Street bike NEEDED

[Levey]

I'm doing the weekend training program in Broadway 4/16-18 which will allow me to walk out of with my motorcycle license. I realize this is quite possibly the worst time to look for a bike but I'm still doing it. I'm looking for a mid-late 90's, early 2000 600cc bike, preferably GSXR, ninja, CBR, R6. The only thing is I am looking to spend under $2000. Any help finding an auction, old lady with crotch rocket, or crack addict in need of money would be greatly appreciated.

[.RJ]

Best bet is to watch craigslist like a hawk. Dont be afraid to negotiate, cash is king.

[Ryan T]

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[Kaan]

AND... you might actually learn how to do the box the right way on that bike. you'll be struggling to U turn on the bikes you listed... espeically on the R6 and Ninja...

all this is assuming you dont have much time on a sport bike.

[Levey]

that assumption is correct

[flintster55]

+1 for the GS500. I've ridden with him on my 600RR and I was surprised at the pace he was the twisties. A lot of that is in the rider I think though.

But that would be a great starter bike. Doesn't look as cool as some of the crotch rockets but you'll be glad when you drop it because it's pretty much bound to happen.

[DavidM]

+1 for the GS500. I've ridden with him on my 600RR and I was surprised at the pace he was the twisties. A lot of that is in the rider I think though.

But that would be a great starter bike. Doesn't look as cool as some of the crotch rockets but you'll be glad when you drop it because it's pretty much bound to happen.

And they hold they're value really well, so if you want 600 in a month or a year you'll be able to sell the GS for close to what you paid.

EDIT: What class are you doing? I took the MSF class and they provided bikes. It seems strange that someone would offer a course to get your motorcycle license and expect you to bring your own bike.

[flintster55]

I don't think he's saying he needs a bike for the class, just that he'll have his license when he's done with it.

[CaptainHenreh]

my ducati is for sale.

[Kaan]

just FYI... i'm a pro at $2k sport bikes lol... they always NEED work. also, if you dont have gear already... its going to be pricey just to get into gear. so take that into account.

my '99 R6 i bought for $1500 and then dropped about $600 into it. if you can hunt out a deal on a track bike, and you dont mind waiting for the small parts to come in... you will get into a pretty nice bike for cheap.

[Levey]

yea, i don't need it for the class, but i'm sure my hands will be shaking when i have the M on my license and can't do anything with it for a while. i appreciate all the advice, craigslist gets checked more often than my email

[Levey]

Any experienced riders wanna help me out by being my knowledgeable eyes on a 93 katana here in harrisonburg? I'll have cash so the dude will let you ride. Let me know
-Chris 5408759096

[SlimKlim]

Call adam or david, they might go check it out with you. You might have to bribe them wiff moneys, or food, or beer.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[DavidM]

I'd be happy to go look at it with you, but I wouldn't be comfortable making a purchase recommendation. I just don't know enough about what to look for beyond obvious problems. If Adam wants to go too we could both take a look.

[Kaan]

RJ can chime in too... but here are some things to look for.

Tires: if there is a flat area down the middle, its been a highway bike... but it will also lead to tires needing to be replaced sooner rather than later

Chain: if its not CLEAN when you look at it, they have probably neglected more than just the chain. Proper chain lubrication is important... if its grungy just keep looking...

Sprocket: Make sure it has all its teeth AND they are still rounded... if they are starting to look like sharks teeth, you'll need a new one... and you might as well do the chain while you are down there.

Brakes: you would think its obvious, but motorcycle rotors can be expensive... also look at the fluid to make sure its been changed/flushed

Lights: Check to make sure the lights work... also look around at the condition of the wiring harness... you really want this to be in good shape... a bad wire could trip the main fuse and leave you powerless on the side of the road. also make sure the gauge lights work...

THE MOST IMPORTANT: make sure it starts! dont buy a bike that doesnt run...

Second most important: The katana was a steel framed bike. look at all the exposed frame area to see if there is paint coming off or if there is a section that looks touched up. a stressed or stretched frame (due to a bad accident) will flake paint and usually they try to cover it up with a little rattle can work.

Rear Lower shock mounts: check out the "dog bones" that mount the swing arm to the rear shock. they break, distort, and show abuse "easily"... if they look screwy, they are screwed... if they look a little twisted, its due to an accident where the rear went down hard... if they look stressed up and down... that usually happens from people "stunting" the bike and having the rear slam down learning stoppies.

Plastics: there may be rash or whatever... thats not a big deal... but crack are. they spread and come apart on you. you dont want cracks...

questions to ask:
1. ask them about work thats been done to the bike
2. ask them what type of oil they use
3. ask them if the sprockets are still the stock sizes
4. has it gone down? what happened?

[Kaan]

also... the older the bike, the harder it is to find parts... and the more you'll have to pay attention to parts. its an 18 year old bike... even parts from the show room floor wear out over 18 years.

[.RJ]

If the tires/chain/sprockets/brakes etc look bad, it may not be all that bad, but you have to negotiate the price with that in mind, and budget for $600-1000 in 'stuff' to make it safe/roadworthy. Tires - $300-350 mounted, chain/sprocket kit - $200-250, brake seals - $50, misc fluids - $50-100 (coolant, brake, fork oil) and so on.

[Sijray21]

you know, i've always had a problem with this, but how can you tell if the rotors are too worn? or how much life is left in the brake pads? motorcycle brake pads have always been VERY thin (even the new ones i bought for my late '03 rr) and they didn't appear to have wear indicators.

[.RJ]

The min thickness is stamped on the rotor, measure them.

[Levey]

Thanks for all the help guys