Keepers

KEEPERS

Minton’s guide to good ol’ bikes

IF THERE'S ANYTHING BETTER than owning a good motorcycle, it’s owning a good motorcycle that doesn’t cost much money. The used-bike market is chock full of such machines, shining examples of yesterday’s technology just waiting to be snapped up, many for less than $1000.

This list is made up of motorcycles that we believe are good, practical. useful machines. They got here by being reliable, comfortable, cheap to operate, easy to maintain and fun to ride. They are

all still readily available and can be updated in the same manner as our Yamaha XJ650 Seca project bike (see "CIV Project." page 34). Each will benefit from a refurbishing of its suspension, brakes and tires. Most will respond to rejetting and air-cleaner mods, and the earlier versions will run much more happily if their ignition systems are given a good dose of aftermarket technology.

We could lengthen this list of

bikes, maybe double it, so if you find a well-cared-for used motorcycle that’s not contained in this list, don't be scared away. But no matter what type or model you're thinking of buying, be sure to check it out thoroughly before you hand over any money. If your mechanical skills aren't up to that task, take the bike to someone who can correctly ascertain its condition. Remember, there’s a fine line between a bargain and a burden. Good luck and good hunting. —Joe Minton

BMW

Any R-series machine from 1976 on is an excellent choice. The best R-bikes were made from 1981 on, when they received some important chassis changes, including a more powerful front disc brake. The engine also became smoother and more responsive. These Boxer Twins are light, versatile and reliable. As there’s not a BMW shop on every corner, parts may be a little difficult to trace down, but at least they’ll be available for a long time to come. The RT version has one of the best touring fairings ever made.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Any Harley is a keeper from the financial point of view. However, they only became sound, functional machines with the introduction of the FXR “Rubberglide" range in 1982. The Sportster of that same year, while distinctly crude, is also a good buy. The 1982 Big Twin engine was updated to keep the oil inside, where it belonged. While the ’82 Sportster motor wasn’t powerful, it was reliable, and there will be parts available for both engines well past the year 2000.

KAWASAKI

Highly desirable is any Z-l-based model, with the exception of the fuel-injected GPzllOO, which never ran well. Early Z-ls need many modifications to the chassis, including brakes, seat, suspension and a tighter swingarm mount. However, the tough, powerful engine makes all the trouble worthwhile. One of the all-time great motorcycles.

HONDA

The original 750 Four is still a fine motorcycle. It may be difficult to locate one in really good condition, but there were so many of them made that it is still possible. Any version will do, from 1969 through '78. This bike really benefits from brake improvements, and it needs an electronic ignition and more powerful ignition coils. Other than these modifications, you’ll need to fix little things, polish it and ride.

Also worth looking for are the CB750, CB900 and CB1100 double-overhead-cam models, 1979 to ’84. The successors to Honda’s pioneering Four were powerful, smooth and had excellent handling. These later CBs really respond to air-cleaner changes and carburetor re-jetting.

Don’t forget the CX650, the follow-on to Honda’s innovative CX500 V-Twin. The 650 version had improved suspension, and its engine was both smoother and more powerful. The Silver Wing touring version of this bike remains a fine solo touring mount.

Another one to look for is the GL1000. The original Gold Wing was an outstanding motorcycle. Nothing is smoother, longer-lived or more reliable. Until 1982, one could buy an unfaired version of the Wing, and, with upgrades to suspension, seat, brakes and ignition system (fit a KV Products Dyna-S ignition), it makes a fine everyday motorcycle.

Any Hawk parallel-Twin from 1978 until they stopped making them is a bike worth keeping. This little workhorse contains one of the toughest motorcycle engines ever built. The Automatic version is a particularly good machine. Watch for seeping head gaskets and a loose balance-shaft chain, otherwise ride, ride, ride.

Keep an eye out for KZ650s, especially the cast-wheel, dual-disc C models. They are light, good handling and comfortable. The 650 engine is, if anything, even more durable than the Z-l motor. A good, underrated motorcycle, as is any 700/750 Four based on the 650 engine. KZ700/750s and the later GPz750s are, to this day, very good performers, though some models are in desperate need of seat modifications.

Kawasaki’s middleweight Four, either in KZ550 or GPz550 form, is a winner. Rugged, reliable and powerful, Kawasaki 550s are hard to bring down, and their light weight and excellent maneuverability make them one of the best city-bike designs, ever.

Don’t forget the KZ1300. That’s right, the behemoth, sixcylinder, shaft-drive megabike. The plain, unfaired version of this motorcycle is an extremely stable open-road cruiser: At 90 mph, it feels like it’s parked. And with suspension changes, the KZI300 handles amazingly well.

SUZUKI

The GS650G is a delightful motorcycle, perhaps the best middleweight four-cylinder bike of its time, with shaft drive, excellent handling, powerful brakes, a comfortable seat and very low maintenance requirements. It was good when it came out in 1981, and it still is today.

Another fine motorcycle is the GS1000, which set new standards for ride quality, handling and stability in performance bikes when it debuted in 1978. The dualfront-disc, cast-wheel version is the better machine.

More of the same is available in the GSI 100E. The GS 1100 engine is still the most sought after for serious drag racing. It can be made as large as I533cc without blowing itself into little pieces. The 1981-83 versions are the best, with handlebar, seat and footpegs positioned to give one of the bestever motorcycle seating positions.

YAMAHA

Without putting too fine a point on it, any Virago you can stand the looks of is a worthwhile buy: Some models were pretty gaudy. This V-Twin cruiser is stable and reliable. The early, single-shock versions benefit greatly from the addition of a Progressive Suspension rear spring. Otherwise, a truly good motorcycle.

Another Yamaha of dubious styling was the 550 Vision, but today, it makes a good used-bike prospect. All Visions handled well, though the later, double-disc models had a stiffer fork with better feel. Light-steering, rocksteady and extremely reliable.

Larger brother to our Seca 650 project bike, the shaft-drive Seca 750 didn’t fit into any marketing niche and didn’t sell as well as it should have. The Seca had the first production anti-dive fork, was fairly fast and handled well, and is worth looking for today.

Another good motorcycle worthy of consideration is the Seca 900. Reliable and capable, if somewhat overweight, the Seca hides no serious vices and is blessed with the open-road stability of a semi. An excellent budget sport-tourer.

Big, smooth, comfortable and dependable, the XS1100 was a revelation when introduced in 1978. Its powerful, rubbermounted engine was uncannily smooth. At nearly 600 pounds, it isn’t exactly the best choice for around-town use, but with the appropriate upgrades, the XS is one of the best old big bikes money can buy. SI