UK: Where's the best place to look for older, budget motorcycles in need of TLC? ?

Question

Hi! I am getting into motorcycles but I do not have a lot of money, and so I am considering buying a bit of a basket-case. This is so I can strip and rebuild the bike as I go, learning more about the machine and tidying it up at the same time.

My budget is £400 but I could stretch to £500. A bike that actually runs would be ideal. I live in Bristol and could not travel too far away.

Where is the best place for me to look (Auto Trader only seems to have tidy bikes), and what type of bike should I be looking at? I'm guessing an older model, as they are simpler to work on, and something with lots of spares. CC is unimportant as it will be in pieces for a while, so hopefully by the time it's done I will have passed my test!

Once I have got to grips with the mechanics, I'd love to modify the bike in terms of seat configuration, tank etc, and make it as bare as is legal for a real 'old-school' feel; smelly, noisy and uncomfortable, but fun!

What do you suggest? Thanks!

Answer 1

Go to a Breakers, they may have something.

Or try ebay, the local paper would be a good idea.

But 400-500 is maybe a bit low.

You might get something running and scruffy for about 800.

If it is not running, it may have more problems than you are initally aware of. Beware of buying a money pit!!!!!

Answer 2

you could try putting a wanted ad in Trade-it.

Answer 3

I'd ask at your local dealer - they may have one in bits that the owner decided not to repair, or some scruffy part ex machines that would suit.

Just turn up with cash, explain the plan, and see what they've got.

Answer 4

craigslist.com

Answer 5

i get all mine off ebay...if your willing to do the work that is...