New member, experienced rider, buying new2me bike

[zapblam]

Almost bought a yellow 1996 ls650 Savage that looked in real good shape for $2000. 13000km, harley exaust mod, jets, air pod, extended forward controls.

There was a 8" wet spot under the engine.....it had rained over night.....owner said thats what it was.....felt like oil to me.

Had to demand a test drive, almost walked away. Fit real good, ran very well and smoother than the GN123.

Took her on the highway as thats what I need it for, friken awsome.....120kph easy.....just what I wanted. And the windscreen was a luxury. Plenty of power for me, FAR more than the GN125.

Got back 15 min later, inspected bike. Belt, tires, etc. Then the oil started to drip off the shifter and there was some from the valve cap (known common fix for ls650)

Do you think he would budge from $2000 even though oil was leaking out of the engine.....NOOOOOOO.

Also going to test ride a Vulcan 500.....kinda perking my interest.


In short, I think I found my future bike......s40's $4000 for 07-09's or newer Vulcan 500's $4k-5k. However the thumper is obviously far easier mechanical wise.

[zapblam]

your looking at a guy who would have bought a tu250 if I still lived in the city. Get what I need to do the job until I have tons of money to buy what I dream of.

Damn biking bug, wanna ride again soooo bad just cant go all out $$$.

[Grey Thumper]

Seems like out of all the bikes you mentioned, the V-Strom is the one you really want. Why not live a little and go for it? Otherwise, whenever you see one on the street, you'll always wonder. Anyway, it's better to regret something you did than something you didn't do

[zapblam]

$4000 I got in pocket, $8000 not so much. Wife, kids, new house, minivan ready to retire.

[zapblam]

Just going to suck it up, toss a dart, ride a few and just buy a dang UTILITY bike already. Rider it for 10 years then see what I feel like when I turn 50

d50, vstar 650, vulcan 500ltd, honda vlx 600, possibly dr650 and now naked gs500. Sit n ride each and go with gut

thanks for the assistance with my goofy request

Reading through a billion topics on each in these forums.