I bought my '05 blue ST for $2450 with 38,000 miles on it. I've probably put another $1500-$2000 into it to get it where I want it. It runs beautifully now and is starting to get that street custom look even. At this point there are really only two more major things I'd like to do and they could cumulatively cost me another grand in parts...exhaust ($500-$700) and HID projection headlights ($250-$400).
With that said, keep in mind that you want to get a good deal on the best possible bike. But if you are buying used, it will be someone else's headache that you buy. So whatever you pay, also take into account what it will cost to fix what you CAN see wrong. And I guarantee that after a month of riding you will find other stuff you will need to sink money into as well.
And if you don't already ride, figure on about $500 for gear too...helmet...jacket...gloves at the minimum...boots and pants too possibly. And in SA, you have the same problem I have in AZ of year round riding (first world problems, right guys? I can hear all the Canadians groaning at me now!
). You will need summer gear and winter gear. I have a mesh summer jacket and a half leather half textile jacket with a liner that I wear in the winter. I also have a pair of summer gloves and two different kinds of winter gloves depending on where and when I am riding. I generally only wear riding pants in the winter. I do wear kevlar jeans in the summer though. And I wear marine surplus desert boots with thinsulate in them year round.
so...factor in bike price...parts price...gear price...and then figure that you will eventually want to start adding mods too.
But for initial investment, I'd say factor in the bike, gear, title, registration...maybe emissions...oil and a filter...maybe plugs...maybe an air filter. These are all things you should always change ASAP when buying a used bike. You can ask the seller when the last time this stuff was done was, but don't believe the answer. check and change as needed regardless. Sellers lie.
You'll find one ya like. And it'll be awesome even if it sucks...cuz you'll be a biker. :BLAA: :Sport:
Welcome to the club.