Buying A Classic Motorcycle - Watch Before You Buy!
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- čas přidán 24. 05. 2024
- I love classic motorcycles and I've owned many over the years. When they're working right and the sun is shining, there's no place I'd rather be than on a classic. But owning, maintaining, and riding classic bikes isn't always sunshine and roses. And it's definitely not for everyone. In this video, we'll take a realistic look at classic bike ownership. Is owning a classic right for you? Let's find out together!
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That's a sweet XS1100. I too am a fan of vintage bikes but I also have the skills to make them run and keep them running. Finding parts is the only issue depending on what you need, but that's all part of owning vintage bikes. I personally believe it is worth the effort because my reward is I get to ride bikes from that era and relive my youth. Great insight and another great video.
Thanks John! one of my favorite aspects of classic bike ownership (besides the bikes) is the friends I have made in the process of owning and restoring them. Yesterday, my friend Rob (Rob's Rides is his CZcams channel) helped me with the XS1100 by soldering the very fine coil pickup wires. Not many shops would be willing to do that. Afterward we got to go on a nice ride. It was a great day!
Anybody can walk into a dealership and get an overpriced, overly complicated soulless new bike. older bikes have character, working on them and upgrading and hunting parts is all part of the fun...
@soraksan321 I agree 100% Scott. However, you must have the right temperament for it. Otherwise, you'll get frustrated very quickly. Cheers!
The XS Eleven Special was a really good looking bike, and it seems that engine kind of started the big bore era competition, and we all benefited from that ! :)
It sure did. That motor is a gem! Thankfully, this one is back up and running on 4-cylinders. Cheers!
An old roommate had a Midnight Special. What a monster engine!
Right on!
I have a 1980 Yamaha XS 1100 Special. Maroon color Garage kept have.No problems with it 👍 As Always All Great Bikes & Videos. THANKS 👍😊
I'm glad to report that this one is back to 4 cylinders since my friend soldered the ignition pickup wires. Cheers!
Had the same bike,had a 75 sportster I was chroming & needed one last chrome bolt,went to the HD dealer to get the bolt & seen the xs1100 there,Ive been getting motorcyclist magazine back then & lusted over this bike for a long time,didnt believe I saw it there,asked for a test ride & was totally impressed how smooth,fast & quiet it was compared to the sportster,it felt soooo smoooth,$500 with my sportster & it was mine, no mess shaft drive ,now I have a busa & a 14r which are a lil faster lol
Right on! I had a similar experience going from an 883 Sportster to a GS1100G Suzuki that was 10+ years older. The modern big bikes are shockingly fast. Cheers!
This video was a long time coming. Thank you Jon. Being honest with one’s abilities and commitment is a big part of any hobby … and you can tell from my username I’ve gone through a few of them!
Right on! I've got too many hobbies myself. Cheers!
Like / enjoyed hearing the truths in what you said Jon. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE JON!
Thanks, Henry!
I have an 81 kz750 LTD. Like you said I bought it because it was cheap,10 years ago. But I love it and I’m never getting rid of it.
I'm glad it worked out for you!
Yup your bang on Jon. Keep your expectations low and you’ll never be disappointed!😂
Right on!
Circumstances, ability, willingness the right budget, tools, resources and time are what you need to consider. I will buy a classic, when I find the right one at the right price, but it will be to sit alongside my 2015 bike, not to replace it. I'm in Australia. Parts are incredibly expensive here, if you can find them. Lots' of stuff needs to be imported from the US or Europe.
It's very easy, here, to buy a $15,000 bike, spend another $10k+ on it and end up with a $17,000 bike when it comes time to move it on.
Love the XS, by the way. I'd love an 850. Thanks for the content.
Those are great points to consider, David! I appreciate the feedback!
True, true, and true again. It is so easy even for those of us experienced with owning and fixing classic bikes to get caught up emotionally and think it won't be that expensive and time consuming to get them "reliable" again. I thought I was almost "finished" with my recently acquired 1990 FJ1200, but the carburetors are coming off again this afternoon. I think the key is having more than one motorcycle so when one needs attention, you can ride another one until you're in the headspace to properly address the latest inevitable maintenance.
Having the second bike is a key component of owning classic bikes. I too have an FJ1200 3cv, I also have a ZRX1200 that is slightly more modern and needs less maintenance. It's nice to be able to jump on the ZRX while the FJ is being maintained.
I agree. That's why I try to have a modern bike in the garage in amongst the classic bikes. Cheers!
I have an 89 FJ, carbs needed alittle sorting, my advice replace the stock airbox for pods, makes the job so much easier the next time, if necessary. I own 5 bikes, all older, luv them all but the FJ is the funnest toy I've ever owned...
@@soraksan321 Right on!
@soraksan321 the thought did go through my mind about the pods
100% agree with everything you said. I almost always buy non-runners in good cosmetic condition, then start from there. Just got my 1974 CL360 running after a month of ownership. Seller said " bike runs just like you remember, just get on and ride it anywhere....." Uh, no! BTW, EVERY ride on a vintage bike, no matter how far, is an adventure! Nice work with the channel.
Thanks, Roland! Hearing a non-runner come back to life is SO rewarding. Adventure is why we ride. 🙂 Cheers!
Good morning Jon ☕️. Great video! Yes, you covered much of my thoughts concerning buying a vintage/classic bike. I grew up riding and maintaining, but not really tearing apart and putting back together. I believe I would like to learn more and give it a go after I retire in a couple of years.
Eric in NC
Right on, Eric! in the meantime, I would suggest getting to know some of the classic bike owners in the area (they all know each other). That way you'll have a support network in place when you pull the trigger on the classic. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I was curious if you had any interest in classic dual sport/Enduro bikes? I understand that everyone has different likes or interests, however it seems that having an option for dirtroads and gentle off-road riding in your area would be pretty awesome.
@user-sh5dy5tr9d I've had some modern ones, and I do enjoy them. I don't want a classic one, though. Cheers!
fuel injection was game changer - 2000 and up bikes just got better =started to really make them go long way minimal maintaining keep the great content coming we love our bikes thankyou
Thanks for the kind feedback, Douglas! Carburated vs. fuel-injected is a great discussion for another video. Cheers!
Fuel injection RUINED real motorcycles, and turned them into computers on wheels. I have 118,000+ miles on my carbureted 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan 750, bought new, all the miles are mine, and while I did have to pull the engine out once to replace a bad stator, I have NEVER had any problems with the carburetors. You couldn't give me an EFI bike. I am a recently retired mechanic with 37 years of experience, and by FAR the most likely thing to fail on "modern" cars is the computerized engine management system, which controls the fuel injection. And it is not something a mechanically inclined owner can work on, because it is NOT mechanical.
@@geraldscott4302 FI does require a different skill set and all new diagnostic tools plus training when it breaks. Cheers!
@@geraldscott4302 There are pros and cons to both. Both systems have their limitations and their advantages and either will suit different people better than the other in different circumstances. Some manufacturers will implement one system well and not the other, too. Look up how to change the needle and seats on an '89 GSXR 750 and you'll be checking the log book to make sure that's been done before buying one. Conversely, you don't need to be 200 miles from home on a bush track when the fuel pump packs up on your what ever it is that's fuel injected. Horses for courses.
Great advice Jon!
Thanks, Anatoli!
Whether it is a motorcycle, lawn tractor, lawn mower, pressure washser, etc., the ads almost always says they just need a carb clean.
Right on! At that point, it's a gamble. Cheers!
Universal excuse for 'doesn't run no idea why '....along with 'Carbs need balancing' . Sage advice Jon , if you don't know what you're doing best leave classics alone . Personally I love the older stuff as it's easy to work out whats going on , whereas new one are all digitalwifienabled/undiagnosable....and aircooled bikes after a run smell sooooo good and make great sounds .
@@guyk2260 I agree!
My favorite is, “All it needs is a $20 part” that curiously they did not replace.
Years ago right after I picked up my 82 G spent the better part of the day riding went over 100 miles away. Next day took off and stator went bye bye 2 miles from the house! Yes everything you said is true. Firm believer in the stainless lines upgrade along with complete brake system overhaul and have been amazed what the progressive springs front/rear have done for mine. It is a commitment and a process and yes you need to do yourself a favor by starting with a solid bike that's worth investing in!
Right on, Roger!
Hey Jon on the 82 G that's a Delkevic 4 -1 megaphone and 1 size up mains/pilots and how much baffle did you remove if you don't mind me asking. Just want to do it correctly. Thanks!
That's a great looking bike.👍
Thanks!
i would only take on a non running bike if it looked fairly decent and i got it for free. by definition, you know you'll have to sink significant time and labor into it before you can even ride it. i've owned a number of old bikes and what you say is true. another problem that can come up is parts availability. i've made that mistake before and besides being inconvenient, when you locate the part, you may have to pay a real premium to get it, even on the used ebay market.
Very true. Parts availability is a major factor. It keeps me from buying certain models, as does the complexity of certain bikes. Cheers!
Don’t for get to check the fuel tank. Some are rotted trough. Most will be rusty and can be cleaned and coated but will always be a problem.
Very true! The inside of the tank is one of the first things I check. Cheers!
Honest information 👌
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I've only recently had to hang up my helmet for health reasons after 51 years of riding, every mile of which has been on a classic bike. Started at 15yo on a Yamaha Trailmaster 80cc, last bike was an FJ1100. I've had all sorts of them, but the best was a GS1000S. I wish I still had them all.
My suggestion to any young rider is buy an old classic that you like that needs work so it's cheap. Strip it down and restore it. If it takes you 20 or 30 years, who cares? If all you can afford with your next paycheck is a bolt, or a joining link for a chain, then buy it and put it aside. Paitience brings rewards.
Right on, Marc! Patience is a virtue, and classic bike ownership will give you practice with being patient. Cheers!
What I am seeing now is people selling old bikes that any experienced person can see needs work and yet the seller thinks they have some Barrett Jackson quality bike. They are always over priced. Then they say "no low ballers" lol. This has kept me from buying quite a few.
Right on! Price, mileage, and condition all have to line up. It takes way more money and time to make a classic bike nice than people would think. Cheers!
I have an 80 XS Standard. Lovely bike. When you said 2 cylinders my mind immediately went to the same Issue I had when I got it... the reason I got it so cheap was because it was not running properly. Turned out the pickup coil wires had broken inside the sheathing. Easy to diagnose and fix. Let me know if you need anymore info. I am now dealing with a popping stutter on the enrichener and at lower running rpms... feels lean, not sure why though. Always something... better than sitting on the TV. Cheers.
Yep, it was the exact same issue. New pick-up wires are already soldered in, and the problem cured. Thanks for the willingness to help. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yep, classic on the old XS… glad you sorted it out. See you on the road.
@@CCitis Right on!
Looks just like the XS Eleven that I picked up and got started on, then my buddy got it. Did you figure out what was wrong with yours?
Yes. The pick-up wires for cylinders 2-3 were broken internally. My friend soldered in new wires and she runs like new again. Thanks for asking. Cheers!
I recently bought my XS1100 Special (imported from the USA) with 6500 miles and has the original exhausts. Looking at the condition I have no reason to doubt the mileage. A bargain at £2800 ($3500 US).
Congratulations, Ian. It sounds like you got a great deal on yours! Cheers!
I know I have a 1980 Yamaha Xs 1100 special and it runs good going down the road but when you lower RPM that sounds like it's not running on all cylinders I've had the carburetors rebuilt and it's back in the shop
I'm sorry to hear that! I had to clean the choke ports and have two ignition pickup wires repaired recently on this one. It was a tricky double issue, but it's sorted now, thankfully. Good luck with your XS1100!
Whenever I sell one of my old bikes, I always tell the buyer that it's constant maintenance and that they're not buying a 2024 Camry !!
Right on!
I vet the owner more than the bike when buying ....if they know what they are talking about chances are it'll be a fair bet. If not , all down to me .
@@guyk2260 Yep.
Great info! I try to work on my 79 myself, and so far so good. However, In the event it's over my head, any recommendations for a good bike shop in the York, Lancaster. Harrisburg area?
Thanks! What brand of bike do you have? There still are a few old-school dealerships around, but competent techs that are familiar with the classics are getting harder to find. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 1979 Honda cb750f
You are so right if it wasn’t for Richard, I would not have known what I got myself into as I have a 1100 Yamaha 1979 that runs very good and without my good friend Richard Ludwig it will still be sitting in the garage so my suggestions is somebody that can fix anything old school style and you’ll be just finethe name of my bike is nasty and she’s big and she’s nasty
Right on! One of the best things about the classics is the friends you make in the process of owning, riding and restoring them. Yesterday my, friend Rob (Rob's Rides is his CZcams channel) helped me get my XS1100 back on the road by soldering some very fine wires in the coil pickups. A support network is key when owning the classics. Cheers!
Great advice Jon! I have probably a debatable question but what do you consider high mileage on a classic bike? That being said, here in Canada we’re in kilometers so they always appear higher yet!
Thanks
Hi Kevin, that's a great question. I'll let you do the math, but I try to get bikes with under 20k miles. A true low-mileage classic is under 10k miles. Those are just my numbers. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Hey thanks for that Jon, I know it’s subjective but I was definitely interested in your take on it as a valued opinion!
It’s getting more difficult to find them but that’s all part of the adventure 👍
@@kevinhope6994 For sure!
I don't know if you mentioned what the issue was on the bike you bought?Thanks
The ignition pick-up wires for the 2-3 coil had broken internally. My friend soldered in some new wires and she's good to go. Cheers!
😎👍
Thanks!
✌🏼✌🏼👍👍🏁🏁
Thanks!