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Thread: Bike Shopping Tips?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    31st January 2005 - 20:53
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    Vulcan - God of Fire
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    Question Bike Shopping Tips?

    I'm hoping to get into some of the bike shops here in Auckland this coming Saturday, weather permitting, with a view to trying out some cruisers in the 650cc to 1100cc range.

    This will be my second bike purchase thus far and I was wondering if any of you knowledgable folks would have any tips or good advice for what to look-out for in a second-hand cruiser in the $7500 to $10000 range. i.e. mechanical issues, mileage vs age whatever.

    Also if there are some good bike stores outside Auckland either North or South (e.g. Hamilton?) and who I should speak to when I get there.

    Any advice will be much appreciated

    Cheers,

    SW
    Destroy Everything! Destroy Everything! Destroy Everything! Obliterate what makes us weak!

  2. #2
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    19th January 2005 - 11:00
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    The honda shop down here might be worth a go. If you can convince me that you're brave enough I might let you take the 1100 for a spin if you havn't riden one yet. If you look I'm sure you can find one for under $7,000.
    Last edited by Waylander; 20th June 2005 at 23:58.

    Sever
    Now and forever
    you're just another lost soul about to be mine again
    see her, you'll never free her
    you must surrender it all
    And give life to me again
    Disturbed - Inside the Fire


  3. #3
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    24th October 2004 - 11:00
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    I've heard very good things about the vn range From kawasaki?
    probable worth a look
    "Read not to contradict and confute, nor to believe and take for granted, nor to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider."

  4. #4
    Join Date
    30th March 2004 - 11:00
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    Before you go looking, have a good browse online (www.bikepoint.co.nz, for example) and maybe even trademe, and get an idea of what's available, and what sort of price.

    When checking them out, the most critical thing for me is what they feel like and how they ride. Once you've got a shortlist, or find something you really like, then start getting picky over condition, defects, wear, etc. Typical things to look for are clucnky gearchanges (although these are standard with some models); unusual wear'n'tear, evidence of a badly-fixed crash damage; check the condtions of the disks (can be expensive to replace), tyres, chain'n'sprockets; ask for a service history.
    Use any deficiencies in these as a bargaining tool, and be prepared to walk away - don't be in a mode of I really really want the bike, as you'll be too easy to talk into buying it. There'll be other bikes, and if you absolutely have to have it, you'll have less bargaining ability. If you've done your homework about what's on the market, that'll help too.
    ... and that's what I think.

    Or summat.


    Or maybe not...

    Dunno really....


  5. #5
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    Don't buy a cruiser with 750cc or less, unless all you plan to do is toodle around town. Why? They're gutless. Now that Suzuki has dropped the Marauder, the best sub-litre (new) cruiser is the Kawasaki Vulcan 800. Outstanding build quality and performance. Shame about the spokes...
    "Standing on your mother's corpse you told me that you'd wait forever." [Bryan Adams: Summer of 69]

  6. #6
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    2nd May 2005 - 01:22
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    Smile

    Marty

    Ever notice that anyone slower than you is an idiot, but anyone going faster is a maniac?

  7. #7
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    20th June 2005 - 14:27
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    up for sale??

    so whats a xv250 worth ....
    I'm just entering, and want something to get thru my license on.

  8. #8
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    Shop with your heart, test with your bum, buy with your head.
    If a man is alone in the woods and there isn't a woke Hollywood around to call him racist, is he still white?



  9. #9
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jim2
    Shop with your heart, test with your bum, buy with your head.
    Very good, Mr Jim2.
    ... and that's what I think.

    Or summat.


    Or maybe not...

    Dunno really....


  10. #10
    Join Date
    31st January 2005 - 20:53
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    Quote Originally Posted by Terminalddict
    so whats a xv250 worth ....
    I'm just entering, and want something to get thru my license on.
    Yep up for sale alright. A 2005 XV250 is worth $7000. Mine is a 1993 with 26,000kms on the clock. I'm asking $3500 for it. Comes with sissy bar and a big pack which fits on the padded sissy bar and is expandable for touring.

    PM me if you are interested in taking a look.
    Destroy Everything! Destroy Everything! Destroy Everything! Obliterate what makes us weak!

  11. #11
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    31st January 2005 - 20:53
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    Thanks for the advice guys. Good tips from Vifferman there. I take your point Hitcher, I'd like to get an 800 or 1000cc if I can get a decent bike within my budget.
    Destroy Everything! Destroy Everything! Destroy Everything! Obliterate what makes us weak!

  12. #12
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    19th January 2005 - 11:00
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    Let me know if you are gonna come down this way to look at the shops here. I might join you to check on a few bikes and try and figure out wich ones my dad would like so I can make him buy one soon as he gets here.

    Sever
    Now and forever
    you're just another lost soul about to be mine again
    see her, you'll never free her
    you must surrender it all
    And give life to me again
    Disturbed - Inside the Fire


  13. #13
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    6th December 2003 - 15:22
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    Once you have your short list , do a google search on each bike from an owners point of view, (tonne's of forums on the net) , some bikes have comon faults which can be expensive to repair .

  14. #14
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    14th April 2005 - 12:00
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    Quote Originally Posted by SlashWylde
    Yep up for sale alright. A 2005 XV250 is worth $7000. Mine is a 1993 with 26,000kms on the clock. I'm asking $3500 for it. Comes with sissy bar and a big pack which fits on the padded sissy bar and is expandable for touring.

    PM me if you are interested in taking a look.
    That sounds like a pretty fair price - you should check it out TerminalAddict. Welcome to the site by the way!
    Can I believe the magic of your size... (The Shirelles)

  15. #15
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    The new Suzuki M50 Boulevard is a trip. Fat styling, mag wheels, upside sown forks, Softail style rear, shaft drive, fuel injected, water cooled, sod all chrome and a REAL comfy riding position.

    Minter'n a mint thing.

    Colour?

    Black.
    Vote David Bain for MNZ president

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