does this deal sounds too good to be true?

[JamesDean21]

Hello all, found on craigslist today a use 1999 honda rebel, seller didnot specify how many mileage just said that it "runs/ride good considering its age." I called the number posted and got the machine, it appeared to be a dealership and they are asking $950. Sounds like a sweet deal but it smells like a trap... any thoughts...oh and BTW... not to sound naive or stupid but I know nothing about motorcycle engine.. so inspecting myself would not help... im new in town so dont know any that could help with that either....just want to get some feedbacks about the deal..

[dakals]

Hey you should be able to take the motorcycle for a drive before you buy it. Maybe check out your surroundings and find a motorcycle shop that repairs bike and take it there before you buy it. Go to the motorcycle shop or call around first and see if you can bring the bike in there before you buy it and if they can check it out for you. If your gut is telling you that it is too good to be true then your gut is right. I wish you luck. Just remember just because it sounds like a good deal doesn't mean it is. good luck. Keep us posted.

[JamesDean21]

thanks for the reply dekals....
I wouldnt feel comfortable riding the bike around until I can get some practice on it on my own pace.....i was wondering maybe asking a certified honda mechanic to accompany me but thats a long shot...

[dakals]

There's no harm in trying to see if they can help. Is this going to be your first motorcycle?

[JamesDean21]

yup..sure will...and i'm excited as h*ll....Ive read some good reviews about the bike and this is the style I preffer, (not into sportsbike) msf course next month but I think i will go against the grain and buy the bike, get my feet wet and take the course...

[dakals]

So this will be your learner bike. Do me a favor. The best way to find a good learner bike is to look in the paper. The daily shopper and stuff like that. It's up to you though if you want to just jump into that bike you are talking about then go ahead and do it. But remember this your gut is almost always never wrong. Don't jump into anything yet take your time and shop around. I learned how to ride about 2 years ago. And now i'm in the market for that one bike that is me. I am sooooo excited but i know not to jump into anything because i know that i will find that one bike that is for me. Besides it's freezing outside. I'm such a baby when it comes to cold weather. Anyways, i hope i didn't sound rude i didn't mean to be. I wish you luck. Let me know what happens please.

[Lion_Lady]

Almost NO dealers will allow a test ride of ANYTHING. Except on special open house days, etc. Especially a used bike. Don't be surprised if they laugh at you.

My guess is that at that ripe old age, this Rebel is simply an ugly duckling taking up space in their shop/showroom. If it runs and is sound mechanically, I think it is a GREAT deal. Remember, that you will likely be able to sell it for what you paid in the spring or summer of next year... when you're ready to move up. OR since it was cheap to begin with, you can just keep it and buy your bigger, meatier second bike.

Most of us who have moved up to bigger machines relish the chance to putt around on a little bike - they're just so dang FUN!!

P

[JamesDean21]

thanks for the feedbacks guys...ill continue to update the community of my adventures...for those that care or want to kill time, anyway..

[ninja79]

brand new Rebel costs $3200. An 8 year old rebel is not worth much, so the deal is not as good as you think. Check kbb.com or nadaguides.com.

I wouldn't recommend a Rebel though. It's fugli and underpowered even for a learner bike. You'll grow out of it in a month.

[Bluebabe]

I agree with Lion Lady....good deal, good bike, I would go for it, too. Check prices against E-Bay also, if you want. They had a few on there. good luck and glad to hear that you are doing the MSF class!!