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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Good Deal??
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Message started by Jackhammer on 06/02/08 at 11:03:05

Title: Good Deal??
Post by Jackhammer on 06/02/08 at 11:03:05

I'm fairly new to riding and i'm looking for something fun and light to learn on . I love the look of the Savage 650. I found an '86 on Craigslist for $1500. He said its in good shape, and runs great. It has 12K miles on it. Can you guys tell me if this a good deal, if not what should i offer him. Any advice would be great. Thanks Guys.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by Jerry Eichenberger on 06/02/08 at 11:14:38

You'll get replies from people who know a lot more than I do about mechanical issues.

If your budget allows you to move up a little in price, you can get a lot newer bike for not a huge amount more money.

For instance, I paid just north of $3K in April for a 2006 with 2100 miles. My bike has several hundreds of dollars of extras, and the seller delivered it to me from 130 miles away.

Unless you're a mechanically oriented guy who likes to work on stuff, I personally would shy away from any 22 year old bike. I'm not a fixit guy. Regardless, you should enjoy a Savage/S40 - I sure like mine. Especially after this last wekend in the MSF course riding a Nighthawk.

By the way - get signed up for the MSF course right away.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by cornfuzed on 06/02/08 at 11:19:26

I agree with Jerry about this...now i would search in the forum here but I thought that the earlier bikes ... like the one you are talking about was a 4 speed...And I was looking at a 2002 fully dressed for $2800 went home to think about it and went back in the morning and wammo it was gone so ... I bought a new S40 instead...oh well It is one fine bike and Im learning it strikes up ALOT of conversations too...

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by photojoe on 06/02/08 at 11:32:53

If you want to compare: I bought my '87 on Craigslist in March for $1050.00. He was asking $1300. He threw a front rim, new helmet and cover into the deal. Gorgeous Maroon metalflake paint job. Took it for a test ride and liked the way it handled so I handed over the cash. The only issues it had were the oil leak, and squeaky belt. He didn't mention the oil leak, that was a little surprise, but with the help of the people on this forum, I know what it is and how to repair it. Other than that, she runs nice. I'm really happy with the bike. Take into consideration that it was March when I bought it. As the weather gets warmer, bike prices go up with the temperature.

Agree with previous responses, the bike will probably have more issues than a later model.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by verslagen1 on 06/02/08 at 11:46:13

I wouldn't call it a great deal unless it had brand new tires, batteries, fresh brakes, no leaks, etc.

I bought a '96 a year and a half ago for 1200 and it needed a seat. 6 months later (5kmiles) needed cam chain, battery, and various bits of rubber. A year later (10kmiles) tires. And I think I got a pretty good deal. Hard to weigh all the smiles I got in return.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by Gort on 06/02/08 at 11:54:56

My '96 cost me $1700.00 with 3200 miles, in perfect condition. That was a fair price. Don't buy too quickly. This bike does not have a high resale value and you see alot of examples coming up for sale with low miles due to their owners wanting something bigger. Be patient.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by Jerry Eichenberger on 06/02/08 at 12:02:45

I meant to also say not to forget, when looking at bikes, to think of the value of extras like windshields and saddle bags.

If you want them, and if you pay new, retail price for them to put on an old bike, you can quickly get upside down with money spent on accessories and extras.

I agree with being patient, even though it's kind of hard to do so this time of year.

Where are you located? - you didn't put that on your info to the left of your post.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by ALittlebird on 06/02/08 at 15:12:27

I got an 01 with a new engine for $1700. It had a little over 8000 miles on it. I thought that was a great deal.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by Max_Morley on 06/02/08 at 20:45:45

IMMHO, that is way to much for an 88 version. Nice enough ride, but I think the $750.00 range is appropriate for that vintage, keep looking for a 95 or new for that much money. Max

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by Rogue_Cheddar on 06/03/08 at 07:57:40

I got my '95 two seasons ago for $1200, had only 7800 miles, clean shape. Came with windshield and highway bar. Be patient, there are better deals out there.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by Ed L. on 06/03/08 at 08:17:53

I think that year was a four speed which can have problems with the starter gear. Don't know how much wrenching you are able to do but the older the bike the greater the chance is that you will need to work on it. At 12k miles there is a good chance that it will need the timing chain replaced or at least checked for stretch. I would keep looking

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by Gort on 06/03/08 at 08:29:56

If I may offer a suggestion...in the past I've bought a number of cars and motorcycles that were cheap because they needed work. I repaired or restored them using my own labor and buying the parts. In almost every instance, the cost of the parts and the time involved fixing them was very close to or more than what it would have cost to buy a better example of that car or bike that didn't need work. You see this all the time in Hemmings Motor News. You can regularly buy vehicles that have been restored for less than the cost of the parts and labor the owner has in them. Suzuki Savage parts are expensive and the stealerships are incompetent and dishonest. I suggest you spend a little more now on a good example, rather than a whole lot more later on a cheap example.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by Jackhammer on 06/03/08 at 08:48:53

Thanks for all the advice guys, it has helped me out a lot. I'm going to resist the urge of spring buying and be patient for a better deal. I don't have a problem fixing whatever needs to be fixed, I was a mechanic for years, but has has been said, why fix it if you can get it newer/better without fixing it. I'm in the Northern VA area, if anybody knows of a good one for sale in the area, let me know. Thanks again for all the help.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by shadowman on 06/03/08 at 09:49:00

I am in NOVA and this spring I got a '98 w/4200 miles for $1800 -- except for needing tires, it was perfect. I have seen a number of better (cheaper) deals in this area since then, so I agree with those who say that what you are looking at is no cause for haste. But at some point you have to ask yourself if you'd rather be surfing Craigslist or riding. Look outside your window this afternoon.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by Jackhammer on 06/03/08 at 09:51:21

I know, the weather is killing me........ sooo beautiful out!!!
Plus i have to drive my giant, jacked up F150 to work everyday and it gets an amazing 8 miles/gallon.
Still i think i'm going to wait for a better deal, for less hastle.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by shadowman on 06/03/08 at 10:05:30

Look on Craigslist for Baltimore -- there are two very possible candidates. Good luck, and let us know how you end up.

Title: Re: Good Deal??
Post by Hard Corps on 06/03/08 at 13:05:35

I think you can do a lot better. I picked up a 2003 with 5k on it for $2200 with new front and rear brakes, valves and carb dealer-adjusted, and aftermarket footpegs. Definitely go with the Savage/S40. You'll love it.