The best motorcycles under $3,000

I mean, I’ve owned perfectly good motorcycles for under $1,000. Most of them just needed the usual tune ups and consumables. Fortunately for me, I have a decently equipped workshop and a little mechanical know-how from my borderline-shameful history of junk bikes, so that work isn't usually a problem. I realize I may be in the minority there. 

That's one reason the $2,000-$3,000 segment explored in this episode of Highside/Lowside is a much better sweet spot for most folks. Motorcycles that change hands for these prices tend to be a nice balance of usable and affordable, and I can’t help but think that these bikes are the backbone of motorcycling in the United States. We’re talking about rides that regular people can enjoy and afford without too much worry or work. Speaking from experience, fixing up a really cheap but really beat bike is probably going to cost the same in the long run, monetarily speaking, and there’s no comparing the time cost.

Call me unoriginal, but the SV650 is my benchmark streetbike for that $2,000-$3000 range. It’s just such a good all-rounder, and there’s so much aftermarket out there that you could build one into whatever you need it to be, within reason. Suzuki’s DR-Z400 would be my off-road choice. 

So tell us about your KLRs, Nighthawks, Savages, Buells, Concourses, TW200s, Maxims, Groms, trackbikes, Shadows, Ironheads, DRs, Ninjas, scooters, and whatever else you’ve picked up for killer cost-to-fun ratios. Say it with me: Motorcycling doesn’t have to be expensive!

How to listen to Highside/Lowside

As usual, the podcast version of this discussion offers an uncut listening experience for an even deeper dive into the topic. 

Highside/Lowside is available via iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Libsyn, and Google Play for those with accounts.