[TheItalynStalyn]

First and foremost, this is a little bit about myself from the introduction thread:

http://www.motorcycleforum.com/#/forumsite/20764/topics/156106

In addition to that, I forgot to mention that I am mechanically inclined, and have been working on the carbs of 4-wheelers last summer and snowmobiles this winter, however I have yet to open up a header. Anywho, to summarize my into a little bit, I'm 22 5'8" and 160lbs. I've been trail riding dirt bikes for the past 8 years, have taken a motorcycle riders course at a local community college, and have my full riding endorsement.

At first, I was looking at picking up a 1970s cb 750 for my first bike, but as of late, I have begun change my mind on getting such a heavy and potentially problematic bike for my first purchase. My budget for the bike is ~$3000.

I found this craigslist ad for an 07 gs500 for just shy of $3k, and was wondering your opinions on how this would fare for a starter bike.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/mcy/4958449577.html

Otherwise, there is a '13 kawasaki ninja 300 close to me, but the seller wants $4500 which to me is too much for just a 250. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[gripgear]

That suzuki looks pretty good to me with very low mileage.

 

[soupy1957]

A quick search for the Suzuki of your suggesting, shows similar prices advertised, for the same bike (various mileage).

If you are into that kind of bike, at least the prices seem consistent.

-soupy

 

[Jahuth]

The Suzuki price seems about normal for an 07, depending on the milage. The Ninja300 just came out in 2013 for about 4500-5k. So that person is trying to get his money back after 2 years of riding. Give him 3900 Cash and I bet he will take it. Green has a way of swaying people.

 

[TheItalynStalyn]

EDIT: Ok, so I have been swayed by one of my buddies as well as a lot of bike porn to get a 70's Honda CB. Very heavily leaning towards a CB550 and found this on craigslist... However, there are a couple red flags which are standing out to me:

1 Both Points covers look like they have been replaced,
2 Tank has been repainted, and is missing the HONDA letters

I have been talking to the seller and he told me that he has had it for a year, and is getting rid of it bc he doesn't ride it enough. He also said that it starts right up, and doesn't have any mechanical problems. So my question to you guys is: are my concerns legitimate? Or should I just assume that every old bike has taken a spill or two?

 

[soupy1957]

For $3K you can do better......

Hold out for that miracle deal that seems to show up when you least expect it..........they're out there.

Craig's List..........your local paper........word of mouth......

-Soupy

 

[TheItalynStalyn]

Ok, what do you guys think about my most recent post though? Is $1600 too much for a running, but potentially damaged 550?

 

[Dodsfall]

What is your plan for maintenance and repairs? Parts are getting hard to find for many of these and finding someone to work on them is just as hard in most areas.

$1600 is great for a good running bike, but expensive for something that is going to sit in the garage if it stops running.

 

[TheItalynStalyn]

What is your plan for maintenance and repairs? Parts are getting hard to find for many of these and finding someone to work on them is just as hard in most areas.

$1600 is great for a good running bike, but expensive for something that is going to sit in the garage if it stops running.

I plan on doing the simple stuff myself, but everything more intensive than carb work I will take over to a family friend who used to port cylinders for jack roush (so he knows his **** lol) along with some beer. What I was more concerned with are if there are any red flags to look out for when buying a bike that has certainly been dropped. That I would be able to see when I check the bike out.

Thanks.

 

[Stablefull]

I think the price depends heavily on your area, but in general, it sounds like too much money unless it is really clean. Here is an example of what l see pretty regularly here in Seattle.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/mcy/4995246733.html

 

[Urban]

I think the price depends heavily on your area, but in general, it sounds like too much money unless it is really clean. Here is an example of what l see pretty regularly here in Seattle.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/mcy/4995246733.html

You see sold articles often ?

OP, get a Suzuki SV650. Those bikes rock and are a great beginner to expert bike. If you are looking at sporty bikes the list is flooded with the old gen 250 and the EX500 (I'm biased, but this bike is bulletproof). Those are around 1500-2500 and give you room to buy some nice rider gear. Safe riding gear: Helmet, Jacket, Pants, Boots, armored gloves, should all be a requirement.

If you like cruiser style bikes I've always loved the Honda Rebel for it's unreal resale value.

 

[khosatral Khel]

Have you considered a Yamaha XS650? I liked mine, but I’m not too mechanically inclined so it posed too much for me. The bike has a huge following and you can pick them up at a reasonable price.

 

[TheItalynStalyn]

I did think about the xs650, but I don't want to get the same bike that my buddy rides...

Urban, which Era of 650 are you recommending? Pre 2002 or after? There is one on craigslist pretty close to me that bay be worth checking out. But I am a little bit nervous about how much the insurance would cost for it rather than the 550. Thanks though guys!

 

[TheItalynStalyn]

Have you considered a Yamaha XS650? I liked mine, but I’m not too mechanically inclined so it posed too much for me. The bike has a huge following and you can pick them up at a reasonable price.

Ok, so after getting the go ahead to get a motorcycle from my parents, they basically rescinded their blessing after I told them that I was going to buy a 70s era bike. So I pitched the SV650 to them as a newer, and probably more reliable bike and they agreed and are OK with my getting one.

Now my question to you guys is: Is this too much bike for a first bike? Or will I be fine as long as I keep my head on my shoulders and don't ride like an assclown?

Again, I plan on learning the bike, but don't want to worry about taking a nasty spill just in case I don't see a pothole in time... (Darn MI roads)

 

[Guest]

From one stallion to another I do not think it is too much bike. However, the question is, what do you feel? Do you think it is too much bike? The question lies with you, for the most part.

With that said, I started on a 250 Virago and with in a month I wanted more. However, I prefer cruisers and know little about sport bikes.

 

[TheItalynStalyn]

From one stallion to another I do not think it is too much bike. However, the question is, what do you feel? Do you think it is too much bike? The question lies with you, for the most part.

With that said, I started on a 250 Virago and with in a month I wanted more. However, I prefer cruisers and know little about sport bikes.

I am confident in my abilities, but I guess that I am just a little bit nervous because I have not been on the road since taking that BRC last september. Actually, thinking about that now, I think that I am going to schedule an advanced rider course for right after I get my bike. If I can confidently get through that class, then I will be fine. Thanks for the help guys, and stay safe on the roads!!!