Okay, so I’ve been itching to get back on two wheels for a while now, but my bank account hasn’t exactly been cooperating. That’s where the idea of a “budget naked bike” came in. I wanted something fun, reliable, and, most importantly, cheap. So, I started my hunt.
The Search Begins
First, I scoured the used market. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Cycle Trader – you name it, I was on it. I set a price limit in my head, a hard limit, and stuck to it. This immediately weeded out a lot of options, which was actually helpful. I focused mainly on Japanese bikes because, well, everyone says they’re reliable. I saw a bunch of older Honda CBs, some Suzuki SV650s, and even a few Kawasaki Ninjas that had seen better days.
I spent evenings reading forums and reviews. I learned about common problems with certain models, what to look for in terms of mileage and maintenance, and which bikes were known for being bulletproof.
Test Rides and Disappointments
Then came the test rides. This was a mixed bag. I rode a beat-up SV650 that felt like it was about to fall apart. I tried a CB500 that was surprisingly gutless. I even sat on a Ninja 250 that felt like a toy. There were a few that felt okay, but nothing that really grabbed me.
- One bike had clearly been dropped – multiple times.
- Another had a weird rattle in the engine that I couldn’t quite place.
- One seller was super sketchy and wouldn’t let me take it for a proper ride.
The Winner!
It almost happened. After weeks of searching, I found it. A slightly older, but super clean, Yamaha FZ6. The owner had all the service records, it ran perfectly, and the price was right. I took it for a spin, and it was exactly what I was looking for. Enough power to be fun, but not so much that I’d scare myself. Comfortable, nimble, and it just felt right.
I negotiated the price down a little (always gotta try!), and rode it home that day. It wasn’t brand new, it wasn’t fancy, but it was mine, and it was perfect for my budget. Best feeling ever.
So, that’s my story. It took some time, some patience, and a few disappointments, but I finally landed my budget naked bike. Now, time to put some miles on it!
