[Snake2715]

Ok So a week and a half ago I bought a 2006 with 700 miles. I planned on making it my wifes ride and eventually possibly picking a Wr250R for myself. I want a few true enduros for our planned style of riding.



While on the hunt for that 2006 I made a few offers for other bikes and ultimately decided to pay more for the 2006 with lower miles.

I have since been in contact with one of the other offers and his price has come down. Now I am curious if we should just opt for picking this bike up, if for nothing more than the next 6-8 months and maybe letting it go next summer if at that time I can afford to get my other bike. This way we both can get out and ride this fall and spring.



Here is my question. Its a 2005, and has 5700 miles. I believe I can get him down to 1400 or so, but am not positive on that. He is the original owner and he said it had about 1500 miles until last year to through this year, when he rode it considerably more. He has moved away now for college (~2 hour drive) and just wants to get rid of the bike.



He did lay it down once (<20 mph due to deer crossing his path) and its very light scuff on the front fender, headlight area, and mirror. You can see that in the pic below. Otherwise he says it starts and runs excellent.



This bike is a 2-3 hour trip one way for me to look at but the price seems to be pretty good.





Whats everyones thoughts on this being something I wont take a huge loss on. He is claimed to have kept the oil and maintenance up and has the original sprocket as I believe he went to a 45 tooth sprocket.



Here are a few shots to show what we are looking at:







Any input or thoughts would be appreciated and helpful. My plans would be to get it for the next 6-12 months probably and then sell it next summer or possibly the year after that, when i can afford the WRR.



Thanks

 

[Rohnsman]

$1,400 for a 2005 with 5,700 miles on it seems like a good deal to me. That's what I paid for a '93 with 10K on it. Either I got a bum deal (though I don't think so given what other TWs are going for around here), the bike you're looking at is a "screaming good deal," or... and I hope this isn't the case... something is seriously wrong with it. I'd say at for $1,400, even if you had to put a couple hundred dollars work into it you'd still have a good deal. I think you could easily sell it later if you chose and not lose a dime.



If I may ask... what did you pay for the 2006 with just 700 miles?

 

[Snake2715]

I suppose thats a fair question, and given my comment about a couple hunder dollars more...



The 2006 was between 2500-2800, but it had a few extras with it.



Given winter is approaching and our Michigan economy is terrible I think thats why these pop up randomly. I have lookded at a few mid 90s years in the $2000 range, so I think I just got lucky on my 2006.



This 2005 has me interested as well, but I worry that there may be something, the guy seems honest however on the phone.



I may be making a drive.

 

[Rohnsman]

I know in Idaho where "hunting" is the fifth season, TW's are very popular with hunters and prices will go up a couple hundred bucks during that time of year simply because of increased demand. I'd guess this might be true in Michigan too, depending on what part of the state you are in.



This is just a guess, but perhaps the time to get the best deal on a bike is mid winter, when few want to ride, bikes are sitting unused, and folks may need to generate some cash. Just a guess.

 

[Snake2715]

Good point, I keep thinking quads may be up in demand as they are allowed on the streets in the upper part of the state, but you are probably correct.

 

[lizrdbrth]

Good point, I keep thinking quads may be up in demand as they are allowed on the streets in the upper part of the state, but you are probably correct.

In the SoCal market I wouldn't take less than 1400 for an '87-'01. Around here at least, an '05 for that money would be a steal, battle scars and all.

 

[shadow]

I know in Idaho where "hunting" is the fifth season, TW's are very popular with hunters and prices will go up a couple hundred bucks during that time of year simply because of increased demand. I'd guess this might be true in Michigan too, depending on what part of the state you are in.



This is just a guess, but perhaps the time to get the best deal on a bike is mid winter, when few want to ride, bikes are sitting unused, and folks may need to generate some cash. Just a guess.

I just paid $1300 for a 90 with 3k miles and a bit rougher shape...



Run, don't walk to this deal! Stick the key in, if it starts and runs with no horrid noises or smoke, offer 1300 - cash. If he balks, give him his asking and take it away.



You couldn't even look at that bike around here without $2500 in your pocket.

 

[betopimienta]

You are just plain lucky i don't live in that town, or i would have already bought that bike. Buy it already before someone beats you to it.

 

[peruano]

Buy it if you want to ride it in the next few months but if you are just buying it as a good deal that you might make money on, I'd go cautiously. I buy a lot of bargain bicycles, that I love to work on more than I need for riding and they end up as entertainment and not money makers because I invest sweat, parts, and miscellaneous accessories. Yes I had fun and got my money back but I'd starve to death if it was my profession. You are willing to overlook battle scars, but are you likely to fix them for the next guy at the expense of part of your profit? tom

 

[Snake2715]

Good point. I think thats my biggest dilemma. I don't want to really profit at someone elses expense, but the deal seems good, without touching the bike yet.



Now it comes down to the fact that it really is getting colder here, and winter is coming fast. I doubt my wife will ride in the winter. I may get a bike out on occasion, but I have a single bike, so the only reason I would need a second is if she is going to come with me in the next month or so. Otherwise I might as well wait for late winter, early spring and start my search. I will be sitting on the bike for a good 4 months before I can get some decent use out of it.



Yes that will give me time to tinker and get it all set for the spring, but if I am doing that to turn around and sell it...



I really appreciate comments and thoughts so far, its very helpful.



I will let everyone know what I decide. I will probably think on it through this weekend.