Video: Lemmy and Joe buy a $1,000 motorcycle to restore

And sometimes, all a rider can spare is $1,000. In this case, Lemmy wanted a cheap, reliable Craigslist special to ride around while he searches for the Next Shiny Thing. In case you missed it, Common Tread’s staff curmudgeon borked his ankle at the flat track, and he’s easing back into the saddle after his recovery. And by "easing," I mean "getting back out there as quickly and cheaply as possible."

So, Joe Zito joins Lemmy for a trip to the world of cheap motorcycles. Their goal: get a decent bike for the smallest amount of money possible. Fix it up, let Lemmy put some miles on it, and then flip it when it’s time for an upgrade. Off to Craigslist. (I hear Facebook Marketplace is pretty good these days, too.) The guys consider a CB750, an SRX250 (what I’d have chosen), a VX800 (my runner-up, but sold), and more. What they settle on is a perfect example of a motorcycle you might buy for a grand.

Lem and Joe pick up their 1996 Suzuki Intruder 800 and lug it back to ZLA HQ for an overhaul. The bike doesn’t need anything too serious in the way of restoration, but all the usual suspects have to be checked. How are the brakes? Tires? The shaft final drive? Seat and bodywork? Anything missing or loose? How are the fluids? Lemmy’s already published an article on recovering the seat.

If you liked this episode, make sure to watch the follow-up, as the guys get the Zuk back on the road for a final ride with the previous owner.