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53 Posts
Hello to all!
I am in process of finding my 1st bike; right now the front-runner is a Suzuki Boulevard 50 (8xx cc). I was leaning toward a Honda Shadow 750, but it seems that I can get a well equipped (floorboards, highway bars/pegs, sissy bar, windshield, bags, etc.) Boulevard as good or better price than a basic Shadow. Also, all Boulevards are FI (biggest change when they introduced it in 2003 ( formerly Volusia?)).
So I have spent a LOT of time looking on Craigslist (Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte NC mainly- 3 largest cities in state). This must have been a hot seller when new; I see a ton of 2003s listed! This weekend I hope to look at couple bikes. The 2 I am most interested in are both low miles and (supposedly) excellent condition. I must say, it seems many of these were bought but seldom rode.
I left my notes downstairs, so I am doing this from memory (at end of a long week!). But I see a 2013 model with under 5k miles and also a 2003 with similar mileage and equipment. Price difference is about $1500. SO.. I want newer!! But I want the $ in MY wallet too!
First thing I want to look at is tire age. I am scared tires may be original- for both :sad: ! Old tires scare me! After tires- where? What items would age affect most ( versus mileage/ use). I would think suspension and possibly front fork seals. Other suggestions? Ceteris Parabis… would you go newer or older and keep the $?
When I buy cars I assume its mine for the rest of its life ( I drive them until worn out). That might not be the case here...I am working towards a Gold Wing; I just cannot see that as a 'first bike". Or I could just decide cycling not for me ( or wife:crying
. So it could get sold in a year or 2... But both are currently priced to sell pretty quick...
I would like to finish with a comment on pricing for these. Suzuki did a great job equipping these; They sold a lot of them! They were (and are) fairly priced IMO. But I saw SO MANY ADS for 2003/2004 models priced $3500/4000. It seems sellers have the mindset "It only has 5000 miles on it. Its practically new! It is a bargain at half what I paid for it". UH... IT IS 15 YEARS OLD!! You aren't going to get $4000 for it! I can get better deal at a dealer! Really- I looked!
Recap- What should I check on a little used but 12-15 year old bike?
THANK YOU!!
I am in process of finding my 1st bike; right now the front-runner is a Suzuki Boulevard 50 (8xx cc). I was leaning toward a Honda Shadow 750, but it seems that I can get a well equipped (floorboards, highway bars/pegs, sissy bar, windshield, bags, etc.) Boulevard as good or better price than a basic Shadow. Also, all Boulevards are FI (biggest change when they introduced it in 2003 ( formerly Volusia?)).
So I have spent a LOT of time looking on Craigslist (Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte NC mainly- 3 largest cities in state). This must have been a hot seller when new; I see a ton of 2003s listed! This weekend I hope to look at couple bikes. The 2 I am most interested in are both low miles and (supposedly) excellent condition. I must say, it seems many of these were bought but seldom rode.
I left my notes downstairs, so I am doing this from memory (at end of a long week!). But I see a 2013 model with under 5k miles and also a 2003 with similar mileage and equipment. Price difference is about $1500. SO.. I want newer!! But I want the $ in MY wallet too!
First thing I want to look at is tire age. I am scared tires may be original- for both :sad: ! Old tires scare me! After tires- where? What items would age affect most ( versus mileage/ use). I would think suspension and possibly front fork seals. Other suggestions? Ceteris Parabis… would you go newer or older and keep the $?
When I buy cars I assume its mine for the rest of its life ( I drive them until worn out). That might not be the case here...I am working towards a Gold Wing; I just cannot see that as a 'first bike". Or I could just decide cycling not for me ( or wife:crying
I would like to finish with a comment on pricing for these. Suzuki did a great job equipping these; They sold a lot of them! They were (and are) fairly priced IMO. But I saw SO MANY ADS for 2003/2004 models priced $3500/4000. It seems sellers have the mindset "It only has 5000 miles on it. Its practically new! It is a bargain at half what I paid for it". UH... IT IS 15 YEARS OLD!! You aren't going to get $4000 for it! I can get better deal at a dealer! Really- I looked!
Recap- What should I check on a little used but 12-15 year old bike?
THANK YOU!!