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True Cost of Buying A Used Motorcycle and Motorcycling Hobby, Used C50 As A 1st Bike

5K views 26 replies 15 participants last post by  beezer 
#1 · (Edited)
Sharing my high-level break-down of the true cost of getting into Motorcycle hobby.:moneyeyes:
Yes, I know: some of the items listed below (except repairs, maintenance, and some protection gear) are optional. Yet, these upgrades make motorcycle riding so much more enjoyable, as well as a lot safer.

Bike:
I bought my first motorcycle in September 2018. It was a 2008 Suzuki Boulevard C50 Special Edition (different paint and decals, cast wheels instead of spokes, otherwise identical to other '08 C50) with 2,900 Miles. Bike spent a lot of times seating in somebody's garage, and I believe no regular maintenance was done to it for a very long time. Bike came with Vance & Hines exhaust (I still don't know if I like it or it is more of an annoyance), handlebar raisers and a rusted Lowjack.

Repairs:
I fixed some of the critical components at the shop (wheels, breaks, gas tank) and the rest of the maintenance and upgrades were done by me. In the process, I've bought some gear, extra lights, upgraded to LED for most lights (except the headlight - this got an upgraded halogen bulb), did a few popular mods, and bought some accessories to improve comfort.

Future buys:
I still need to buy a bike jack to ease periodic maintenance and storage.

Come sprint I might invest in a different jacket (mesh, higher quality) and again next winter (heated gloves, proper winter riding pants).

From this point on, I don't really need/want any additional modification made to the bike, unless I find Smalley's HB adapter somewhere.

A few summaries on the below numbers:
  • Cost of buying a used bike, that includes Motorcycle, Registration & Tax, Necessary Maintenance and Repairs comes out to $4,312.70
  • Protection gear is the next big spend, with close to $1,600.
  • Optional motorcycle equipment and mods, tools, and various chachkas come out to approximately $1,350 .


High-Level List - $

  • Accessories $212.20
  • Equipment $864.64
  • Maintenance $94.34
  • Motorcyle $2,806.00
  • Protection Gear $1,578.44
  • Registration $239.13
  • Repair $1,173.23
  • Tools $256.65
Grand Total $7,224.63

High-Level List - %

  • Accessories 2.94%
  • Equipment 11.97%
  • Maintenance 1.31%
  • Motorcyle 38.84%
  • Protection Gear 21.85%
  • Registration 3.31%
  • Repair 16.24%
  • Tools 3.55%
Grand Total 100.00%



Detailed List
Accessories $212.20
Bluetooth $95.85
Cover $85.00
Key $6.52
Lock $24.83
Equipment $864.64
Crash Bars $173.88
Electrical $119.91
Key $10.89
Lights $286.58
Reflectors $5.99
Seat $52.00
Windshield $215.39​
Maintenance $94.34
Electrical $5.42
Engine Coolant $22.89
Oil $66.03​
Motorcyle $2,806.00
Inspection $6.00
Motorcycle $2,800.00​
Protection Gear $1,578.44
Boots $184.95
Ear plugs $32.61
Gloves $165.60
Helmet $230.30
Jacket $212.39
Pants $143.99
Airbag Vest $608.60​
Registration $239.13
Registration and Tax $239.13​
Repair $1,173.23
Labor $621.66
Parts $525.83
Saddle Bags $10.99
Seat $14.75​
Tools $256.65
Electrical $42.15
Mechanical $44.98
Miscellaneous $23.66
Oil $2.44
Storage $143.42​
Grand Total $7,224.63


Conclusion:
If you are buying your first bike, a used Boulevard C50 is great option. It is not too powerful to kill you on the first ride, but it has enough power to take you on a highway and have some fun around the town. It has decent comfort (seats could be better) and fairly simple maintenance (if the electrical system is in decent shape). There is a lot of aftermarket accessories that are easy to install.
It is fuel injected - no carburetor related challenges. Most of the parts are available on the web, and some of them are even reasonably priced used (exception include OEM fuel cap for $130 :)boozin:). Volusia Riders Forum is a goldmine when it comes to troubleshooting and helping new riders with their Suzuki cruisers.

P.S.
I originally planned to spend as much $ on repairs and protection gear as I've spent on the motorcycle itself. That came to be very true. If you are satisfied with a stock bike, and can do some basic maintenance yourself, look to spend anywhere from 30-50% of the purchase price of the used bike on repairs. That ratio is approximate, and varies based on a brand, age, labor rates, etc.

P.P.S.
Skimping on protection gear is not a good idea. Your skin, bones and scull are much softer than anything that you might impact even at 10 MPH.
 
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#3 ·
can't worry about money invested in good quality riding gear... w/o it...all the money one spends on the mc becomes senseless if the rider is unable to ride anymore. I remember I had a similar list I kept on my first mc...2004... I'll have to see if I can find it...remember the final cost owning that bike exceeded the cost I paid for it new. Best money ever spent for the pleasure it gave me and the people I met thru riding....especially here on this forum.
 
#6 ·
Wow! That's a heck of a breakdown. Personally, I choose to remain ignorant about how much this hobby has cost me over time. Thanks for sharing though, I'm sure it will be useful for someone thinking about getting started with a motorcycle. Especially those young people who think that they can save money by getting a motorcycle instead of a car.
 
#7 ·
It might be more economical to ride a motorcycle (cheaper vehicle, cheaper gas, cheaper tolls, cheaper insurance). If all maintenance is done yourself, it can definitely be a somewhat cheaper option for commute.
However, motorcycle doesn't replace a car, and car doesn't provide the same experience as riding a motorcycle.
 
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#9 · (Edited)
I find it's hard to put a price on enjoyment, relaxation, and stress relief. We won't even mention the fun of riding around with the wifey and just being out of the house on a beautiful day with no worries and going where I want to.
Can't really let the wife talk me into shopping with the limited room and she knows I hate shopping, with her, and I'll leave her there.
Let's not forget the joy of doing charity rides for friends, family or, especially, needy or sick kids. Charity rides are priceles.
 
#10 ·
Point taken on motorcycles potentially not as cost efficient to commute as cars.
I wonder what is the situation in countries where gas costs are 4-6 times higher that in US, and cars cost double due to to import fees? Some countries tax engine displacement, others tax face value of a vehicle, third just don’t have enough space or road infrastructure for all the people who want and can afford a car.
Of course we are not trying to compare apples to oranges here (both round, both have nutritional value, yet very different in essence), but motorcycles are still a very much a minor part of people lives in US, same as bicycles (which I rode for 10 years in NYC before buying my first MC).

As the saying goes, “the bigger the boys, the bigger (and more expensive) the toys”. It is very hard to put a price tag on enjoinent of riding. Every time I take my MC for a ride (New York City), I stand in traffic, it is often hot/cold/wet or too dry, but my trip becomes and experience, rather than a dull daily activity. Not every time positive, but non the less something I would forget later than a boring subway/bus/cab/car ride to my destination.
 
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#11 ·
It kind of all depends on what used bike you buy. Mine's a 2008 C50. Had 13K miles when bought. For at least the past 4 years (the time the guy I bought it from owned it) ALL maintenance had been done as-scheduled, and he had records to prove it. It already had a windshield and saddle bags, and a brakelight flasher. Had brand-new Michelin Commander II tires. Came with a very nice heavy-duty bike cover, a helmet(too small for me), a nice pair of riding gloves (my size), and a good-quality accessory power port (with the wiring already in place, using a quick-connect so I can keep the receptacle in a bag and only snap it on to its base when I need it). $2750.


I added Memphis Shades lowers and a curved chrome luggage rack, $125.


I took the title to the DMV, paid the taxes and registration fee -- $150. Took it to my insurance agent, added it to my existing policy -- $123 for a year. Already had a helmet, but I treated myself to a "new" textile armored jacket - Johnny Rocket - that I found for $70 at a pawn shop.


My riding buddy said, "Man, you stole that bike!", at which point I pulled my pistol and said, "Right. Now hand over your wallet!":wayhappy:
 
#12 · (Edited)
Definitely a steal of a deal! Could I have done better on initial purchase price, considering the work I had to do? Maybe a little. That said, bike seller was 5 minutes away from me, a biker with 30 years under the belt was able to go with me to pickup the bike. Now I ride it, I enjoy it, no regrets:)))) Yes it is very cold in NYC right now, but it will pass :)
 
#15 ·
I concur, but I would add that the C50 is a great option, not only for a first bike, but for any rider who appreciates its good points and can live with its few short comings. For me, the 4 gallon tank and limited range for touring the West was an important factor in moving on. Many disliked the 5 speed and higher revs and wanted a six gear. I'd go up to 70 in fourth on my freeway ramp and then shift to 5th. It did not need 6th, but we all wanted it. I was never a believer that the DJ mod was necessary, but it added value for some. It was not a rocket ship, but is had enough to pass easily and when tried, pegged the speedo at 100+ indicated, but it did not feel safe at that speed.

While you enjoy number crunching, I expect your expenditures are mostly normal, but as individual as every Volusia/C50 rider you will meet, it represents a norm, but the bell curve is broad and many different budgets are happy to ride C50s.

Enjoy and many of my dearest friends I met on this forum and were Volusia/C50 riders who never forgot the joy they had on their Suzuki.

If you are buying your first bike, a used Boulevard C50 is great option. It is not too powerful to kill you on the first ride, but it has enough power to take you on a highway and have some fun around the town. It has decent comfort (seats could be better) and fairly simple maintenance. There is a lot of aftermarket accessories that are easy to install.
It is fuel injected - no carburetor related challenges. Most of the parts are available on the web,....
 
#16 ·
I had never sat on a bike until 2008. When gas prices went up to $4.00 per gallon and I was driving 500 miles per week to work in my Ford 150 truck I had to do something. First bike was also a 2008 C50 (brand new). Changed my life forever. The good thing was I made money by buying it. I was saving around $300.00 per month in gas and was paying much less per month for the bike. Yes, I spent a lot for decorations, mods and gear (gear I still use 10 years later). Put 80k on her and bought an '09 C50 in 2014 with 200 miles on it. Ran that baby like the first over many states, mountains and beaches. Last year I upgraded to a 2015 C90 BOSS (brand new) and started over. You got to have a hobby and this is a great one. Involve your significant other so she can't fuss too much and for gosh sakes don't show her that breakdown of how much you've spent. Spend it if you can afford it, ride it either way and stay safe.
 
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#17 ·
Your post made me think about what I've spent on my bike, a 2007 C50T bought in 2009. I don't have all of the numbers in that detail, but here is a comparison of what I have spent:


Bike: $5000 (it had 1600 miles, practically new) List price new was $9500


Riding gear $1550 Total
Boots $100
Jacket 1 $90
Jacket 2 $140
Gloves 1 $40
Gloves 2 $60
Helmet 1 $200
Helmet 2 $500
Heated gear $300
Overpants $80
Chaps $40

Accessories Total: $1230
Crash bar: $80
Foot pegs: $120
Air horn: $40
Fuse box: $30
Light bar: $80 (do-it-yourself from plans on this forum)
Lowers: $50 (DIY from this forum)
Tank bib $50 (used from a forum member)
Trunk bag $250
GPS mount: $80
Rear rack: $80
Throttle lock: $75
Mustang Seat: $275 (bought used on this forum)
Backrest: $100 (Grasshopper)

I do all maintenance myself except for yearly inspection and tire changes. This includes valve adjustment which I do using instructions from this forum. I pait for the lifetime membership but the benefits have been way more than that.

My total cost of ownership not including maintenance, fuel, oil, etc. (I may have missed a few things)



$7780 ($8000 figuring I missed a few things...)
 
#18 ·
Your post made me think about what I've spent on my bike, a 2007 C50T bought in 2009. I don't have all of the numbers in that detail, but here is a comparison of what I have spent:


Bike: $5000 (it had 1600 miles, practically new) List price new was $9500

Riding gear $1550 Total
Boots $100
Jacket 1 $90
Jacket 2 $140
Gloves 1 $40
Gloves 2 $60
Helmet 1 $200
Helmet 2 $500
Heated gear $300
Overpants $80
Chaps $40

Accessories Total: $1230
Crash bar: $80
Foot pegs: $120
Air horn: $40
Fuse box: $30
Light bar: $80 (do-it-yourself from plans on this forum)
Lowers: $50 (DIY from this forum)
Tank bib $50 (used from a forum member)
Trunk bag $250
GPS mount: $80
Rear rack: $80
Throttle lock: $75
Mustang Seat: $275 (bought used on this forum)
Backrest: $100 (Grasshopper)

I do all maintenance myself except for yearly inspection and tire changes. This includes valve adjustment which I do using instructions from this forum. I pait for the lifetime membership but the benefits have been way more than that.

My total cost of ownership not including maintenance, fuel, oil, etc. (I may have missed a few things)



$7780 ($8000 figuring I missed a few things...)
Nice! We are getting some interesting information here! I do have a spreadsheet on Google drive, maybe I’ll get around to clean it up and post it here for reference.
 
#20 ·
Two weeks ago I bought my former neighbors 2006 C50T for $1000 dollars. I didn't want to but could not resist the price. He had it at his shore house that he just sold. He didn't want to take it to north Jersey. It had 5118 miles on it when I got it. I know I have to get new tires but will wait till spring (unheated garage). I changed the oil and filter and have been riding up the island a few times. It has Corbra bars, nice pegs and stock bags and windshield. Right now I'm at a total $1212. ( Sales tax, Transfer, Plates, Insurance, oil and filter) The garage is a little jammed up with 4 bikes.
 
#21 ·
That is a nice buy, considering the millage. From my personal experience, low millage on an older bike can be a both a blessing as well as a huge headache.

P.S. Four bikes, where do I store my next MC - such a first world problem :laugh:
 
#25 · (Edited)
A quick update on the progress of Joy Rider (1 year ownership).

Changes quite a few things since the initial post, and stopped tracking every penny I'm spending on the bike
Life goes on and other things take priority. I've customized a few other things on my bike, bought additional riding gear and had some good riding!

To summarize what was added/removed since the original posting (some of the things might have been included, don't remember exactly). Prices include tax and are approximation from memory:

- Terrazon Forward Controls - $200.
- Leatherlyke Saddlebags - $250 (about w/ additional hardware)
- Givi 40 Dry Bag - $85
- Oxford Heaterz Premium Cruiser Heated Grips.
- Ultimate Midrider Solo Seat - $460
- Mustang Fender Bib - $35
- Windshield Wind Deflector - $33 (haven't installed yet)
- Wolo Bad Boy 519 Chrome - $70 (with wiring and hardware).
- TCX Gore-Tex touring boots - $190 (on sale @ Cycle Trader).
- Rev'IT Air (Something Something) Vented Mesh Jacket - $230.
- Removed Cobra Highway Bars - about $175 originally, willing to sell those (make and offer).
- Reverted to stock exhaust - $80-ish (swap with another member)
- Motorcycle jack - $90 or so
- Other tools - $100-ish.

I've just changed oil - Valvoline 10w-40 Full Synthetic 4 Stroke Motorcycle Oil and final drive oil (Mobil something for gears).

I have to do valve inspection/adjustment, and I will be doing it myself. Prices are in $600 range, and nobody wants to do it. I guess Suzuki C50 maintenance people really know the pain and don't want to get involved with it.
 
#26 ·
All good info.. just ride.
 
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