Buying a cheap crosser project… should I give up now?

[MrBig]

For the past few months I’ve been looking out for a crosser project. I want something cheap because I want to restore/recommision as a fun project for the sake of my MH after a horrific 2023. Obviously a runner would be good because at least you know it’s not completely shafted internally.

Anyway, I thought I’d be able to find something under a grand, in 2 stroke form but all I’m finding is stuff with the frame numbers ground off, timewasters and bikes stashed in the front ‘garden’ which are obviously just used by teenagers tearing up their local streets.

I need it to be pretty cheap in order to have some money left to do something with it. And I want a project. Am I kidding myself that this is possible? I wanted a KX125/250 originally but have abandoned that idea due to the prices that even wrecks with no paperwork fetch

[vw_99]

Some prices have gone mad for "super evo" bikes.
Where as my 89 kx250 seems to be worth same as 5 years ago. But still double what i paid near 20 years ago.
But she still has not left the shed after full engine rebuild 8 years ago...

[gazzarose]

If it doesn't have to be a MX, then the early 90s enduro and trail stuff are still quite cheap. I've just put a '92 DR350 back on the road. I've had it for 20 years, but when looking for parts for it I came across lots of sub 1k ones that needed lots of work, to running project ones for 1-2k and then more for mint ones. Obviously no good on a MX track, but if you just wanted a cheap bike to play with then DR or similar are about and relatively unloved. The early 2000's MX stuff hasn't joined the price wave yet it seems, so if you're not stuck on 90's then could be worth looking at.

[pherlopolus]

Not an off-road bike, but I bought a basket case 1989 cb450dx last September for £450, spent another 2-300 in parts and 8 weeks later it had an MOT. Bargains are out there if you are flexible with what you are looking for…

[MrBig]

DR/enduro bike is a good shout, thank you. Will expand the search!

I keep seeing cheap sports bikes go for peanuts which is tempting, but not really what I'm looking for.

[Gee68]

All I can say about doing up an old off road bike up is beware of budget creep,ask me how I know.

[Ritchie335is]

Be very aware as most older off-road stuff is shagged. Parts are expensive and some hard to get. Once you start before you know it you’ll be into a full rebuild and you’ll struggle to get your money back on it.