Buy'em new,buy'em used

I've always bought a pre-owned motorBike. This way, ya can get a good
deal on one 'awready ''decked'' out.
And chances are if, and when ya get rid of it, you can about 85% of your
investment back. <or make a little, as I've often done> ‘Course, there
are some, who have to have a brand new'un.
The negative consequences for some buying used ones, is maybe not having
the ''cool cash'' to make a deal on the spot, by having the ''mulah''.
(I know, MK, not a great topic, but better than the Bike sanitation
discussions,huh; and def. better than the pollylitcal ones,huh)
=JayT=

 

I've always bought a pre-owned motorBike. This way, ya can get a good
deal on one 'awready ''decked'' out.
And chances are if, and when ya get rid of it, you can about 85% of your
investment back. <or make a little, as I've often done> 'Course, there
are some, who have to have a brand new'un.
The negative consequences for some buying used ones, is maybe not having
the ''cool cash'' to make a deal on the spot, by having the ''mulah''.
(I know, MK, not a great topic, but better than the Bike sanitation
discussions,huh; and def. better than the pollylitcal ones,huh)
=JayT=



I agree. But, would caution those interested to either
check the bike out very carefully, or have someone
else do the diagnosis if you're unable/unqualified.

We're always looking for txmoto topics to fill the
available bandwidth, how 'bout some contributions
on things to look for on a used bike?

At the risk of interrupting the common banter, I would
think that information valuable.

Go ahead, prove me wrong !

 

===Well, annoymus I 've bought 4 used ones in the last 5 years, and
guess I've been lucky or know what to look for, because not one bike
gave me any trouble.
(However all '4' were Hondas)
An important thing to me and I'm fairly picky about, is where the
bike is kept, like garage etc. A coupla other important things to me
is", I want to know why they are selling, and of course look at the
''milage''. I wanna know if they bought it new. I rarely buy one,
that's been owned by more than one individual.I do not want a
motorcycle that has been ridden by numerous people.( I have never
taken a used bike for some one else to evaluate, other than my wife,
<g>)
I want it to have lots of 'after market stuff'' on it. For one
thing,that makes me think, they were really proud of the bike at one
time.
I like buying from those, who simply...''thought, they wanted to ride
motorcycles''.
I've seen many 1100,1300,&1800 Shadows (Hondas) with less than 2500
miles on them, and they were a year old. That's the one to buy. And
usually those type owners are anxious to get rid of it!
Why, again they just ''thought they wanted one''.
Especially those who think the only new bike,maybe their first one,
has to be a Harley.
There's some good buys on the used market for Harleys.
I have been toying with the idea about getting a VRod, I've found some
really good buys, but passed on'em, so far!
I am still in the market (sorta) for a ''Rune Valkyrie''. Now, I
have'nt noticed one around my area, for sale!
Oh yeah, annoymous, I will not buy a preowned motorcycle that's very
far form my Home, maybe 150 to 200 miles, maybe.
If I can't find it around here, then I must not need it yet!
It took me 6 months to find my Valk Cruiser, I didnt want one dressed
out.Most all of the early Valks, have that old fashioned 'two tone
paint job'', and personally I never liked that type paint scheme.
I found one just like I had in mind. To me it was fun looking for it.
I enjoy the 'hunt''. ( HTH JayT-)

 

You may see a few pictures and a short video (low quality) of the used
bike I bought in May, five years old and 1,572 miles on the odometer.
http://picasaweb.google.com/skooter42
It's the first album in a list of many posted on my site there.
I buy used because my budget after retirement does not allow both food
and monthly bike payments. YMMV
SKooter

 

Looks like a pretty nice ride there Bum !

It seems pretty funny to see a five year old bike with
~300 miles/year. It's got those little skinny white wall
tires that I like. I'm glad you were able to find such
a nice bike, with such low mileage.

But, it kinda' made me uneasy watchin' you ride on
the high side of the lane on a highway without a me-
dian. Is that a common preference among most that
you know? An MSF/training suggestion?

 

===Well, annoymus I 've bought 4 used ones in the last 5 years, and
guess I've been lucky or know what to look for, because not one bike
gave me any trouble.
(However all '4' were Hondas)
An important thing to me and I'm fairly picky about, is where the
bike is kept, like garage etc. A coupla other important things to me
is", I want to know why they are selling, and of course look at the
''milage''. I wanna know if they bought it new. I rarely buy one,
that's been owned by more than one individual.I do not want a
motorcycle that has been ridden by numerous people.( I have never
taken a used bike for some one else to evaluate, other than my wife,
<g>)
I want it to have lots of 'after market stuff'' on it. For one
thing,that makes me think, they were really proud of the bike at one
time.
I like buying from those, who simply...''thought, they wanted to ride
motorcycles''.
I've seen many 1100,1300,&1800 Shadows (Hondas) with less than 2500
miles on them, and they were a year old. That's the one to buy. And
usually those type owners are anxious to get rid of it!
Why, again they just ''thought they wanted one''.
Especially those who think the only new bike,maybe their first one,
has to be a Harley.
There's some good buys on the used market for Harleys.
I have been toying with the idea about getting a VRod, I've found some
really good buys, but passed on'em, so far!
I am still in the market (sorta) for a ''Rune Valkyrie''. Now, I
have'nt noticed one around my area, for sale!
Oh yeah, annoymous, I will not buy a preowned motorcycle that's very
far form my Home, maybe 150 to 200 miles, maybe.
If I can't find it around here, then I must not need it yet!
It took me 6 months to find my Valk Cruiser, I didnt want one dressed
out.Most all of the early Valks, have that old fashioned 'two tone
paint job'', and personally I never liked that type paint scheme.
I found one just like I had in mind. To me it was fun looking for it.
I enjoy the 'hunt''. ( HTH JayT-)



I agree mostly ....

1). I would probably favor a garaged bike.
2). I really don't pay much attention to the - "why
I'm selling" stories. They'll have a good story,
whether it's true or not. Actually, this applies
to #1 also.
3). I would also favor a single owner bike, but
usually tend to seek mileages that mostly cull
out multiple owners. And if there are multiple
owners in such abbreviated mileages, I'm
probably gonna' pass.
4). I really don't care about after market stuff,
at least not cosmetic stuff. It all depends on
just what stuff it is. But, that's seems a valid
strategy of an owner's latent interest.
5). I've never sought a professional evaluation
for a bikes condition either. But, I would
under the right circumstances.
6). I would also stay close to home on a pur-
chase. I know lots do Ebay, but not me.

One of the Honda dealers up here has bought
up all the Rune stock from around the country.
He's not givin' them away, but seem like they
want ~17K for one. You'll do better through
an individual. But I've only see about four of
them on the road during their entire 2004-
2005 production run.

 

I'm not sure what you're saying. I was in the left track, my buddy
with the camera 2 seconds behind me in the right track. Where I
live there are usually NO medians, just two lanes and no shoulders.
I always ride in the left track of my lane, unless in a group where my
position in a staggered formation causes me to have to ride in the right
track. I want enough room to be able to dodge either left or right
if needed. If I'm in the right track with some emergency coming at
me from the left my only option is the ditch. Sometimes just 3 feet
makes the difference between "Oh SHIT" and "Call 911".
SKooter

 

No criticism intended. I just dislike left track riding where
no median exists. I guess I was rhetorically asking what
the preferences of others are.

I guess I've got a strong phobia about oncoming traffic,
and a weaving(sic), inattentive driver.

Thanks.

 

-The skooter bum shares: ''You may see a few pictures and a short video
(low quality) of the used bike I bought in May, five years old and 1,572
miles on the odometer. http://picasaweb.google.com/skooter42
It's the first album in a list of many posted on my site there. I buy
used because my budget after retirement does not allow both food and
monthly bike payments. YMMV
SKooter)

===Hey Skooter--thanks for sharing. Man, that was a good deal...''that's
what I'm talkin about''.
I would say, one can save 20 to 30%, on the used ones out there.
In addition, I like the idea, that you dont have to report (atleast very
little) sales taxes. (I have never paid sales taxes on the actual
''buying deal')
I usually get the seller to write in the sales agreement: 'Sold as Is''
blah, blay blay!! and ask him to leave off the price, and later on I
write in the price that suits me. Of course it is in agrrement with the
individal seller., as I pay him the cash)
For instance: If I paid $5000, for a 2 year old bike, I write in
$800.....not much sales tax to worry about, but the New ones are loaded
up with sales taxes, and stuff written in the deal. MrJayT=

 

==I just now was able to see the ''video by Skoot''. I guess you meant
next to the ''yellow'' strip, in the middle? I imagine riders mostly
in the left track on rural roads, I know I do. To me, it gives me the
good feeling of having more room to my right, in case I need to move
over, and or if, I see a critter up ahead.of which might decide to
cross...... (grin)
However, in my neck of the woods, where there are a lot of ''Log
Trucks'', well sir, when I see one approaching I move wayyyyy over,
right close to the shoulder or ditch area. I dont stay ''there'' like
'skoot'' did, I like the feeling of being about 7 feet away form that
yellow stripe at that time.I know you know when you're in the lead,
you move left or right, when you feel it's necessary, and the riders
behind switch their postions, to keep the proper riding stag. JayT-

 

Impressive BJay. So you're saying ''most of us'' are dishonest, cheating on
our taxes at every opportunity.
I guess you've done this most of your life, leaving the burden for the
stupid honest, huh?
Coincidently a NObama supporter, no.
Jerry, did you hear him?

....louie

 

yeah most of us! Or atleast the old boys around Bowie. I didnt get
to be some''body'', by not being able to ''wheel and deal''.unhuh?
heheheh. =JayT=

 

===yeah, glad I got a good deal when I 'wheeled and dealed' and got
HoneyJay. Just think, some of us, have good wife, and have a
ValkF6...wow...it dont get no better'n that. Plus my Honey likes
football, besides loving to ride, and talk about motorsikels... ( what-
a-gal)

 

==ohhhhh, that hurt. However, let me say, I've paid my fair share
of taxes. Let me straighten you out about my ''pole'litical'
standing'', I am a democrat one year, and a republican the next year,
when it comes to voting; unless there's a decent Independent on the
ballot, like back when Perot was in the mix.
Ya know, Jer, I would imagine, that any full blooded American would
gip the guvment right/left, when they see a way.
Look how they gip us'', all them ''2bits worth of no gooders'', from
the Left or the Right, dont matter..<grin'atcha>
And you cast a negative word towards me, for dealching them out of a
few hundred dollars, now and then, times 40 years of wheeling and
dealing..buying and selling, and selling then buying again, then sell
it all agaIn....heheh .chuckle--JT--