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Posted by chief
- August 27, 2012, 11:41:49 AMDitto what troll said. I have NEVER bought a bike thinking about resale value. I think I have always bought based upon how it makes me "feel" and anticipated repair/maintenance to keep it reliable.
Posted by Troll
- August 27, 2012, 08:01:35 AMI think there are really a few things people overlook when considering the price of a Motorcycle. It's not an investment, it's a vehicle. If you're going to use it as a vehicle, then the big thing is total cost of ownership over the expected service life. I bought my '01 out of a barn with a broken transmission and no start. I paid $1,000 for it, dragged it home and started the restoration process. It arrived at my house on Aug. 14th of '09, and after spending about $3800 on repairs, the only money spent has been on tires (and a u-joint for $25) and oil changes. 31,000 miles of near perfect performance. I'm a hands on type, and if I'd just left it alone, I could have saved some money, but I gotta fiddle, so there were some added expenses....BUT...when I look at the TCO of this bike as compared to my TourGlide, it's about 60% cheaper to keep her! If the mechanicals hold up as well as I expect, by the time it has the same mileage (200,000) as the TourGlide I sold, that TCO will be down to about 20%. I run it, every day, have 8,000 miles on so far this year, and will easily get my annual 10,000 by the first snow...The only thing I will NOT be looking forward to is parking it in the garage for the winter, and not having anything to do to it....helps pass the time. My W-650 is no help in that department, either. It's got 21,000 miles on it and needs NOTHING but a good cleaning!
Posted by 45 Bravo
- August 26, 2012, 22:46:49 PMYea, I am not a haggler either, I look at what is there, compare it to what i know.
Figure in how much I really want to spend, is the bike realistically worth what he is asking, what are the chances of finding another similar to it, what will i have to spend to get it road worthy.
Just like shopping on ebay, once you start looking specifically for something, i don't jump on the first one i come to if it is out of my price range.
If we can't come to an agreement, there will ALWAYS be another coming down the pike.
Yes there are not as many Drifters out there, but they are there, you just have to turn over a few more stones..
45 Bravo
Posted by mbk
- August 24, 2012, 13:30:01 PMQuote from: chief on August 24, 2012, 10:18:47 AMAbsolutely agree - chain is a pain, having to check valves is a pain and costly if you cannot do it yourself. I ride mostly in the midwest so altitude is not a problem (although cold is) and I very rarely use the interstate, much prefering the old back roads. But, yeah, there is a lot of modern stuff to love about the 1500 - stuff that pays for itself in maintenance and in greater flexibility of riding conditions and locales. Thanks, MikeThe 1500 and the 800 are two VERY different machines... it really is NEW tech vs OLD tech.
EFI vs carbs, shaft vs chains, dual shocks vs monoshock, differences in gearing, differences in looks...
Posted by chief
- August 24, 2012, 10:18:47 AMThe 1500 and the 800 are two VERY different machines... it really is NEW tech vs OLD tech.
EFI vs carbs, shaft vs chains, dual shocks vs monoshock, differences in gearing, differences in looks. You need to consider how you ride, where you ride and when you ride. EFI keeps the bike running consistently regardless of altitude. The 1500 will run 80 all day on the interstate with power to spare, regardless of loading. The 800 simply is not designed that way... it has all the benefits and shortcomings of the old tech bikes.Posted by mbk
- August 23, 2012, 22:26:52 PMQuote from: ChilliDrift on August 23, 2012, 10:33:54 AMHaving ridden both just once or twice on test rides, I kind of favor the 800 only because I am used to 650s.As a new Drifter owner. I looked at 800s and a 1500. I am glad I got the 1500. If you plan on riding 2 up, consider the 1500.
Posted by mbk
- August 23, 2012, 22:22:21 PMQuote from: ChilliDrift on August 23, 2012, 10:33:54 AMGood point - thanks for the helpAs a new Drifter owner. I looked at 800s and a 1500. I am glad I got the 1500. If you plan on riding 2 up, consider the 1500.
Posted by ChilliDrift
- August 23, 2012, 10:33:54 AMAs a new Drifter owner. I looked at 800s and a 1500. I am glad I got the 1500. If you plan on riding 2 up, consider the 1500.
Posted by chief
- August 23, 2012, 08:59:50 AMBUT!! These things tend to sell in spurts... as with any deal... you may lose out entirely if you dicker too long.
Posted by 45 Bravo
- August 23, 2012, 00:57:16 AMThere is a guy in memphis area , has an 04 800cc drifter, it is painted nice, but asking 8000, a little steep i think, but you can ASK what you want..
I agree with the irish above, offer the 4, see what sticks.
you can always go up.
45 Bravo
Posted by Dirty Irish
- August 22, 2012, 22:53:14 PMI just paid 5k for an 03 with 14,000 and bunch of stuff on it, offer the 4k, all he can say is no. Good luck!
Dirty Irish
Posted by chief
- August 20, 2012, 10:58:04 AMPersonally, I wouldn't let mine go for $5K... not a 99 - but being the first year that should make it more of a keeper IMHO.
Posted by mbk
- August 20, 2012, 10:55:44 AMYeah, I know someone like that - wanted to buy an old Honda I have but did not offer enough for it. I know he would have sold it soon after as that's the way he is. I guess there is nothing wrong with that, but with a cool bike you like to see it go to someone who will appreciate it.
Posted by 45 Bravo
- August 20, 2012, 10:51:37 AMI just turned 24,000 on mine saturday, i have been offered $5,000 for it.
I just like it too much..
I see the guy about 2 or 3 times a month, and he still ask if i want to sell, but i know him, he will get it, and trade/sell it in a month..
Just the way he works, he has gone through 4 bikes this summer alone, he just likes to wheel & deal..
45 Bravo
Posted by chief
- August 20, 2012, 10:03:11 AMNot an insult, but I'd definitely tell you no. I wouldn't sell mine for $5K either, for that matter. In negotiations you have to compromise. I'd go for it.