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Honda XR500-$300 and runs. Deal or no deal? Honda XR500-$300 and runs. Deal or no deal?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 9 Feb 2010
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Question Honda XR500-$300 and runs. Deal or no deal?
Howdy my name is Ryan and I'm about to buy my first bike for a trip to Mexico in the fall. Numerous sources say it can be done on any bike and I just wanted a poll of what more experienced riders had to say (this is my first bike, first time riding, and first time posting on any sort of online forum haha) about this one in particular.

The description is as follows: "1979 honda XR500. runs exellent, first gear is not working, muffler missing. bike is still ridable, i just dont have time for it anymore."

For 300 bucks I feel it's a solid investment, but wanted to check to see if maybe I'm being blinded by the cheap. I am looking at getting as soon and as for as little money as possible, which made this an even more attractive prospect.

Thanks for the insight
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  #2  
Old 9 Feb 2010
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It hard to say without seeing the bike, but imho, buying a cheap bike and spending some cash on a major service or even a partial rebuild will be better than buying a standard bike.

My logic on this is:

You replace all the wearing parts which will be half dead with new/know good parts;
You get to learn the bike inside out, which will be a major advantage if you break down along the way;
Can often work out cheap than buying a bike which doesnt need work.

Its really just upto your judgement. Im not really much of a mechanic but first gear not working could be a cause for concern if you have to replace gearbox internals etc.

Best of luck!
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  #3  
Old 9 Feb 2010
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Well, I was just slightly hesitant at someone stealing
what I perceive to be a good deal-but here is the link-
XR500 honda

Thanks!
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  #4  
Old 9 Feb 2010
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Unless you are an experienced mechanic , leave well alone .
[If you were an experienced mechanic you wouldn't be asking this question , you'd already know what you were letting yourself in for ].

You will just be buying a heap of trouble and frustration .
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  #5  
Old 9 Feb 2010
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Interesting
So you don't believe 300 bucks is a good deal for a heap of trouble?
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Old 9 Feb 2010
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300 bucks to part out and sell on eBay would be a better idea.
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  #7  
Old 9 Feb 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chanchovilla View Post
So you don't believe 300 bucks is a good deal for a heap of trouble?
Buying an old knackered bike on the cheap is only good economy if you know how to fix it. The money you spend getting someone else to put it right would have payed to buy a decent bike in the first place.

If you don't know how to fix broken bikes, but want to learn, then it is a good deal.
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Old 10 Feb 2010
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Hi

My one friend lived in Zambia for 5 years and had exactly the same model, and the bike is like an old Toyota Hilux. It just will not die. And believe me he put it through hell and back.

I think you should see if you can download a manual somewhere or buy an old one at a used book store. If you then have spare time to work on the bike buy it. The worst that can happen is you gain mechanical experienceand if that fails you can sell it for parts like suggested. Or you can take the motor out and build a kick ass pipe car with the parts.

I just don’t think 300 buck is a lot to spend on something that will work fine with a few hours of manual labor.
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Old 10 Feb 2010
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Thumbs up
......what you waitng for.....
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Old 11 Feb 2010
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Smile Alrighty then
Hey yall, I actually have a ton of time-school is only two days a week and I'm an independent contractor, so I do want to get some experience. I'm going to try and get it this weekend. I'll keep you guys posted.

Thanks!
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  #11  
Old 11 Feb 2010
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I'd pass...just because the guy had tools and tried to take it apart, doesn't mean he knew mechanically what he was getting into, OR put it back together properly.

You taking the bike apart it putting it back together the same way would only repeat his mistake unwittingly...

Pass on it...when you're on the side of the road and new to get back home...the cost of the bike won't be that cheap anymore.
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Old 11 Feb 2010
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I agree with Pigford, "......what you waitng for....."
Cheap way to get started, if things go south, then it was just school fees and you will recover your money in parts.
Anyways, you could pull away in second gear.
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Old 18 Feb 2010
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Whats the worst that could happen?

You break down, can't fix it and get the bus back..

Go for it man, will be a laugh if nothing else. I would.
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Old 18 Feb 2010
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From the left hand picture in the 'craigslist' link, if my eyes are not failing me Does it not look like the forks are bent?????
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Old 19 Feb 2010
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It looks like a worthy project.
I've considered doing the same, but I don't want to leave my pride and joy steed, standing in the garage while im busy fixing the new / clapped out old bike. I'm sure I'll work it out.

Go for it, consider it as 300$ hands on practise and learning, with an old bike thrown in. I wouldn't guarentee on spinning down to mexico without any problems, you're probably better off taking it around the block first.

Enjoy.
fun fun fun till her daddy takes the t-bird away.
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