Need motorcycle, trying to find financing or other option

[zeoran]

I'm a single parent in SoCal. I recently got a new job that I love but it's 40 miles away from me and my commute is hell each day. Unfortunately, I sold my '82 Interstate a long time ago. I found a '92 Goldwing on Craigslist that I'm in love with. It's got less than 5,000 miles on it, perfect condition, barely driven, single owner for only $4,500. But I don't have that kind of cash lying around. In fact, being a single parent at a brand new job after 2 years unemployed, I don't have any cash lying around. I had hoped that I could get a title loan based on my car that would cover it, but my car has depreciated a lot faster than I thought it had. It's only worth $2k-$2,500. I've tried every loan/financing option I can think of and contacted every friend I have and then some. A motorcycle would save me hours per day in commute, hundreds a month in gas and would allow my son who's 17 to use the car. Unfortunately, due to a bunch of medical bills from my near-death in 2014, I have really poor credit. But I'm making good money at my new job, don't have any credit cards (I've never had one) and I don't care how high the interest rate is.

Any information or suggestions would be appreciated.

God bless,

~Mark

[BlueThunder]

Mark, given what you posted, I would forget about getting a loan. IF, and that's a big if, you got a loan the interest would be predatory - furthering your financial decline. Your best bike is to get a running bike for a cash amount that you could afford. For example, $700. Forget about a goldwing, maybe CB750 or CB550. At least you are riding. Down the road as your situation improves you can move up. BTW, I too was a single father raising two kids. Both kids are adults now and out on their own.

[zeoran]

I appreciate the advice. I've been looking, but I'm not sure what to look for in that department and I don't know how to protect myself from winding up buying something that's going to need $3,000 worth of repairs within the first 6 months. I'm also not sure how comfortable I would be on a smaller/lighter bike in heavy traffic. I don't know where you live, but here in Southern California, drivers are insane. At least with a big bike like the Goldwing, I was confident that even if I laid it on its side, I'd be ok. But again, the bigger problem is finding one that won't need a lot of work. I'd actually rather pay a ridiculous amount in interest and get the bike with less than 5,000 miles on it that I know will be fine for a good long while and serve me very well. I know that may not be rational, but I've had to deal with a LOT the past few years and I just want something nice that can get me to/from work comfortably and it would be nice to also be able to go riding with my son for pleasure too. I've been looking at used police bikes, like BMW's, but they're all in the $3-4k range.

[Rambozo]

It may only have 5000 miles, but it has 27 years on it. With that low mileage, translate that to likely years of sitting. It could have as many or more problems than a 10 year old bike with 100,000 miles on it. I agree to look for something that better fits your circumstances. If you are able to work on it yourself, also get something a lot easier to work on than a wing. Just my 2¢.

[zeoran]

Ok...I did an exhaustive search for motorcycles under $1,000 and I couldn't find one within 100 miles of me that was in even reasonably good shape mechanically. (obviously wasn't concerned about cosmetics at that price point)

I'm thinking that I might try and find some middle ground here... if I can get a title loan off my car for $2,000-$2,500 and I can throw in $500-700 of my own money that puts me in the range of $2,500-$3,200. I should be able to find a decent motorcycle in that range, probably not a Goldwing, but maybe one of the ex-police BMW's. I've always thought they would be a good choice since the Police departments would have had regular and good maintenance on them, but is that a bad assumption? Does anyone have any experience with ex-police BMW's?

[BlueThunder]

Why the fixation on BMW? They are one of the most expensive bikes to buy or maintain. I suspect that you have champagne taste on a beer budget. To claim that you can't find a good runner for less than $1000 is silly. They won't be looking like new, and may be cosmetically "challenged" but again, you don't have the budget.

Learn to do the work yourself and you will save lots of money in case something needs replacing or maintenance.

So what if you have to go a little further to get what you can afford. I am curious as to your age.

I live near NYC where traffic makes Southern California look like a tricycle race. I rode a 1976 CB360 as my first bike to Canada! Just because its a "smaller" bike doesn't mean you can't ride it to where you want.

[zeoran]

I don't have a "fixation" with BMW. I'm not even particularly fond of them. They are, however, the brand for the last couple of decades for POLICE BIKES, which is why I said I was interested in them. The presumption being (which I put out there for anyone to challenge if they could) is that an ex-police bike would be well-maintained. So your suspicion isn't well founded. If you actually read my posts, you'd have realized that. And if you believe that finding a good bike for under $1,000 is "silly", then, by all means, be my guest and find a good bike in running condition (that doesn't need any major repairs) for under $1,000 that's within 75 miles of 90278.

I'm a single parent at a brand new job looking for something that can INSTANTLY be put to use as a commute vehicle. I do not have the time (or physical space) to work on repairing a bike. And I already made clear in my last post that during my search for bikes under $1,000 that cosmetic appearance was NOT considered. I am, however, concerned with the handling and size of the bike as I am going to be riding it through VERY HEAVY traffic with a lot of insane crazy people around me. People that change lanes without warning and do things that are not only unsafe to me as a rider but even unsafe to themselves on a regular basis.

I'm happy you were able to find a bike that worked for your situation to take to Canada. My situation isn't your situation. And to satisfy your curiosity, I was born in 1972. I've worked on bikes before, I worked on my '82 Interstate when I owned it and rode it for over 2 years. I've worked on other bikes as well as many of my cars. However, that was when I was living in a place where that was possible. In my current apartment complex, there is barely room to park my car, least of all do any work on it, least of all any work on a motorcycle. It's great that your traffic makes mine look pathetic by comparison, I wasn't trying to enter a contest. I'm simply trying to find a solution to my problem. I am curious as to YOUR age.

[BlueThunder]

Dude, you are reading too much into what I post.

I was in a similar situation as you are describing and when you solicited advice, I provided what worked for me. If you want to obtain a 25-35% title/signature/personal/etc loan, then go ahead. You don't need my permission nor should you seek my permission to do so.

I found several ready to go bikes on Craigslist for Rendono Beach and its surrounding area. Everything from mopeds, CB360T, CX500 and even a 1982 CB750. I even found a '75 GL1000 but will need a thorough going through. All quite capable bikes. I stopped, well, because I'm not looking to buy another bike and besides, I don't know what you are looking for other than police BMWs. Oh, I'm 60 and have been riding for 42 years. I've owned a CB360T (my first bike), '77 CB550K, '82 CB900F, '80 CB750F, '82 CB750K, '77 GL1000, 2014 CTX1300, and a widow maker KH750. I ride Hondas because they are bullet proof and only need standard maintenance.

I hope you find what you are looking for and please post pictures when you do. I wish you luck in your endeavor and in your personal situation.

[AZgl1800]

do not over look the bigger scooters,
70 mpg and can run up to 90 mph or more.

I have a Piaggio MP3 250cc scooter and it can run 70mph...

I don't think I would use it on I-5 though

[tamathumper]

I will regret this, but here goes.

You are a single parent, with a newly found job, and a recent near-death experience that has left you with few funds. Everything about your situation, to me, says "reduce risk".

A motorcycle accident would leave your child without a parent. Motorcycles are inarguably higher risk.

A large motorcycle in quickly-shifting traffic is higher risk. You need a quick and nimble bike, not a big one.

A BMW regardless of provenance, or a GoldWing, or any other large complex bike is expensive to maintain. By your own admission, you have few funds to pay for maintenance to be done for you, and no space to do it yourself. You want a bike that is instantly applicable to your wants, but you have no funds or room for it. What's the plan when it breaks? It will break.

Registration and insurance may negate some of the savings you hope to achieve. I think your best option is to wait for a better risk/reward profile. This is not a need.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck.

[zeoran]

There is no chance on this earth I'm doing 80mph on the 405 on a scooter, no matter how high grade it is. And I know Honda has made some great scooters and a hybrid, like the Pacific Coast, if I'm remembering the name right. Despite contrary belief, I'm not even remotely beholden to BMW's. I'm simply looking for something that's capable of being a reliable means of transportation the instant I buy it. And both me and my father are under the impression that since the BMW's are ex-police bikes (I wouldn't buy one otherwise) then they have gone through routine and expert performed maintenance, thereby making them very reliable. I have yet to hear or see anything to challenge that opinion, although I'm open to it.

BlueThunder, by all means, send me those dozens of ready-to-ride bikes that you found on CL that are within 75 miles of Redondo Beach that are also $1,000 or less. I couldn't find ANY that didn't specify some level of repairs that needed to be made, from batteries to tires, etc.

I've never been fond of crotch rockets and I've always preferred having more than 400lbs of fiberglass between me and 80mph of asphalt, which is one of the reasons why I gravitate towards the Goldwings. I'm also 320lbs, so I'm a big guy and a small bike doesn't suit me well. My car is also having issues of its own and has been in for repairs 4 times already this year, which is why I'm aggressively looking for a motorcycle to begin with. I'm aware that Goldwings are more expensive to repair than a standard hog, but the trade-off's have always been worth it to me. But I'm not by any means limiting myself to Goldwings or BMW's. But again, I draw the line at scooters. I'm also not going out there on a dirt bike.

[winguyjo]

i was never that good at actually making money, but i have always been exceptional at managing what money i did make ... to me this is an absolute no-brainer.
work at your new, good-paying job, drive the car that you currently have, SAVE money until you can afford to pay cash in full for a good running bike. i have been a craigslist junkie long enough to know that $2,000US buys a very decent used bike.

your plan will have you insuring, repairing/maintaining, and operating two vehicles, using money that you don't have, and paying hefty fees for that money.

your call.

[froche]

Well having had a BMW, I would say that even a Police bike, as well maintained as they were kept still are relatively expensive to own.

My 1100 twin would cost about 2k for a clutch (All The Parts) and I would have to do the work. My current ride (1985 Goldwing) clutch parts are relatively cheap, 50-60 bucks.

My BMW was a high mileage bike but ran good. Needed a few body parts, bought them used and spent about 500 bucks (not really needed but...). Nice bike handled really well. i don't see buying one for much less than 2k.

If I was in your shoes (and once I was sort of) I would look for Kawasaki 500 (I think they are called Ninja (not the 250) and Suzuki's GS 500. i see those usually running around 1000.00 - 1500.00.

As for not wanting to fix a bike, especially on your budget I recommend that you do fix it! ?Its easy and much cheaper than the shop plus you can do it nites, holidays and weekends.

Redondo Beach is 90 miles from where I live (North San Diego county) so Orange County is probably within your 75 miles

i have searched Craigslist and found;
2012 Black Kawasaki Ninja 650R - $1500 (Long Beach) 8,500 miles
1985 YAMAHA 700 $1450 (Rancho Santa Margarita) 66,000 miles
2002 Kawasaki Concourse 1000 - $1400 (Irvine)
Honda Nighthawk CB750 - $1900 (Fountain Valley) 44,000 miles
Honda ST1100 ABS - $2000.00 - $2000 (Fullerton / Chino) 30,600 miles (needs rear brake work) <-- this will last forever
Kawasaki Vulcan 500cc - Runs Great - Clean CA Title - $1700 (Huntington Beach) 18,000 miles

All great bikes, me i buy the ST1100 or the Concourse

[zeoran]

The biggest obstacle to repairing a bike for me is not the lack of willpower but the lack of any space to do it in. I don't have a yard, or a driveway that I can use. There are no public spaces near me that I know of that I could use for something like that. I have a garage that I'm sharing with another tennant that my car currently fits into and there isn't any street parking.

I'll take a look around at those bikes you listed though and see what I can find. There is an '84 Goldwing listed that's caught my attention that seems decent enough and is only $2,000

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/m ... 73483.html

[dingdong]

That 1200 looks like a clean bike. Also says obo. If you can get the money make a starting offer considerably lower. Perhaps $1200 and go from there.

[froche]

The 1200 looks good but...
Be aware that you may have to;

Replace timing belts as Goldwings are an interference engine, meaning if it a breaks breaks (2 one for each side), the valves can hit the pistons and then you have to either fix it yourself, or pay big money for a shop to do, or sell cheaply.

Tires looked OK but you will have to replace. I removed mine and took the wheel and old tire with new tire and had a shop change them and then put them back on. Cost tire price plus 20 dollars for mounting each.

Brakes need be checked because they can become "clogged" with stuff masking them hard to return, and pads are unknown as to thickness. Mine were fine until they stopped returning. Had to replace all the pads and clean off the pistons and rebuild the wheel cylinders. Cost was pads plus rebuild kits and speedbleeders (yes they are worth it) about 60 bucks, again doing it myself.

There may/will be more they are 30+ years old!

Be sure and checking the charging system... mine worked / still works fine but on many a new stator is needed, Not too hard except you have to unbolt the motor and turn it sideways, or pay big bucks, or install a Poorbot alternator kit which if you can't make all the parts except the alternator is 400-500 bucks!

Frank
Still like the Concours and ST1100.. both new enough that you can find shops that will work on them

[tamathumper]

Regardless of brand, plastic and rubber get old and brittle. I learned that the hard way on P-cars. Stuff will break.

Factor in a new set of tires if they're over 5 years old.

[zeoran]

I really appreciate all the helpful feedback, although now I'm starting to get paranoid about buying a bike that's going to need major repairs immediately or soon after buying it.

Thing is, I don't see another option. My car isn't going to survive this kind of daily punishment and it would be highly beneficial if I could shave hours per day off my commute, save gas and give my son the option to use the car for just the local distance things he would need it for. I don't have the credit to buy a new vehicle of any kind, I don't have any place to park another full-size car nor could I afford to insure it. I just don't see another good option other than a motorcycle, even if it means dealing with unknown repairs, they can't cost more than the repairs my 2002 Hyundai sedan is going to need if I keep pushing it 80 miles/day. In a year, I'll be making more money and plan to move close to my work once my son graduates high school next year, so that will simplify things. But until then, I need a solution. I absolutely loved my '82 Interstate that I owned in the early 90's and I deeply regret selling it. A good portion of my opinion is based on that experience along with the reputation of Honda Goldwing's. And again, I'm a big guy at 320lbs, so a small bike just wouldn't work well.

Hopefully, something will show up that I can feel confident in. I do miss riding too and would love to have the option to go pleasure riding along with just daily commuting.

[froche]

Looked in San Diego craiglist and found these;
2003 Kawasaki Z1000 - $2500 (Vista) 45800 miles (all good, buy and run)
2006 SV650 - $1900 (Kearny Mesa) 33000 miles (The tank has had rust issues, just cleaned it out using Evaporust and got a new fuel pump. Works good now. Tank has a dent, some scuffs on the exhaust and front fly screen and fairing

Both good bikes

[froche]

Found this one but you claim you can't fix...

1986 goldwing gl1200i - $600 (Lakeside) 85k miles
Needs a new stator and starter solenoid, has a brand new starter motor and a new rear tire, currently runs and drives but could use a tune up and needs to be jump started or bump started

Solonoid is easy, the stator is hard but you can 'make" a poorboy kit, probably 125 in parts. It isn't real hard and you can pay for welding the mounts.

[zeoran]

Looked in San Diego craiglist and found these;
2003 Kawasaki Z1000 - $2500 (Vista) 45800 miles (all good, buy and run)
2006 SV650 - $1900 (Kearny Mesa) 33000 miles (The tank has had rust issues, just cleaned it out using Evaporust and got a new fuel pump. Works good now. Tank has a dent, some scuffs on the exhaust and front fly screen and fairing

Both good bikes

Appreciate it but two problems: First, as I said I'm too big for crotch rockets and I would never feel comfortable with that small of a bike between me and the freeway at high speed. More importantly, it has to be reasonably close to my home. I stated 75 miles from 90278 (Redondo Beach) and even that was pushing it significantly. San Diego is 120 miles away.

[Rambozo]

I also live in SoCal and I see a lot of Honda ST1300 ex Police bikes come up on Craig's List. Never owned one, but I'm sure they are much cheaper to maintain than the BMWs and having owned lots of Hondas, I can vouch for their reliability in general. Prices seem to range from $2k to $3k and I would agree with you that they have probably had decent maintenance. I'm willing to bet they are a lot easier to work on than the Beemers, too. Bonus nachos, you will have that coppelganger look that cagers tend to notice more.

BTW: I bought one of those $2000 GL1500's. I wasn't sure if a wing was for me so I didn't want to spend much. So far I am into it close to $4k and kinda wish I would have bought a better example, as there are limits to what is worth fixing. But overall I do like the bike while it is a pleasure to ride. I'm not sure I will ever find lane splitting as comfortable as I did on a naked or sport bike. I try not to be in as big a hurry as when I was young and dumb, either.

[zeoran]

I also live in SoCal and I see a lot of Honda ST1300 ex Police bikes come up on Craig's List. Never owned one, but I'm sure they are much cheaper to maintain than the BMWs and having owned lots of Hondas, I can vouch for their reliability in general. Prices seem to range from $2k to $3k and I would agree with you that they have probably had decent maintenance. I'm willing to bet they are a lot easier to work on than the Beemers, too. Bonus nachos, you will have that coppelganger look that cagers tend to notice more.

BTW: I bought one of those $2000 GL1500's. I wasn't sure if a wing was for me so I didn't want to spend much. So far I am into it close to $4k and kinda wish I would have bought a better example, as there are limits to what is worth fixing. But overall I do like the bike while it is a pleasure to ride. I'm not sure I will ever find lane splitting as comfortable as I did on a naked or sport bike. I try not to be in as big a hurry as when I was young and dumb, either.

I appreciate the information. I just did a CL search for the ST1300's. Unfortunately, all of them are in the $3,500-5k range, but I'm going to keep a close eye out and search a few other places as well. I have to admit that while I am anxious to own a Goldwing again, I'd much rather get one from a dealership that's either new or pre-owned (I'm actually not that fond of the latest changes they made to the Goldwing) and the ones I've found on CL and Cycletrader have scared me regarding costly repairs. It would be fine if it was a hobby thing and I was making more money than I do now. And who knows in a year or two. But right now, I just need something reliable and sturdy, which the ST1300 fits perfectly.

[froche]

The ST1100 is an earlier version... and there is one near you and "Honda ST1100 ABS - $2000.00 - $2000 (Fullerton / Chino) 30,600 miles (needs rear brake work) <-- this will last forever"

You will have to do brake work sooner or later...

[zeoran]

The ST1100 is an earlier version... and there is one near you and "Honda ST1100 ABS - $2000.00 - $2000 (Fullerton / Chino) 30,600 miles (needs rear brake work) <-- this will last forever"

You will have to do brake work sooner or later...

Yeah, I've already contacted the owner on that one. They already confirmed that it's still for sale and I've replied back asking for some additional information and to make arrangements to go see it.