New Bike prices

So I picked up a copy of Cycle World , love the magazine had sub script ion for years. They are doing a comparison of 3 new bikes , Yamaha "Cheapest" 6700$ ,to 9900$ for Triumph Wow . Think I will stick with my 82 xj750 Seca Even if I went wild and add the FZR discs and braided lines and what ever I dream up , my 850$ bike still will not approach 6700$ . Yes it is adding up new tires, battery, carb parts, all the parts from ebay still have about 1600$ by my estimate ( terrible about keeping track according to wife) Plates/insurance cheap so I have done this before bought an older bike got it running good and sell it on. Sometimes I made out great other times about even, this bike is different had it almost a year (think I'm in love with it) I think I will keep it.

 

USed is always less expensive than new, but the value you get with new at the moment is amazing (particularly for the Yamaha triples, and the Honda NC twins).

 

I never purchase a new vehicle, and don't plan on purchasing a new bike. I have always been of the opinion that it is better for someone else to work out the kinks before I purchase it. I also like to purchase old tools, such as late 1880s and early 1900s hand planes, so it is a bit of a habit for me.

Now, that doesn't mean I wouldn't be happy to purchase a newer bike, say three or four years old. As K-moe noted, their have been some great improvements.

 

I have riden some new bikes, in some ways they are great (fuel injection is nice) , but I just can't bring my self ( read wife & $$$ =control) to buy new. I have bought one new bike ( I've only had 7 bikes ) an 01 Buell Blast ( yes I know a chick bike) I loved the Thumper paid less than 5000$ had 2 miles on it sold it at 11,500 a few years later . The thing about my Seca it is possible to improve things like braking and handling , since I have the carbs worked out it has good power ..no it is no Busa or GSXR750 , but I'm old now so all out speed is not something I want or need... riding long distance with moderate comfort is more like it .

 

Seems to be the XJ profile.. I had a 550 (seca) at 19 (or was it 20?) now 30 years later I've got one for old times sake and this time around I understand better how it works. At 19 I just rode..

 

The motor on my Seca is great and I enjoy it thoroughly...but some modern brakes and about 100lbs less weight would be welcome! I have seen some of the early 90s Seca II's- how does everyone feel about those? Basically a punched-out 550, right?

 

I had one ( short period =wife long story wound up with my KZ550 LTD back from trade) the seca 2 was great I'd take one . Only thing I didn't like same as most sport bikes laying towards tank is not real comfortable on long rides, on hands /back

 

I like the older stuff, irrespective of cost savings. Don't need a payment to own a motorcycle, and I *sure* as heck am not going to pay the outrageous fees they charge for registration of new vehicles here in AZ. $500.00 for a one year registration...LOL, I think not...

 

Not to mention if you want to modify an older bike as long as you are not making payments on it , the sky is the limit for what you want to do. A "new " bike you wont be hacking frames or things like that if you don't hold the title to said bike . Banks frown upon those things, insurance companies, BMV etc ... at least from what I know. I know if I'd pay 6-9 grand for a bike I would not even think about changing things that much.

 

Seca 2 (Diversion in Europe) not for me - sold as a commuter bike. Skip to the FZS600 if you like though.. had one of those about 16 years ago..

 

While not as sophisticated as the 650 or 750 Seca, all that kept me from buying one new was being short $3500.

Personally I like a heavier bike, but then I live in the windy middle.

 

I'm coming from a stripped down RD350 to the 650 Seca, so it's like night and day haha. Plus I ride MX bikes more than I ride on the street, so I'm used to things that are light and flickable. But I can see how a featherweight machine would be a disadvantage in the wind!

 

A buddy of mine had an FZ6 for years and loved it; I forgot about those!

 

I've been looking at "new" bikes from the late 90's. I particularly like Honda cb1000 standard. Soooo much engine!

 

A couple of years ago I looked into getting a new bike to replace my 83 XJ550. I really didn't like the looks of most, and the prices..well, my wife said put some money in my XJ550. It is well worth the $750 it has cost me to get it back to optimal running.

 

81 Maxim was $2999 back then, roughly $7800 in 2016 money. They were all new at one point, pros and cons to both buying new or buying used. I'd love to purchase a new bike and be the first/only owner. The ability for me to purchase a used one and fix it up is not only a money saver but a fun hobby as well.

 

I bought my '83 XJ550 brand new in 1985 for about $1900 as I remember (the dealer was trying to get rid of prior year models -my total cost was $2200, but that included 2 helmets, a backrest, engine bars and foot pegs, and a windsheild). That is $4225 in today's dollars. It would be difficult or impossible to find a comparable new bike in that price range today.

 

I agree. I wouldn't even sell you my 82 Maxim for $4225 today

 

I've got about $20k into this one, and I still think it's good value!

The bikes you can get these days are amazing! Nothing wrong with the XJ tho

 

Your wife said what ?! Next you'll be telling us she's a beauty queen who likes watching action thrillers and brings you beer in bed...

 

Shes all that....

 

Your wife must be a saint? I just got back from a 25 mile ride ..this bike pulls so well I wanted to keep going but it is so HOT here right now. When these bikes are sorted out they are a great machine.

 

Cgutz, that is the way we should all see our wives. Great response!

 

After cumulative maintenance over two summers mine is running like the day I drive it off the showroom. Really smooth and nice.

 

My wife is not real bad about it when I order parts...I think she understands me

 

My wife has been very supportive of me too but I do get an occasional grunt! Lol

 

I have a 1976 Yamaha xs750 it will be running before I sell it but what price should I sell it for

 

I wish that would be possible