Hey whats up, new guy

[Ishan]

Hey I'm lookin to buy a motorcycle this year, I'm takin a riders course in a few weeks then looking to purchase ASAP. Best deal I've found so far is a 1996 gs500e with 12035 miles for $2500. You guys think thats a good deal?

BTW.. Just gotta say I'm a member of GAOC (Grand Am Owners Club) and Club ECM (East Coast Motorsports)

[JetSwing]

where are you from?

i bought my 2001 with 800 miles for $2400.

[Ishan]

Western Mass, a little city called Greenfield.

[JetSwing]

that gs is way overpriced...i know you want to get a bike asap but be patient. don't just jump on the first one you see. you'll end up with a bad deal. i should know. i've done it...

[Ishan]

Thanks man, I'll try offing them less and see what happens, unfortunitly tho that is the cheapest bike I've come across (plus it looks like it's in real good condition)

[MR_PINK]

Agreed way overpriced do not go over 1500 for that bike even if it's pristine, for another grand you could get a used 04    Good Luck

[weaselnoze]

i bought my bike for 1500.  he was asking 2500.  its all about the bargaining skills man, all about the skills...  but yea get as many opinions as u can before u make a decision.  take your time and be patient

[smoker]

Got my '96 gs 5k miles, $1400.  I'll drive my bike up to Mass (my sister lives in Everett) and drop it in your lap for $2000 :lol: .  Seriously though, that bike better be gold freakin plated for over $2000 with 10k+ miles...  Keep lookin or shuck that brother down $1000 or so.

[The Buddha]

Hey Buy Vtnewb's maxim ... sweet bike ... maxim's are generally great bikes ... I had a friend who later bought a GS ... who lost one in a fire ... I will buy a maxim over a GS ... OK I've never had a maxim so I am biased the other way ... GS'es are like so boring to me ... having had 7-8 or whatever ... I dont remember ...
Cool.
Srinath.

[raylarrabee]

that's way too high for that bike.  Spring is a terrible time to buy, unfortunately, as prices get jacked up and sellers have no incentive to cut you a good deal.  Just hang tight (I remember how hard that was to do) and wait for a reasonable deal to come along.  

If I were you, I would wait to get one for closer to $1200.  Remember that you have to pay tax, title, tags, insurance, inspection (and for fixing anything that you need to pass).  Plus, if you're a new rider, you also need to factor in the price of gear, MSF (if you take it) and any mods you will undoubtedly end up wanting to make.

For that price, that bike better have brand new tires, chain, and be clean enough to perform surgery on top of it.

[boomboom]

Just got a 2002 for $1300.  For that price that you said that they were selling the 96, you could buy a SV.

[raylarrabee]

There are a bunch of GS's on ebay right now.  A couple mid 90's with low miles.  They're both teal, unfortunately, but a couple cans of spraypaint can fix that in a hurry.  The black one is young with very low miles.


Teal 1995, stored for loooong time
Teal '95 13k, in NY
Black '01, 2.4k, in TN

[Ishan]

wow.. thanks alot guys, this board is great I think I'll try to talk him down in price, if I can't I'll just keep lookin.

[raylarrabee]

Yeah, it's so exciting when you finally committ to buying a bike that it's hard to remember that there's an almost limitless supply of old motorcycles out there.  Don't let some ass clown sucker you into a false sense of urgency in buying your bike.

There are always more bikes.  If you're patient, you'll find a good one at a good price.  Also, remember that, although the GS is a great bike, there are plenty other bikes out there that you can learn on, have fun with, and sell later when you want to get your next bike.

craigslist, these boards, ebay, cycletrader...there's a lot of places to look.  For a GS, most offered on these boards have been taken care of and are offered at a reasonable price.  Plus, people on here will likely be honest with you about the bike's history.  Just be patient.

Good luck!  

[Ishan]

How does this deal sound?

2003 Ninja 500cc with 98 miles, for $2000, battery is dead.

[DerekNC]

Sounds almost too good. Find out if it has a salvage title to start out with. Also check the vin number with the title.

Derek

[MR_PINK]

I would jump on that assuming it it's a clean title and it hasn't been siting out in the weather for the past 2 years but use your own judgement. Personally i don't like the look of the 250's or 500's kawi's but to each is his own Good Luck

[Ishan]

well I havn't actaully seen it yet.. I'm gonna head to his house and take a look tomorrow. It is a clean title, it's a friend of mine (well, it's actually one of my good friends brothers, he just never really used it, and also he said he has 2 helmets + gloves he'll give me with it as well)

even if i'm not extremly happy with the look of it.. I'll still end up buying it, it's a personal trade so i can avoid alot of fee's and taxes n crap, plus i mean hell.. it's pretty much brand spankin new.

[raylarrabee]

yeah, if there's nothing seriously wrong with it, then you've found yourself a steal and a half.  Let us know how your search turns out.

[boomboom]

That would be awesome.