[jasonkennedy]

I’m looking to buy a used cruiser in the 250cc beginner class of bikes. How old is too old if I am not mechanically inclined? Also, what make/model do you recommend? I am brand new to this so you can assume I know nothing about makes or models. Thanks.

[wbsprudels]

My mechanic has cautioned me against buying anything older than 10 years because manufacturers or not required to make parts beyond 10 years. Also, when I was at my local Harley shop, the shop manager told me they do not accept bikes pre-2000 in their service department as a general rule.

[Munch]

yea depends on the bike and the shop. If its “vintage” enough or considered collectors you can find specialty shops for the parts. Will pay out the arse for it but you can likely find ’em. 10 years is usually the max fall back…unless the model has been around forever in which you might be able to interchange the upgraded version. At which point you need to ask a mechanic knowledgeable enough to know..

[Always the Runner]

Good question thread. I was looking into picking up an Yamaha Enduro from the 70s but was unsure of how long it would actually last me. Upon rethinking, perhaps I should just go with a newer model, despite the super cool look those Yamaha dual-sports use to have.

[SantaCruzRider]

I ride a ’94, but it’s the same model that was built until 2006 – so replacement parts are likely to be around for a good long time.

Dependability is greatly influenced by the model and how it’s been treated. I think that those factors are often more important than the age of the bike. But keep in mind that alot of parts that keep bikes running are soft parts — gaskets, hoses, belts, etc — and these parts degenerate with time. Most bikes past 20 years (and that may be very conservative) are going to have these parts failing. Finding replacements and someone to do the work can take the fun out of riding.

[Clay Dowling]

have parts in the markets for decades after manufacture. You can still find plenty of parts for GL1000 Goldwings, for instance, because the bike was really popular and still has a massive following (yes, I’d love a classic Goldwing). We’re talking a bike that was last manufactured 30 years ago.

But in general you need to check out your model to see that common wear parts are still available. Especially anything related to the carburetor, because that is the single most fiddly bit about your bike.

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