Vintage shaft-driven Hondas, good first bikes?

[drivesideways46]

I've gone through this the past few years, but have finally decided that I'm ready to take the plunge and take on motorcycle ownership. I've already got a spot reserved in the MSF class here in Martinsburg in August...and have started a small fund to dedicate towards buying a somewhat reliable starter bike. Just for kicks and giggles, I'd like to cap the budget at around $1500 just in case (when? hock: ) it goes down.

My main goals for the bike are to be able to relax and cruise, have a reasonably reliable budget bike, and be able to get around 40 or so mpg.

A guy I work with pointed me towards his buddy's 1977 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, and I have to say...I'm pretty impressed with it.

It has 16k miles, and has been refurbished by an old Honda tech who has been working on these bikes for about 30+ years. Admittedly, I don't know much about old motorcycles, but it appeared to be in great condition. It had newish tires, no rust, and was dressed up with some blingy chrome pieces and drag pipes, and the tank and front fender were repainted a sort of fire engine red.

The only downside that I could see, was a kind of rough idle...but he attributed this to the carbs either needing synchronizing...or the bike needing just a few good days of riding to clear up. To be fair, he said he hadn't ridden the bike in over 2 years...and it had been nearly 3 months since he had last started it and changed the oil. The owner claims that he just cannot ride the bike anymore at his old age, since he can only balance the bike by standing on tip-toes. He prefers to ride his custom 750 Magna instead. :lol:

I get a pretty good feeling about the seller, as I don't think he's trying to rip anyone off. He has a garage full of 60's and 70's Hondas, and is considering selling the Goldwing just to thin down the herd a bit.

I may end up giving him a call and seeing if I can get a few pictures of the bike tomorrow, but anyway, he's asking $1500...and said he'd knock off a little bit so I could afford to have the carbs sync'ed if necessary.

I'm mainly looking for your guys opinion on such a bike with a newbie rider. I love the fact that the bike is a classic, and feel that I'll be more apt to focus on the basics of safe riding on a cruiser bike, as opposed to something more maneuverable.

Plus, I've never been on a shaft-driven bike before! My experience is all with dirtbikes, so I'm not entirely comfortable with not having a chain. I realize that most people say this setup is superior and less-maintenance prone than chain-driven cycles...I just wonder if they're giving me a completely unbiased opinion.

As always, any opinions are appreciated!

[CaptainHenreh]

A gold wing is an enormous, heavy, ponderous motorcycle.

Not what I'd pick for your first bike, but I'm no expert.

[Mike]

from one heavy first bike owner to a potential UBERheavy first bike owner, don't do it.

[.RJ]

Even coming from dirt bikes its going to be a pain - and a goldwing is not exactly maintenance friendly. Not even close.

If its been sitting for a few months the carbs and gas tank have to come off, and be thoroughly cleaned out - may involve carb rebuild kits (x 4) depending on the carbs (I'm not familiar with them). They gum up and collect varnish very easily.

I may be selling my '71 CB350 soon, if you're interested. Its tuned up and ready to go.

[Mike]

I may be selling my '71 CB350 soon, if you're interested. Its tuned up and ready to go.

i am, thanks.

[Apoc]

Looking at the bike, you wouldn't think it would be that heavy (600 lbs hock: ) but I guess a 30 year old 1000cc engine can't not be.

[.RJ]

I may be selling my '71 CB350 soon, if you're interested. Its tuned up and ready to go.

i am, thanks.

Known issues: starter doesnt always work, but starts up on the first kick, turn signal relay is a little flaky, needs a right side muffler (some rust on the pipe, baffle has gone missing). 8k miles, all original. $1800.

[Mike]

want an integra?

[.RJ]

want an integra?

Maybe, but I'd prefer one thats assembled

[drivesideways46]

Thanks for all the responses guys! I think I'm just going to wait until after the MSF course to really start shopping for a bike.

Although...I did see this one on CL.

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RJ, that 350 is a great looking bike! Would I be able to ride it for about 70 miles a day on the highway or do you generally keep to the backroads?

[Ginger0]

RJ, that 350 is a great looking bike! Would I be able to ride it for about 70 miles a day on the highway or do you generally keep to the backroads?

That would definitely be an ill advised, miserable experience

[.RJ]

RJ, that 350 is a great looking bike! Would I be able to ride it for about 70 miles a day on the highway or do you generally keep to the backroads?

I love old hondas, but I sure wouldnt do that.

If you need something to go 70 miles of highway everyday then I'd recommend something with wind protection. Honda makes some pretty sweet things with 4 wheels, roofs, windshields and a/c

[drivesideways46]

I love old hondas, but I sure wouldnt do that.

If you need something to go 70 miles of highway everyday then I'd recommend something with wind protection. Honda makes some pretty sweet things with 4 wheels, roofs, windshields and a/c

Pansy. :lol:

I kind of always thought part of the fun of owning a motorcycle was "suffering" a bit from that extra exposure. Besides, I already own the fancy Camry for those days when I just wouldn't feel like riding.

I'm not talking about making a 6-hour marathon ride everyday, but it would be nice to have a bike that could run on the highway without feeling like it was going to explode.

I have also considered the beater car option though...anything Honda and semi-fun to drive is going for a good bit more than $1500.

[Mike]

I'm not talking about making a 6-hour marathon ride everyday, but it would be nice to have a bike that could run on the highway without feeling like it was going to explode.

you'll be wanting a bmw.

[.RJ]

I kind of always thought part of the fun of owning a motorcycle was "suffering"

I must have missed that part somewhere along the way.

[BLINGMW]

That IS part of the fun! :thumbup: