New to bikes...need some help!

[Whiteryanc]

Hey everyone,

A friend of mine told me about this forum, said it was very helpful and full of good people. Well, I'm a total newb in every sense. I've ridden bikes (pedal bikes...) for as long as I can remember, and I'm a huge two-wheel enthusiast. I have been toying with the idea of getting a motorcycle for years, just haven't pulled the trigger for some reason.

Now, I've been doing a lot of research, and I really dig the cafe style of bikes, and being a small guy I think it would be the perfect foray into riding. Now while browsing Craigslist I found a 1973 Honda CB350, in "good original condition" with 15k miles. Says it needs a carb clean/sync. Now I'm honestly such a newb I could not even complete this task, but I have a few friends so inclined to teach me. The owner is looking for $800, but after some quick forum research (other forums) I've found $800 is good for this bike with at most half the mileage and in very good condition. Can anyone confirm? I've offered the owner $400 assuming the bike runs/looks decent. Is this crazy of me? Or is this a good place to start?

Thanks a bunch!

-Ryan

[KillBill]

Wirelessly posted (** BB 8830**: BlackBerry8830/4.5.0.138 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Welcome.

I would stick yo your offer...if he doesn't take it offer him 500.
How much do u have to spend? If u can it might be worth it to get a little newer.

Also, check out a Lowell bike night. Great place to look @ a huge variety of bikes and TT the owners.

Good luck!

[mzdagrl]

welcome to the forum, and good luck on finding a bike! a big +1 on Lowell bike night. tonight is opening night: www.motorcyclenight.com

[Awesome]

It's a good bike to get you started and learn how to work on them, provided you're up for the task.

[richw]

Better be handy
Parts will have to be researched to find

Probably should have new tires 1st thing
and all fluids though I think the brakes are mechanical.

Should be considered learning tool

[Stoneman]

I won't bother telling you what to get or not to get. You get what YOU feel will provide you with the most smiles-per-gallon...

That being said - never think an offer is too low. The only drawback to REALLY lowballing is that the seller may not take you seriously. With that, you may not get a reply or even a counter offer, nor perhaps even get to find out what he'd settle for...

I'd say if it's the one you definitely want, keep on him. If he refuses you, ask him straight out what his bottom line is. If you feel it's too much, decline and make your final offer and stick to it...