Looking for a project to work on this winter and ride next summer. I have ridden dirt bikes all my life and thinking it's time to get a street bike. I want something old and powerful, but not rare as hens teeth so I don't have to pay a ton. I am hoping you all can steer me toward some very specific bikes so I can go have a look because I really have no idea. Influences would be Vmax, V65Magna, kawasaki kz100 o Z1, older guzzi or Bmw..... so the theme would be large displacement, relatively common cruisers perhaps. You will note that I did not mention Harleys. I will not buy a Harley. Lovely bikes but I am fifty this year and I don't need to join the parade of aging retro bikers that cruise by my house in their designer leathers on the way to the pub. I mean I guess I will be one, but at least the bike can be different if you get my drift.
How old are we talking here and what do you want to use it for?
Out of the bikes you listed, Honda and BMW will have the best spares supply going back to the 60s/70s. Guzzi mechanical spares shouldn't be an issue either, but the electrics and especially the switchgear on the 70s and 80s was of the "self destructing five minutes after leaving the dealer" kind. I love old Italian bikes, but there's a reason a lot of people try to retrofit Japanese switchgear to them.
The VMax really is a short-distance, straight line bike (think drag bike for the street), that would be the one I'd probably rule out unless that really describes your usage.
Don't rule out the Honda and Suzuki UJMs, there is a good reason that they sold well back then. Those and the Kawasakis you list are going to be cheaper than the European bikes. Also, I wouldn't rule out the 650/750 class, they're often a good compromise in size and usually powerful enough.
Handling-wise you're better off with the European bikes, the Japanese bikes of that period can be a little on the bendy side frame-wise and don't exactly have the best suspension. I would give the "soft chopper" style Japanese bikes of the early 80s a wide berth, they often have frame changes that work against them.
Right, let's throw out a few ideas - keep in mind I'm more of a touring oriented rider:
- BMW R75/6 or R80/7. Naked BMW bike, still works well as a mid- to long distance tourer. A lot of people consider the R90 and R100 stretched a little too far and they're more prone to oil leaks, the 75 and 80 is a sweeter engine too boot. The /6 and /7 are less sought after than the 75/5 and less collectible, so more bargains can be had and they're more developed - five speed gear box instead of four speed, for example. Collectible alternatives would be an R90S, R80GS/R100GS.
- Moto Guzzi 850T is probably easiest to find and the simplest one if you don't want the proper cruiser California. They do handle well, but tend to have very harsh rear suspension and need wrestling through corners due to the wheelbase. They're still a ton of fun though. Californias are probably the best cruiser out of your list, but I couldn't help but notice that most of the bikes you listed aren't cruisers
.
- Moto Guzzi V50 if you want Italian, cheaper, well handling and can deal with the ergonomics. IIRC parts for the 850/1000/1100 are easier to find, the V50 is buzzier but easier to throw around corners.
- Honda SOHC CB750 or CB650. Early CB750 are getting expensive, though, but they're classics, work pretty well if you can get the front disk brake to cooperate and generally you're unlikely to lose money on them. Budget for suspension upgrades
- Suzuki GS1000 (or if you can find one of the Muth-styled Katana 1100s, I'd go for one of those). Strong motors, generally realiable. Same comment re the suspension
- Kawasaki Z900 are more collectible, the Z1 is also a good choice and less sought after. Good bikes, with the usual caveats for 70s bikes
Out of the ones above, my choice would be the BMWs or the Guzzi, but that's personal preference.
One thing you may want to consider if you want to ride more and wrench less would be one of the more modern "retro" bikes - for example the Kawa ZRX1200 I have is a replica of the 70s Eddie Lawson replica, but with more modern engineering and handling. Mine's got around 40k on it and is still working fine (it's also for sale, but that's a different matter).
Late '70s Yamaha XS1100s seem to pop up in fair shape pretty often around here for around a grand. Back when when I worked as a cycle mechanic I got to spend time with quite a few, IMO, they are extremely well constructed and not at all bad to work on. They sure gots the powah. Handling, not so much. Mostly due to serious torque jacking from the shaft drive.
There was also a three cylinder XS model that made plenty of power, a bit less weight and a nasty intimidating exhaust growl. I can't remember if it was an 850 or 750.
XS850 - however from memory those can have problems with the 90 degree transfer mechanism to the shaft drive.
I guess I don't really know the definition of tourer. I have only ridden the odd street bike around the block. But if I bought one, I picture myself doing day trips or the odd longer distance business trip. I like the XS1100. I was surprised just looking quickly how much they are in my area.
I started looking at guzzi's and found this:
I think I like it.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the manly man bonus points for most of the XSs having kick starters. 
I never tried to kick any of the 11s, but I did kick over a triple, it wasn't hard at all.
As I piss away the evening looking at bikes, I come across the funniest review I have read in a long time...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RsKFsce5phw&feature=youtu.be
I have a Stelvio and I live in Langley B.C. If you want to talk about them, send me a PM. There are certain years to stay away from.
I also have an 850 LeMans which is a Tonti-framed 'Guzzi.
The 850 T, T3, Lemans, 1000SP and California all share a Tonti frame. You can swap tanks, side covers, etc between most of them with minor changes.
My vintage 'Guzzis have Japanese switchgear.
I have a few friends who all have 'Guzzis, they're fantastic bikes and if you think HD owners are odd, wait until you buy a Moto Guzzi. If it were any more of cult, you'd need to sacrifice a chicken.
A magazine article once said: "Motorcyclists are on the fringe of society and Moto Guzzi owners are on the fringe of motorcycling."
I'm ever so slowly working on a 1973 CB500. Honda parts are plentiful and there are many shopping options. Also everything Honda is online as well.
My only issue is that I don't find the older Hondas as cool as I do an older Guzzi, Ducati, or BMW. I think it something of the aura of the Italian bikes vs the common and reliable Japanese bikes. The BMWs look so cool with their flat cylinders out on each side.
Don't get me wrong I love the older CBs but it seems like everyone is restoring, cafe'ing, or chopping an old CB/Yama/Kawi right now.
If I could find a brown painted (not rust) Italian or BMW and an owner who wanted a CB, I'd trade and restore the Italian or BMW, and pass the CB on down the road. (Why it needs to be brown is another story for another day)
I think you should take a look at the early-90s Yamaha FJ 1200.
You won't want for power or torque and they are reliable as an anvil.
bearmtnmartin wrote:
...but I am fifty this year and I don't need to join the parade of aging retro bikers that cruise by my house in their designer leathers on the way to the pub.
You can dress that way on any bike, if that's what you wish.
Conversely, you don't have to dress that way on any bike. The choice is yours.
Kinda silly believing you must costume up to ride a particular bike.
I have a 1992 Yamaha XJ600 SECA ii. If you have time it would make a great project. It's 600 CCs, so maybe not as big as you're looking for, but I've already done a ton of maintenance and replaced most wear items, so not much more is needed to be running, and then you could tune it for power or customize it to look better. Here's a link to my GRM for sale post: SECA ii
I'm older than you and I've been riding Harley's since I was 17. But, if you don't like them because some geezers ride by your house on one, whatever. Get a Sportster or a Buell. Geezers don't ride those.
HappyAndy wrote:
Late '70s Yamaha XS1100s seem to pop up in fair shape pretty often around here for around a grand. Back when when I worked as a cycle mechanic I got to spend time with quite a few, IMO, they are extremely well constructed and not at all bad to work on. They sure gots the powah. Handling, not so much. Mostly due to serious torque jacking from the shaft drive.
There was also a three cylinder XS model that made plenty of power, a bit less weight and a nasty intimidating exhaust growl. I can't remember if it was an 850 or 750.
Let me know if ypu spot a 78 xs11, please!
I have a zx600r project available soon. Bought it as part of a set and to ride while I'm doing a fairly extensive service on my 916. They are a great all arounder and built for a long time. I think 15+ years.
markwemple wrote:
HappyAndy wrote:
Late '70s Yamaha XS1100s seem to pop up in fair shape pretty often around here for around a grand. Back when when I worked as a cycle mechanic I got to spend time with quite a few, IMO, they are extremely well constructed and not at all bad to work on. They sure gots the powah. Handling, not so much. Mostly due to serious torque jacking from the shaft drive.
There was also a three cylinder XS model that made plenty of power, a bit less weight and a nasty intimidating exhaust growl. I can't remember if it was an 850 or 750.
Let me know if ypu spot a 78 xs11, please!
Ask and you shall receive
Sent an email. We'll see where it goes
Finally. Today. He'll be sending more pics
The xs11 benefits greatly from improved rear shocks, front springs and a steering brace. These parts are becoming more scarce, however.
What about a firt gen (96 to 2000) suzuki bandit? Not expensive to buy and maintain. 100hp stock and since it is a detunes gsxr1100 125hp can be obtain by simple mods (around 500$. ) make for a great touring bike with power. I had one.. sold it because too powerfull for my tastes..
May not be as old as you want, but its roots are 80' katana's and gsxr so...
A honda gl1000 to 1200 cand be had for not to much if you want more of a highway highway bike.
Bmw r series are usually 4k+
K series (flat inline 4) around 2k.
What about a firt gen (96 to 2000) suzuki bandit? Not expensive to buy and maintain. 100hp stock and since it is a detunes gsxr1100 125hp can be obtain by simple mods (around 500$. ) make for a great touring bike with power. I had one.. sold it because too powerfull for my tastes..
May not be as old as you want, but its roots are 80' katana's and gsxr so...
A honda gl1000 to 1200 cand be had for not to much if you want more of a highway highway bike.
Bmw r series are usually 4k+
K series (flat inline 4) around 2k.
Since i owned 3 sohc cb750 i really recommend them. Realiable when sorted properly, its the clasic bike witj the best parts availability i know of. Everything is available new or reproduced short of a frame and engine case.
Value is on the rise but nice examples that needs some works or alf done caferacer can be found between 1 and 2k. Less that that are usually basket case that need engine rebuild.... (836 to 1000cc anyone?)
Vigo
PowerDork
5/18/16 2:45 p.m.
Kinda silly believing you must costume up to ride a particular bike.
I think he doesn't want to be guilty by association with all the people he mentioned who DO apparently believe that.
This is familiar to me. I've been a car guy my whole life and into a lot of things but it's always hard to truly like people who are into 'one car/make/brand' and form a social clique around it and make it a lifestyle thing and get patches on their leathers or stickers on their back windows advertising their little club affiliations etc etc.
