My first bike.....gonna need some help

Message

Wankel7 · #1 Unread post by **Wankel7** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:23 pm

I'm 26 years old and 5'11" at 140 lbs. I have NO riding experience other than riding my road bike (pedal flavor) in heavy traffic. I have some mechanical ability...I rebuilt the rotary engine in my RX-7 and I am a pilot.

I am going to take a Motorcycle saftey course before I ride this bike. I am looking to spend no more than $1500 for my first ride. I have been reading here and it seems like I should expect fall and drop the bike. So, I don't want to cry if it was a nice bike to begin with.

Here is the first canadit:

Honda CM400T - $1100
http://dallas.craigslist.org/mcy/152467822.html

I think that is way to much for it maybe $800?

Thanks for any help!

James

Shiv · #2 Unread post by **Shiv** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:29 pm

Looks good. I was actually eyeing that same bike earlier today.

What turned me off of it, though, is the low mileage. 9,000 miles in 26 years? Seems kind of low to me. It's probably either 109k or it's been sitting for a looong time.

camthepyro · Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:30 pm

Wow, that seat is huge...

Anyway, I wouldn't pay more then $1000 for it (if it runs well). My nighthawk, which is very similar cost me $900.

Shiv · #4 Unread post by **Shiv** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:39 pm

KBB has it retailing at $800.

See if you can't talk him down to $900-1000.

Maybe even lower, though I don't know if he'd go much lower.

Wankel7 · #5 Unread post by **Wankel7** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 2:25 pm

Yeah, that price is a bit high. He has it at 1200 on his website...however he told me 1100.

The miles are a little weird though for the age. But I am going to go check it out never the less.

I was thinking about 800-900.

I have a friend telling me though that might be a bad bike for on the highway. Considering its lower power/ weight....Once I get comfortable enough to go on the highway....I would like to have that option. Any thoughts?

James

Myself002 · #6 Unread post by **Myself002** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 2:27 pm

Has anyone used http://www.nada.com/ go to consumer then look up the make and model, should give accurate pricing. My mom works in insurance and thats what she uses to appraise vechile prices.

Wankel7 · #7 Unread post by **Wankel7** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:59 am

Myself002 wrote:Has anyone used http://www.nada.com/ go to consumer then look up the make and model, should give accurate pricing. My mom works in insurance and thats what she uses to appraise vechile prices.

Doesn't go back to bikes this old

Thanks for teh link though!

Scott58 · #8 Unread post by **Scott58** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 6:40 am

Looks pretty good, hope you can score.

Andy G · #9 Unread post by **Andy G** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 7:29 am

Wankel7 wrote:
Myself002 wrote:Has anyone used http://www.nada.com/ go to consumer then look up the make and model, should give accurate pricing. My mom works in insurance and thats what she uses to appraise vechile prices.
Doesn't go back to bikes this old

Thanks for teh link though!

Yes it does! Follow this link, it takes you to their "antique" motorcycle section.

http://www2.nadaguides.com//Values/Valu ... 0&Letter=H

Wankel7 · #10 Unread post by **Wankel7** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 9:55 am

Well, I just got back from talking to the owner of the CM400T. He isn't going to come off $1100. He said he paid $1200 for it back in Feb. I believe him when he said he paid that much. I think he got taken a lil bit. It is really only worth about 800 or less. Yeah, it is low miles but it shows its age.

On the bright side he did let me ride it! Just around his neighbor hood. It was really neat...got to ride my second motorcycle.

On the way home we saw a beautiful bike I wish was for sale. It was a 1980 Yamaha Seca. It was repainted white and just looked amazing! Very clean with 6000 miles on it.

So, the hunt goes on.

I think I am going to take the safety class...and keep hunting.

Andy G - Thanks for showing me that!

James