all you cycle heads, got suggestions?
i'm looking for something under 5k
like this
what i mean to say is that they stopped making the dream/superhawks in the late 60's, and the biggest displacement was 305cc with a 4 speed tranny. so you're gonna do 60 max. they're really nice bikes, but not ideal. unless you're a collector, the performance isn't worth the price.
1975 cb 550
i had a 1974 cb550. it was an amazing bike. indestructible and fuel efficient, and a total BLAST to ride. really easy to maintain, too. and my insurance was dirt cheap. you'll get a lot of compliments with it too. and it'll go 75 no problem. i took it from atl to tampa on i75 the whole way.
74 bmw r60
bmw makes great bikes that will run forever. you will consistently see people with 60's r series that have 150k on them. (bikes take mileage a lot differently than cars.) however, they're a lot more maintenance heavy than jap bikes, so you have to know what you're doing.
69 bonneville
i know it's a bit goofy looking, but this a pretty decent period custom. watch out though, they require a lot of tlc.
1971 cb 750
considered by many to be one of the greatest motorcycles of all time. started the jap bike displacement wars. first bike to beat harley at daytona in the races. had a reputation as "kid killer" because they were so cheap that lots of young kids would buy them, but they couldn't handle the power. i had an 81 750, and that thing kicked my ass. i ended up selling it because it was too fast.
here's my advice. keep your eyes out for an early 70's honda 4 (500, 550, or 750) or a honda 450 if you can get your hands on it. they've got a great look to them (they look just like triumphs), they're hella dependable, and parts are readily available. other jap bikes from the period are good too, but you have to be careful. some are not as dependable, and once you get away from honda, it becomes harder and harder to get parts for them. the one exception being the yamaha xs650. i have one now back in the states. it's a japanese triumph. if you can get one, do it. they're great bikes. easily customizable. and there's a place called mike's xs that has almost EVERYTHING for them. but in my opinion, one of these bikes is your best bet. the most bang for your buck in performance, style and reliability.
