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Based on the information from this board and a few friends I've decided to try to pick up with a V-Star 650 or a Vulcan 500 for a first bike.

I found a 200 V-Star with only 5,600 miles on if for the asking price of $2,800. The bike has been in storage for the last two years. The owner purchased it from a friend who moved overseas and is more of a sports bike guy, so he's looking to unload the bike.

I was hoping for some tips on things to look at when I get out there to check out the bike. I know my way around a car, but the bike world is rather new to me. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Chances are the bike won't start. Expect to replace the tires first thing, along with many other "soft bits" (gaskets, etc.)

You could try low-balling the seller with cash. Then take the bike (and some of what you $aved) to your local shop to get a thorough inspection - let the shop know the bike was stored, so they can inspect accordingly.

As for "what to look for" unless the bike shows obvious signs of being dumped or crashed, there isn't much you're going to be able to discern without getting it running. And even if it does run, a bike that's been stored that long will gradually show it's issues once things get lubed up, etc.

I'd say that seems like a good deal, and worth considering. Unfortunately, I can't give any advice on the Vstar in particular.

P

I'm going to do the same. I've found a couple in my state, a 2004 and a 2006. Very good looking, and from what I've read they are not bad bikes to start with. Hopefully I can upgrade and talk my wife into riding it.

You can take this for what it's worth, but I bought a used 1999 Suzuki Marauder back in 06, from a dealer. After taking a closer look at the title, it showed the previous owner only rode 2000 miles between 99 and 05. It ended up needing a new crankshaft and con rods from the bearings falling apart at 20k miles, and I'm pretty sure it was from sitting for long periods of time without being winterized. You might ask if he winterized the bike, and if he doesn't know what you're talking about, you might want to pass it up. Just my two cents.

I purchased a 2004 V Star 650 Custom in April. It had very low mileage on it and I have had zero problems with it. It is an excellent bike if you ask me. Others have offered good advice about what to look for. Mine started right up first time. I took it for a test ride and it shifted smoothly and sounded great. I think you would like this bike.

i had a 650 clasic 2006 and they are vvery reliable.
since its been sitting for a while, unless the owner sotred it properly and put Stabil or seafoam in the tank and ran it through the system, your carbs will be gummed out and will take some time to get fixed.....it isnt that hard to clean them, but it'll maybe cost around $250-300 at the dealership...
asides that, oil change, final drive oil, proper air pressure ( make sure the tires arent dry rotted or that'll cost you too)....
its a great bike, great price too...but it'll need some tlc!

If it were me, knowing what I don't know, I would pay a motorcycle mechanic or a very savvy MC friend to come look at it with me.