List cheap V-twin donors for me

Maybe because I've been reading the street-tracker thread

Maybe because there is 2' of snow & ice preventing me from riding safely

Maybe because I have ADD relating to vehicles

Maybe because I know you are all a bunch of enablers of the worst kind.

But, I'm looking for another project. Something with a V-Twin.

I can't afford HD, So, what else is out there?

I've seen Yamaha Virage (920cc), Honda Shadow (600-1100cc), Yamaha Vision (550cc)

Bigger is always better right? Would prefer a chain drive final.

Don't forget the various Yamaha Dragstars, although that sounds like something Ru Paul would ride. But IIRC most of the Yamahas are shaft drive.

How about a CX500/GL500? Heck, the Teutuls even made a bike with a Dixie Chopper lawn mower V-twin! Does it have to be a V-twin?

The CX/GL twin is kinda sorta going the wrong direction if you want a traditional V-Twin, but they're pretty unbreakable. Shaft drive, though.

I just really don't want a 4-cylinder wide motor, that's all.

TL1000R if you must have a stomping V-twin at a low, low price. So good they're still in production in the Vstrom. Another fairly powerful Vtwin is the Honda V4's. You can get the older version in the Magna or Sabre from years back. A newer version in the VFR's. Sabmag's you can get for song now. The VFR's are God's Own motorcycle. Perfect at everything. You won't find them cheap if they're in good shape.

If you want smaller displacement you can go for the SV650 motor or the old skool Honda Hawk/GT650 motor.

If you want air cooled you're talking HD stuff or Yam Virago. The Virago motor looks really, really nice hanging out in the breeze. If you want to go cheap HD, check out Buells. But God help you if I find out you've chopped up a perfectly good S1, S1 White Lightning, S3, M2, or X1 for some crap project you'll never finish. Some folks have a ring in hell reserved for them because of this. Tube frame Buell's are a dying breed. You can chop up the XB's all you want.

If money is no object I'd go Aprilia. But that motor was made to be hidden under a fairing. It won't be as clean looking and pretty as an air cooled motor.

A vertical twin ala XS650/500/400 might work for you too. Honda made some and Kawasaki's 650R, and the EX series, are all Vertical twins. Those are all air cooled and the XS's look like old brit stuff. They're highly sought after these days though.

and yes, Aircooled is also a priority. Air/Oil maybe.

this would be acceptable too if found cheap enough

The Yamaha Vision is pretty rare and they are cheap when you find one. Most don't run.

Love the Honda VT500 Ascot. They won't be cheap unless you get lucky.

I think one of the Viragos may be a cheap bike.

BoxheadTim wrote: The CX/GL twin is kinda sorta going the wrong direction if you want a traditional V-Twin, but they're pretty unbreakable. Shaft drive, though.

Very easily converted to a chain. Air cooled twins are probably cheapest, depending on size and condition.My old V-4 liquid Suzuki was an absolute rocket.

minimac wrote:

BoxheadTim wrote: The CX/GL twin is kinda sorta going the wrong direction if you want a traditional V-Twin, but they're pretty unbreakable. Shaft drive, though.

Very easily converted to a chain. Air cooled twins are probably cheapest, depending on size and condition.My old V-4 liquid Suzuki was an absolute rocket.

Was that the Madura?

Moto Guzzi. It has an external transmission on it.

GRTech, what are you making?

Yamaha Venture?, it's the Yami equivalent of a Gold Wing; four cylinder V.

Got torque?

Xceler8x wrote:

minimac wrote:

.....My old V-4 liquid Suzuki was an absolute rocket.

Was that the Madura?

Suzuki Cavalcade. 1400 cc Torque monster.

I'm thinking of a one-off cafe racer / bobber thing. (anti-chopper)

Hiding as much of the wiring as possible. Minimalistic appearance (hence, no watercooled).

Something to hoon around on and take to the local bike nights. If I can get it to shoot fire, even better

all hypothetical at this time.

NICE !!!!

Honda VT 500 Ascot

The Virago based cafe is bad ass--I'd go that route.

I have a Yamaha 920 midnight special available complete with partsbike. Needs starter setup though.

Make me a realistic offer for both.

Chet

NJ

Chet, were are you located?

Northern NJ

Honda CX500

http://cx500forum.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=365

Grtechguy wrote:

I hate you!

Thank You, Thank you, just doing my part here.

minimac wrote: Honda CX500 http://cx500forum.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=365

There's another idea I like...I'm leaning towards that green Virago more, but still do like that

I have also heard that the suzuki 1000 V twin is a very gnarley engine.

How about a buell?