[darthblood117]

I'm looking to get my first bike and came across this '81 CX500 and am seriously digging the look. Not sure if $2500 is asking too much, I want to avoid get ripped off. From what I can tell and by what he's told me it sounds like it's in decent condition, what are your guys thoughts? Anything I should know?

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/5515018810.html

 

[drgonzo]

Run! Don't look back.

 

[jaguar]

Why don't you read a few threads here.

 

[CaTacL1sm]

Garbage. Stock ones weren't bad commuter bikes, but won't do what you want it to do.

 

[Stephen J]

And fill in your profile. This place isn't an app.

 

[TrialsRider]

Somebody chopped that bike up to suit their own taste, and then discovered that it doesn't taste very good

 

[Geeto67]

A dollar is too high for almost any cx500, but that one? you would have to pay me to take it.

As a new person looking to get into bikes - that bike would be a handful regardless of it being a CX500 or not. I can't comment on the actual build quality on seeing it in person but it is an uncomfortable riding position with no mirrors or blinkers, and what looks like old as hell and nearly bald tires. Add in the fact that it has been monkeyed with and you would have to have a good working knowledge and experience base with motorcycles to keep an old custom running it's just not a good fit.

Stop trying to be joe cool. Go buy a nice, stock, well cared for late model bike as your first mount. You can buy pieces of shit like this as your second bike.

 

[darthblood117]

Thanks for the advice, I mess with motorized bicycles quite a bit and was looking for the next step up, I will start looking for a more reliable ride instead of pouring cash into this project bike!

 

[TrialsRider]

When you are shopping for street motorcycles, it is best if they are wearing a current or otherwise legitimate license plate, and not a totally fake racing number plate.
Without even looking very hard: -> https://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/5523063637.html <- a whole lot more motorcycle for a lot less money. You can tell from the add that it is currently road worthy.


The best really old used bike to buy is the one that was bought new, never molested, ridden seldom, possibly dropped once and then stuck in the back of a heated garage until the original owners widow now want's to sell it to make room for her car

 

[CaTacL1sm]

The best really old used bike to buy is the one that was bought new, never molested, ridden seldom, possibly dropped once and then stuck in the back of a heated garage until the original owners widow now want's to sell it to make room for her car

I'd counter with the notion of the best old bike to buy is one that's ridden at least semi regularly, preferably weekly, with service records, receipts, and a "project thread" on a respected forum.
Even with that, the buyer should complete a full service before hitting the road.

- - - Updated - - -

Unless you were being tongue in cheek...

 

[TrialsRider]

I'd counter with the notion of the best old bike to buy is one that's ridden at least semi regularly, preferably weekly, with service records, receipts, and a "project thread" on a respected forum. ...

sounds expensive,
the one I pointed the moped rider to was a 2013 Honda CBR500R with only 1000 miles on the clock and the asking price is 1820$
… the one he was looking at is a chopped up, poor running 1981 Honda CX500 with 27000 miles and an asking price of 2500$

Here's a link to the owner manual if he wants to see what service is required at 1000 miles -> 2013 Honda CBR500R Owners Manual <- it's not a lot.

 

[darthblood117]

The CBR is a great deal but not necessarily the body style I'm going for, you definitely helped me dodge a bullet with the CX500. I came across this 1982 Suzuki GS750 which looks to be in a much nicer condition. I hope age isn't the end all be all in deciding between bikes because the 80's has just what I'm looking for. Reliability is my biggest concern and I've been told Suzuki's are a pretty safe bet. Your thoughts?

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/5458317147.html

 

[Geeto67]

The CBR is a great deal but not necessarily the body style I'm going for, you definitely helped me dodge a bullet with the CX500. I came across this 1982 Suzuki GS750 which looks to be in a much nicer condition. I hope age isn't the end all be all in deciding between bikes because the 80's has just what I'm looking for. Reliability is my biggest concern and I've been told Suzuki's are a pretty safe bet. Your thoughts?

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/5458317147.html

Do you know how to ride? I mean really ride a motorcycle and not get killed by an inattentive motorist? Do you have good riding habits? No? they why do you want to complicate things with an old motorcycle?

 

[knappyfeet]

The CBR is a great deal but not necessarily the body style I'm going for, you definitely helped me dodge a bullet with the CX500. I came across this 1982 Suzuki GS750 which looks to be in a much nicer condition. I hope age isn't the end all be all in deciding between bikes because the 80's has just what I'm looking for. Reliability is my biggest concern and I've been told Suzuki's are a pretty safe bet. Your thoughts?

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/5458317147.html

That suzuki is a nice little looker.......far better choice than the CX with a cool look to it.

Do your due diligence and ask questions and if possible have someone go with ya that's familiar with bikes.

As far as the price goesI I consider it a little high however...........it's what folks are paying and what they are commanding and the CX as well. In fact the CX looks a little under priced in today's cafe crazy..got to have it world. Don't take that as an endorcement of the Honda....its just what I have been noticing.

How about something newer? What's your riding experience? Any off road experience?

Good luck.

 

[Geeto67]

but not necessarily the body style I'm going for

there are more important things in life than how something looks junior.

 

[Stephen J]

The Suzuki is a handsome looker and if the song and dance match the tune it could be a nice choice IMO but I'd try and knock that price down as close to 1500 as you can get it. Geeto has a good point as well, a newer (ish) bike perhaps a little lower CC might be just the thing. What is your riding experience? Older bikes need more TLC, and in the end it really is all about the ride.

 

[darthblood117]

I've had my motorized bicycle 75cc for about a year now, but not a lot of main road experience. My worry about the Suzuki is that 750cc is a lot of bike and I'm not not sure if that is the best choice. Other than that it seems like an overall well maintained bike and ~1500 is within my price range.

 

[woodsman]

I've had my motorized bicycle 75cc for about a year now, but not a lot of main road experience. My worry about the Suzuki is that 750cc is a lot of bike and I'm not not sure if that is the best choice. Other than that it seems like an overall well maintained bike and ~1500 is within my price range.

I don't know how insurance works where you are but in Ontario, where I am, most companies won't insure new riders on a 750 and if they will it will cost you a bundle. My son, 25, just got his bike licence and is looking at over $1000 to insure a 550 with no collision, just liability, fire and theft.

 

[Andyshep]

You shouldn't jump from a powered pushbike with no experience to anything more than 250 cc tops and just learn to ride on the roads. Riding is a lot more than just operating a bike.

 

[darthblood117]

looking at over $1000 to insure a 550 with no collision, just liability, fire and theft.

Man oh man, hadn't even thought of that, thanks!