What to buy?

[patrickpruett]

So my GS500F is now a goner so I am looking for anew bike. Would a bandit 400 be a good move over or would I be losing power? And what is a good upgrade bike? Thanks

P

[The Buddha]

I thought you were getting blown around by the wind and was quitting riding.
Cool.
Buddha.

[patrickpruett]

Nah, that post went crazy. I sold my bike to buy a cheaper one. The post helped me in a huge way and I really started getting it handled. So, back to the question, suz bandit 400 or 600? the 400 is 1700 buck and the 600 is 2500

[DoD#i]

...not to mention you were selling the GS with helmet, jacket and gloves, the usual sign of "hanging it up".

Anyway, for $1800 here's one that won't get blown around:
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/786299220.html

And another (shafty, yet - one was my first bike) if you don't like the cruiser-ish stying, get normal bars and bar end mirrors and presto! It's a UJM.
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/784019208.html
(Universal Japanese Motorcycle)

If you are tall and like that sort of thing:
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/780346452.html

[The Buddha]

400 is too much like a GS, I'd go 600 or 1200. With age, those can get tranny trouble especially if the rider was a poor shifter. Like if he was shifting like a girl, he can become a troubled tranny. Yea ...  
I'd also look at a seca 600 AKA Yamaha seca 2 91-99.
Cool.
Buddha.

[The Buddha]

The pre 84 (or was it 85) maxim's had tranny trouble also. Unrelated to shifting, it was unfixable and literally unuseable, first 2nd goes, then 3rd, then 4th.
Venture and KLR OK fine, no problems I know of there.
I have a beaut of a virago 1100 ... those have starter problems, and mine has been fixed permanently.
Cool.
Buddha.

[DoD#i]

Biggest thing is to not be in a huge hurry, and keep a close eye on every source - craiglist AND classifieds AND any other classified ad web-site local to the area AND any other motorcycle forums local to the area. Can't hurt to pass by the dealers as well.

You could get an older GS, if cheaper is the name of the game and you are OK with the size/weight now. Don't see one on Craig's at the moment, but tomorrow (or even later today) that could change.

Good old belt drive Kawasaki KZ400, or was it 440? KZ440LTD, perhaps?

Avoid silver wings (honda CX500, CX650) - water pump problems.

If you like that sort of thing (I don't) the Ninja 250 has a bunch of rabid fans, easily found on the internet.

How did I miss this one:
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/785731087.html

[Teek]

especially if the rider was a poor shifter. Like if he was shifting like a girl,
Cool.
Buddha.

[The Buddha]

Naaaa ... not you Teek ... I mean like guys who are trannies shift like girls who are trannies cos they be trying to act like they have to be trannies wanting to act like people of the opposite I mean like drag queens. Yea, those.
Cool.
Buddha.

[dchrist]

If you are tall and like that sort of thing:
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/780346452.html

why is that klr so cheap? it is a 2000 I guess....

a buddy of mine rides one... you'll like it if your like 6'1 or taller. I'm 6 foot and I think my feet barely get flat to the ground and I've been told I have long legs. I almost have to tip toe it. plus that height makes it more susceptible to cross winds....