Buying bigger, how important is year?

Belgarion · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Karma :

I know that when buying cars, the newer the better, and you tend to not go below the reg you already have.

I'm (Still) trying to sort out upgrading from a CG125 06 plate. How important is reg these days when upgrading? I'm trying to not spend a fortune on it, and I would imagine getting about a grand for my 125. If I saw, say, a 1999 CB500 - would it be worthwhile getting that, or should I try and hang out for a newer model?

Obviously taking into account history and mileage.
____________________
Bike: CG125 - Theory: Passed 20th June...64/75 Hazard, 49/50 Theory... Test: Module 1 - 15/10/09.... Failed Sad

truslack · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Apr 2007 Karma :

I started with a 99, then went to 03, then 87, then 86. Each one has been more reliable than the last (with the exception of the 03, which was less reliable than the 99 despite having only 17,000km on the clock!)
____________________
Current: Suzuki RG 125 Gamma, Honda H100, Triumph Tiger 800XC, Suzuki SV650 (minitwin)

ms51ves3 · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Karma :

I went from an '06 Yamaha CW50 to an '88 Yamaha RX-S 100 (F reg) and I also have my '88 TZR 250 (E reg)

I'm going backwards.

I don't think it really matters. We all know that all the best bikes were made in the '70s and '80s Cool

sagalout · Nearly there... Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Karma :

In terms of engines and reliability I dont think it really matters if its been looked after - every bike I've had has been reliable, from a 94 CBR600 to the 05 GSXR.

What age does really effect is the suspension quality, where newer is better, both in terms of technology and actually being worn out. Obviously if you get a bike thats had recent suspension work then fair enough, but generally I find people just stick with the same tired old shocks and just turn up the preload, partly due to how expensive aftermarket stuff is. You only realise how crap it is when you try out a new bike.
____________________
Current Bike: Triumph Speed Triple T309
Previous: CBR600F => ZX9R => Triumph Tiger => Honda Blackbird => GSXR 750 => Versys =>ZX12R

MattHirst · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Jun 2006 Karma :

The thing with bikes is people treat them better than cars as it isn't just a form of transport for a lot of people...its more of a hobby i guess.

I went from a 06 plate 125, to a 57 plate 125 and then to a H reg ('90) 400 and apart from one of the needles coming unclipped in 1 of the carbs on the 400, it never missed a beat and i went and tried to kill myself and wrote it off (includig the car Very Happy

)

So i'd say theres nothing wrong with going for an older bike, and i certainly wouldn't call 1999 old.
____________________
It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt, then it's bloody hilarious!!!

Feasty · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Karma :

I went from an X reg moped to an M reg SR125 to a 54 reg XR125 and finally an S reg SLR650, so all over the place!
Out of these only the SR125 was completely unreliable and a money pit. The rest were bought in tip-top condition, nearly new tyres, chains etc and sold when this stuff was needing replacing.

My biggest risk to date is my SLR as this is planned to last me many a year from now on, currently going beautifully. I have noticed the newer the bike the better the suspension though...
____________________
Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

Belgarion · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Karma :

Well, I think the general concensus is to buy whatever Razz

Already seen loads within my budget, just need to persuade someone to by my CeeGee for over a grand...

Thumbs Up

____________________
Bike: CG125 - Theory: Passed 20th June...64/75 Hazard, 49/50 Theory... Test: Module 1 - 15/10/09.... Failed Sad

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

Depends on the bike in question. Some manufacturers don't make them like they used to Wink

In regards to the CB5, year is pretty much irrelevant as they've had minimal changes throughout the years. A good example, in decent working order can be just as good on a 93 K plate as one on a 53 plate.

Bike_craze1 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 23 Sep 2008 Karma :

Dunno mate I prefer newer ones.
____________________
Yamaha R125 - Cagiva Mito 125 - Honda CBR 600
CBT passed: 22/07/08 Bike Theory passed: 28/03/09
Bike Test passed: 15/04/09

Polo · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Karma :

As long as it is carbed. I need to back-fire on demand.

Yes I am childish.
____________________
My mum smells your fingers

Endless Nameless · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Nov 2007 Karma :

Well I've gone from '82 (CG) to '79, the '79 GS is in much better nick than the CG.
That said, cars I've gone '60, '71, '90 and I think the '60 was the best of the bunch...
____________________
A2 passed 22/07/08; restriction up 22/07/10 (just so I don't forget)
'79 Suzuki GS550E. Yes, that's a GS550, not a GS500.
Supersports "In a video editing competition I'd kick your sorry ass"