My motorcycle budget is an ongoing turn over of prior motorcycle investment in sorts. Most members who have or do follow my occasional projects which are now on the 4th XS650 standard in about 5 years time,(you all only have seen 3) by now see my motorcycle expense habits.
Being a working "middle class" American in a difficult time to splurge, my own motorcycle habit continues, but is not a priority in my lifestyle. Just good entertainment and personal reward.
That said, I share that there is no real need to have a large budget to enjoy a XS650 project !!
Bikes can be hunted for and purchased for not much money. My own last 79F cost $1300 loaded. After the purchase depending on condition, the choices of parts purchased becomes just that, How much do you choose to invest to get the desired end result ?
Anybody can see that I keep it very simple and low in cost and therefore keep my expectations realistic. A good running hopefully somewhat dependable XS toy to ride and work on is a very realistic end goal on a low budget.
To help with the funding I source used parts almost all locally. To me this is part "of the hunt" which is the most rewarding. I occasionally find extra parts to sell or store until they are used to improve the next XS650. Ive done some of this on my current project XS. That is a strategy ! Keep your parts stash building cheaply when you can. Use your knowledge to find and obtain what you may need. Try to move your unwanted parts on in trade or for some cash too.
I honestly have very little invested in my current 79F project and that is a good enjoyable thing ! As this XS is just part of the ongoing investment in my XS650 habit and there will be some profit soon which will help fund my next XS650 in waiting .
My goal would be to have what I call a "profitable hobby" which is possible with these XS650s !