Hey Kioskguy - I see 1982 CB 900c in your signature. I don't think I've heard about that one. Is that a new addition?
Since I've already found a bike (via Craigslist) I try not to keep looking, but after watching the listings every day for the last couple of months I just can't help myself - it's habit now. I keep seeing other bikes that want to come home with me! Don't tell the old lady but I think this is the start of a collection. After I get this one on the road and some modifications done I'd like to round out the collection with a smaller bike like a 250, a larger bike like a 750 or 900, and maybe even something larger like a naked Goldwing. I don't know what it is but I really like the looks of a stripped down (and mildly cafe'd) Goldwing, just something about them - probably because they look like a seat and wheels slapped onto a big old engine like one of those old Saturday morning RoadRunner cartoons with the Coyote sitting on a big rocket.
Jonnyoutlaw - some tips from my recent Craigslist experiences:
It seems like there are more buyers for vintage bikes in Cincinnati and Columbus than other places. I've seen ads posted and then closed in just a couple of hours. I went to see a bike in West Chester (literally just down the road from me) and 3 other guys showed up to look at it within 15 minutes of each other at 10:00 AM on a Thursday morning (when most people should be working!) and the seller said he had 15 people call. I missed on another bike in my own town on a Saturday morning because I didn't check the listings before my son's soccer game and by the time I got home around noon and called about it it had been sold. If you're sticking to looking in Cincinnati then you'll have to be quick - you can't wait for a day to think about it. This also makes it a seller's market - difficult to talk them down on price when they've got a dozen people calling about it.
Try checking out the motorcycle listings in the Dayton's Craigslist. I seemed to have better luck there - maybe a few less bikes but also seemed to be less buyers. Only one other person besides me called about the bike I ended up getting and the other potential buyer was trying a really lowball tactic. I was still able to talk the seller down $200 off of his $600 asking price though. And we went back and forth for a week from the time I looked at it until I bought it.
Another thing I've noticed is that prices have climbed a little in the last couple months - probably because everyone is looking for a bike now for the supposedly good weather we should have for Spring/Summer. I know of two other of my friends that are actively looking right now too. Your best bet might be to wait until late fall and save up some money - you'll probably have less bikes to pick from but you'll be able to get a better bike for your money. Of course I couldn't follow my own advice, I had to have it now
One final note: Hondas seem to be a prized possession in the Cincinnati area - those are the ones that seem to be going quick. If you don't "need" a Honda you might get more bike for less money and not have to act as quickly if you'll consider a Kawasaki, Suzuki or Yamaha. Of course there's a reason the Hondas are hot - lots of them made, lots of stock parts, lots of custom parts, lots of people working on them so plenty of advice available, etc.
Let us know how your hunt goes.
