Specific bike questions

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Balog · #1 Unread post by **Balog** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:24 pm

Ok, so after I got seriously burned today trying to pick up a Nighthawk (bought it from a friend turned into bought it from a police impound auction

) I'm back in the hunt for a bike. I thought I'd throw out specific bikes I see up for sale, and get ya'lls opinion of em as first bikes.

The best prospect I see atm is this. 1981 Kawa GPz 550. On the one hand, it's only a 550, it's a standard, and according to the buyers guide it's dead reliable. On the other hand it's sport-ish and "fast" is the most common adjective applied to it. To much to start out on?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/729918032.html

mgdavis · #2 Unread post by **mgdavis** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:40 pm

This bike is a good example of the typical UJM that is often recommended to beginners.

I'd have a couple concerns with that particular bike, mostly due to the aftermarket carburation. If done correctly, the bike might run great, done wrong and it might not. IIRC, those pod filters can cause issues when you're on the road.

It's worth looking at, IMHO.

Balog · #3 Unread post by **Balog** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 3:59 am

Yeah, I'm looking at having a mechanic come take a look at anything before I buy it. After nearly getting scammed I'm being extra cautious.....

Balog · #4 Unread post by **Balog** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:09 pm

Dual sport, older but looks decent. What say you?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcy/740352593.html

HYPERR · #5 Unread post by **HYPERR** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:14 pm

Are you good at kickstarting a big Thumper?

Balog · #6 Unread post by **Balog** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:27 pm

HYPERR wrote:Are you good at kickstarting a big Thumper?

I have no idea never tried. Is it hard?

Balog · #7 Unread post by **Balog** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 12:41 pm

Hmm, would this be too much?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/740425404.html

dean owens · Wed Jul 02, 2008 2:20 pm

Balog wrote:Hmm, would this be too much?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/740425404.html

i'm leaning toward yes. man i wish i was in your area. on the first link i followed it to bikes. you have a cx 650 turbo in your area for $2500.00. that's a pretty good price and a pretty good bike. i don't know how others feel on here, and i've never been on a turbo, but i have a gl650 and it's the bike i started on - and i've been fine. they are cousins in the bike family. i don't know what makes it a turbo but i'd sure like to find out

HYPERR · #9 Unread post by **HYPERR** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 2:42 pm

Balog wrote:
HYPERR wrote:Are you good at kickstarting a big Thumper?
I have no idea never tried. Is it hard?

The only streetbike that I ever had that did not have an electric start was a 1986 Yamaha SRX6. A 600cc thumper. Yeah it was a PITA to start at times.

Balog · #10 Unread post by **Balog** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 8:17 pm

Well, went and looked at the fj600. Fell in love, and found it pretty easy to control on the test ride. However, he had warmed it up before I got there (starting issues) it idled pretty rough (carb issues?), the shifter was a bit wonky.... All in all I really didn't feel comfortable spending $2K on it, and I'm such an abysmal haggler I'd have paid about that.

However, all is not lost. http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/741158413.html

Low miles, low price, no title.... possible salvage or even (heaven forbid) stolen. But if it's legit.... damn. Great price for a great bike, even with several hundred more in new tires or a tune up.

How can I verify it's a legit bike and not stolen? If I call the police with the VIN can they look it up?