First Bike: EX500, GS500, etc...

[JVRR]

So I have another thread about the 1992 EX500 because I could not find information on it. I am still looking at it but wanted to make a more general thread. Let me just paste what I said in my introduction thread about bikes...

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I got the "not forbidding it" a-okay from the parents tonight... Optimally I would prefer to get a great job and moved out before I get a bike, but who knows how long that will take and really getting started is not a huge expense. I think I can confidently say if I drop $2,000 on a bike and get into some sort of pinch (I have lots saved up) I can get $1,000 back out of it easy... Heck, considering summer coming up, I might eat nothing if I have to resell. (Heck if I can drop my auto insurance down to a "I never drive it" level, I could save a ton of money).

I think the two I am looking at hardest right now are a 1992 Kawasaki EX 500. The price is great at $1300, and it looks like the standard style I am looking for. Probably in first place is a 2002 Suzuki GS500 for $2150. If I had a job I would definitely spend the couple hundred more, but I feel like I know I won't be completely jobless for long (I have one I can go back to if I do not find something new soon) so I might as well spend the money since I have it. [EDIT: Though I would like to stay in the low-$2,000 range instead of my initial up-to $3,000].

Of course gear kicks that up, but I know I will be staying in the neighborhood for a long time and so all I really need to start is a helmet and maybe the knee/shin armor deals. Birthday is coming up for other stuff perhaps .

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I am still entertaining ideas of cheaper bikes as Mike is suggesting, but I also want something with staying power that I will not be too upset if I am still riding it in a couple years. A 1980's 250cc might be a great way to start, but I know most riders don't stay there for long, and without going into a personality analysis I know I won't (I do things all the way or not at all, in a year I will either be riding constantly and hard, or sold my bike and done). Not to mention I have a big mountain pass 30 minutes to my east and I doubt a 250cc is going to get me over it at the speed limit. Last but not least, I am a big guy and I know that won't matter much, but if I throw a load or passenger on there it will start to add up!

Comments, ideas, suggestions all welcome and appreciated .

EDIT: I found the KBB guide and it gives the price of a "fully reconditioned and excellent" bike, at $1755. I want to call the guy tomorrow about the GS500, and I don't want to low ball, but I don't think I feel right paying $350 over KBB value on a bike that is probably not "excellent". Of course I do not want to overpay, but I don't want to miss a deal only to not find something better (this is the cheapest GS500 I have seen, granted not many are available at the moment, locally at least).

[JVRR]

The other three that are probably in the running...

1982 Honda Nighthawk 750 at $500 (is that bike going to be more power than the 500's I have listed? I know year can make a big difference sometimes).

2002 Kawasaki Ninja 500 at $2350 (like it, but I think I would rather snatch up the GS500, let alone the GS is cheaper)

1990 Kawasaki Ninja 500 at $1500 (worried about the "rebuilt" part, there are a lot of people out there that should not be working on engines or mechanical things in general!)

[totalmotorcycle]

Congratulations on talking to your parents and getting a greenish light on buying a motorcycle, you are on your way to a lot of fun, freedom and new riding friends!

Out of the top 2 models you suggested in your 1st post, I would go with the 2002 Suzuki GS500 for $2150. It is pretty new and only has 9355 miles. That's low and that's good as it's basicly "new". This 500cc is a bike you could live with for many years, it's truly a do-it-all type of bike.

I'm quite suspecious of the 1992 Kawasaki EX 500, they were never naked bikes (they all had fairings). It should look like this:

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... ja500R.htm

(Kawasaki never really changed them other than the name from EX500/Ninja 500R)

The other bike, the 1982 Honda Nighthawk 750 at $500, looks like it has sold now.

Back in 2000, I rode a 1980 CB400T and in our Southern Cruisers riding club we had a rider on a Ninja250R. The Ninja250R could easily keep up with the big 1100cc cruisers in the mountains. For background information I am from Calgary, Alberta, right beside the Canadian Rocky Mountains and these small bikes do just fine there so anything 250cc and up is great.

Mike

[JVRR]

Thanks Mike!

Two more I am looking at now are a 2005 GS500F at $2550. A bit higher, but I am hoping to talk them down a tad or throw in some gear or something. I love the fact that it is from a dealer, and it has even less miles than the other (just 2,000). That 2002 I still like but am put off by the fact that he is asking quite a bit over KBB values. Almost everyone "deals," few are going to drop their price several hundred dollars on a whim like that. And I would almost rather spend more money knowing I was getting a more "fair" deal .

However, a 1994 Ninja 250 just popped up on Craigslist for $900, supposedly in good running condition. That's less than KBB value even. The only problem I see is that I would hate to find myself ready to upgrade in Summer and paying a lot more for an upgrade I could have just started with!

EDIT: Darn looks like the 2005 GS500F sold, will call to verify but cannot find it online now.

[JVRR]

Talked to the guy with the 2002 Suzuki GS500 just now. I mentioned the price and he says its better than 9,000 miles because it has been redone, apparently it was in a crash that sounded not too bad but the throttle was left open or something that did a lot of engine damage. It was all Greek to me. I can see where if he is definitely a competent mechanic a few hundred over KBB is not a bad thing, its fresh paint etc.

The issue is not everyone that sounds competent is. Not sure how good of a feel someone can get for the quality after a quick look at it, I have a couple buddies and my dad that are anywhere from several years experience riding to, well ridiculous training and riding levels. Additionally maybe I could get my Uncle to take a look at it, he is a mechanic and rider... but like I said not sure how good of a feel someone can get for that with a quick look and ride?

But I am finding myself quite sold on the GS500 and there are not really any other options in that category right now. The only other thing I see in the same sort of category is a nice 2007 Ninja 500 (curiously enough being sold by someone moving abroad to teach English, what I just returned from Russia from lol) but it is a bit steep at $2800 (good deal according to KBB, but steep for my budget).

Sounds like I won't get to take a good look at the GS500 until this coming weekend, so some time to keep looking. But in general, any advice towards a bike with such a history? Really bummed that 2005 is gone (they are closed but its not online anymore so assuming it is).

EDIT: There is that 1992 500EX left, while the price is great all the mentions of maintenance and whatnot worry me. I rode a bike with some issues in my class, I would rather be learning on a bike I am confident in!

[Superfly3176]

The value of a motor vehicle decreases when in an automobile accident, they don't increase over KBB value. I'd steer clear.

[JVRR]

The value of a motor vehicle decreases when in an automobile accident, they don't increase over KBB value. I'd steer clear.

Definitely, unless everything he says is 100% true and he is a very skilled mechanic. But it seems there is no way for me to qualify either (heck when someone backed into my Monte Carlo, after body work it was in better shape than when I bought it, so its certainly possible).

A Buell Blast popped up on Craigslist, quite a bit over KBB at $2200, but reading reviews has me stumped. Some are great, others are horrible for vibrations and such. What I think will kill it for me is the lack of a tachometer, that would drive me crazy, perhaps in large part because I have zero stick-shift experience, not knowing what gear I am in from a display is frustrating enough, no tachometer would be obnoxious for me!

But perhaps the presence of this Blast and that $900 Ninja 250 will convince me its worth being patient, something will pop up within a couple weeks that I will want.

[Superfly3176]

The value of a motor vehicle decreases when in an automobile accident, they don't increase over KBB value. I'd steer clear.

Definitely, unless everything he says is 100% true and he is a very skilled mechanic. But it seems there is no way for me to qualify either (heck when someone backed into my Monte Carlo, after body work it was in better shape than when I bought it, so its certainly possible).

A Buell Blast popped up on Craigslist, quite a bit over KBB at $2200, but reading reviews has me stumped. Some are great, others are horrible for vibrations and such. What I think will kill it for me is the lack of a tachometer, that would drive me crazy, perhaps in large part because I have zero stick-shift experience, not knowing what gear I am in from a display is frustrating enough, no tachometer would be obnoxious for me!

But perhaps the presence of this Blast and that $900 Ninja 250 will convince me its worth being patient, something will pop up within a couple weeks that I will want.

I never drove a stick shift before buying my harley, and it doesn't have a tachometer. I just wouldn't get a blast because they're a thumper.

[JVRR]

Well the Blast still interests me. I feel like a tachometer is one of those things that will be more important to start, and less so afterwards. But I read a lot about the vibration and though hardly ideal, I am not going to find a bike in my price range that does not have at least one negative!

This 1981 Yamaha XV920 for $1095 also caught my eye- one of those rare OLD bikes that does not look too old. Unlike some of those CX's (sorry!) I could see riding this around. The price is good. Not sure what kind of power it has etc...

EDIT: Though I am pretty sold on a standard/sport. I am loving this 2001 Honda Shadow Spirit VT750DC @ $2250... I have to admit I have done no research on the model, but it sure looks purty .

[totalmotorcycle]

Like you JVRR, I do enjoy having a tachometer on my motorcycles, there is just something "cool" about it. Yes it's practical, but after a bit you don't even look at it anymore as you can tell when you shift (each different bike will let you know). But there are times I do stare at the tach needle and it's fun.

The XV920 you listed in neat, it reminds me a lot of my 1982 Yamaha Seca 650R. But I wouldn't go with the VX920 for you, too much power for a first bike. The 650R was a good 2nd or 3rd bike even.

The Blast! was a very good bike in it's time, for what it was designed for, as a first bike. The single cylinder engine isn't scary powerful, but it has good torque (all singles do). It's a Buell and Buell made some outstanding bikes... the Blast! got a bad rep for being a 500cc and vs other 500cc's it was low on HP (ie. B-last it was oftenly called)... but that would be like compairing a 1000cc V-Twin vs a 1000cc inline-4 CBR1000RR, people missed the point.

Mike