Best Buys
BEST BUYS
The affordable alternative to sticker shock
MATTHEW MILES
AT CYCLE WORLD. WE OFTEN find ourselves tucked behind the bubbles of the fastest, most exotic and expensive motorcycles in the world. And while there’s no denying that Bimota Tesis, Ducati Roche Replicas and Honda NR750s are incredibly exciting, most of us spend our own money on more affordable machinery.
Economic recessions, quirky styling, displacement inadequacies and questionable marketing, among other things, often lead to what are called “non-current,” or leftover, models. These can be real bargains, especially if you’re after a brand-new bike that offers a full warranty. Such models may not have the latest graphics or techno-wizardry, but their savings over current-year models makes them worthy of serious consideration come buying time.
This article concentrates on bikes bigger than 250cc and priced under $4000. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t deals to be had at the other ends of the scale. Honda’s PC800 Pacific Coast is a good example. Both the 1989 and 1990 models are selling at huge discounts. Leftover ’90 models, originally priced at nearly $7700, can be had for $5500, a savings of almost 30 percent. And by shopping around, we found a 1989 PC800 demo model—with less than 1000 miles on the clock and carrying a full warranty—for only $4100.
Non-current Honda VFR750s are also priced to sell. The 1990 version, winner of Cycle World’s Best 750cc Streetbike award, can be found for $6300, $700 under sticker. Kawasaki’s Ninja 750 is another screaming deal. The ’90 model, which originally sold for $5399, is discounted $400. And if you’re looking for touring bikes, 1989-91 Kawasaki Voyager XIIs are discounted anywhere from $200 to $1200.
Entry-level dual-purpose motorcycles, such as the Honda NX 125 and 250, are also marked down. 1990 NX 125s are discounted $700 from their original $2300 retail price, while the NX250 benefits from a $200 discount to $2900.
The non-current models that follow are Cycle World1 s picks as the Ten Best Buys of 1992. Of course, with various incentive programs, dealers may be willing to sell certain models at even lower prices, so shop around. Remember: It’s a buyer’s market.
HONDA CB-1
A great motorcycle that never found an audience. Powered by a willing, liquid-cooled, 16-valve Four, it also has wide wheels, a single-shock rear suspension and impressive brakes. But it was overpriced and has very compact ergonomics, which meant it languished in showrooms. Still, for smaller riders, the 399cc CB-1 is perfect for dissecting a twisty backroad or doubling as a Capable commuter. Victims of a difficult market, 1990 CB-1s have been reduced $600 to $3700.
HONDA GB500
If British styling in a solid, nearly maintenance-free package is your cup of tea, look no farther than the GB500. Powered by an aircooled, 499cc, electric-start Single, the GB offers all of the performance and none of the hassles of the English marques its styling emulates. Unfortunately, not too many people were interested in the $4200 neoclassic when it was introduced in 1989. Now, GB500s can be bought for as little as $3100, with 1990-issue bikes bringing about $300 more.
HONDA HAWK GT
Without a doubt, this is one of the best buys in the non-current market. With its liquid-cooled V-Twin, aluminum frame and singlesided swingarm, the 647cc GT is good-looking and technically advanced. At $4200, the Hawk was initially overpriced and got off to a slow start. Today, there are plenty of '89, '90 and '91 models around, waiting to be snapped up. Prices start at $3400 for 1989 models.
HONDA TRANSALP
The Transaip may look just like a Paris-to-Dakar replica, but even with its semi-knobbed tires and long-travel suspension, it's a bike best suited to the street. The torquey, 583cc, liquid-cooled V-Twin provides plenty of performance, and a small fairing and windshield add to the Transalp's long-distance comfort. Dealers are especially willing to bargain on leftover '89s, initially costing $4500. The best price we found for a 1989 Transalp was $3500, with 1990 models tagged several hundred dollars higher.
HONDA NX650
Though more dated than most non-currents, the NX650 is a sure best buy. Its air-cooled, 644cc Single provides plenty of punch, and its long-travel suspension keeps the chassis in line both on and off the road. Electric starting and a luggage rack are nice touches. Leftover '89 models are priced at $3300, $700 under retail, while '88 models are even cheaper, but more difficult to find.
KAWASAKI ZEPHYR 550
If the Zephyr 550 reminds you of the late, great KZ550, that's no accident: From its air-cooled, fourcylinder engine to its sculpted tail-section, the Zephyr bears a striking resemblance to the early-'80s KZ series. Updated suspension, tires and brakes ensure current-level performance, though. Unfortunately, this latest 550 didn't sell as well as its predecessor and has been discontinued, though '91 models are still readily available. And with its $300 discount, the Zephyr 550 carries a $3700 price tag that is a full $1000 less than the 750cc Zephyr's.
SUZUKI GS500E
As the only non-current, biggerthan-250cc model selling for under $3000, Suzuki's GS500E is a real bargain. Availability may vary, but we were able to find '91 models for just $2800. Powered by an aircooled, dohc Twin, the GS500E weighs 400 pounds dry and has a comfortable, 31-inch seat height. An optional quarter-fairing and engine cowl offer additional flair for this sporty Suzuki.
SUZUKI VX800
The VX800 combines the broad performance of a V-Twin engine with shaft drive and comfortable ergonomics. Although its suspension components are a bit soft for serious sport riding, the VX800 is well-suited for everything else, from commuting to light, two-up touring. And at $3800-$900 below its unrealistic 1991 asking price-the VX is an excellent non-current purchase.
YAMAHA XT350
Over the past few years, the XT350 has seen few changes, but that hasn't hurt its road, or Offroad, worthiness. Though it's not a serious dirtbike, the $3200 XT350 ($300 below list) behaves well in both environments, and its aircooled, 346cc four-stroke Single is easy to start and maintain. Additionally, an XT350 is inexpensive to insure and a blast to ride. Prudent buyers might be able to find leftover '89 or '90 XTs at even lower prices, but '91s will be the most common.
YAMAHA XT600
The XT600 offers a good blend of street and off-road capabilities. With its convenient electric starting, counterbalanced, single-cylinder motor and semi-knobbed tires, the XT is capable of handling just about anything a dual-purpose rider is willing to throw its way. And backroad riders will be surprised at its ability to carve up a twisty stretch of blacktop. Prices for 1990 XT600s have been cut to $3400, with '91 models selling for about $600 more. Those bikes originally sold for $3800 and $4400, respectively.
