Used motorcycles up to 2000 euros

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Used purchase

Used motorcycles up to 2000 euros

Used motorcycles up to 2000 euros
Good and cheap

Even with a limited budget for used purchases, the choice is almost unmanageable. MOTORRAD gives an overview and shows the best offers up to 2000 euros.

Uli Holzwarth

08/13/2002

In a world where money is not an issue, limitations are one of the most effective strategies to increase the incentive to buy certain products. In the lives of many bikers, however, the opposite is true: the desire to buy is there, but the financial means are limited.
MOTORRAD has therefore searched the used market for machines up to 2000 euros and presents the most recommendable models in detail on the following pages. Newcomers without screwdriving experience should look for motorcycles like a Honda CB 500 in this price range, Kawasaki Zephyr or Suzuki GS 500 E keep an eye out. These types have not only proven to be problem-free and technically mature, but are also widespread and are therefore offered frequently used. Thanks to the long construction time, many spare parts are also available inexpensively as used alternatives. In addition, the high inventory and thus the competitive situation in the advertising columns of relevant newspapers as well as on the Internet ensure moderate prices, which can also be easily compared by laypeople.
It is noticeable, however, that the second-hand bikes in this category in particular differ considerably in terms of mileage and overall condition, despite similar price demands by the sellers. Potential second-hand buyers should therefore sift vigorously to separate the wheat from the chaff. Those who concentrate on first-hand machines when searching and do not put themselves under time pressure, with a bit of luck, have a good chance of getting a well-groomed and regularly serviced specimen with relatively few kilometers, which is problem-free for many despite the financially tight framework Kilometer is good.
However, a low mileage on older motorcycles is not automatically an advantage. Many such little-moved and improperly mothballed bikes can be affected by standing damage that is not apparent at first glance. Typical floor damage is, for example, clogged carburetor nozzles, which require time-consuming and costly cleaning, or embrittled fork seals and intake ports that have to be replaced. It can get really expensive if the tank has rusted on the inside. In the event of severe corrosion, the sheet steel container has to be replaced, which easily increases the price of a supposed bargain by more than 500 euros.
Subsequent changes in performance often turn out to be an expensive cost trap. Depending on the year of construction and the type of throttling, there are often considerable price differences within one model series. On some motorcycles, when unthrottling, tires of a higher speed category and thus an additional 200 to 300 euros are due. Those interested in a specific bike should therefore inquire in advance about the expenses for changes to the service at the authorized dealer or, better still, look out for a specimen with the desired service right away. It is generally advisable to consult an experienced biker when visiting. With a price limit of 2000 euros, bargains can usually only be found in the private market. Comparable dealer offers with a one-year statutory warranty or a used warranty are consistently higher in price.
In addition to the so-called “bread-and-butter motorcycles”, which are particularly suitable for beginners due to the facts mentioned, there are also a large number of other machines that are offered at prices up to 2000 euros. From former superbikes à la Kawasaki GPZ 900 R to enthusiast machines such as the Honda XBR 500 or reliable tourers of the size one Yamaha XJ 900 F is all represented in the relevant advertising papers. Here, too, there are very well-kept bargains, but given the sometimes high mileage of more than 50,000 kilometers, these offers are more a case for do-it-yourself screwdrivers who can do repairs on their own.
At least when choosing used bikes, the financial limit is (almost) irrelevant.

Technical data Honda CB 500

Engine: water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke engine, a balance shaft, two overhead, chain-driven camshafts, four valves per cylinder, bucket tappets, wet sump lubrication, Keihin constant pressure carburetor, Ø 34 mm, contactless transistor ignition, displacement 499 cm3, rated power 43 kW (58 PS) at 9500 / min, maximum torque 47 Nm (4.8 kpm) at 7500 rpm, no exhaust gas cleaning, electric starter, power transmission via mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox and O-ring chain. Chassis: double loop frame made of tubular steel, telescopic fork, standpipe diameter 37 mm, two-arm swing arm made of steel profiles, two spring struts, adjustable spring base, spring travel f / h 130/117 mm, front disc brake, Ø 296 mm, double-piston caliper, rear drum brake Ø 160 mm, cast aluminum wheels with tire sizes 110/80 H 17 front and 130 / 80 H 17 rear.Measured values ​​(MOTORRAD 22/1993) Seat height: 790 mmWeight with a full tank: 193 kgLoad: 181 kgTank capacity / reserve: 18 / 2.5 liters0 ?? 100 km / h: Solo (with pillion passenger) 5.2 (6.9) seconds Top speed: Solo (with pillion passenger) 185 (165) km / h Consumption: between 3.8 and 6.8 l / 100km regular gasoline

Honda CB 500

Footnotes: * including additional costs //// (1) material and labor costs

With its problem-free, neutral driving behavior, good handiness and comfortable seating position, the Honda is considered CB 500 A favorite among those motorcyclists for whom a lively, economical and extremely reliable engine is more important than an exciting design. Low maintenance costs thanks to long maintenance intervals round off the positive picture. Slight weaknesses can only be found in the CB 500 with a sporty driving style and with a full load, whereby the spring elements prove to be somewhat underdamped. Construction time 1993 (4735 euros *) to today (5240 euros *) Important technical changes 1993 to 1996: Model PC 26, built in Japan; no technical changes from 1997: model code PC 32, production in Italy; 240 mm brake disc on the rear wheel instead of drum brake 1998: additional variant CB 500 S with cockpit fairing and modified instrumentsPC 26: around 8,200 pieces; PC 32 approx. 15,200 pieces Market situation The CB 500 is still very popular with used buyers. The large stock not only ensures a large selection, but also an acceptable price level. With a limit of 2000 euros, the offer is mainly limited to the older PC 26 models built in Japan with a mileage of around 15,000 kilometers or more. Models from 1997 onwards (rust in the tank) Performance variants (PC 26) 25/37/43 kW (34/50/58 PS) Costs for performance changes Approx. 150 euros (1) Improvement measuresSpring struts from the accessories; progressive fork springsThe Honda CB 500 in MOTORRAD6 / 2002 (VT), 19/2000 (VT), 11/1998 (VT), 17/1997 (GK), 22/1996 (VT), 4/1996 (LT), 14 / 1995 (VT), 6/1994 (VT), 24/1993 (VT 34 PS), 22/1993 (T) Internet www.cb500.de

Technical data Honda NX 650 Dominator

Engine: Air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, a balance shaft, an overhead, chain-driven camshaft, four radially arranged valves operated via rocker arms and rocker arms, dry sump lubrication, Keihin constant pressure carburetor, Ø 40 mm, contactless transistor ignition, displacement 644 cm3, rated power 32 kW (44 PS) at 60,000 rpm, maximum torque 53 Nm (5.3 kpm) at 5,000 rpm, secondary air system, electric starter, power transmission via mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, five-speed gearbox and O-ring chain split beams, telescopic fork, stanchion diameter 41 mm, two-arm swing arm made of steel profiles, central spring strut articulated via a lever system, adjustable spring base, spring travel f / h 220/195 mm, front disc brake, Ø 256 mm, double-piston caliper, rear disc brake Ø 220 mm, spoke wheels with tire size 90 90-21S front and 120 / 90-17S rear Measured values ​​(MOTORRAD 12/1991) Seat height: 860 mm Weight with a full tank: 178 kg Payload: 177 kg Tank capacity / reserve: 13 / 2.5 liters0 ?? 100 km / h: Solo (with pillion passenger) 6.5 (8.1) seconds Top speed: Solo (with pillion passenger) 153 (145) km / h Consumption: between 5.3 and 7.8 l / 100 km regular gasoline

Honda NX 650 Dominator

The Honda NX 650 Dominator rightly bears the name among its peers. The balanced overall concept with the powerful and stable engine, stable, well-tuned chassis and effective brakes helped the NX 650 to come out on top in numerous comparative tests. Less good: space, high consumption and the chain that wears out quickly. Construction timeRD 02: 1988 (4453 euros *) to 1995 (5840 euros *); RE 08: 1996 (5248 euros *) to 2000 (5300 euros *) Important technical changes Model RE 021990: Kick starter and damping adjustment on the shock absorber are omitted; Secondary air system1991: Exhaust and carburettor modified (power 44 HP) 1992: Tank capacity 16 liters, larger fairingModel RD 081996: Production in Italy, modified design, stainless steel manifold, price reduction by 600 euros Stock RD 02: around 8000 pieces; RD 08 approx. 4800 pieces Market situation The once great demand for used NX 650 has now cooled down a bit, so that with a bit of luck you can find well-kept specimens (type RD 02) with a mileage of around 20,000 kilometers for just under 2000 euros. The price reduction for the RD 08 models also affects the used prices of the older vintages. Check points when buying used Cracks on the front brake disc (years of construction 1988/89), worn chain, processing defects in the first RD 08 models from 1996 (rust in the tank), Air filter (clogs up quickly) Output variants20 / 25/32/33 kW (27/34/44/45 HP) Costs for changes in output Approx. 250 euros (1) Improvement measuresHigher dimensioned chain; Increase valve clearance at inlet and outlet to 0.13 to 0.14 millimeters The Honda NX 650 in MOTORRAD6 / 1997 (VT), 18/1996 (VT), 17/1996 (KT), 16/1996 (GK), 14/1995 (KT), 10/1992 (VT), 12/1991 (VT), 8/1990 (VT), 20/1989 (KT), 16/1988 (VT), 14/1988 (VT), 8/1988 ( T) Internet www.dominator.de5.de

Technical data Kawasaki Zephyr 550

Engine: Air-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke engine, two overhead, chain-driven camshafts, two valves per cylinder, bucket tappets, wet sump lubrication, Keihin constant pressure carburetor, Ø 30 mm, contactless transistor ignition, displacement 554 cm3, rated power 37 kW (50 PS) at 10,000 rpm, maximum Torque 40 Nm (4.1 kpm) at 6000 rpm, no exhaust gas cleaning, electric starter, power transmission via mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox and O-ring chain. Chassis: double loop frame made of tubular steel, telescopic fork, standpipe diameter 39 mm, two-arm swing arm made of aluminum profiles, two spring struts with adjustable spring base, rebound and compression damping, spring travel f / h 140 / 87.5 mm, double disc brake at the front with double piston caliper, Ø 300 mm, disc brake at the rear Ø 240 mm, cast aluminum wheels with tire size 110/80 H 17 front and 140/70 H 17 rear. Measured values ​​(MOTORRAD 6/1998) Seat height: 770 mm Weight with a full tank: 206 kg Load: 174 kg Tank capacity / reserve: 15 / 3.2 liters0 ?? 100 km / h: Solo (with pillion passenger) 5.2 (6.7) seconds Top speed: Solo (with pillion passenger) 168 (151) km / h Consumption: between 4.4 and 8.2 l / 100 km regular gasoline

Kawasaki Zephyr 550

The Kawasaki Zephyr 550 plays its role as a classic in the mid-range competition almost perfectly. The aged four-cylinder is considered to be extremely problem-free and stable despite the mechanical background noise. Handling, braking and the low seat height should also be positively emphasized. The slack spring elements, the relatively high consumption and the poor cold start behavior are less attractive. Construction period 1991 (4340 euros *) to 1999 (4955 euros *) Important technical changes 1994: Modifications to the brake and steering lock, 34 hp variant 1995: electric carburetor preheating, exhaust and gear wheels revised to reduce noise, improved drive shock absorber (from chassis number 037277) 1997: secondary air system stock ZR 550 B: around 8000 pieces market situation According to information from dealers, well-preserved Zephyr 550s wait a maximum of two weeks for a new owner ?? the demand is still high. Used buyers should know that the last 1999 models were sold for just 4550 euros. In view of the economical model maintenance, interested parties can confidently consider a well-kept example of older vintages, which are offered by private customers with mileage of around 20,000 kilometers for just under 2000 euros. Check points when buying a used oil leakage in the first model year, vibration cracks on the exhaust, timing chain tensioner for high mileage 20/25 kW (27/34 PS), conversion to 50 PS (37 kW) only retrospectively Costs for performance changes Approx. 140 to 180 euros when using press-fit sleeves for the throttle slide (1) Improvement measuresSpring struts from the accessories; progressive fork springsThe Kawasaki Zephyr 550 in MOTORRAD21 / 2000 (GK), 6/1998 (T), 24/1993 (VT 34 PS), 01/1992 (VT), 3/1991 (VT), 2/1991 (T) Internetwww .igzephyr.de

Technical data Suzuki GS 500 E

Engine: Air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke engine, a balance shaft, two overhead, chain-driven camshafts, two valves per cylinder, bucket tappets, wet sump lubrication, Mikuni constant pressure carburetor, Ø 33 mm, contactless transistor ignition, displacement 499 cm3, rated power 33 kW (45 PS) at 9000 / min, maximum torque 40 Nm (4.1 kpm) at 7400 rpm, no exhaust gas cleaning, electric starter, power transmission via mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox and O-ring chain. Chassis: double loop frame made of square steel profiles, telescopic fork with adjustable spring base, stanchion diameter 37 mm, two-arm swing arm made of steel profiles, central spring strut articulated via a lever system, adjustable spring base, spring travel f / h 120/115 mm, front disc brake with double-piston caliper, Ø 310 mm, rear disc brake Ø 250 mm, cast aluminum wheels with tire size 110 / 70 H 17 front and 130/70 H 17 rear Measured values ​​(MOTORRAD 22/1996) Seat height: 740 mm Weight with a full tank: 189 kg Payload: 191 kg Tank capacity / reserve: 17/3 liters0 ?? 100 km / h: Solo (with pillion passenger) 6.0 (7.8) sec Top speed: Solo (with pillion passenger) 170 (163) km / h Consumption: between 3.6 and 6.7 l / 100 km regular gasoline

Suzuki GS 500 E.

The consequences of a smart appearance in combination with a low price can be seen on (almost) every corner in the shape of the Suzuki GS 500 E. The problem-free, simply constructed long-running machine impresses with its easy handling, stable engine and low consumption. Less intoxicating, on the other hand, is the quality of workmanship, the lazy spring elements and the too long translation. Construction time 1989 (3344 euros *) to today (4690 euros *) Important technical changes 1989: modified timing chain tensioner 1990: higher and wider steering stub 1992: fork with adjustable spring base 2000: tank, seat and handlebars ChangedStockGM 51 B: around 42,000 piecesMarket situationThe selection of used GS 500 E is huge. Almost as wide, however, is the range in terms of the equivalent value: for around 2000 euros, the classifieds of the relevant newspapers offer both well-kept 1996 models from first hand with less than 10,000 kilometers and plenty of bumbling copies with more than twice the mileage Rust on the exhaust, frame and tank, worn throttle slides, timing chain tensioners, rattling noises in the cylinder head (axial play of the camshafts) Output variants 20/25/33/34 kW (27/34/45/46 PS) Costs for changes in performance Depending on the year of construction between 150 and 230 Euro (1) improvement measuresSpring strut from the accessories; progressive fork springs, tires changed to Bridgestone BT 45 The Suzuki GS 500 E in MOTORRAD6 / 2002 (VT), 19/2000 (VT), 3/1999 (optimization), 22/1996 (VT), 8/1996 (VT), 1 / 1995 (GK), 13/1994 (VT), 24/1993 (VT 34 PS), 1/1992 (VT), 22/1991 (T), 21/1990 (LT), 22/1989 (VT), 9 / 1989 (VT), 6/1989 (T) Internet www.gs500e.de

Technical data Yamaha XJ 600 S

Engine: Air-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke engine, two overhead, chain-driven camshafts, two valves per cylinder, bucket tappets, wet sump lubrication, Mikuni downdraft carburetor, Ø 28 mm, contactless transistor ignition, displacement 598 cm3, rated output 45 kW (61 hp) at 8500 rpm, maximum Torque 55 Nm (5.6 kpm) at 7000 rpm, no exhaust gas cleaning, electric starter, power transmission via mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox and O-ring chain. Chassis: double loop frame made of tubular steel, telescopic fork, standpipe diameter 38 mm, two-arm swing arm made of steel profiles, directly hinged central spring strut with adjustable spring base, spring travel f / h 140/110 mm, front disc brake with double-piston caliper, Ø 320 mm, rear disc brake Ø 245 mm, cast aluminum wheels with tire sizes 110/80 H 17 front and 130 / 70 H 18 rear.Measured values ​​(MOTORRAD 8/1992) Seat height: 785 mm Weight with a full tank: 208 kg Load: 189 kg Tank capacity / reserve: 17 / 3.5 liters0 ?? 100 km / h: Solo (with pillion passenger) 5.1 (6.5) seconds Top speed: Solo (with pillion passenger) 180 (166) km / h Consumption: between 3.4 and 11.2 l / 100 km regular gasoline

Yamaha XJ 600 S / N

As one of the most affordable four-cylinder models on the market, the Yamaha XJ 600 models quickly became long-running, with even power delivery, a comfortable seating position, a long-life engine and easy handling. Weaknesses: underdamped spring elements, moderate braking effect (until 1997), high full load consumption. Construction time 1991 (XJ 600 S: 4599 euros *) to today (XJ 600 S: 5780 euros *) Important technical changes 1992: reinforced swing arm, tighter strut, wider cladding 1994: additional unclad version (XJ 600 N) 1996: electrically heated carburetor, oil cooler, new cladding and fittings 1997: better padded seat bench, hazard warning lights 1998: more stable fork (Ø 41 mm), double disc brake (code RJ 01) Existing models 4BR / 4LX / RJ 01: around 33,000 The selection of used XJ 600 models is large, but the bikes on offer differ dramatically in terms of mileage and condition with a similar asking price. For around 2000 euros, only models of the first year with a mileage of 15,000 kilometers or more are usually offered. Check points when buying second-hand: Recall ignition / steering lock 1992, shock absorber, vibration damage, hoses for the carburetor heating, output variants 20/25/37 kW (27/34/50 hp) ex works , Conversion kit to 45 kW / 61 PS for a surcharge (ex works from 2000) Costs for changes in performance Depending on the model and year of construction between 200 and 450 euros (1) Improvement measuresSpring strut from the accessories; progressive fork springs, sintered metal brake pads The Yamaha XJ 600 in MOTORRAD19 / 2000 (VT), 16/2000 (optimization), 14/2000 (VT), 23/1999 (VT), 8/1998 (VT), 26/1997 (T ), 23/1996 (GK), 8/1996 (VT 34 PS), 6/1995 (VT), 1/1994 (LT), 22/1993 (VT), 8/1992 (KT), 1/1992 ( VT), 24/1991 (T) Internet www.xj600.de

Technical data: Honda CB 450 S

Two-cylinder four-stroke engine; 20/32 kW (27/44 hp); 185 kg with a full tank; Tank capacity 17 liters; Top speed 141/171 km / h (20/32 kW); Construction period from 1986 (2910 euros) to 1990 (3480 euros); Stock around 6,200 pieces Plus: balanced driving behavior, good workmanship, robust mechanics Minus: complex and expensive dethrottling, relatively high consumption of the unthrottled version (6.4 liters)

Technical data: Honda NTV 650

Two-cylinder four-stroke V-engine; 20/25/37/42 kW (27/34/50/57 hp); 217 kg with a full tank; Tank capacity 19 liters; Top speed 172 km / h (37 kW version); Construction period from 1988 (4668 euros) to 1997 (5509 euros); Inventory around 13,000 pieces plus: low-reaction cardan drive, very durable technology, good workmanship minus: narrow knee angle, first models (1988) with chassis weaknesses, seat quickly worn out

Technical data: Honda XBR 500

Single cylinder four-stroke engine; 20/32 kW (27/44 hp); 182 kg with a full tank; Tank capacity 20 liters; Top speed 174 km / h (32 kW); Construction period from 1985 (2905 euros) to 1990 (3528 euros with spoked wheels); Stock around 6100 pieces plus: robust engine, low consumption, great sound, balanced driving behavior minus: complex and expensive dethrottling on models 1985/86, fiddly oil check

Technical data: Kawasaki GPZ 500 S

Two-cylinder four-stroke engine; 25/37/44 kW (34/50/60 hp); 202 kg with a full tank; Tank capacity 18 liters; Top speed 189 km / h (60 hp version); Construction period from 1987 (4244 euros) to the present (5300 euros); Inventory around 21,000 pieces Plus: agile handling, inexpensive dethrottling, high-revving engine (60 hp), good brakes (from 1994) Minus: narrow knee angle, poor braking performance in early models, rust-prone exhaust

Technical data: Kawasaki GPZ 900 R

Four-cylinder four-stroke engine; 74 kW (100 hp); 255 kg with a full tank; Tank capacity 22 liters; Top speed 231 km / h; Construction period from 1984 (5977 euros) to 1993 (7779 euros); Inventory around 7700 pieces Plus: very durable engine, low fuel consumption, stable chassis, low vibrations Minus: rubbing brake discs with higher mileage, rusting exhaust, twisted carburetor diaphragms (until 1985)

Technical data: Suzuki DR 350 S / SE

Single cylinder four-stroke engine; 20/22 kW (27/30 hp); 141 kg with a full tank; Tank capacity 9 liters; Top speed 140 km / h (30 hp); Construction period from 1990 (3522 euros) to 1997 (4597 euros); Inventory around 6500 pieces plus: stable engine with pleasant performance characteristics, low weight, very handy minus: processing weaknesses (rust), narrow seat, small tank, weak disc brake in front

Technical data: Suzuki GSX 600 F

Four-cylinder four-stroke engine; 20/25/37/63 kW (27/34/50/86 hp); 229 kg with a full tank; Tank capacity 20 liters; Top speed 206 km / h (86 hp); Construction period from 1988 (5108 euros) to the present (6797 euros); Inventory around 15,200 pieces Plus: stable engine, good brakes Minus: poor pulling power at low speeds, moderate processing (rust), expensive change in performance depending on the output power and year of manufacture

Technical data: Yamaha SR 500

Single cylinder four-stroke engine; 20 kW (27 hp); 170 kg with a full tank; Tank capacity 14 liters; Top speed 135 km / h; Construction period from 1978 (2296 euros) to 1999 (4088 euros); Inventory around 23,000 pieces Plus: good handiness, easy maintenance, inexpensive repairs, timeless classic design Minus: engine susceptible until 1984, chassis weaknesses, with drum brakes at the front, weak braking effect and fading

Technical data: Yamaha XJ 900 F

Four-cylinder four-stroke engine; 68/72 kW (92/98 hp); 248 kg with a full tank; Tank capacity 22 liters; Top speed 209 km / h (92 hp); Construction period from 1983 (4836 euros) to 1994 (6948 euros); Stock around 11,800 pieces plus: long-life engine, low-reaction cards, low consumption, good comfort minus: slack spring elements, handlebar flutter, slight chassis weaknesses at high speed, rust-prone silencers

Technical data: Yamaha XV 535

V-two-cylinder four-stroke engine; 20/25/32/34 kW (27/34/44/46 hp); 196 kg with a full tank; Tank capacity 13.5 liters; Top speed 156 km / h (44 hp); Construction period from 1988 (3986 euros) to the present (5730 euros); Inventory around 45,000 pieces Plus: easy handling, robust engine, harmonious power delivery, cardan drive Minus: complex and expensive dethrottling, relatively high consumption, unsuitable pillion seat

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