Ziay!

berrytrain

I can't afford a newer bike so I am thinking of buying something older,
as long as it's not too maintenace intensive. What year did they start making fuel injected bikes? I know that carburater engines require lots of maintenance compared to fuel injected. I am mechanically inclined but no nothing about bike engines, but I am willing to learn, but I don't want something that is maintenance intensive, thanks for your thoughts.

Dimo J

HUH? So my carbureted Suzuki Savage that I have put 21,000 miles on over the past four years with just oil and tire changes requires lots of maintenance? Whoa!!! When am I suppose to start with this "lots of maintenance"? What am I supposed to be doing?

In other words, your basic premise is wrong. Carbureted engines do not require lots of maintenance compared to fuel injected.

Rapid Fire

I ride a 1968 BSA 441 Shooting Star. This Summer it will be stripped down for the second rebuild of it's life. Even a well cared for motorcycle needs refurbished if it is ridden every day. Normal maintenance on this machine has been relatively inexpensive over the years; mostly chains, tires, spark plugs and oil. The cost of running this machine has saved me more than enough money for an engine/transmission rebuild and a general freshening up. And I plan to ride this bike for a long time yet.

Calspeed

I really think that your main concern should be other then whether it is a carb bike or an FI bike. I dont think that a carb bike is any more difficult to own or maintain. Basically you need to purchase the bike you want in the best condition for the least amount of money. Sounds basic? Easy? I know, easier said then done. Right? Actually it is easy especially since you are somewhat mechanically inclined. For less then $5k you can get a damn good motorcycle. For a thousand less you can get a great 600cc sportbike or Standard. You decide what style you want. Let me tell you what to look for. You do not need to buy a crashed or dropped bike. Look at the bar ends, footpegs, turn signals mirrors for road rash. Look for safety wiring on brakes and drainplugs to weed out old racebikes. sometimes bodywork can be perfect but underneath it will prove it to be an ex-racer. Also high mileage and perfect bodywork dont always "jive". Btw... dont be afraid of bikes with higher mileage. 25k, 30k isnt a bad thing. I would rather a 5 year old bike with 10k then one with 500 miles. Especially if undocumented. It is pretty hard to buy a bad bike. They are all pretty good. Just get the style you want first and enjoy shopping. As for when FI became available. It has been around for over 20 years. But carbs for a lot longer. For my sportbike I like FI. My dirt and enduros I like Carbs.