Dirt cheap ok 80s bike..

[koolio]

Hello everyone, always a wealth of knowledge here.

I've been thinking about getting a dirt cheap 80s bike as a knock around.

Can be fairly average performance wise etc. hopefully reliable and would like it to have that classic 80s look that some love and some abhor.

Anyone have any good ideas I used to see some dirt cheap 80s bikes a few years ago.

I'm thinking along the line of that Top gun bike. GPZ900R although that's quite high capacity for me.

Any suggestions appreciated!

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Kawasaki%20GPZ900R%2090%20%202.jpg

[MarJay]

GPZ550 A model. Cheap, good to ride, looks a bit like a GPZ900R if you squint a bit. Comfy, with a fair bit of go.

https://classic-motorbikes.net/images/gallery/kawasaki-gpz550.jpg
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[Just_James]

Joe! Hows things?

What happened with the CB500? Did you get it finished?
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[Mudshark]

Kawa GT750, shaft drive, practically unbreakable engine, prices in the 100s
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[koolio]

[koolio]

So fugly yet so beautiful at the same time!

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Kawasaki%20Z750GP%2081.jpg

[BravoCharlie]

I love, LOVE old Kawasaki's, and would love a GPZ900 but rarely see any at a decent price (when I have the funds, that is).

there's the 750 model too. I'd not go near the GPX range but then again i think I just had a cursed bike!

GT550/750 is a fine choice, it's a marmite bike in terms of looks, and a bit heavy, but I wish I kept mine and restored it! The engine just wouldn't quit.

most will have the dreaded Tokico pots which will need looked after, so if you find any with an upgraded braking system then you have a bonus!
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[chickenstrip]

Depends on what you call cheap. Trouble is, everyone thinks everything from the 80s is a classic now

The GPZ suggestions made me think of looking for a Z750L or Z550/400J, but they seem to be pretty rare.
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[Just_James]

[Vincent]

RG250 Gamma

https://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/Drewskovitch/Jap%2070s%20bike%20toys/Bike%20toys/Suzuki%20RG250MKII%201985%20Resized_zpslc18ue30.jpg
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[chickenstrip]

[Vincent]

[Pete.]

I know where there's a mint original 1985 GPz750R in Top Gun colours with just 1400 miles on it. Ain't dirt cheap though the guy wants £2.5k
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132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Vincent]

[chickenstrip]

[stevo as b4]

I don't see much point in going for style if you want cheap.

An okish bike with Patina, could still bleed away a good chunk of cash gradually over a year or so, that could have been used to either buy something plain and not with 'The style' but cheap and easy come easy go, or put towards minting up an old bike to make it really something.

But then it'll never be daily knock around transport.

If you want 80's, I look for something unfaired if I was being fussy/picky (fairings and plastics for 30year old bikes don't come easy or cheap very often).

Or just the first tidy and looked after UJM of the period you come across.

Part of me says buy an XJ600 or FZ600, as you will always sell them quickly for a good price, because racer's want them.

[chickenstrip]

Suzuki Katana 550 in Classic Motorcycle Mechanics classified ads for £875, 32300 miles. Maybe something like that. They did a 650 as well, which I think was shaft drive, the 550 is chain.

Late model FZR1000 EXUPs can still be had for a grand or not much more if you're willing to go a bit later.
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THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!

[Kickstart]

Hi

GPZ900R is going up in price, unfortunately. But I can see the appeal.

My suggestion would be an FZ750. Reliable and still cheap now. Seat is an instrument of torture though.

All the best

K
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[G]

Why an 80s bike as a run around?

Likely get just as cheap 90s bike that will generally handle and brake better, while maybe breaking a bit less.

[Tarmacsurfer]

Most of the 80s Kwaks seem to be rising rapidly at the moment. It's why I have a garage full and the nightmare of finding space (well, technically my neighbour has a garage full - need to get that sorted). Main reason I'm hanging on rather than selling the lot is simply that I do have goals with most of them and the ones I'm keeping are getting pretty rare and increasingly expensive.

Sold two 80s era bikes in the last few weeks, neither of which I expected to get any interest at all. Both sold fast and for more than I honestly expected.
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[Vincent]

Anyone else remember a time in the mid-eighties where you'd see loads of Dark blue Kawasaki Ninjas, esp at race meets. Not sure which models, could be GPZ500, GPX600/750 I'm not sure....but I bet they're going to be in demand soon as classic bikes.
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[gbrand42]

MZ 250
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[pepperami]

[pepperami]

[koolio]