 650 with 19k
What is the link for the Mexico to Texas ride on $800 bikes?
Paid $1,650- for my present bike, a sweet 93 Nighthawk 750-
Prior to that I purchased an R65 which broke down within 50 miles...
The prior owner took it back, an absolute gentleman, thanks!!
In 2000 I bought another 750 Nighthawk a 92 for a $1,000-
And these are the only bikes I would buy...I live in NYC!!
Paid 2800. for my ‘07 KLX 250... 13000 miles, and several mods (and repairs) later, it’s still going strong, and ripping WNC gravel... 👍
Loved my '98 VFR800. Regret having to sell it at the time, and wish I had it back. Bang for buck, they're stellar, and the motor is a gem.
Just bought a 1985 Yamaha Virago that's all bobbed out and what not. I'm a new rider and I gotta say I love the thing already.
I mean, I feel cheated that in sub-$3000 touring category, nobody talked about a 90's, or an early 2000's Goldwing... They are plentiful, cheap, and super capable... I can't really argue with the choices you made, but the 'Oldwing definitely deserves an honorable mention... I did really enjoy the show, as usual... Keep up the good work gentleman.
Or 80's Goldwing! Totally not biased ;)
Also, that's a category of bike that's less likely to have been molested and thrashed.
Nobody wants those big-ass, old-ass, car-sized, dinosaur, grandpa motorcycles.
@@hermanpanzerwerferhorkheim9853
Not true.
An old wing...especially a GL1000 or GL1100...is a fantastic bike. They can be stripped down if you want to...they can be loaded up with toys if you want to. Lots of aftermarket and used parts to be had. Relatively easy to work on (except the carbs). And, they rip.
Its kinda sad they assume if you have $3K to spend for a bike, you're a new rider who needs to learn how to ride on a 250. You can get bigger bikes in great condition with that budget - Vulcan 750, Virago XV750, EN450, Virago XV535 or on the sportier side CB600F and even CB900F, as well as GSF650 and R6. I guess they specifically did not want to mention the obvious ones?
I bought a EN450 for $1500 in a decent condition for it's age. Runs better than expected for a cruiser of it's size but I would still wish for more power, especially on the highway.
Choice two: Suzuki TU250x... squishy suspension but super fun... can certainly get sub 3G... loved mine...
This!
Honda NC700x got mine cheap! Great storage and 70 miles to the gallon for a fun bike! Don't know why so many over look this bike?
You guys mentioned the SV650, but I was surprised you didn't talk about the V-Strom
Exactly!
Yeah, I would have tossed the Wee strom in there as well!
Really low ground clearance
hard to find
@@Dreadmantisthe2nd Bought my Vstrom 1000 for $1800 with 30,000mi, bone stock and well-maintained. Sub $3k Vstroms pop up all the time.
Guys, nice show. I recently bought a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250r for $200 dollars because it sat outside and didn’t start. I brought it home changed the oil, put new fuel in it, changed the battery and it started right up. Total cost including the bike $400. Use it to teach my kids how to ride.
I got my 2004 SV650 about 14 months ago for $1700. You can find good bikes out there at a really good price if you're patient and look hard enough.
Hell ya. Bought my mint Honda Shadow 750 for $2150. Was super patient and it payed off.
I currently own 1998 VFR 800fi, 106.800km on clock. (60.000+ miles)
Pick a destination as long is not off road, I'll be there. It's endlessly reliable, V4 gear driven , still goes like a new bike. It's worth far more than it costs.
I owned one too, (1998) V4 gear driven cams. Sweet sound. Bulletproof. Over engineered if that's possible. Future classic too. They can be bought in good condition very cheap. 👍I would buy another tomorrow!
In the dual sport/commuter category you can't forget the TW200! I have one for my wife but it is the perfect the perfect in town commuter and it's actually pretty fun on the trails if you keep your speed under control. I love playing around on it. I bought our 06 for $1800 3 yrs ago and its been a blast.
Got a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 for 1400 no problems with it, rides great, and has plenty of power for me
Long distance touring sub $3k, Suzuki Bandit 1200. Easy find from early 2000's, like 03-09.
Do you think that might be too much to handle for a newer rider? Would someone upgrading to their second or third bike be comfortable with that much power? Asking for a friend.
I'd say 3rd bike. .. unless you're a big fella
Triumph Speed Triples come to mind. Absolutely loved mine (1998). Lacking wind protection (mostly fixable), but a real performer in the twisties and great, great motor. Cheers
Man, the prices in this became obsolete within only a couple months. (Recorded 04/20). Even a _1st gen_ Versys is really tough to find for under 3k, assuming you want good condition and less than a million miles.
I bought a 1993 ZZR1100/ZX11 40,000 miles for £750 (UK) so well under a $1000 5 years ago, 2 years before this video. The guy said it sometimes had a problem turning over. It rode 60 miles home great, I went to start it again and it didn't turn over at first then started. I tightened the battery terminal and it works perfect now. Spent a little on it as it had a bent clutch lever and a few bits and pieces to do but stayed under $1000.
Excellent point about scooters being a good introduction to the two-wheeled world. I've had motorcycles since 1983, but I couldn't get my wife on one until I rented a scooter, in Grand Cayman, during a cruise stop a few years ago. We got on it and rode around town, then just picked a direction and rode. She had such a blast she agreed to ride on my motorcycle when we got home. I had a Yamaha 1700 Road Star Silverado at the time, but I 100% agree a scooter is a legit thing.
Still here in 2023. Agreeing with the 955i option. Bought a Triumph Tiger 955i for 2500 $ from
2002 that got 45000 miles on it and it’s a blast. Lots of power (107hp), good brakes, nice wind protection and comfy to ride. Only downside is no ABS and the color options. Get one that got a good service history and you’ll not be disappointed.
“Mid displacement sport bike maybe”
Zack: I kinda like the Zuma
My son picked up a '85 Guzzi California with full bags for $ 2200 with 40,000 miles on the machine that will run 100,000 easily. He cleaned the carbs, changed the oil. It's really easy to work on. You can get a sub 2000 Guzzi California with bags for less than $3,000 without much effort. For a sport touring bike I'd look at a Duc st2.
Joe's nicknames this episode:
Joe the Ripper
Average Joe Zito
Old Dirty Joe
26:48
I have an 86' Honda Elite 250 for commuting, paid $200; it's amazing!
I was sad you didn't list a Kawasaki Concours, and then you honorably mentioned it. I have a 94' Concours for touring, I bought for $2,000. It is a bit of a boat; I'm 6'2" 250#, so it never seemed big to me. It is horrible to ride in traffic, but once you are on an open road it is a sport tourer. And you can put a lot of miles down comfortably, and two up touring comfortably.
Loved this content!
I’ve been riding for 57 years. I’ve only owned Yamaha, Honda, many models, and currently own 2012 Harley Heritage Classic which I love but find VERY HEAVY and difficult to handle at sub 10 mph. My favorite bike was a four banger Yamaha 1100cc Special but it was only a little sporty and I never pushed it. My very first real motorcycle was a Honda 360 Scrambler ( metal body parts added soon after Ha Ha! ) which was THRILLING! I don’t like the low center of gravity of scooters but had a 90cc Rabbit scooter with motorcycle tires that was an upgrade from my 1947 Briggs and Scranton scooter I began with before puberty. Yeah, I’m old, but will love motorcycles until I die. Life is like a motorcycle . . . . . To stay balanced you have to keep riding!
I’m a cruiser at heart, love power and comfort, easy handling with adventure and style. What would be the right bike for me?
Try the Royal Enfield Himalyan or Classic 350
You can find used examples for around 3k
Here in Canada where bike prices are typically 15 - 25% higher than they are in the states, you can get these bikes under $3000 as well. Over the years I have bought S83 Intruder for $2500, 1100 Maxiam for $800, and a very well maintained, farkled out and kitted up KLR650 for $3000 and that took me cross country a couple times. I bought a first gen Versys for $4000 two years ago but with low kms, colour matched bags with top box, Corbin seat, GPS and heated grips. I see these bikes now without the bags for $2500-3500 bucks. Last fall I bought a 2002 Yamaha Road Star venture for $3000 that needs some carb work. High miles (80,000kms / 50,000 miles) but it's a Yamaha, that engine will last, and I get to see if I enjoy a heavy weight tourer without the big money upfront. Take your time, don't rush, and you can get into the game with a good deal. Side note, I find scooters here in eastern Canada pricy. People hold on to them and don't let them go cheap, same with mini bikes.
Cheers everybody, be safe.
Hear more from the guys (and the rest of the RevZilla crew) with daily moto musings on Common Tread: www.revzilla.com/common-tread?.com&HSLS_S2_E9&LDl9GKNpOI
2004 Fz6 (my bike) paid 2,600 1 year ago came with new tires, and new chain and sprockets 10k miles on the odo, gets 48 mpg I commute 80 miles rt per day (may-oct.) it would be a great track day bike ... I put a taller windshield, bar riser/setbacks, and an airhawk seat pad. still under $3k. I can ride it all day . I put 10k miles on it last year and we have a short season here in northern VT. The sv 650 is a good call too. There are some very good deals on 1993-2001 BMW R1100RS. may have to go a bit higher but I see them for 3500-4500 with under 20k miles and in great shape...
A guy on a scooter just made fun of me on my Shadow 😡
I bought a CX 500 the first month they were available (‘78?). Started a trip the next month after break-in, Frisco (I’ll say it however I like because I am Frisco; permanent visitor and occasional native) to Seattle, Chicago, NYC, Miami, Narlins, Phoenix, Berdoo, SF. 15,000 miles in 5 weeks (4 weeks of driving and 1 week of visiting), two-up with a full external frame expedition back pack strapped to a sissy bar. Short day, 8 hrs. Long day, 12-14 hrs. Comfortable with a beautiful meditative sound at night. Large aftermarket windshield. My only ticket was while passing a large truck and double trailer doing 90 going into Spokane. Sweet motor I thought. Comfortable and a Honda.
A well maintained, garage kept first or second generation DL650 V-Strom with reasonable mileage can often be found for less than $3000. They live a long time and are one of the finest values in motorcycledom.
Where are you looking, like actually?
I cannot find one for the life of me.
@@AlexDenton0451 In very early 2019, I gave $2900 for my 2013 DL650 ABS Adventure model with every single factory option - aluminum trunk and saddle bags, skid plate, engine guards, and deluxe windshield. It was in absolute mint condition and had 10,000 miles on the clock. In the last 50 years I have owned around 40 nice, dependable motorcycles that were the envy of my riding buddies, and only one was new. I always get a good deal too, and this is how I do it:
First, know exactly what you want, and be patient, and watch ALL the publications several times a day - e.g. Craigslist, FB Marketplace, ebay etc.. Then, when you see the perfect deal, you will instantly know it and won't hesitate. Try to close the deal on the phone immediately, and head out to pick it up without delay, before somebody offers them more money. I have closed the deal within an hour of a bike being posted at least a dozen times.
And this is probably the single best tip I can give you: ALWAYS SEARCH A WIDE AREA, and be prepared to drive a reasonably long distance to get it. The perfect bike for the perfect price is rarely ever found just around the corner. I drove 6 hours one way to get my 'Strom. I drove over 11 hours to get my other street bike in the garage. I have driven even farther many times. What is a day or two of your life for something you will probably keep and enjoy for a decade or more? I still smile from ear to ear every time I throw a leg over any of my 5 current bikes. When I decide it is time to buy a bike, I will even inform my work that I am searching for a bike, and that I will probably be taking a day or two off without notice when I find it.
This has worked for me without a single hiccup. The key is to buy "mint" or "nearly mint", garage kept bikes with really low miles, even if they are several years old. "Mint" is very difficult for a seller to misrepresent. All bets are off with extremely used and high mileage bikes however. I'm not sure I would take a long distance chance on something "iffy".
Good luck!
@@AlexDenton0451 ...and remember, bikes are not like cars. Thousands of people buy them every year, and wind up just letting them collect dust in a corner of their garage. Extremely low mileage motorcycles that are several years old, but with decades of life left in them are definitely out there - LOTS of them.
@@ralphcantrell3214 bless you brother, I'm new to motorcycle buying in general so I'm gonna take every bit of advice I can get! Thank you so much.
@@AlexDenton0451 You're welcome! And happy trails 👍
I have a 2003 Honda Shadow VLX 600. Bought it 2 years ago for $1,400. And...it's got 4 gears. Love it.
Ya idk what they were talking about! All the shadow 600's have 4 gears.
Yamaha TW200 is a great dual sport grocery getter for under 3k with a low seat height.
Just picked up a 2003 Kawasaki nomad for 800$.....windshield and hard saddle bags....1500cc.....can’t beat that😆
The KLR 650 is my choice for the price limit!
Bingo! A 3k KLR 650 and you good to go anywhere
They lost me at scooter. Lol
I was lucky enough to find a totally decked out one with low miles near me for around 3k, it's awesome but it is tall - a DRZ 400 would be a good alternative
Was gonna say.. They bring up solid budget duel sports and don't talk about the KLR.. Lol
It was mine.
Bought a mint 1999 Suzuki GSF 1200S for $1800. Sorry but you experts are way off. Crappy little dirt bikes? Go to Craig's list and set max price at $3000. So many better choices. Full size motorcycles. Shadows, Sportsters, CBR's, Vulcans, Intruders, GSXR's....... And $3000 is asking price, always negotiable.
What?! No mention of the Suzuki Bandit in the sport touring area? I love mine.
Best bang fir the buck out there! Got my Craigslist special B12 for $1700 and after $500 of TLC this sleeping monster has awakened!
Just picked up a caponord etv1000 for 2k.
If you hunt all the time you're bound to get a deal
Zack Courts: "cruisers are a passionless heap of metal to me"
Also Zack Courts: "I ride a scooter guys, weeeee! It's got storage compartments too! Weeeee!"
Yeah, man enough to have an opinion.
Ever ridden a scooter? They're practical as hell.
I've had all kinds of bikes, scooters are fun, cruisers can be too.
Cruisers seem to have a higher proportion of wankers though.
Zak, you know the business! Kawa 650 versys easily tops,and qualifies all categories. I've had both the 2007 and 2017 models. They truly are versatile. They Excel in sporty twisty mountains. Perfect ergonomics-Sit down, stand up, comfortable long distance highway miles. Commute and town filtering. Knobbly tires and do all the non- technical off road. Now have the r1200gs and drz400sm for specific reasons, but prefer my happy days on the versys, and I sold my 2007 for 2000 euro with 25000 km. And if you can do a track day on a grom, or Honda kids bike, imagine what you can do on a Versys.
Fazer 1000 . Sv650. Vstrom 650. Great bikes
Just bought an 06 vstrom 650 with 9k miles and full bags... $2600
Woop woop! First bike at 40 yrs old
For cruisers, Honda VTX 1300's are about $2,800 in Oklahoma.
I bought a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja Ex500r for $2,900 just for a fun track and twisty bike.
Nice
How is the TU250X not mentioned as one of the options?
VFR800Fi, you can tour; commute in the city and go to the track, all with the same bike, without any mods; and under $3000!
just got a 99' one for 1900....i think i'm in love
I bought my 1993 xr250r for $1300 and its a gem,had 2500ks on the clock when I bought it,it was salvage and apparently had water damage but by the time I got it it must have dried out because it started first kick. I just gave it a good service changed the oil and filter,it has a six speed and heaps of grunt 30hp, the top end is a bit noisy,I will pull it down one day and check it, apparently they are a bit noisy in the valve train at the best of times, and the shocks are a bit bouncy but it's not going into any enduros so it'll do me.I had to replace the rear wheel bearings. the old xr's get hot if you cane them. that's the only down side to it and the valves get louder when it get hot, I like to keep the clearance on the tight side. I was never a fan of 4 stroke dirt bikes but this thing is great, has heaps of torque for what I use it for, maybe the extra power of a 400 would be nice but I'm just happy to have a bike because before this I haven't had a bike since 1986, the last bike I owned back in 86 was a 85 rm250, that was an awesome machine, wish I still had it. good show fellow cheap bike riders.
I'd say a late 90s early 2000 DR650 would be ideal for dual sports for inseam challenged riders. Can still cruise on the highway and bulletproof on trails.
Yer they would be great but maybe a bit dearer?this is about cheap bikes after all.
Sub-$3000 Long Distance Touring: Honda GL1200/1500, you can find them country wide for sub $2000.
The 5th gen VFR IS an excellent sport tour choice. For the weight, they handle well and inspire rider confidence. With a pipe, they sound so sweet. Long distance touring is a breeze on it.
I really appreciate that a scooterist was representing on this episode. As far as with the touring bike discussion, I would probably go for a 2015 Honda pcx, it is only a 150cc, but it is super comfortable to ride long distance, and plenty of storage space.
Great seeing Zach. I miss him and Arie on their old channel. I completely agree with the VFR 800 pick. I've owned two of them and it would absolutely be the bike I would pick.
I borrowed a friend's VFR recently, what a lovely bike!
I had a VFR that I did a 12,000 mile 4 corners trip of the country on. Absolutely amazing motorcycle. Loved it.
Love the ideas the boys put forward to get bikes and modify them. Just keep in mind, there are Riders who are not beginners, but don't have $20,000 to spend on a new bike. This category is important, especially with people's finances lately...
500cc bikes from Suzuki and Kawi
750 Katanas
600 and 750 Shadows and Yamaha 650 cruisers
250 Dual sports from Honda, Kawi, Yamaha
FZ6, F1000...
SV650
250 CBR, Ninja, Yamaha sport bikes
80's Nighthawks, Viragos, Suzuki
VFRs
These are solid bikes that can be purchased for under 3K
I'm a scooter person and how I got into the mc world. Started off with a zuma 50cc, then got a Honda PCX and now a Honda Forza. I prefer scooters over mc because i Like the twist n go feature. I hate shifting.
You can do it, learn something new, boss up
Not a bad choice.
When I was looking for new bike,I seriously was considering Suzuki Burgman400. Big trunk, enough for 2 helmets, fast enough, weather protection and low maintainance cost. Add a apron and you can travel the world.
And I knew a guy who exchange his sportbike to Forza300 straight after he bought R600. It was a guy who collected 9 points in a month...
There are some automatic bikes now
For sub-3000 sport tourer - 1st Gen Yam FZ1. Tons of power, upright handle bar ergos with wind protection, a 5 gallon gas tank and comes stock with a center stand. Plenty of space to strap on luggage and comfy for 2 people.
Love having Zack on the show!
@Zack Courts FU cruiser hater
39:00 - What should you do in the future? You should go out, each with $3k, buy the touring bike you said you'd get, then do a tour. Compare notes, make a nice video.
I'd like to see Zack do a hot lap on a track somewhere with the $3k Versys vs. a $3k VFR.
To help pay for it, you could wear suitably inexpensive RevZilla-sourced gear and review that at the same time.
I will agree with the recommendation for the Versys 650. I got my 2011 Versys 650 with 6,400 miles on it for $2,900.
European sub €3000
commuter- Honda Dominator 650 (with turquoise frame)
Track Day- 2003/4 Kawasaki ZX6R 636 B1H (in green!)
long distance tourer- Yamaha Fazer 1000 1st gen (Blue one)
This is the first pod cast I have listened to ever and it was brilliant!!
I will definitely tune in for future episodes. Great work guys!!😁👍🏾
I own a 1982 Honda, GL500i that I bought for $700 many years ago. It had bee abused and neglected but I still put 45K miles on it before it came down with a terminal issue. I bought a wrecked '81 with less than 8500 miles for $400 that had been sitting for fourteen years and did an engine swap. I would jump on this motorcycle today and ride coast to coast. Aside from service parts I am all in on this MC for less than $1500.
Gen 2 fz1s. They're normal risers so nice for long trips. 150hp so fast (detuned r1 engine) so could track day them. And if you can find one fully faired they even look sporty.
I have a street legal 2000 XR200R… and I can agree that it is the best commuter ever. I raised the suspension, so she’s kinda not so approachable, but it has enough power, it is really light, it the most frugal bike on fuel ever (70/72mph), I ride two up with my girlfriend, and it can take the highway speeds (60/80mph). The best part is being able to throw it offroad once in a while, ability to climb stuff easily, easy maintenance and looks!
This episode was created just so Spurgeon can talk about his VFR again. And rightly so! I paid $2k for a 98 VFR800 with 32k miles in Nov 2019. Stupidly underrated and undervalued bikes today, and often owned by more mature riders who took decent care of them.
Last year from an estate sale I got a 1964 BSA C15 Starfire 250 with 6,000 original miles everything works on the bike everything's there matching numbers delivered to my house for $500. My mechanic was envious of my purchase.
I've gone cross country on a CRF230L and long trek on a Nighthawk 250. Definitely capable touring machines!
HSWAM wow how long the trip last you?
As a VFR owner I second the drool of all three hosts. If you find one at a decent price under 100k miles, buy it. You won't regret it. I've never met anyone who regretting buying one.