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From: Larry Blanchard on 17 Apr 2010 21:31
On Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:24:26 -0700, ` wrote:

>> So I'm looking for a good old single or twin "standard" with no frills
>> that I can get for $2000 or less.
>
> If you have $2000 cash to buy a motorcycle, why look at old relics from
> the 1980's? At least get into the 1990's.
>
> I would buy a first year Suzuki SV-650 V-twin, the one with the round
> tube frame and carburetors. The SV-650 has separate detachable
> cylinders, so if the rings wear out, you can replace them easily, or
> replace the cylinder if it's scored.
>
> The SV650 has standard high mount handlebars that are fairly wide, so
> it's considered to be a standard motorcycle.

Well, both you and Mark seem to have a different definition of "standard"
than I do. My idea of a standard has a flat seat I can move around on
and doesn't have a gas tank that looks like a camel. My SR fits my
definition of a standard. See:

<http://www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/designcafe/en/about/classics/?
Component=tcm:71-245574&PageTitle=SR500:%20Model%20Evolution>

So that's one reason I'm looking for an old bike. They don't make them
the way I like them any more. As far as I can tell, somewhere in the
'80s the pseudo racer and cruiser styles took over anything under 100cc.
The other reason is that I'm involved with a vintage bike club.

But I do appreciate the responses. Thanks.

--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw
From: Mark Olson on 17 Apr 2010 23:40
Larry Blanchard wrote:

> Well, both you and Mark seem to have a different definition of "standard"
> than I do. My idea of a standard has a flat seat I can move around on
> and doesn't have a gas tank that looks like a camel. My SR fits my
> definition of a standard. See:
>
> <http://www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/designcafe/en/about/classics/?
> Component=tcm:71-245574&PageTitle=SR500:%20Model%20Evolution>
>
> So that's one reason I'm looking for an old bike. They don't make them
> the way I like them any more. As far as I can tell, somewhere in the
> '80s the pseudo racer and cruiser styles took over anything under 100cc.
> The other reason is that I'm involved with a vintage bike club.
>
> But I do appreciate the responses. Thanks.

I've ridden my buddy's SR500. Nice bike. I've also owned an SV650[1],
and currently own an EX500 and an EX250. Ride all three of those before
you dismiss them based on their LOOKS. Compare how they actually feel
underneath you. You will be surprised at how standard they actually are.

[1] Actually mine was the SV650S, the one with the clip on bars.
Ergonomically, you have it pegged. But the naked SV is very much as I
describe it (yes, I've ridden that model too) and it is not much at all
like the S model, it is a true standard UJM.

From: The Older Gentleman on 18 Apr 2010 03:29
Larry Blanchard <lblanch(a)fastmail.fm> wrote:

> On Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:24:26 -0700, ` wrote:
>
> >> So I'm looking for a good old single or twin "standard" with no frills
> >> that I can get for $2000 or less.
> >
> > If you have $2000 cash to buy a motorcycle, why look at old relics from
> > the 1980's? At least get into the 1990's.
> >
> > I would buy a first year Suzuki SV-650 V-twin, the one with the round
> > tube frame and carburetors. The SV-650 has separate detachable
> > cylinders, so if the rings wear out, you can replace them easily, or
> > replace the cylinder if it's scored.
> >
> > The SV650 has standard high mount handlebars that are fairly wide, so
> > it's considered to be a standard motorcycle.
>
> Well, both you and Mark seem to have a different definition of "standard"
> than I do. My idea of a standard has a flat seat I can move around on
> and doesn't have a gas tank that looks like a camel. My SR fits my
> definition of a standard. See:
>
> <http://www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/designcafe/en/about/classics/?
> Component=tcm:71-245574&PageTitle=SR500:%20Model%20Evolution>
>
> So that's one reason I'm looking for an old bike. They don't make them
> the way I like them any more. As far as I can tell, somewhere in the
> '80s the pseudo racer and cruiser styles took over anything under 100cc.
> The other reason is that I'm involved with a vintage bike club.
>
> But I do appreciate the responses. Thanks.

I owned an SR and will own one again - immense fun, despite being basic,
slow, rather vibratory and occasionally awkward to start.

But it's a design that's more than 30 years old, FFS.

There are plenty of bikes out there that will deliver what you want. Of
course, if you want a kick-start 90mph single, then the list narrows
somewhat.


--
BMW K1100LT Ducati 750SS Honda CB400F Triumph Street Triple
Suzuki TS250ER GN250 Damn, back to six bikes!
Try Googling before asking a damn silly question.
chateau dot murray at idnet dot com
From: The Older Gentleman on 18 Apr 2010 09:41
Ron Gibson <rsgibson(a)tampabay.rr.com> wrote:

> but how often do you expect to be
> riding at 100MPH plus?

Huh? Um, just about every day I take the bike out of town....


--
BMW K1100LT Ducati 750SS Honda CB400F Triumph Street Triple
Suzuki TS250ER GN250 Damn, back to six bikes!
Try Googling before asking a damn silly question.
chateau dot murray at idnet dot com
From: ` on 18 Apr 2010 11:02
On Apr 18, 6:41 am, totallydeadmail...(a)yahoo.co.uk (Miss Prissy Pants)
wrote:

> Huh? Um, just about every day I take the bike out of town....

No, you don't. And you ride some Suzuki 250 that only goes about 70
mph, tops,
cross town to the orifice.


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