Hello from Buffalo

[AlexT]

Hey everyone, I've been on the forum for a little while but this is the first time I decided to introduce myself.

Last year, I decided to go through the MSF course and get my license and then managed to pick up my bike just before winter hit for $1200. It's a 2004 GS500F with roughly 14,000 miles on her. It's FINALLY getting warm here in Buffalo so I can take her out of hiding! She gave me so much trouble coming out of hibernation (probably because I am quite new to bikes) but I've finally got her to start for now and can't wait to get some riding done. I've ordered a new chain and rear brakes and going to take her to the shop later today to get it done. Attached is a photo.

Just wanted to say hello!

PS.
Anyone know of any good repair shops around Buffalo? I'm using SIC Choppers over in Tonawanda and they seem like a pretty honest and knowledgeable shop.

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[steezin_and_wheezin]

Welcome! Bike looks great and sounds like you got a great deal on it!!

[AlexT]

Thanks Steez! Funny story is that the previous owner wanted a bit more for the bike but a series of unfortunate events just caused her to want to get rid of it:

1. I get a call saying that she can't find the title. Her dad usually holds onto stuff like that for her so she's going to see when he gets off work so he can grab it.
2. On my way to pick up the bike, she calls me and says that the bike suddenly wouldn't start. She swears that she just rode it around the block earlier and it was running fine.
3. I get there and she attempts to jump the bike with her car. It doesn't start.
4. Her dad told her where to look for the title. It wasn't where he said it was.

So in front of me right now is a bike that I haven't seen running, an inspection sticker that expired a year ago, and no title to come with it. She's just fed up with all the trouble that the bike has given her and says I can just make an offer for it if I still want it. Sounds sketchy right?? I buy it anyways...  I give her $500 on the spot and tell her that if she applies for a lost title and gets it to me, I'll give her another $700. In the meantime, I took the bike home and bought a new battery (she assured me it was a battery problem). Popped it in the next day and the thing started right up! Not to say that the bike is running flawlessly and I don't need to spend more money on it but it was good enough to ride! She got a new title in a few weeks, signed it over to me, and I gave her the rest of the money. I feel bad that she had such a terrible time trying to sell the bike but hey, if everything went without a hitch, I probably would've paid a lot more!