Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey all, I was looking through the bargain finder for a 2nd bike (unfortunately I didn't get the honda 599 i wanted), and I saw a 96 bandit 600. This bike definitely appeals to me, and is a good price (3200 cdn) if it is in good condition. The problem is the bike is in red deer. I live in medicine hat at the moment (400km away from red deer) although on the weekend I'm going to be in calgary (150km away form red deer).

So, I need some tips about looking at/buying a bike that's a little ways away. It would be a shame to get up there and find out the bike is not in the condition that I was told on the phone or something. Should I go up there with money in hand expecting to buy it if it suits me, or should I just go see it and come back the next weekend with cash if I do like it? Also, if I do buy it, how do I get it back to my house? Kinda hard to ride two bikes at once, and I don't have anyone around right now that could give me a ride up there. I supposed I could take the bus, but that would only work if I was definitely going to buy it.

Btw, what's everyone's opinion of a bandit? I don't think I've sat on one yet, but they look similar ergonomically to the sv650/honda hornet/any other modern standard.

well it's a tough call if you can't get there easily.

couple suggestions: see if he can/will meet you halfway or if he can bring it to Calgary when you are there so you can see it.

sweet talk some of the folks round here that live in Red Deer to maybe take a look at it for you.

the price seems decent enough though as long as it hasn't been buggered up too bad.

maybe see if there is something like "Lemon Busters" for Motorcycles in Red Deer or have him take it to Turpels (sp?) and get them to do an inspection and fax you the results (might cost you 50 bucks but save you a trip)

just a couple suggestions, good luck with it

Thanks for the suggestions, bok.

I just called the guy. Turns out it's at a stealership (Retro Cycles). It has 45000km on it, and is a previous write off that has been rebuilt. I'm not sure that I'm interested in it anymore because of that. He sent me a couple pics of it and it looks to be rebuilt rather nicely, but I dunno, writeoffs are always a bit sketchy.

On the other hand, it looks like I might be able to get the honda 599 i was looking at after all, but that one's $6000... sigh, choices, choices...

yeah, being a former write off, scares me too, but at least they were honest with you.

there are always used bikes out there so just keep looking

599 is a great bike ;)

If you decide to buy the Red Deer one, there might be a couple of people on the forums hanging around in the Edmonton/Red Deer/Calgary area who would be willing to store one of your bikes for a week or two.

Go over it from stem to stern and make sure it's okay. Though if it's being sold through a dealership it should be alright.