Recommend older bikes- - Honda-Acura.net

sherwood · 07-09-08, 12:35 AM

I'm looking for something around 20 years old- a 500-750 twin with a decent low end and not a lot of known model-specific transmission issues- maybe some with a more dedicated following?

This will probably be more a thread about exclusion so just shoot known problematic models out there for avoidance sake, as pretty much any sport cruiser will do just fine

Registered and logged-in users don't see this ad!
Register your free account today.

MadScientistMat · 07-10-08, 12:59 PM

I used to have a '79 Honda CX500. Mine hadn't been too well cared for and had some weird electrical glitches, but Honda's transverse twins are pretty tough bikes. They're also shaft driven so you don't have to grease your chain every 600 miles. They're kind of in between a sport bike and a cruiser.

sherwood · 07-10-08, 07:36 PM

I was actually looking at one of those not too long ago- but it sold before I could scrape the cash together

how about an '83 VT750C? anyone think of any known issues? figured I'd ask even before searching

bnuk · 07-10-08, 10:06 PM

most of the nighthawks are a pretty good bet. I've put about 9k on mine in just over a year and the only real problems I've had have been a broken throttle cable and burnt-out headlight.

Megatron · 07-11-08, 11:08 PM

Sherwood,

If you're interested in older Honda Shadows, try asking the folk at:

http://www.hondashadow.net

Someone there will know for sure.

bnuk · 07-12-08, 09:50 AM

I know a lot of people swear by the 80s Suzuki GS series.

sherwood · 07-15-08, 06:08 PM

What do you guys make of the thumpers? specifically the LS650/Savage thinking the big single might make a nice little project

ISP James · 07-16-08, 08:28 PM

i bought a 1985 Honda Magna V30 VF500c last year and it was a good bike for as long as I owned it...

not a twin rather a V4 with a 6 speed, hydraulic clutch it was pretty easy to ride, i just never really got comfy on it .... sold it for twice what i paid and i kind of miss having it but that 1000 bucks sure was nice.

bnuk · 07-16-08, 08:58 PM

you do want do be careful with the 80s V4 honda they had some oil and serious cam wear issues. all the problems can be fixed with aftermarket but you do want to know what you are getting into.

DarkStarr · 07-17-08, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnuk

I know a lot of people swear by the 80s Suzuki GS series.

+1

Solid motors, proven design.

MadScientistMat · 07-17-08, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherwood

What do you guys make of the thumpers? specifically the LS650/Savage thinking the big single might make a nice little project

Never heard anything bad about them unless you're expecting big power or happen to be very tall. They're also pretty cheap and a good bike to start on if you don't have much riding experience as they're not likely to get you in trouble.

ISP James · 07-17-08, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnuk

you do want do be careful with the 80s V4 honda they had some oil and serious cam wear issues. all the problems can be fixed with aftermarket but you do want to know what you are getting into.

i believe that was with the V45's and not with the V30's

i may be wrong. mine had 15k when i bought it and ... 15k when i sold it... so i never really got a chance to wear it out

07-10-08, 07:36 PM	#3
sherwood I missed Sean Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Fairfield/Bridgeport CT Posts: 10,987	I was actually looking at one of those not too long ago- but it sold before I could scrape the cash together how about an '83 VT750C? anyone think of any known issues? figured I'd ask even before searching __________________ 1.8L Acura Integra GSR: Back where it belongs. 3.2L Pontiac Tran-sport Montana: that things about to go. 2.2L Honda Accord EX: Sold to my sister 232CI Mercury Sable: Sold to some lady, by my father, while i was on a camping trip. IMM232 http://imagegen.last.fm/minimalDark/..._vigilante.gif

07-10-08, 10:06 PM	#4
bnuk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: pittsburgh. Posts: 1,863	most of the nighthawks are a pretty good bet. I've put about 9k on mine in just over a year and the only real problems I've had have been a broken throttle cable and burnt-out headlight. __________________ 98 integra GSR 93 civic DX 82 nighthawk 450

07-11-08, 11:08 PM	#5
Megatron TF-Plasticrack Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NW of Chicago, IL Posts: 2,644	Sherwood, If you're interested in older Honda Shadows, try asking the folk at: http://www.hondashadow.net Someone there will know for sure. __________________ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HAN Claim to Fame = I'm e3Nine's older, quieter, brother. 2009 Honda CBR600RR Cars = 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX, 2008 Nissan Altima SE V-6

07-12-08, 09:50 AM	#6
bnuk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: pittsburgh. Posts: 1,863	I know a lot of people swear by the 80s Suzuki GS series. __________________ 98 integra GSR 93 civic DX 82 nighthawk 450

07-15-08, 06:08 PM	#7
sherwood I missed Sean Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Fairfield/Bridgeport CT Posts: 10,987	What do you guys make of the thumpers? specifically the LS650/Savage thinking the big single might make a nice little project __________________ 1.8L Acura Integra GSR: Back where it belongs. 3.2L Pontiac Tran-sport Montana: that things about to go. 2.2L Honda Accord EX: Sold to my sister 232CI Mercury Sable: Sold to some lady, by my father, while i was on a camping trip. IMM232 http://imagegen.last.fm/minimalDark/..._vigilante.gif

07-10-08, 12:59 PM	#2
MadScientistMat Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Covington, GA Posts: 14	I used to have a '79 Honda CX500. Mine hadn't been too well cared for and had some weird electrical glitches, but Honda's transverse twins are pretty tough bikes. They're also shaft driven so you don't have to grease your chain every 600 miles. They're kind of in between a sport bike and a cruiser.

07-16-08, 08:28 PM	#8
ISP James DAMIMRED Join Date: May 2002 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 13,497	i bought a 1985 Honda Magna V30 VF500c last year and it was a good bike for as long as I owned it... not a twin rather a V4 with a 6 speed, hydraulic clutch it was pretty easy to ride, i just never really got comfy on it .... sold it for twice what i paid and i kind of miss having it but that 1000 bucks sure was nice. __________________ sell me your sol.

07-16-08, 08:58 PM	#9
bnuk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: pittsburgh. Posts: 1,863	you do want do be careful with the 80s V4 honda they had some oil and serious cam wear issues. all the problems can be fixed with aftermarket but you do want to know what you are getting into. __________________ 98 integra GSR 93 civic DX 82 nighthawk 450

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode