Advice on buying a motorcycle

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Jul 27, 2008 | 07:54 AM

A-Dub

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From: Houston, TX

Advice on buying a motorcycle

My wife wants a used import cruiser 650-800cc. I don't ride and know very little about buying a bike. Anyone care to throw in their opinion on these:

1) How many miles is too high? Looking at bikes 5 years and younger
2) Do dealers haggle on used bike prices as you would on a car?
3) Is there anywhere to check bike reviews/bike prices. Seems like lots of owner/dealers are asking near new MSRP for a 3 yr old bike with 5k miles.

Thanks
AW

Jul 27, 2008 | 09:58 AM

Nine Ball

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From: Houston, TX

lol, I don't think you'll find too many import cruiser 600cc fans here. Maybe try an import message board?

Jul 27, 2008 | 10:19 AM

Cam72aro

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From: Sugar Land, Tx

I wouldnt go to a dealer first off. Second import cruiser bikes dont hold value really well. I wouldnt buy a bike with more than 10,000 miles. The only import bike I would own would be a crotch rocket. For a cruiser I would get a harley.

Jul 27, 2008 | 11:11 AM

desliger

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From: Texas

1) Depends on the year/CC, try to stay away from anything over 20,000 miles!
http://www.kbb.com/kbb/OtherVehicles...ufacturerId=48
2)They will haggle!
3)Great sites:

KBB Motorcycle Values:
http://www.kbb.com/kbb/Motorcycles/Default.aspx

Cycle Trader:
http://www.cycletrader.com/

Craigslist:
http://houston.craigslist.org/

Jul 27, 2008 | 11:25 AM

tollway bandit 1

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From: Pasadena Texas

You should give Tejas Motorsports a call. They always have a bunch of nice clean used bikes and the prices are fair. There # is 281 843 8591, they are also one of the few dealerships open on Mondays.

Jul 27, 2008 | 01:00 PM

A-Dub

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From: Houston, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nine Ball

lol, I don't think you'll find too many import cruiser 600cc fans here. Maybe try an import message board?

I tried to talk her into the sportster, but I failed

Got all the info I needed though

Jul 28, 2008 | 12:38 PM

JETG

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From: H-town

MSF first then get a bike, till then no reason to have a bike.

J

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Jul 28, 2008 | 12:59 PM

freeman

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From: DFW, TX

A good rule of thumb on miles is 3 mile on a car = 1 miles on a bike, so compare it to if a bike has 30,000 its like a car that has around 100,000. Your best bet it buying one from a private party. Something like a Honda Shadow or a suzuki Boulevard.

Last edited by freeman; Jul 29, 2008 at 12:58 AM.

Jul 28, 2008 | 03:03 PM

#10

Doomsday

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Have a friend selling a 2003 Yamaha V-star for $3000. Its purple 650cc, 9k miles.

Last edited by Doomsday; Jul 28, 2008 at 04:57 PM.

Jul 28, 2008 | 04:07 PM

#11

A-Dub

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JETG

MSF first then get a bike, till then no reason to have a bike.

J

Agreed, she is taking the course next month. She rode for years, but never renewed her cycle endorsement when she moved to Texas.

Jul 28, 2008 | 04:15 PM

#12

FIREHAWK #07

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverSierra

Agreed, she is taking the course next month. She rode for years, but never renewed her cycle endorsement when she moved to Texas.

your welcome

Jul 28, 2008 | 09:18 PM

#13

jabberman

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From: SAN ANTONIO TEXAS

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeman

1 mile on a car = 3 miles on a bike

I think you have that backwards..

It should be 3 miles on a car = 1 mile on a bike..

Jul 28, 2008 | 09:22 PM

#14

bigfatls6

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From: Houston Tx

I own a Harley and if your buying a cruiser you might as well get a harley. Other wise every time another guy pulls up next to you on a harley your gonna say I wish I would have bought a harley. The only import cruise I would even consider would be the yamaha road star warrior.