thehoghunter
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Chop Suey
Posts: 181
Tampa
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First - I don't think I would let my wife ride something that I wasn't sure about. If you aren't sure - then don't do it.
"How many miles is too many" - it matters who put those miles on the bike and if regluar maintenance was done. My Savage has 20,000+. I know of others that have twice as much.
"Same judgement as buying a car" - yes and no. If the car breaks down you can pull over a bit safer than on a bike (especially when on the side of the road). You should make sure she has a riding buddy until both of you are comfortable with her skills (do the MSF course!)
"Hate to buy new parts" ... Well, it IS a 1989 (although the Savage was sold in the States in '86 and '86, then didn't come back till 1995 I believe ).
Is it worth $1500? That's how much I bought my '96 for. Of course, I didn't haggle the price, I knew it was what I wanted - needing some TLC (Tender Loving Chopping). Was at 16,000 miles then. It's given me troubles at times (okay, most of them have probably been my own fault) but all in all, a very reliable bike.
I thought about buying another Savage - was a '86 - was leaking gas, started up, bald tires, rusty, front fork seals were leaking, covers missing. Looked like the front wheel may have been bent. Guy wanted $500 - I didn't bite. As soon as I saw it I knew it wasn't worth the time and expense. Since he was selling it from eBay, I just bid $150 and some other person bought it (and then had it on auction for $450 10 days later).
If you maintain your own bike, you should be able to tell if it's worth it. But remember who's going to be riding it. Sure, she may drop it with mistakes but I know I would want my wife to be riding something she could know will do what she asks. New cables and brakes, battery and maybe tires is something I would change out and keep the old if I thought it was worth it as spares. Change the oil, brake fluid, and any other fluids on getting it. Change the filters (air, oil, gas). Make sure it's going to be there when she needs it to be.
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