Well, now that the Stang is gone, and gas is still high the misses has really been pushing me to get a bike, and I can't say that I'm fighting her on it...

Its been quite a while since I've ridden, so I wanted something small (750 range) , used and not too expensive. So, I've been thinking mostly Honda Shadow. A friend got me the number of a guy who is selling an 03 or 04 Spirit 750, but haven't had a chance to call him.

Well, I just talked to a friend who has a '98 750CD Shadow. He's owns a machine shop, and rebuilds bikes and ATV's in his spare time. This bike was ran into the back of semi in stop/go traffic. Just enough damage to require new fork, fender and lights. He has replaced everything, but the fender with new Honda parts. The tank has 3 dents he says, its got a rear seat back, and aftermarket pipes, plus a few other parts that I'll get details on later. I think he said its got 12k miles and he's asking $2800/what he's got in it.

I haven't had a chance to go look at it, but will try to this week. I'm just curious what you guys think. Is it worth looking into? I trust this guy and his work in restoring. He says he checked it all out, and it runs and rides great...

This is some kind of special edition bike. He wasn't sure on all the details, but its bronze and black. I found one on ebay (current bid $3000), but they didn't say much about the special edition either... The pic is from ebay:


I've got a painter buddy that can fix the tank, plus I'd rather have the Spirit fenders anyway, and get it painted whatever color I choose...

Here's what KBB says:
1998 Honda VT750CD Shdw ACE Dlx
2-Cylinder
4-Stroke
750cc
Suggested Retail Value $3275

 

My son and my wife both ride 750 Shadows. I've ridden them both also and they are good for short or long rides. Mileage is about 50-60MPG highway. Our son has ridden his between Calgary and here (3,000 miles one way) a number of times and says the ride was always great, sometimes cold, snowing, raining, but mostly sunshiney. I think the bikes were about $8G new in '01 & '02. They have never had any trouble with them, but they (read "I") do regular maintenance on them.

 

i don't think they are 8G now.

shadow 750 is a great bike. it prefers speeds less then 75-80. i had an '01 and put 10,000 mi on it in one year. had zero trouble out of it and drove it on many long rides >500 mi.

now to the question at hand about the salvo bike. you didn't mention the title. if it is titled salvage it worth maybe half what he is asking. if it has a reg title it is worth maybe 200 more then half. definitely not worth 2800, hard to get that much for a 98 that wasn't crashed, and he hasn't even repaired all the damage.

if he's someone you know it's all the more reason not to touch that one. i personally would never consider a bike that has pretty heavy damage. your life depends on his assesment of a vehicle that he is trying to make money on.

a '98 is 8 years old, you could probably find one newer, not crashed for less.

 

gsxr1100

Go fast, real fast

 

Kawasaki zx14
go faster, much faster

 

I had a 97 Shadow and rode it for two years before selling it. It was a nice smooth bike. Always started and never gave me one bit of trouble. I put a pair of headers on it to make it sing a little better. All in all you can't go wrong with a Honda.

 

Cool.

As far as used ones being $1400, where??? I checked ebay and they are selling (completed items) for $3-$4000 or more...

BTW, crotch rockets are not an option. I have no desire for one...

 

Grrrrr, hyabusa

 

wow it's not often you get slammed for giving someone an opinion. i only have 30 some years riding the darned things, i sold my 750 one year old 10k miles for 3500. the 1400 was with a salvage title, must've missed that. i said that's what it's worth. if you would like to give him 2800 for a scrapped bike that he paid $500 for and threw $200 in parts at feel free. no that's not sarcasm, it's what an ins would sell it for. this bike was totalled, forks, tank, fender, rim, and lights all bent. very good chance frame was tweaked in some way, how long did it sit for? i personally would not chance a rebuilt crash bike. my step dads brand new wing fetched 3k totalled, less then 1 year old.
BTW the "limited edition" was custom, a little more chrome and to be honest you'd be very hard pressed to find one that's not seeing as it was a $200 option and most dealers would not even order the regular edition.
if you get it, best of luck.


oh and rockets rule.

 

front end damage can be pretty serious.....also who knows how it effects the tranny and engine.....seems a little high price wise, especially a 98.....keep looking or get him down to 2k....just my opinion for what it is worth....

 

for what its worth, i wouldnt touch that bike either, regardless of the price.

i would think you should be able to get your hands on a good used bike for around the same price, without the crash damage.

people buy them, and do not always use them as much as they think they will. there should be other bikes out there (maybe a little bit more expensive) but without the baggage so to speak.

 

Forget the cruisers. If you want a do it all motorcycle that you can get almost 60MPG out of, get one of these:



Honda NightHawk 750, They are pretty much an indestructable, low maintenance, do-it-all bike.

KC-10 FE out...

 

I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to slam you. I really appreciate all opinions. I just really have no desire right now to just go fast or ride that style of bike...

As far as the damage it was only the fork, fender and lights. The rim, tire and everything else was still in tact. This is a good friend of mine, not just some guy selling a bike. I really would rather not by a bike that's had that kind of work, but I don't want to buy a new one right now either, and bikes around here seem to be going rather high on the used end...

I'm not really sure what to do. I'm still trying to get ahold of the guy with the 750 Spirit, but no luck so far...

The Nighthawk however would be an option. I wasn't even aware they made a 750 Nighthawk... I'll have to look into that more...

Thanks all...

 

no problem bud.

BTW rockets aren't just for going fast, although they do that well. for many people myself included they are very comfortable. i take many long trips on mine doing more then 500 mi in a day.

now if you like the style of the nighthawk (many don't as they are a standard) you are in luck. they have a great 4 cyl engine. smooth and powerful, very reliable and won't try shaking it's own bolts out. also if you find a used one they are generally very affordable, even new ones that are last years version can usually be found at very pocket friendly prices.

 

That salvage bike price is BS. Spend time getting familar with all the bikes in your price range so you'll know what your options are, then decide on which bike you want. Then look hard for the right one. At little extra effort before buying will pay off.