Good deal, or run away? (Found on CL)

[hqp921]

Just as the title says, what do you guys think?

Here's the link

Copy and paste for the lazy folk (What?! None of that kind here ):

Suzuki GS500E Like New!!! - $1200
Reply to: sale-194171770@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-08-14, 6:56PM EDT

I am selling my beloved 1989 Suzuki GS500E because I recently bought a new, bigger cruiser. I bought it in 2000 and I've only put about 600 miles on it since. It's only got 2600 miles! It's been garaged at all times and used only on sunny afternoons for short trips. It looks and runs like absolutely brand new. The paint is nearly flawless - only very minor imperfections. Believe me, anyone who buys this bike will be very, very happy with it. I have had zero problems and it needs no maintenance whatsoever. A perfect beginner's motorcycle! It has a brand new battery (bought two weeks ago) and fresh synthetic motor oil and filter. It's ready to hit the road - it needs nothing. Clear title in hand.

Don't wait! Check it out! I'm asking $1200 firm. Serious inquiries only, please. No trades.

* this is in or around North Kingstown, RI
* no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

[Jenks]

1st find me a bike that requires no maintance, 2nd if it has never had a problem why did he replace the battery. But seriously it doesn't sound bad. Make sure to test drive it and look it over, if it's too far for you to go I live close to there I can check it out.

[GonePhishing]

I don't think you can go wrong for $1200! The bike is barely broken in at 2600 miles. I'd plan on replacing the tires, as they are probably what was new on the bike 16 years ago. I don't know much about these bikes aside from that they are supposed to be good first bikes.

[hqp921]

I just emailed to seller to see if he even has it still...

Be kinda pointless if he doesn't have it and I'm trying to find out if it's a good deal.

*waiting*

[Jenks]

NADA prices it at $800 high.. It better be pretty nice for the price...


http://www2.nadaguides.com/Values/Va...del=1200012681

[mikeb]

that price is right in line with what that bike is worth. there like ex 500's cheap, reliable and unchanged in years. plan on replacing a seal or two and tires from age.

[hqp921]

Originally posted by Jenks
NADA prices it at $800 high.. It better be pretty nice for the price...


http://www2.nadaguides.com/Values/Va...del=1200012681

Thanks for checking that! Maybe I can talk him down (if he still has it)? Or maybe someone already picked it up?

Still gotta wait and see.

I wonder if it's a problem being an '89 with so few miles though.

[hqp921]

Originally posted by mikeb
plan on replacing a seal or two and tires from age.

But that's not bad, right?

Geeze, I am such a newb.

Eh, it's either surf NESR or do work... NESR is winning.

[Jenks]

Not a problem just not ridden much. Probibly like other said replace seals and fluids (minus the oil since he did it) and maybe the rubber

[bigred875]

Originally posted by Jenks
1st find me a bike that requires no maintance, 2nd if it has never had a problem why did he replace the battery. But seriously it doesn't sound bad. Make sure to test drive it and look it over, if it's too far for you to go I live close to there I can check it out.

lol..put the hatorade down
1st it is an oil cooled 4-stroke..other then changing the oil there isnt much to do to it.. 2nd that isnt a problem it is astandard maint. item...i've gone through a battery on my 03..big deall

[OreoGaborio]

Originally posted by Jenks
1st find me a bike that requires no maintance, 2nd if it has never had a problem why did he replace the battery. But seriously it doesn't sound bad. Make sure to test drive it and look it over, if it's too far for you to go I live close to there I can check it out.

1st - the guy only put 600 miles on it... find me a bike that DOES require maintinance in a 600 mile period (excluding HD's)

2nd - batteries can die over the winter or... oh i dunno... if you keep a bike for 6 years & only put 600 miles on it

If it's legit, it sounds like a great deal on a great beginner bike. NADA is worthless. offer 1000. the '89 is almost identical to a '99 (or newer for that matter) They made very few changes, but find out what they were.... it's not likely, but there could be sonething on an '89 that you don't want (or could use as a barganing chip)

I'm sure it'll need new tires too, so bring that up.

[Jenks]

I was making a joke ass clowns, the only way I will let the battery one go though is if it was the original.

[slaps76]

Book value really doesn't mean a hell of a lot when you find a nice clean low mileage bike like that. Seems like any decent bike that runs is worth $1000. Obviously try to talk him down as much as you can...but sounds like a good bike for the money so far.

[Stoneman]

A SEVENTEEN year-old Suzuki? For TWELVE HUNDRED dollars? That's a fuggin' joke. Offer him $500...

Yes, it was so beloved to him he only did 100 miles a year on it. He just had the need to keep it so prestine. He must REALLY love the thing...

[Jenks]

HA atleast someone agrees with me

[bigred875]

Originally posted by Stoneman
A SEVENTEEN year-old Suzuki? For TWELVE HUNDRED dollars? That's a fuggin' joke. Offer him $500...

Yes, it was so beloved to him he only did 100 miles a year on it. He just had the need to keep it so prestine. He must REALLY love the thing...

haha...we'll thats one way to look at it..lol fair enough..but there are a lot of "riders" who do not put any miles on their bike...

[LuvDog]

Originally posted by bigred875
haha...we'll thats one way to look at it..lol fair enough..but there are a lot of "riders" who do not put any miles on their bike...

Why are you talking about me?

[bigred875]

Originally posted by LuvDog
Why are you talking about me?

[Stoneman]

Originally posted by bigred875
haha...we'll thats one way to look at it..lol fair enough..but there are a lot of "riders" who do not put any miles on their bike...

True. I'm wunna 'em. But I at least get a coupla thousand a year on it! I wouldn't pay a dime more than $500. That price is WAY outta line. Consider the fuggin' bike fer chrissakes! It's a GS500!!! NINETEEN-EIGHTY-FUGGIN-NINE!!! Not to mention that fuggin' color!!!

[beet]

Originally posted by Stoneman
A SEVENTEEN year-old Suzuki? For TWELVE HUNDRED dollars? That's a fuggin' joke. Offer him $500...

Yes, it was so beloved to him he only did 100 miles a year on it. He just had the need to keep it so prestine. He must REALLY love the thing...

He's right ............ NADA is only if you wreck it .............

[breakdirt916]

the posting's been deleted...did you get the bike?


Otherwise, the price is about right. Any running/pristine bike newer than 1986 (according to market supply/demand around MA) seems to go for $1,000. It might only be worth $500, but I'm sure the seller could get a grand for it and knows it by listing it for a grand.

[hqp921]

Finally heard back from the guy... and the bike was sold.

I take it as a blessing in disguise -- probably wasn't meant for me, and the right bike will come along.