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This bike good for beginner?….
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December 8, 2009 at 11:35 pm #3608jayspotParticipant
Hello everyone,
Considering buying a 1982 Suzuki GS 650G. I’m about to take my Safety course in about 2 weeks and was considering buying this bike posted on craigslist. It has 12,000 miles, garaged, one owner and in good condition. The owner is asking $1000 or best offer. I plan to take a look at it this weekend, and hopefully bring a mechanic along (will pay him).
If anyone has any suggestions, or has been on this particular bike please respond your input is greatly appreciated! Safe riding everyone
December 9, 2009 at 12:32 am #23647AParticipant$1000 is more than I would spend for a 27 year old moto w/12,000 mi. I’d offer around $500-750 considering it’s wintertime, depending on the conditions of the tires, brake pads, hoses, etc,..
GS650G is a decent bike, but more than likely not worth $1000, I’d save your money and look for a mid/late 90’s Ninja 250 around $1500.
December 9, 2009 at 12:43 am #23648WeaponZeroParticipantSounds like a good deal actually. Bikes don’t depreciate beyond a certain point and unless it’s in poor shape or you’re dealing with someone who needs to sell it FAST, you should never expect to buy any kind of bike for under $1000. Sounds like a good deal to me.
December 9, 2009 at 12:52 am #23646SantaCruzRiderParticipantFirst off, my daily ride is a 94 Kawi: so I’m a BIG fan of these somewhat older bikes, both from a style and value standpoint.
But that said, you need to keep in mind that an 82 is really getting up there in age and has reached the point where a number of very expensive parts (gaskets, hoses, anything rubber) may be ready to just rot out of place. This can/will happen regardless of mileage, so you should think about your comfort level with having to stay on top of replacing items that are just simply “done”, but may not spring a leak or fail until a few miles down the road.
Another thing to consider is whether you can get replacement parts. My model bike was built through 2003, so parts are still readily available — not sure about the GS650.
If parts are available, you like wrenching at least a little on bikes and this one is in readlly great running condition, it may be a nice deal. But if what you really want is an affordable first ride, I’d agree with “A” above and look for something newer.
PS The bike itself is a street tuned 4 cyl that has more pull and weight than is usually recommended as a first bike. But there you go.
December 9, 2009 at 1:02 am #23649jayspotParticipantSome great suggestions – thank you all for the quick response! I’m really into the old style motorcycles. My dream is to one day own a 2007-2009 Triumph Bonneville, so i thought of going into the 1982 Suzuki for now. Even considering the new Suzuki TU250. Since it’s a brand new model, there aren’t any used one’s around. I’m not really mechanically inclined, so i don’t see myself changing a carb or installing brake pads anytime soon. I never get sick of looking at ads in craigslist though, and dreaming…… thanks again you guys, i appreciate it!
December 9, 2009 at 11:11 pm #23664CBBaronParticipantAround here I would say you could get a `90s ninja 250 for $1000 and an early-mid `00s for $1500. They are excellent value.
An older bike is a matter of comfort with mechanical repairs. I would expect a bike that old to need some work when you buy it or shortly after. If you love to play with engines and don’t mind some effort then you can get some nice looking older bikes. If your like me and wanted something cheap that ran well, look for a late model, low mileage, small bike. Got my `06 ninja 250 for $1600.
Craig
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