Best bang for the buck in motorcycles...whatch think?

[oldbike54]

BSA Beagle?  I remember my dad's advice when I left home those many years ago:  "Son, never buy a bike named after a dog that slobbers."  I've always followed his advice ...

 Could be why there was never an Ariel Blood Hound  The Beagle however was real , although a very strange contraption .

  Dusty

[Lannis]

Could be why there was never an Ariel Blood Hound  The Beagle however was real , although a very strange contraption .

  Dusty

Little 75cc pushrod thing that never went far - but at least it was a real motorcycle.   It took the Ariel 3 to finally put BSA under.   I suppose everyone thought that BSA had finally lost their corporate mind ....

Lannis

[oldbike54]

Little 75cc pushrod thing that never went far - but at least it was a real motorcycle.   It took the Ariel 3 to finally put BSA under.   I suppose everyone thought that BSA had finally lost their corporate mind ....

Lannis

 Yeah , the Ariel 3 was probably the Rube Goldbergiest contraption to ever leave the gates at Small Heath . It did inspire that weird little Honda 3 wheel leaner that also didn't sell very well in the states .

  Dusty

[Scud]

The Moto Guzzi V11 Sports give me a great Bang/Buck ratio.

Outside the marque, I've been looking at the BMW K75s and K100RS - the flying bricks. I've been thinking about a cheap, reliable, mileage muncher that I could leave on city streets and airport parking lots without much worry. I think they may be finding a bit of a collector following too.

[Guzzistajohn]

YES i ment to post that.... Tigers both Steamers and Girlies are a real deal. I would totally do one! I mean own one....

My girly rocks! Love my old lemans but the tiger has been great!

[mach1mustang351]

The Moto Guzzi V11 Sports give me a great Bang/Buck ratio.

Outside the marque, I've been looking at the BMW K75s and K100RS - the flying bricks. I've been thinking about a cheap, reliable, mileage muncher that I could leave on city streets and airport parking lots without much worry. I think they may be finding a bit of a collector following too.

My dad has a brick with over 120k on it. As a pure touring machine, I have not risen anything more comfortable, or as smooth. I used to give my dad grief for having such a big, heavy brick... my stelvio is bigger...

[Dean Rose]

Best bang for the buck is a used Guzzi.


Dean

[segesta]

Best bang for the buck? Likely my 2014 California 1400, which I'll have to sell for 52% of MSRP. =8^0

But in general, I agree with those touting sport tourers, like ST1100 or Concours or FJ1300, which are out of fashion but great motorcycles. I recently picked up a 2010 BMW K1300GT with 11K miles for $13,000. Original MSRP ~23K. It has 160 hp, 98 lbs of torque, good wind protection, capacity for a long trip, heated seats (including passenger), heated grips, cruise control, TPMS, Xenon headlamp, center stand, and adjustable seat. Even used I paid a good sum, but it's a great motorcycle.

[rocker59]

This Ohlins-equipped 2003 V11 Lemans Rosso Corsa is a LOT of bike for $4995

http://www.motointernational.com/catalog/used-motorcycles-and-scooters/used-2003-moto-guzzi-v11-lemans-rosso-corsa-1100

[mentalfloss]

I am intrigued by the BMW r1200cs touring/cruiser oil head and see them for $3,500 to $5,000 pretty regularly.
I would rather have a guzzi cali for less dough though.

[Joe A.]

 a Jackal for $2500-$3500 is an incredible grin producer for not a lot of $.

[lucydad]

I saw a 1971 Honda CB 350 in perfect condition in Durango, CO two days ago.  Ridden by a young lady.  Looking great, and the bike sounded sweet.  Brought back memories. 

[Rough Edge racing]

your quite right about the Buells.. their value has tanked below a Guzzi.. and wow what a machine it is!

  97 tube frame Buell for 2500 bucks....Insane fun ride...

   

[motofoto]

The 1st Gen Aprilia Tuono is an amazing bike for what they trade for these days.  I had one for a few years, and it was the best bike I ever owned.  I actually didn't keep it as it was actually too capable for my style of riding.  I'm in the city a lot and I never used any of the power.  Sold it to a buddy, and he loves it too. 

[Scud]

This Ohlins-equipped 2003 V11 Lemans Rosso Corsa is a LOT of bike for $4995

http://www.motointernational.com/catalog/used-motorcycles-and-scooters/used-2003-moto-guzzi-v11-lemans-rosso-corsa-1100

Stop!!!! I cannot look at that bike again..... it makes me want to buy a one-way ticket to Seattle.... please stop........ you're hurting me.

Yes. That is possibly the best bang for the buck EVER.

[Lannis]

Stop!!!! I cannot look at that bike again..... it makes me want to buy a one-way ticket to Seattle.... please stop........ you're hurting me.

Yes. That is possibly the best bang for the buck EVER.

Agreed, and it's got all the right stuff on it, same mods I would have made for my personal bike .....

[sdcr]

here a couple that iown, or have owned in the past.

1995-? MZ Skorpion. In either Tour or Sport trim. Powered by an yamaha's bullet proof, 4 valve head 660cc Single. puts out about 42 hp, but extremely light weight, about 350 pounds. A very fun big single with electric start. These are no longer imported from Germany, ( or even built ) anymore.
You can find these on CL or Ebay for anywhere from $1300 - $2800.

1996 - 2001 BMW r1100 R. Actually, even the RT and RS versions, along with the naked R versions are inexpensive. These a are powerful, arguably reliable mile eaters. Comfortable, handle well, and even look good , relative to modern BMW motorcycle designs. These easily go 100,000 plus miles if maintained. These were expensive when new, but I've seen early ones as low as $2000.,With really nice 2000+ models at well under $5000.

John
83 Le Mans III

[jas67]

1998-2001 VFR800.    Low miles examples are frequently available for around $3k.     Add bags, and they're a great sport tourer with that great V4 sound.   My only complaint was chain maintenance, which is why I replaced it with a belt-driven F800GT.

New, left over 2014 Interceptor (VFR800).     They couldn't compete with the Ninja 1000 (which is much more of a sport tourer than an all out sport bike) for the same money, and are now being blown out at the bargain price of $8k for the regular model, and $9k for the Deluxe (ABS, traction control, heated grips and self cancelling turn signals).   MSRP was $12.5k/$13.5k.

[GearheadGrrrl]

New left over 2013 Yamaha Super Tenere for around $10k- More reliable than an R1200GS for half the price!

[segesta]

I am intrigued by the BMW r1200cs touring/cruiser oil head and see them for $3,500 to $5,000 pretty regularly.
I would rather have a guzzi cali for less dough though.

The knock on the "C" was that it had an enormous engine, yet somehow produced only 60 horsepower. But maybe its very undesirability--like those 1980s Rolexes with odd, dingy dial colors--will make it collectible.

[ken farr]

My 2cents worth:

1)  Jackal-Stone.
     Fix the frickin seat, and your good to go.

2)  1st. generation Kawasaki Concours.

3)  Suzuki Bandit.

[jas67]

The knock on the "C" was that it had an enormous engine, yet somehow produced only 60 horsepower. But maybe its very undesirability--like those 1980s Rolexes with odd, dingy dial colors--will make it collectible.

Wow, I had no idea that they only made 60 HP, and at only 5,000 RPM to boot.   I guess they were tuning it for the target market that are used to low-RPM torque, and not reving past 5,000 RPM.    It does make 72 lb*ft of torque at 3,000 RPM.    The same-era R1100R (and RS, RT, GS) motor's torque peak was 71 lb*ft @ 5,250 RPM (80 HP at 6,750).     I think that the target market (cruiser riders) would definitely be happier with the lower reving R1200C motor, as it is what they're used to, but, what BMW missed is that V-twin fans would never be happy with the Boxer's sound.

So, IMHO, they built a bike that apeals neither to the target market, nor, they're faithful.    Hmmmm, sounds like just Harley Davidson and the XR1200.    OK, the XR1200 does appeal to some outside the H.D. faithful, I like 'em, and I know other anti-cruiser people who like 'em too.

[oldbike54]

 The 1200C Beemers have become popular among sidecarists , all of that low RPM grunt, the telelever fork , and the fat tires make for a good tug . Rode one about 100 miles in one day , could not wait to dismount . Horrible seat and handlebars .

  Dusty

[shapemaster]

My wife says I am a slut.....I am faithful in my marriage of 28 years she has never questioned that. She calls me a slut because I am always looking for my next motorcycle....lusti ng openly for something only two wheels and a motor can take care of....
SO... I have been buying motorcycles that are underpriced compared to what is in that class.

What do you think the best deals are on specific models of bikes?

MOTO GUZZI
Quota- I am kicking myself for missing on a nice quota this summer less than 120 miles away for about $2,500 with bags!!!! Dang! A lot of bike for the money. I want another one and will buy one.

2009 Stelvio- I know of a 2009 stelvio with a stucchi  aux tank and other goodies for sale for $6,000.....man that is a well sorted bike with lots of farkels for what a R1100gs brings!
When they get above $7,000 or so they lose some of the BANG.

Various Californias- you can get a real nice cali for under $3,000

BUELL
The ulysses is a steal right now- a 2006 can be had for as low as$2,250 on e bay in a buy it now last week. The 2006 has some things that need to be addressed but I see 2006 Ulysses going in the $3,000 TO $3,500
2007- 2009 For a little bit more....anyway you can get a smokin bike for under $5,000 with the Uly.
All buells seem to be a real value right now. Get that dream bike ...the Buell BLAST NOW while you can.

KAWASAKI
I bought a 1999 concours last spring for under $2,000 and it is sweet. A lot of bike for the money. Coast to coast like butter and toast. I do not really like a sport tourer as my first choice but I have put over 10k miles on this mile muncher this year.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE BEST DEALS ON SPECIFIC MODELS?

I guess it all depends on the type of riding you are doing and what you want this bike for.
Also, do you want new or used and is it a case of really wanting a Guzzi and just getting into the brand or are you a long time rider of this brand and want a specific bike?

For best bang I'm sure it's not going to be what you would guess or even want so just buy what you want.

For my opinion it all depends on what you are doing with that bike specifically.

I always tell my son buy a bike you'll want to go out in the garage and clean and polish on and just look at because you enjoy the engineering and design and over all appeal, both in appearance and riding pleasure.  Don't buy based upon economic sense or just to be bigger than the neighbors bike, etc.
No bike with all the features can sway me to buy it now because I don't buy because it has heated grips or seats or
other features when it's butt ugly brown like baby poop but oh does it make sense because of the wonderful features it has.

[LowRyter]

The knock on the "C" was that it had an enormous engine, yet somehow produced only 60 horsepower. But maybe its very undesirability--like those 1980s Rolexes with odd, dingy dial colors--will make it collectible.

I can't think of a more disappointing bike that I ever test rode.  It's anemic engine performance certainly exceeded the bike's handling. 

[jas67]

I can't think of a more disappointing bike that I ever test rode.  It's anemic engine performance certainly exceeded the bike's handling.

Just like a a lot of other cruisers.

[ohiorider]

Wow, I had no idea that they only made 60 HP, and at only 5,000 RPM to boot.   I guess they were tuning it for the target market that are used to low-RPM torque, and not reving past 5,000 RPM.    It does make 72 lb*ft of torque at 3,000 RPM.    The same-era R1100R (and RS, RT, GS) motor's torque peak was 71 lb*ft @ 5,250 RPM (80 HP at 6,750).     I think that the target market (cruiser riders) would definitely be happier with the lower reving R1200C motor, as it is what they're used to, but, what BMW missed is that V-twin fans would never be happy with the Boxer's sound.

So, IMHO, they built a bike that apeals neither to the target market, nor, they're faithful.    Hmmmm, sounds like just Harley Davidson and the XR1200.    OK, the XR1200 does appeal to some outside the H.D. faithful, I like 'em, and I know other anti-cruiser people who like 'em too.

BMW missed a lot with the C Series.  However, I understand that many of the ones on the used market end up as sidecar tugs.  Maybe that humongous Telelever suspension is a reasonable alternative vs modifying a telescopic front end with Earles forks.

Yep, they were low hp engines, with smaller valves, and tuned to meet the contemporary cruiser market's hp and torque specs.  I demo'd one of the first ones our dealer had in stock, and spent a couple hours on it.  Not a bad machine at all, just unusual.  I recall reading they kept the Telelever (and even emphasized it) to show off BMW technology.  Well, Seigfried ....... how did that work out ....?

And you're right ...... the 'faithful' couldn't figure it out either.  They're not cruiser riders.  OTOH, it didn't take them long to figure out the GS configuration in the mid 1980s.

[SPEIRMOOR]

Honda 919

[Petrus Rocks]

I'm a twin fan- Guzzis and Buells.  my Ulysses has been a phenomenal all-around bike.  Biggest complaint is the seat height.  nice long distance bike too.  So many lower priced Guzzis it's like a feast for the starving.  The Jap bikes are competent  but a bit complicated and soulless for me.

[Dean Rose]

So many lower priced Guzzis it's like a feast for the starving. 

If I had the funds, I'd have a garage full like our friend Tom in Hawaii. I do have a nice EV that I might swap for an SP.


Dean