Who knew it would be so difficult

[wymple]

Started looking in earnest for a mid-sized bike for my grandson today. I figured something older in decent shape. Anything I see that I like is 1000 miles away, of course. Everybody else wants 1000-1500 bucks for their 40 year old junk that has problems. Who buys a bike that's 30 years old, sat for 8 years, and has no title? People are incredibly stupid. Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, Cycle Trader, all a joke mostly.

[roeme]

It's all cyclic.

Currently 90's sport tourers with a fairing are out-of-style and can be had super-cheap. Think GSX600, VFR's, etc.

(At least that's the case in my area).

[TxGSrider]

Around here the GS500s can be had for that price range.

[earlfor]

Started looking in earnest for a mid-sized bike for my grandson today. I figured something older in decent shape. Anything I see that I like is 1000 miles away, of course. Everybody else wants 1000-1500 bucks for their 40 year old junk that has problems.

Who buys a bike that's 30 years old, sat for 8 years, and has no title? People are incredibly stupid. Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, Cycle Trader, all a joke mostly.

That describes 90% of what is available in my area in the $1500 range. If it just runs and has a title, but not roadworthy, it's $2-3K. I frequently see wrecked with certificates of destruction (can not be titled) and they still want $3k for it as a parts bike.

[Rust_to_Redemption]

Started looking in earnest for a mid-sized bike for my grandson today. I figured something older in decent shape. Anything I see that I like is 1000 miles away, of course. Everybody else wants 1000-1500 bucks for their 40 year old junk that has problems. Who buys a bike that's 30 years old, sat for 8 years, and has no title? People are incredibly stupid. Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, Cycle Trader, all a joke mostly.

Its really the wrong time of year to be trying to buy a bike at a reasonable price (or better, a steal). Its the beginning of riding season, people are asking crazy prices because everyone else is asking crazy prices.

[Nessism]

$1000 bikes in my area are a rare find and most include chopped off seat rails and a questionable or non existent title.

[eil]

Its really the wrong time of year to be trying to buy a bike at a reasonable price (or better, a steal). Its the beginning of riding season, people are asking crazy prices because everyone else is asking crazy prices.

I hear that often but I'm not sure I believe it... my experience is that this is when _all_ the bikes show up on CL, both at good prices and crazy. I've purchased two of my three bikes at the start of the riding season. The first one was a steal... an '81 GS750E, mint condition, less than 10k miles for $1500. The other I just purchased, not a steal but still a very good deal all told.

To OP: It's the same as cars and real estate, the deals are out there, you just need the patience and persistence to find them. A good deal seldom just falls in your lap. If you can't be patient, then pay full price.