How old is to old?

[slimdiggie]

When looking for a first bike what year would be to old? I found a 1999 Vstar 650 is that to old?

Also being a new rider when looking to buy a used bike do most people allow you to bring it to a mechanic so they can look it over?

Thanks,
Slim

[Gurgus]

i don't think thats too old at all. My bike is an '84 450 Honda Nighthawk and it runs great. It's also my first bike. My buddy just bought his first bike as well. Its a 72 Triumph and it runs very nicely as well. If you think its a good idea to ahve it checked by a mechanic, then by all means, do so. It couldn't hurt.

[buddhacide]

I just got rid of one. It was awesome.

[ShawnKing]

When looking for a first bike what year would be to old? I found a 1999 Vstar 650 is that to old?

If it runs, its never too old.

Also being a new rider when looking to buy a used bike do most people allow you to bring it to a mechanic so they can look it over?

If they don't let you have a mechanic look it over, walk away.

That being said, be prepared to put down a sizable (refundable) deposit if you are talking about riding/taking the bike off their property to a mechanic for any length of time.

[fm1234]

One of my riding buddies has a '76 GoldWing that he has been riding since the day he rode it off the lot new. If the bike was a quality machine in the first place, and has been well maintained, it can last longer than you.


Frank

[Gunslinger]

I am always more interested in the mileage and condition of a bike than the year. If it's a '99 with 10K miles that would get my attention. If it had 60K then I'd pass on it. Having a mechanic look at a bike is a damn good idea and could save you hundreds of dollars off the asking price.

[TDC]

My first and current bike is a '72 CB350. As long as you don't out-ride you or your bikes capabilities it is just fine. Older technology, weaker brakes, dimmer sealed beam headlights. Then there is the added wrenching needed on older bikes. Not that any of this is bad. You just have to take it into account.

Josh

[ccshamp]

I just bought the same bike a few weeks ago. I'll let you know how it goes!

[dweiss]

My first bike is an older bike. It is in great shape, bought it used. Love her to death. I am sure that I will move up to a newer 90's bike in the future...but for now....I am a newbie rider (only 150 miles under my belt).

As someone else said here, it is not IF, but WHEN you do finally drop your bike (for whatever reason), so with that being said, I would want an older bike vs a new/newer bike. You KNOW that first scratch/dent/ding is going to bother you...so I wanted to learn on a beater.

JMO

~Debbie