No love for second hand bikes any more?
Discussion
KobayashiMaru86 said:
I've been looking at used bikes as I wouldn't mind something to commute on that keep the wear down on the 765RS and has better wind protection. Did even debate to treat it like shedding but with a bit more budget and swap it regularly to expand my riding palette a but it's getting stuck with the wrong one is the issue. I'm debating a newer VFR800 or something similar and they seem to hang around forever. Not sure what else I could get that appeals. As long as it's got ABS and a fuel gauge, for the road and isn't naked I want to start looking at.
Bikes are also always more expensive used in Wales. Always cheaper in England so my first I got near Gloucester. Also these used bike shops never seem to clean their stock. Bought in as is, never even attempting to make them presentable.
A BMW F800 ST/GT would suit as a commuter (I'm on my second one, and heading for 50k on that). They are torquey, reasonably quick though traffic, comfy and mine (touch wood) have had nothing go wrong - just replacing pads/fork seals/drive belt and filters over the past few years. They have got ABS and a fuel gauge and go for peanuts.Bikes are also always more expensive used in Wales. Always cheaper in England so my first I got near Gloucester. Also these used bike shops never seem to clean their stock. Bought in as is, never even attempting to make them presentable.
I'll even swap mine for your 765
boyse7en said:
KobayashiMaru86 said:
I've been looking at used bikes as I wouldn't mind something to commute on that keep the wear down on the 765RS and has better wind protection. Did even debate to treat it like shedding but with a bit more budget and swap it regularly to expand my riding palette a but it's getting stuck with the wrong one is the issue. I'm debating a newer VFR800 or something similar and they seem to hang around forever. Not sure what else I could get that appeals. As long as it's got ABS and a fuel gauge, for the road and isn't naked I want to start looking at.
Bikes are also always more expensive used in Wales. Always cheaper in England so my first I got near Gloucester. Also these used bike shops never seem to clean their stock. Bought in as is, never even attempting to make them presentable.
A BMW F800 ST/GT would suit as a commuter (I'm on my second one, and heading for 50k on that). They are torquey, reasonably quick though traffic, comfy and mine (touch wood) have had nothing go wrong - just replacing pads/fork seals/drive belt and filters over the past few years. They have got ABS and a fuel gauge and go for peanuts.Bikes are also always more expensive used in Wales. Always cheaper in England so my first I got near Gloucester. Also these used bike shops never seem to clean their stock. Bought in as is, never even attempting to make them presentable.
I'll even swap mine for your 765
In the process of buying at the moment. I did think about getting a bike from the 90s or early 00’s such as a K5 GSXR 1000. However I am keen on cornering ABS and that only comes on close to new bikes (so might as well buy new). I hope I will never need it but it is a bit like wearing all the gear - it is worth it for the one time it saves your arse.
Someone on another thread was forecasting doom for prices of things like E Types. The argument was that people wanting E Types are from a certain era. There are loads sitting in garages now. However when the owners start dying off in droves, their children probably won’t want them and lots will start coming onto the market but without the demand to match, driving down prices. That could well happen to bikes. Lots of old blokes sitting on bikes from the 70s to 90s but at some point they will be too old to ride them or dead and they will all have to find new homes. There aren’t enough new bikers to take them and people under 35 probably have no interest in such bikes anyway.
Someone on another thread was forecasting doom for prices of things like E Types. The argument was that people wanting E Types are from a certain era. There are loads sitting in garages now. However when the owners start dying off in droves, their children probably won’t want them and lots will start coming onto the market but without the demand to match, driving down prices. That could well happen to bikes. Lots of old blokes sitting on bikes from the 70s to 90s but at some point they will be too old to ride them or dead and they will all have to find new homes. There aren’t enough new bikers to take them and people under 35 probably have no interest in such bikes anyway.
KobayashiMaru86 said:
I've been looking at used bikes as I wouldn't mind something to commute on that keep the wear down on the 765RS and has better wind protection. Did even debate to treat it like shedding but with a bit more budget and swap it regularly to expand my riding palette a but it's getting stuck with the wrong one is the issue. I'm debating a newer VFR800 or something similar and they seem to hang around forever. Not sure what else I could get that appeals. As long as it's got ABS and a fuel gauge, for the road and isn't naked I want to start looking at.
Bikes are also always more expensive used in Wales. Always cheaper in England so my first I got near Gloucester. Also these used bike shops never seem to clean their stock. Bought in as is, never even attempting to make them presentable.
Sounds like I have what you want. Passed it's MOT today too, albeit at the second attempt. Hadn't noticed that the brake lights were permanently on, bit of a schoolboy as I did do a cursory lights check. Turned out to be a stuck switch on the rear brake. Bikes are also always more expensive used in Wales. Always cheaper in England so my first I got near Gloucester. Also these used bike shops never seem to clean their stock. Bought in as is, never even attempting to make them presentable.
Skeptisk said:
In the process of buying at the moment. I did think about getting a bike from the 90s or early 00’s such as a K5 GSXR 1000. However I am keen on cornering ABS and that only comes on close to new bikes (so might as well buy new). I hope I will never need it but it is a bit like wearing all the gear - it is worth it for the one time it saves your arse.
Someone on another thread was forecasting doom for prices of things like E Types. The argument was that people wanting E Types are from a certain era. There are loads sitting in garages now. However when the owners start dying off in droves, their children probably won’t want them and lots will start coming onto the market but without the demand to match, driving down prices. That could well happen to bikes. Lots of old blokes sitting on bikes from the 70s to 90s but at some point they will be too old to ride them or dead and they will all have to find new homes. There aren’t enough new bikers to take them and people under 35 probably have no interest in such bikes anyway.
Regarding bikes from the 70s to the 90s there seems to be a thriving export market in the states for them, certainly stuff in good nick so the numbers here are only going to drop.Someone on another thread was forecasting doom for prices of things like E Types. The argument was that people wanting E Types are from a certain era. There are loads sitting in garages now. However when the owners start dying off in droves, their children probably won’t want them and lots will start coming onto the market but without the demand to match, driving down prices. That could well happen to bikes. Lots of old blokes sitting on bikes from the 70s to 90s but at some point they will be too old to ride them or dead and they will all have to find new homes. There aren’t enough new bikers to take them and people under 35 probably have no interest in such bikes anyway.
Used bike prices over the past few years have been turbulent. It wasn't so long ago that it was difficult to get a new bike, which saw older ones being snapped up and causing used prices to shoot up.
Now, new bikes are plentiful, but the manufacturers have successfully convinced people that the higher prices are worth paying for the latest fashion accessory full of bells and whistles. This means all of the of the outdated, safety featureless bikes cluttering up the garage need to go to raise the vast capital required for the shiny new stuff.
Meanwhile, older riders, tired of squeezing themselves into cramped riding positions only to be threatened by severe 'fun taxes' if they stray beyond the increasingly draconian limits, are swapping their old street/sportsbikes for the motorcycling equivalent of the SUV - the ADV. Ordinarily, these bikes would be scooped up by the new riders, but the new generations don't have the attention span for the bike licensing faff, and for less than the cost of a new bike, buy Tesla's instead.
The good news here is that if you don't care about the bells and whistles, aren't decrepit, haven't yet given up on having fun on the roads, or your testosterone levels haven't yet dropped to the point where you no longer have the testicles to ride a bike without TC/ABS, it's a pretty good time to pick one up.
Now, new bikes are plentiful, but the manufacturers have successfully convinced people that the higher prices are worth paying for the latest fashion accessory full of bells and whistles. This means all of the of the outdated, safety featureless bikes cluttering up the garage need to go to raise the vast capital required for the shiny new stuff.
Meanwhile, older riders, tired of squeezing themselves into cramped riding positions only to be threatened by severe 'fun taxes' if they stray beyond the increasingly draconian limits, are swapping their old street/sportsbikes for the motorcycling equivalent of the SUV - the ADV. Ordinarily, these bikes would be scooped up by the new riders, but the new generations don't have the attention span for the bike licensing faff, and for less than the cost of a new bike, buy Tesla's instead.
The good news here is that if you don't care about the bells and whistles, aren't decrepit, haven't yet given up on having fun on the roads, or your testosterone levels haven't yet dropped to the point where you no longer have the testicles to ride a bike without TC/ABS, it's a pretty good time to pick one up.
Edited by CrankyCraig on Friday 28th June 01:57
Edited by CrankyCraig on Friday 28th June 01:59
I ride a 2002 FireBlade I bought a couple of years ago. I'm 40: a perfect midlife crisis fit, you might think (though I've been riding since I was 19 so not a born again). Similar purchaser perhaps to the OP's idea.
I bought a litre sportsbike as my wife no longer comes pillion. We used to tour all over Europe, now we have a four year old and much less free time! So I didn't need to worry about pillion accommodation.
As I'd never owned a sportsbike, it was time to get one. An issue I discovered, and the thing I think that will eventually kill the 1,000cc market, was the rule change letting big 4s into WSBK. I could have afforded a newer bike - but I couldn't fit. I really wanted an Aprilia RSV Mille but wasn't going to buy something with a plastic tank. My knees won't bend enough for many of the 1000s designed more for track than road.
The fact it doesn't have traction control isn't an issue. The absence of ABS preys on my mind in the wet, but then I no longer have to commute through central London.
I bought a litre sportsbike as my wife no longer comes pillion. We used to tour all over Europe, now we have a four year old and much less free time! So I didn't need to worry about pillion accommodation.
As I'd never owned a sportsbike, it was time to get one. An issue I discovered, and the thing I think that will eventually kill the 1,000cc market, was the rule change letting big 4s into WSBK. I could have afforded a newer bike - but I couldn't fit. I really wanted an Aprilia RSV Mille but wasn't going to buy something with a plastic tank. My knees won't bend enough for many of the 1000s designed more for track than road.
The fact it doesn't have traction control isn't an issue. The absence of ABS preys on my mind in the wet, but then I no longer have to commute through central London.
Another issue in Wales at least is the lack of dealer support, so many brands are out for me because the nearest just lost quite a few of it's franchises. But they were crap to deal with anyway but if say I got BMW or Aprilia it would be a trip to Bristol somewhere. Ducati would be Cardiff, which I already do with the Triumph. Best local dealer only does Suzuki and Yamaha which are fine. For something cheap that may do. Did ride a Tracer 900 years ago but couldn't get on with the throttle. There's also very few bike garages too. Luckily I do have where I take it for MOT now but took a while to find a good place. Some stuff I can do myself but some things for now I feel better a garage doing.
Bike wise I either go cheap and faired for commuting or keep the Triple for commuting, accept it will take more of a beating from the elements and buy something more fun instead. I commuted this morning on a different route and loved it so that could be the way.
Bike wise I either go cheap and faired for commuting or keep the Triple for commuting, accept it will take more of a beating from the elements and buy something more fun instead. I commuted this morning on a different route and loved it so that could be the way.
"Someone on another thread was forecasting doom for prices of things like E Types. The argument was that people wanting E Types are from a certain era. There are loads sitting in garages now. However when the owners start dying off in droves, their children probably won’t want them and lots will start coming onto the market but without the demand to match, driving down prices. That could well happen to bikes. Lots of old blokes sitting on bikes from the 70s to 90s but at some point they will be too old to ride them or dead and they will all have to find new homes. There aren’t enough new bikers to take them and people under 35 probably have no interest in such bikes anyway."
I've thought this for some time. Irrespective of environmental pressures to reduce emissions, As me and my peers die off (I'm 58), I just don't see that there will be a demand in the medium-longer term for the bikes that I yearned for in my youth. And the same thing goes for every age group of vehicles and people as they get older. I can see that there will be an ongoing demand for "very special" stuff, but look how many 60s and 70s Bonnies are out there... not rare enough to be special and supply will exceed demand. Would still like one though.
I suppose it doesn't matter unless you are buying as an investment... so as far as your wallet will allow, buy the bike you want whilst its available and you can still ride!
I've thought this for some time. Irrespective of environmental pressures to reduce emissions, As me and my peers die off (I'm 58), I just don't see that there will be a demand in the medium-longer term for the bikes that I yearned for in my youth. And the same thing goes for every age group of vehicles and people as they get older. I can see that there will be an ongoing demand for "very special" stuff, but look how many 60s and 70s Bonnies are out there... not rare enough to be special and supply will exceed demand. Would still like one though.
I suppose it doesn't matter unless you are buying as an investment... so as far as your wallet will allow, buy the bike you want whilst its available and you can still ride!
Marquezs Stabilisers said:
I ride a 2002 FireBlade I bought a couple of years ago. I'm 40: a perfect midlife crisis fit, you might think (though I've been riding since I was 19 so not a born again). Similar purchaser perhaps to the OP's idea.
I bought a litre sportsbike as my wife no longer comes pillion. We used to tour all over Europe, now we have a four year old and much less free time! So I didn't need to worry about pillion accommodation.
As I'd never owned a sportsbike, it was time to get one. An issue I discovered, and the thing I think that will eventually kill the 1,000cc market, was the rule change letting big 4s into WSBK. I could have afforded a newer bike - but I couldn't fit. I really wanted an Aprilia RSV Mille but wasn't going to buy something with a plastic tank. My knees won't bend enough for many of the 1000s designed more for track than road.
The fact it doesn't have traction control isn't an issue. The absence of ABS preys on my mind in the wet, but then I no longer have to commute through central London.
Very interesting observation in regards to letting the big 4's into WSB, thereby making them less road orientated (from a practical standpoint). Believe it or not, I would probably get a 929/954 again just due to that immense boot...it swallowed up a chain, lock, waterproofs, toolkit, puncture repair kit! Very practical for a day trip. Now you have to carry sI bought a litre sportsbike as my wife no longer comes pillion. We used to tour all over Europe, now we have a four year old and much less free time! So I didn't need to worry about pillion accommodation.
As I'd never owned a sportsbike, it was time to get one. An issue I discovered, and the thing I think that will eventually kill the 1,000cc market, was the rule change letting big 4s into WSBK. I could have afforded a newer bike - but I couldn't fit. I really wanted an Aprilia RSV Mille but wasn't going to buy something with a plastic tank. My knees won't bend enough for many of the 1000s designed more for track than road.
The fact it doesn't have traction control isn't an issue. The absence of ABS preys on my mind in the wet, but then I no longer have to commute through central London.
t around you or strap it on somehow.KobayashiMaru86 said:
Another issue in Wales at least is the lack of dealer support, so many brands are out for me because the nearest just lost quite a few of it's franchises. But they were crap to deal with anyway but if say I got BMW or Aprilia it would be a trip to Bristol somewhere. Ducati would be Cardiff, which I already do with the Triumph. Best local dealer only does Suzuki and Yamaha which are fine. For something cheap that may do. Did ride a Tracer 900 years ago but couldn't get on with the throttle. There's also very few bike garages too. Luckily I do have where I take it for MOT now but took a while to find a good place. Some stuff I can do myself but some things for now I feel better a garage doing.
.....
It's expensive to own old bikes and have them dealer maintained......
My bike only sees the trade once a year for an MOT.
OutInTheShed said:
KobayashiMaru86 said:
Another issue in Wales at least is the lack of dealer support, so many brands are out for me because the nearest just lost quite a few of it's franchises. But they were crap to deal with anyway but if say I got BMW or Aprilia it would be a trip to Bristol somewhere. Ducati would be Cardiff, which I already do with the Triumph. Best local dealer only does Suzuki and Yamaha which are fine. For something cheap that may do. Did ride a Tracer 900 years ago but couldn't get on with the throttle. There's also very few bike garages too. Luckily I do have where I take it for MOT now but took a while to find a good place. Some stuff I can do myself but some things for now I feel better a garage doing.
.....
It's expensive to own old bikes and have them dealer maintained......
My bike only sees the trade once a year for an MOT.
ujio said:
Very interesting observation in regards to letting the big 4's into WSB, thereby making them less road orientated (from a practical standpoint). Believe it or not, I would probably get a 929/954 again just due to that immense boot...it swallowed up a chain, lock, waterproofs, toolkit, puncture repair kit! Very practical for a day trip. Now you have to carry st around you or strap it on somehow.
Givi and Hepco and Becker both do topbox racks for the 954. I have a Givi 52 litre topbox and a big tailpack from Oxford I got in a sale years ago for £20. I can carry loads of stuff around, which makes it useful when I have to travel for work and play! t around you or strap it on somehow.I'm not a big fan of carrying stuff in a backpack, especially given you need a great big lock and chain these days. It hurts if I forget to take my asthma inhaler out of my pocket and land on it on my fat, fleshy thighs. A big chain would make a right mess of your spine...
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