Motorcycles on FB Marketplace will be the end of me. Or my marriage.

"Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom" (will-alib)
07/15/2020 at 15:32 • Filed to: None

Found this ‘92 Virago 1100 nearby for $1500. 3600 miles (it sat in a garage a long time) with new tires & battery; c arbs recently cleaned too. Seller sez no issues, but I’m wondering what kind of stuff ages from sitting for a long time. Like seals, gaskets etc. What’s the potential downside? I sold my last scoot over ten years ago and have been gettin’ the itch again & want something cheap to ride. (this qualifies, and aren’t those tassles just the greatest ? )

DISCUSSION (19)

bob and john > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/15/2020 at 15:46

those tires need to be thrown out the second it becomes yours.

brakes line too (stainless steel replacements )

jminer > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/15/2020 at 15:46

I think there are few bikes uglier than japanese cruisers from the early 8 0's to early 80's.

That being said the stepped seat is actually usually pretty comfortable and they’re generally reliable.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/15/2020 at 15:47

My brain: “I wonder how often those tassels bitch slap you in the face?”

Pickup_man > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/15/2020 at 16:10

I just went through this same thing with an ‘83 Honda shadow. Carb gaskets and a carb clean for sure, very likely caliper seals as well, possibly a master cylinder rebuild depending on how bad the brake fluid got. I’m assuming the tires are original in which case throw them right in the trash. I see other people have suggested brake lines, definitely a good idea while you have the brake system apart, but not something I’d consider a must do. I’d check the fork seals and replace if needed, if not fresh fork fluid wouldn’t hurt either.

On second look you mentioned that tires and carbs have been done recently, if that’s the case, check the brake fluid, flush if gross looking, and send it.

Pickup_man > jminer
07/15/2020 at 16:17

80's and 90's Japanese cruisers are like taking every thing that was cool about custom american bikes from the 70's, and exaggerating it just enough to make the proportions and styling terrible. I both love them and hate them because they’re ugly, but they’re so much a product of their era you can’t help but admire them for trying.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > bob and john
07/15/2020 at 17:05

Tires are brandy new as is the battery.

bob and john > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/15/2020 at 17:06

I missed that (but double check)

my point about the brake lines still stands.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > bob and john
07/15/2020 at 17:11

Dry rot maybe?

bob and john > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/15/2020 at 17:17

just check the date codes. ppl will say ‘brand new tires!” and the tires were new, and then the bike put into storage for 10 years. but the tires never rolled on street, so they are brand new that way

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/15/2020 at 18:34

Hmmm... Motorcycle+Divorce or continued Marriage.

The first will be much more expensive, but probably more enjoyable in the long run.

Continued marriage is cheaper, but less exciting.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
07/15/2020 at 19:17

I’ve owned many bikes over the years, but f or now I could be happy with an old convertible. But my long-standing rule is ‘he with the most toys wins’ so at some point there will be another scoot in the garage.

Dead_Elvis, Inc. > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
07/15/2020 at 19:58

If your face is close enough to the bar ends for that to happen, you’re doing something wrong.

Having tassels in the first place, for one.

Dead_Elvis, Inc. > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
07/15/2020 at 20:00

I’ve never been married, but I’ve had a bunch of motorcycles & divorced friends. Pretty comfortable saying you’re very wrong about the costs.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Dead_Elvis, Inc.
07/15/2020 at 20:15

I have been married and divorced.

The cost of divorce plus the cost of a motorcycle is much more expensive than staying married and having no motorcycle

No doubt about it at all

Of course I’m of the view that it’s better to avoid marriage in the first place

Dead_Elvis, Inc. > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
07/15/2020 at 20:18

I like having options , both in motorcycles & women. Concurrently.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/16/2020 at 05:13

why not both?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/20/2020 at 11:11

same, just replace motorcycle with water motorcycle aka jet skis lol

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
07/20/2020 at 12:56

I’m always looking on Craigs and FB Marketplace for bikes and boats. I had both in a previous life and would like to pick one up again.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
07/21/2020 at 12:44

my problem is I’m still trying to get the 2 jet skis i have running properly and keep eying more to buy. I want a stand up project to learn how to ride one of those and i see potential flips all the time now. Like, oh is that a 96 WaveRaider for $500? Just needs carbs rebuilt? HMMMMM I could do those on a trailer in the driveway in a day and sell it for 1500.....