Best budget bike under 2k

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zbyrd · #1 Unread post by **zbyrd** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 2:03 pm

So, what do you all think is the best budget bike that can be had for 2k or slightly less. Given, the bike should be relatively attainable at the price point(you won't find many F4is for 2k, but you might find one, somewhere). It shouldn't be excruciatingly rare and should have a decent reliability record. Should be 500cc+ as well. I know this leave a million possibilities, but I'm just wondering what the motorcycle world's jerk reactions are.

PacificShot327 · Fri Aug 07, 2009 2:19 pm

Generally, the only bikes I ever see for under 2k are old Ninja 250s.

I actually bought the FZR for around 1k. That was quite the steal. That's actually a big reason why I got that particular bike. I had no intentions of buying a 600, but the keys just miraculously appeared in my hand one day.

I'm looking at an '03 and an '04 F4i right now (among others... SV650, GSXR600, etc etc). I haven't seen a decent bike under 3k in a while. Even the Rebels are pricey around here at the moment.

zbyrd · #3 Unread post by **zbyrd** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 2:25 pm

Wow. I see all sorts of bikes under 2k. I was just thinking about dumping my shadow 500 and getting something more to my liking. For now, my sights are on a VF500F that's nearby, but I love hearing and dreaming of additional suggestions.

PacificShot327 · Fri Aug 07, 2009 2:29 pm

zbyrd wrote:Wow. I see all sorts of bikes under 2k.

I'm moving to where ever you're at.

zbyrd · #5 Unread post by **zbyrd** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 2:35 pm

Oh how I wish I had the liquid funds

http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/mcy/1294384496.html

#6 Unread post by **fireguzzi** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 4:20 pm

GS 500's can be had for under 2k. Reliable as hell and plenty of parts available.

Maybe some Seca II's out there for that price too.

Those are the first bikes tha popped into my head.

High_Side · #7 Unread post by **High_Side** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 4:45 pm

zbyrd wrote:Oh how I wish I had the liquid funds

http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/mcy/1294384496.html

Wow, that looks a little beat. I sold a nearly mint one of those in '87 for the same price. It was shortly after an encounter with the police, and I was a motivated seller but it wasn't THAT much under market.

Overall, there are much better bikes from the era anyway. That was one scary handling beast at higher speeds.

Gunslinger · Fri Aug 07, 2009 9:29 pm

I've seen a few Kawasaki Vulcan 500's in that price range. Basically the same engine as the Ninja 500. Honda Nighthawks are another option. As already mentioned GS500's are great bikes and I was a cat's whisker away from purchasing one myself for $1500. That's a tough price point for a nice bike that doesn't have a Billion miles on it or that doesn't need a bunch of work.

Sat Aug 08, 2009 1:29 am

70's UJMs, some of the best looking bikes in the world. I'd kill for a CB360 scrambler, myself.

GLsouris · #10 Unread post by **GLsouris** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 5:29 am

Last fall I picked up a 500 Interceptor in great shape for $800. The bike didn't fit my old body too well so I sold it and got a 82 500 Silverwing with 18000 km for $1200. My wife layed clame to that one so I found a 83 650 Silverwing Interstate with 39000 KM for $1750. The older bikes need a bit more maintanace than a newer one, but I can do most everything myself. I have seen lots of late 80's bikes for $2000 or less.