Random motorized 2-wheeled things I saw for sale

[AkioOhtori]

So my earlier post about fleets mixed with talk of two-wheels-good mixed with boredom got me trolling CL for motorcycles.

Luckily, I didn't find much of anything that interested me. Or at least nothing that'd make me want to brave the pandemic and further abuse my ailing bank account. That said, I did find listings I thought were interesting enough to share...

Note: I know almost nothing about motorcycles and therefore have no idea if these are bad deals or whatever. I have no intent to move on any of these.

1981 Honda CB 900 Custom - $1,000

I know literally nothing about these, but a quick google search seems to indicate they were a parts bin cruiser that was panned for being soft and slow, but seem to have developed a cult following. But hey, brown and manual...

For $1,000, the rough running doesn't bother me at all, especially as it seems to be in great physical condition. If it were closer I might be interested, but as is it doesn't really do anything for me. Interesting though!

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1983 Honda CB1100F - $600

Well if that last one seemed like a lot of bike or the money, this one seems like even more. Similar bike, non-running, better paint scheme, and comes with extra parts.

Luckily Independence, KS, is very far away from me and therefore I don't have to be tempted by this...

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1998 Yamaha Virago - $1,000

As or the non-Honda CB marker, there is... whatever this is. Points or good photos though.

Sounds like the seller was trying to turn it into an obnoxious cruiser, but I dig the aesthetic and having few enough CCs I probably could get out of my own way but also not hurt myself.

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1972 Yamaha AT2 - $2,300

For much, much more money one could apparently buy this Yamaha.

I'll give the seller props for good photos and really making me want to try trail riding with one of these. That said.... $2,300 is well into project car money so I think this one would probably be a pass.

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2007 Yamaha Zuma - $1,050

Alright I have a soft spot in my cold, dead heart for Vespas and Vespa-like things, so this Zuma is pretty much my jam.

Bright color, cute face, low price, what isn't to love? Well... that is only goes 40MPH for one. Like, that is a significant speed, yes, but a lot of the surface streets around here are 35 - 45 MPH.

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2015 Honda Ruckus - $2,000

Speaking of cute, Vespa-like things: here is a Honda Ruckus.

I really like these things and this one comes in the best color combo, imo, but for only $750 off base new MSRP, I think I'd hold out for a Trail125 instead?

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There were others

A Honda Helix for $1400
A Honda CBR for $1500
A 50cc Yamaha for $550
A Yamaha Chappy for $1300
and so on
and so on

The 2-wheeled world is one full of interesting, cheap, running, driving things... but also one that I don't think I'll be breaking in to any time soon.

[Chariotoflove]

That top one is just my style.

[AkioOhtori]

@chariotoflove It is pretty cool, though if I had to choose I do like the coloring on the 1100 better.

[Exage03040]

If you've never ridden moto, then likely the scoots, AT2 or Virago. I personally wouldn't ride anything under 250cc on the road but that has to do where I live and my personal preference in bikes.

The 900 probably needs a few new parts, carb and fuel system cleaning and annoying carb balancing to run right.
I would probably stay away from bike in a box, because it wouldn't be in a box unless it's for a good reason.

[Rider]

That AT2 is pretty cool, but for the money you can get something a lot better. Are there any used WR250Rs in your area? Your style seems to be "small, cheap and fun" and nothing fits that bill like a nice dual sport. They aren't always the prettiest bikes, but you'll never have more fun or learn how to ride better than you will on a dual sport.

[EssExTee]

@akioohtori i would say go two cylinders or fewer for your first bike

[kleebrz]

who says you have to ride it? just get one to wrench on!

[Shop-Teacher]

@akioohtori Along the lines of the Ruckus and the 50cc Zuma, look for a Zuma 125.

I've put almost 4k miles on mine, in a little over two years. I've ridden as much as 500 miles in one weekend, and it didn't use a drop of oil.

[pickup_man]

My dad has a CB900C, an '82 I believe. I really like it, for an 80's UJM at least. It's fairly big and comfy, nice upright riding position, and eats up miles. The ride is super soft and plush yes, but very comfy. I think it was lamented at the time because this was the era of the 1100cc Japanese muscle bikes (note that these also handled very poorly by modern standards) while the CB900 was clearly a touring bike. They make about 90-95 HP, so they're not slow, but they're also not 1100 class fast either. It is a heavy bike though, 611 lbs wet, and it carries the weight up high, being an upright bike with a 4 cylinder. Their ultimate party trick though, is the high/low gearbox, making them essentially 10 speeds. It doesn't make a huge difference but noticeable enough when using low gear for quick acceleration around town, and high gear for lower highway RPM.