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Looking for advice on a bike for a new rider

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by Buster_007, Apr 8, 2019.

  1. Buster_007

    Buster_007 New Member

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    Hi, I’m a new rider looking to buy my first bike. A 1983 Honda Shadow 500 has recently caught my eye and I’m wondering if this would be good for my first bike. It looks like its in really good shape and the seller is saying it is mechanically solid. I’m just wondering if this would be a good bike for a new rider and if it would be reliable given its age. I don't want something that I would have to constantly fix.

    Thanks
    Buster_007, Apr 8, 2019
    #1
  3. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    How many miles on it? Has it been rode all those years? And how many miles on it? Check tires for dry cracks, oil for sludge, gas tank for rust.
    Fatboy128, Apr 9, 2019
    #2
  4. Buster_007

    Buster_007 New Member

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    Its got 16,000 miles (26,000 km) on it. And yeah I’m going to go look at it this weekend and check it out. I’m just curious as to how those older bikes still hold up. Are they worth it or will it be in the shop more than on the road?
    Buster_007, Apr 9, 2019
    #3
  5. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    depends on what you are paying for it, if it's $500 then unless thats
    every dime you have, it's a starter beater bike. $5000, well you are
    spending a ton for an old bike.

    Check out the oil, gas, see if it starts easy, ask how old the battery, ask
    for receipts for the services, if they have them then you have a pretty
    good owner, check the tires for age and tire rot, all the normal stuff.

    As to a good starter, hard to say, it depend on how it fits you, and if its
    quick enough to keep up with traffic in the area.

    If you have a friend that is into bikes have them go with you, a second
    uninterested opinion is always good to have as your anchor..
    hotroadking, Apr 9, 2019
    #4
  6. Buster_007

    Buster_007 New Member

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    They are asking $2000 for it which is in line for similar bikes I have seen advertised in my area. This is maybe a bit more given the condition its in (assuming it doesn’t need anything done to it)
    Buster_007, Apr 9, 2019
    #5
  7. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Go check it out, be sure to start it, if they won't let you ride it
    have the owner run it up and down the street through the gears.

    Sit on it and make sure it really fits you, get them to hold it upright
    while you put your feet up on the pegs, be sure it fits. You need to be
    able to put your feet down when stopped and feel comfortable holding
    it up.

    Good luck.
    hotroadking, Apr 9, 2019
    #6
  8. Buster_007

    Buster_007 New Member

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    Yeah, that was my plan. Thanks
    Buster_007, Apr 9, 2019
    #7
  9. charlie46

    charlie46 Well-Known Member

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    just seems(to me) 2grand for a 35yr. old bike is an awful lot of dough. jmo..I'd look some more. Don't fall in love with one. Ya gotta live with it for some time before you should luve it.
    charlie46, Apr 9, 2019
    #8
  10. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    hotroadking, Apr 9, 2019
    #9
  11. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    Sorry but $2000? Go see it but I’d walk. If you need a Honda part in the future, your gonna have a major problem. Go to a Honda dealer and ask about parts availability for the bike. Not tires, battery, oil filter or brakes but things like air filter, coils etc. I’d be surprised if they were available and if so, expensive. I had an ‘81 1100 Suzuki and at 6 years old I paid gold for some gaskets and some electronic parts.
    HRK has it right (he usually does!). Spending hundreds on your first bike much easier if it goes south than 2k.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Fatboy128, Apr 10, 2019
    #10
  12. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Clearly you haven't met my wife and heard her opinion on my opinions :D
    hotroadking, Apr 10, 2019
    #11
  13. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    it's just between us men. don't tell my wife. Jackie Gleason in the "Honeymooners" ruined life for husbands. All those men laughing at his buffoonery years ago sealed our fate. Dumb azzes
    Fatboy128, Apr 10, 2019
    #12
  14. badinfluence63

    badinfluence63 Well-Known Member

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    Buster you're on the right track. First bike should be low cost not to expensive beater. Around here you can find them cheap enough. Don't know where you live or how available or cheap they are or aren't.

    Chances of rookie mishaps are huge, why smutz a expensive one. Just dropping a bike from standing still is $$$.
    badinfluence63, Apr 11, 2019
    #13
  15. Red Rider

    Red Rider Well-Known Member

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    Perfect bike for a starter, but at a not-so-good price. Yeah, if you're a collector of vintage Honda's you may want to pay that, but not for a bike that you'll probably get rid of as soon as you get through the MSF course and have the $$ for something else. But, in all honesty, you could do worse, too. Let your wallet tell ya what is right.
    Red Rider, Apr 11, 2019
    #14

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