The $3000 Motorcycle
1972 Honda CB350 cafe' racer
“3k. Clear clean titled miles. (12-miles since restoration). This bike is part of a private collection owned and built by a 35 year Honda technician. Bike is only being sold to pursue another build. Bike was striped to the frame powder coated. Every piece meticulously assembled. Bike has passed emissions with flying colors and is plated. The pictures do it no justice. THIS A SHOW WINNER for its new owner. This bike needs nothing, it is show ready!”
This is a real gem and just from the new parts list that was shown in the ad, I seriously doubt one could build the bike for this money! It appears to be done correctly, and I like the fact that it states it was built by a experienced Honda “technician” (used be called “mechanic”). Of course, a closer examination is required, but it looks like a real gem. Well worth the money, IMHO.
1997 Suzuki Bandit 1200
“1997 Suzuki Bandit 1200 with 13.xxx original miles. This bike is is in great shape for its year and very clean it has been very well taken care of. It does have minor scratches. I have serviced the bike, new plugs, oil/oil filter,new front/rear brake fluid, carbs have also been cleaned and tuned. Bike also has aftermarket exhaust. This is a must see bike. Have clear title, asking 2500 OBO.”
This is a STEAL at $3,000, and in fact he states, $2,500 OBO, which means if you went with $CASH$, you might even get it for less. This is a fast, powerful and reliable 4-cylinder bike, capable of around town and long distance sport touring as well. It may be the best value of the bunch!
1988 Sportster
“I have a 1998 Harley Sportster 1200 custom for sale nothing wrong with it just want to sell because its no longer practical for me it has straight pipes and rides great it has 85000 miles on it I know its a lot but its been taken care of and needs no engine work.”
Harley’s still have the highest resale value of any motorcycle brand out there and the list of accessories to personalize this is endless. This is a 1200 and a Custom, so not the bare bones Sportster. Lots of miles for sure, but a good buy for those who like their bikes from Milwaukee.
1967 HD Aermacchi Sprint 250
“Inherited 1967 250cc Harley-Davidson Aermacchi Sprint in mint condition. 4,532 original miles. Buyer needs to acquire bonded title for bike. Brand new battery installed. Improvements being made to already great looking classic Harley. All parts in working condition. Kicks over and shifts through all gears smoothly. Bike has great compression. ZERO rust on this bike. This Harley is a collectors bike not a daily rider.”
The “Italian Harleys” are now getting hot and collectible. The title is the only issue with this bike. The price is considered CMV or “Current Market Value” and we have seen the 250 and 350 Sprints increase over the last few years. Definitely worth a look!
Yamaha VMax
“1998 Vmax. 46,000 miles. Fast bike needs a new home. In good condition, starts every time has new battery, clutch less then 3 months old, Dale Walker HoleShot exhaust system full great sound and power, carb kit, steel braided front brake lines have rear just not installed, progressive lowering springs in front and progressive shocks in the rear, still have stock shocks if you want them. Fairly new rear tire 4 months old, has new UFO drag bars not in picture. Minor cosmetic damage on left side from low side spill also not in picture. Willing to negotiate but please don't low ball, bike is well worth it. No free rides cash in hand, not a beginner bike, BEWARE THE BEAST!!! $3000.”
If you want to be the quickest “light-to-light” bike on the street, this is one of them. They are well built and known for their brute horsepower. One should look carefully at that cosmetic damage but from the photo, it does not seem too bad. Still, remember that like most 'muscle bikes' this machine has probably been ridden hard. Still, excellent mods and a fairly new tire, along with the “willing to negotiate” comment makes this bike a worthy contender.
2003 SV1000S
“With Yoshimaru pipes 74,000 miles, runs good, stock parts included, $3000”
I have always liked this “Japanese-Ducati” - same V-twin design as its Italian counter part, without the issue of adjusting valves every 5,000 miles! They are reliable with gobs of torque and sound way cool with aftermarket exhaust. I give this one a big thumbs up!
2003 Honda XR650L
“Have some fun on a 2003 Honda XR650 L with only 4200 miles. Runs strong with just a few performance mods. Carb tuning, getting the air box some more air, removal of the smog equipment and opening up the exhaust (have all stock parts ). Ridden by a 49 year old that is slowing down a little. May trade for a NICE (under 100,000 miles) economical auto trans car even if I have to add some money.”
A good, fairly rare Honda dual-sport for those looking wanting a more functional and versatile street bike. Low mileage and adult owned and maintained is a definite plus.
So there are seven good examples, and VMOL’s top picks for the month. These are bikes which you could buy today, ride and enjoy for a few years and not lose your shirt when you went to sell or trade up for something more expensive. More proof that one does not have to spend an arm and a leg to enjoy the great sport of motorcycling!
From this group, our pick if we had to pick just one? Like me, Nolan thinks the 1200 Bandit is a steal, while my choice would be the ’67 HD Aermacchi Sprint 250 - because it’s vintage, rare, interesting and would fit nicely in my garage.
Enjoy the ride! JJ Cerilli
