Looking for Big Ben and any other bikers

1Fast400 Forums > Off Topic

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 7 2007, 02:02 PM

This is a 2001 Yamaha YZF-R6 with 25,000 miles on it. They bike has a few modifications: flush mount turn signals, fender eliminator, polished Frame & Lips on wheels, R6 tank protector, Harris YZF grips, frame sliders (?), Yoshimura RS-3 Stainless Steel Exhaust, and tinted wind screen.

It's located about 1.5 hours away at a dealership outside of Columbus so pick up will be easy. I called them up today and they said they were looking for ~$3,900 for it, which was well more than i thought it was worth. So I asked them if they'd take $3,200 for it and they're willing to accept that offer.

My question is, do you think this bike is worth that or should I try and press for a bit cheaper? I thought I'd ask if they'd be willing to do $3,400 after tax & title (as it stands it would be about $3,600 w/ tax & title). Thoughts? Is the mileage going to be any issue? Looks to be in great shape. Kelly Blue Book value is $4,850 expected miles around 22,000 for a 2001 600cc bike.

Posted by: tree33 Nov 7 2007, 02:33 PM

did you get the nada, and or bluebook value on it

www.nada.com

www.kbb.com

Posted by: Christoph22123 Nov 7 2007, 02:39 PM

I would say you offer them $2,900 cash, then see their reaction.

Posted by: Doogsy Nov 7 2007, 02:50 PM

That looks like a really nice bike!

Ive been thinking about getting a bike but im not really sure as to the procedure of getting lessons and such?

Posted by: NLman3 Nov 7 2007, 03:06 PM

I'm not an expert on bikes but being that I own one and my girlfriends dad is the owner of the biggest shop in North Georgia if not the state, I've seen a few deals. I don't think the bike is worth that much, especially with that many miles on it. Sport bikes like that aren't made to take alot of miles like cruisers are. For that price you could find a newer bike with less miles on it. I would say look into the Suzuki SV650s. Good bike with good power and can find 05's for around 3500-4k with under 10,000 miles. Looks mean with lower fairings too....

Posted by: typeRob Nov 7 2007, 03:16 PM

QUOTE (NLman3 @ Nov 7 2007, 03:06 PM)

agreed, thats a shit load of miles for a bike. im sure you can find something better. what is your spending limit?

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 7 2007, 03:49 PM

well it's my first bike and I'm not looking to spend any more than $3,500

Posted by: NLman3 Nov 7 2007, 05:13 PM

You can find a good '03 and up with less miles for the same price .....go that route...

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 7 2007, 07:05 PM

QUOTE (NLman3 @ Nov 7 2007, 05:13 PM)

You can find a good '03 and up with less miles for the same price .....go that route...

yeah, i've been looking around still. found a guy selling an '04 R6 for $3,200 so I shot him an email. hoping he'll get back to me cause i love the '03+ models vs. the 99-02 models. look better and fuel injected.

Posted by: FunkyTuna Nov 7 2007, 07:24 PM

i don't know man, kelly blue book just gave an "expected accumulated average milage" of 20,000 for my 2004 R1.

it looks really clean in the pics. if the bike was garage kept and taken care of mainenance wise, then it might be a decent deal if they'll take trade-in value or lower.

if had more than a few mechanics who work for dealerships that carry suzuki and other companies tell me that by far - suzuki's are the worst as far as long term reliability...no offence GXR riders.

granted, anything you buy new and take care of will last but....yamaha and honda all the way IMO.

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 7 2007, 08:16 PM

yeah, i'm pretty much sold on buying a Yamaha R6, i like the styling much more than the GSXR or CBR, they look more streamlined, sharp, and tighter and the Honda/Suzi bikes seem to take a few years before they start adopting the Yamaha styling.

Anyway, been looking around more and found 6 03-05 model R6 bikes for 4k or under so sent out a bunch of offers and hoping one or two come back to me!

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 8 2007, 01:30 AM

the 03+ model looks like this for those wondering:

user posted image

Posted by: Doogsy Nov 8 2007, 07:55 AM

Thats a nice looking bike there

What colour would you be looking for?

Id personally go for red or black

Posted by: Doogsy Nov 8 2007, 07:57 AM

Posted by: NLman3 Nov 8 2007, 08:58 AM

I had an R6, the raven edition that doogsy just showed....great bike. My g/f dad shop is a yamaha and suzuki dealer so i decided to get a gsxr and can't say i'm disappointed...great bikes yamaha and suzuki

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 8 2007, 09:51 AM

Actually, I found a black 2006 R6 just like in the picture above. I'm a bit skeptical cause the guy only wants $2,800 for it which is way under priced. But I emailed him and he said something about moving to England blah blah blah. Fortunately, it's listed as being only an hour from my house, so if it's there, I'll go check it out to make sure it's legit. Otherwise I'll have to settle for the "too good to be true" reasoning and pass.

edit:// should also note, the guy said the $2,800 included shipping (which is like $400-$600) so I'm very skeptical of it all considering there's no problems with it and the KBB value is $7,525 (minus shipping he's asking for about $2,300, about 31% of it's expected value)

Posted by: Alan115396 Nov 8 2007, 10:10 AM

QUOTE

But I emailed him and he said something about moving to England blah blah blah.

I always laugh when people sellin shit say stuff like this in thier ads...."Just Divorced, Must Sell...Wife took almost everything".........

My old roommate used make up shit like that and it always seemed to work

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 8 2007, 11:39 AM

yeah, i'm smelling scam all over this. I emailed 2 other guys about bikes (two different email addresses, NOT the one with this Black 2006 model) and they both wrote me back nearly identical emails stating they'd just moved to the UK and were getting married and wanted to go on their DREAM honey moon. And i mean identical, word for word on the money.

so yeah, those two are definitely out.

Posted by: Alan115396 Nov 8 2007, 11:42 AM

They always try to hit a sentimental nerve with ads like that, I think you're smart enough to see thru the BS

Posted by: Doogsy Nov 8 2007, 11:48 AM

QUOTE (Bryan60275 @ Nov 8 2007, 05:39 PM)

What a couple of chancers

Posted by: J.R.85 Nov 8 2007, 11:57 AM

That's a sick lookin bike you posted there doog's...

Posted by: Doogsy Nov 8 2007, 11:59 AM

Word - im hoping to get a bike after the winter.

Just need to try and save up! I think one like that (2nd hand) costs about £3000

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 8 2007, 02:01 PM

alright, need some opinions. The guy with the black 2006 R6 sent me these two emails in response to my offer:

QUOTE

Hello,
The bike is still for sale. The bike is in very good shape , no mechanical problems and never been involved in accidents . It has no scratches and also the title is clear. I'm the original owner of the bike. I sell it because I just moved here in England , I have a new job here and I don`t need the bike anymore . I work in Public relations departament at a hotel here and because of this job I change my home quite often. Here I had an unpleasant surprise because the bike is an US model and to pay the registration here in Europe, to pass all the emissions and standards and many other would be quite expensive and nobody would do it. I have tried to sell it locally but it was not succesfully. That is why I am trying to sell the bike back in USA, there will be no further problems .The shipping and handling are included in the price. The transaction will be done trough the Cycle Trader purchase protection program.
Let me know if you are interested or if you need more details about the bike .
thank you

QUOTE

Hi, the bike is right now here in London, England. The ad have been ended at cycle trader website. I dont have any other pics, sorry.
The price is $2800. For our protection the transaction will be made trough the Cycle Trader purchase protection program that protect all the cycle trader buyers and sellers. A transaction will be started at the cycle trader and after that they will contact you with the payment instructions. As soon the payment will be done, they will send me a confirmation to ship the bike.
After you will receive the bike you will have 5 days to test and inspect the bike. If there will be any problems with the bike, you can return it back . I will pay for all taxes, but i can asure you that the bike is in perfect condition.
The payment informations will be hold by the cycle trader until you will receive and fully inspect the bike. No payment will be received by me until you will confirm to them that you are agree with this purchase.
I will need to know your full name and your address for shipping. As soon i will have this informations i will contact cycle trader to start the transaction.

thank you

I'm rediculously skeptical about this one, especially given the "oh yeah i'm in the UK right now" trend. Not to mention the $2,800 for the bike which includes overseas shipping... thoughts?

EDIT:

nevermind, i went to cycle trader and read over their "Fraud Prevention" thing and it says they offer no "Purchase Protection Program" or anything of that sort. 3 for 3 on bogus bikes...

Posted by: NLman3 Nov 8 2007, 02:36 PM

Sounds like a scam.....find a bike in the US

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 8 2007, 02:43 PM

QUOTE (NLman3 @ Nov 8 2007, 02:36 PM)

Sounds like a scam.....find a bike in the US

yeah really. just pisses me off for getting my hopes up...

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 8 2007, 02:50 PM

wow, i'm totally in love with this one! i may have to up my spending limit but I want this one!

Posted by: FunkyTuna Nov 8 2007, 03:17 PM

here's a myspace pic of me and my baby...we take bubble baths together

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 8 2007, 03:20 PM

is that real? either the bike looks too big or you look small. maybe it's just me. sexy though either way.

Posted by: typeRob Nov 8 2007, 03:28 PM

nice funkytuna. did you photoshop that for your own arousal?

Posted by: matt48982 Nov 8 2007, 06:00 PM

I had a 2004 R6 red and black. It was a sweet bike however i sold it b/c of too many close calls. If u can afford a newer bike i would recommend that b/c ive known a couple people who bought used as a first bike and wished they didnt. You have to check out a used bike carefully bc people beat the balls off of them. Definately check the front forks for when people bring it up and slam the hell out of it bringing it back down. That first pic of the 01 looks really clean and its not that bad of a price bc of the aftermarket parts. Miles dont really mean much when it comes to a street bike. Good luck and also check out ebay if u havent

Posted by: Doogsy Nov 8 2007, 06:07 PM

Ive had a quick look at ebay and seen some pretty good deals

Although im a little wary of people selling the bikes - you never know whether its legitimate or not.

Personally a dealership would be the safest bet!

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 9 2007, 12:05 AM

yeah i know. i sent out some emails to ppl "selling" on cycletrader.com and 4 out of 4 sent me back the same, fake fuckin "i like in UK blah blah" identical emails. fuck this shit...

Posted by: Palo Alto Labs Nov 9 2007, 12:31 PM

cycletrader is full of fraud... unless you can see it first...dont put down a dime!!!!

you can find a good bike with under 10,000 miles on it

most bikes require cam adjustments at 15,000.... this isnt a big deal.. but i guarantee 90% of the bikes on the market with 20k+ have not had this done ever.

yuor best bet is to find out where the local riders hang out or ride out on weekends...check bike forums... there are always guys looking to upgrade their bikes and get 1000rr's and high cc bikes, so they ususally unload their 600-750cc's pretty cheap.
ride safe.

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 9 2007, 01:22 PM

yeah, i'm not touching cycletrader again. 100% fake listings is bullshit.

so i'm gonna go up monday and look at the original bike I had posted about on here, the 2001 Red R6 with 25k miles on it. Anyone have suggestions on a price i should try and push with the dealer? I was thinking, since I already offered $3,200 that i'd try and push for $3,200 after tax/title (aka, shave off another $400). They seemed like they took my $3,200 offer pretty easily given they were asking $4,000. Anyone else have some haggling suggestions? If that was the bike i'd get, what would you suggest would be a fair price to pay for it?

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 9 2007, 02:15 PM

also, is it just me or does it look like the previous owner had been doing burnouts on that rear tire? center of it looks really worn. Factor that into my haggling?

Posted by: matt48982 Nov 9 2007, 03:06 PM

Find whatever u can thats wrong with the bike. Any possible scratches from lay downs, tell him there is a lot of miles. Plus it is the off season for riders( assuming u dont live where its warm year round) so u should be able to get a deal

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 10 2007, 12:08 PM

QUOTE (matt48982 @ Nov 9 2007, 03:06 PM)

nope, i live in the cold. so any other ideas? price goals? heading up to check it out in a few minutes.

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 10 2007, 05:07 PM

well, went up and checked it out the original R6 i posted in this thread and the pictures don't do it justice. it's gorgeous, sounds like it runs well, the yoshi exhaust sounds incredible, good throaty, deep roar to the engine. just looks like the right side was laid down, minor scratch on the lower fairing, the frame slider is scraped down, and the exhaust pipe has some minor scraping on it. but otherwise the coloring and body is great. also, the front turn signals weren't working so might have a minor repair.

$3,200 was the lowest he'd go, so that's base price plus $250 documentation fee (?), and 241 in tax/title so final price is $3,691.50 if i want it. i'm debating. i really liked it when i saw it, it fits me well size-wise... gah...

Posted by: Doogsy Nov 10 2007, 06:01 PM

Are you sure he wont go any lower with the price due to all the scratches?

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 10 2007, 06:06 PM

yep, i tried. said they were already gonna lose $200 on the bike at the price i have and they just want to sell their limited bike stock now. i tried to offer something else and he shot it down.

Posted by: Doogsy Nov 10 2007, 06:10 PM

Aw that sucks!

I guess you'll have to think your options through before committing yourself to a purchase!

It is a really nice bike though

Posted by: Will109090 Nov 11 2007, 07:40 PM

Hold out a couple days to see if they call you back. You have to play smart with dealers.

And if you're going to pay cash, they'll be willing to bargain even more.

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 11 2007, 08:58 PM

they didn't seem to be willing to budge anymore. i said i'd call them with a decision this week. if it weren't for ppl on this board telling me i could get a better bike for the $ i would have already bought this one. so i'm being patient.

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 12 2007, 12:24 PM

going to check out another

user posted image

bike has 16,000 miles, is an '04 but looks like it's got some scrapes and a touch of damage to it. guy is looking for $4,000 so we'll see if it's worth it. might need a bit of work, like a paint job and clutch. we'll see.

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 12 2007, 02:54 PM

well that's it. that's now my bike. looks much better in person, the D&D exhaust sounds amazing, bike only needs really minor work, new brake pads in the rear, replacing the right front turn signal, and new glass for the gauges. Other wise runs and sounds great.

Talked him down to $3,500 + $300 titling and everything so 3 years newer than the other one i was lookin at, 10,000 miles less, and badass. Can't believe i just bought a bike though!

Posted by: Primalheatstroke Nov 12 2007, 03:07 PM

now park that one, buy a cheap ass bike for like $750, ride it until you get laying it down out of your system, then go back to your newer bike and enjoy it without fucking it up. And trust me, you will lay it down.

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 12 2007, 03:13 PM

i have no doubt. My dad has a Buell Blast, i figure i'll ride that for a little while. Either way, i'm gonna invest in a set of frame sliders.

Posted by: typeRob Nov 12 2007, 03:14 PM

thats a nice bike bryan. post up some better pics of it. ride safe.

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 12 2007, 03:17 PM

as soon as it's in my possession and i put a good coat of wax down on it, i'll have it up. if you're lucky i'll even video it so you can hear it, it sounds even meaner than it looks.

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 12 2007, 03:33 PM

http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-23-38-5697-0-0-0&l=1&w=23&p=38&f=5698&m=0297&d=1200017237&y=2004&ml=Y&gc=MC>c=MC

Low retail price is $4,420 with an aftermarket exhaust. I guess I did make out pretty well with this. Glad i held out and didnt settle for the previous bike.

Posted by: matt48982 Nov 12 2007, 10:46 PM

I had the exact same bike but in red and black, D and D exhaust and all. Loud as hell. He must have put different fenders on it in the first place b/c if its an 04 it never came in black. Nice lookin bike though. Have you ridden it yourself yet?

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 12 2007, 11:25 PM

QUOTE (matt48982 @ Nov 12 2007, 10:46 PM)

that's interesting that they didn't make a black one in 2004... i mean the fairings have had a different paint job done on them, but the fuel tank and tail look original in terms of paint.

haven't ridden it myself, though he offered to let me, the dealership was downtown and i wasnt about to risk riding down there on a bike i didnt own. but he took it down the street. definitely loud as hell.

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 16 2007, 10:08 PM

Bike just got home today. Gorgeous, I'll get some pictures up when I get the chance.

Posted by: Doogsy Nov 17 2007, 07:26 AM

QUOTE (Bryan60275 @ Nov 17 2007, 04:08 AM)

Bike just got home today. Gorgeous, I'll get some pictures up when I get the chance.

Nice purchase Bryan!

Good luck with it!

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 20 2007, 11:58 PM

It's not easy getting a good picture of a black motorcycle. Even this picture really doesn't do it justice as all I hear from my friends are "wow, this looks a lot better in person."

Posted by: Christoph22123 Nov 21 2007, 03:19 PM

sick looking bike, great purchase, way to hold out. Have u rode it yet? What's the deal, you like

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 23 2007, 07:13 PM

yeah, i've driven it around the neighborhood a bit. rides really well and much more controllable than i anticipated. very glad i held out. i like this bike a lot better than the initial one i had been looking at and got a great deal on it. Now to wait til spring time...

Posted by: yeashescool Nov 23 2007, 07:20 PM

sick dude

Posted by: Big_Ben Nov 26 2007, 04:39 PM

Shit Bryan, just saw this thread. Looks like you did what I would have told you anyway so good job. 25,000 miles seems like alot, besides it had the old swingarm style and the new ones are soo much sexier.

Bike looks good, I started off with my 600RR and never laid her down so ride safe and don't take chances till riding is 2nd nature to you and you'll be fine. These new bikes are so nimble they almost drive themselves, you just control the speed!

Never buy a bike you can't see, you will want to check it out and hear it run. If the owner lets you, ride it and if not rev it up alittle to hear the engine at different RPM's. I've seen alot of those UK bikes even on Ebay, screw that stuff!

Sometimes a rear wheel looks warn in the middle just from long rides and straight runs. Alot of people don't take the time to learn how to corner and just city or highway drive. My O.E. tire wore like that, the center was worn but still had decent tread on the outsides. Its tough if you don't live around good canyons! Atleast till you figure out where the best curves in your area are.

Anyway good looking bike man, good to see you got a good purchase. Keep her shiny side up and race to win bro!!!

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 26 2007, 07:26 PM

yeah, buying out of season sure saved some dough, but it's hard as hell to watch it sit in my garage

just looking into my gear now, any recommendations on jackets/helmets/gloves? I found a few I like, but i'm debating buying a leather or mesh. I know leather is gonna protect better, but how much more so than a good nylon/mesh?

Oh, I just got my red wheel striping kit in so soon it should be a little more amazing. And that brake issue was easy to solve, just needed to bleed the line out and replace the fluid, a 5 minute job for someone with no mechanical experience.

Posted by: Big_Ben Nov 28 2007, 11:13 AM

QUOTE (Bryan60275 @ Nov 26 2007, 08:26 PM)

yeah, buying out of season sure saved some dough, but it's hard as hell to watch it sit in my garage

Yeah, winter blows. Lets both pray for an early spring!

As far as jackets, I've always liked Teknic and Joe Rocket but all are probably good. I have Teknic Leather, and Joe Rocket Mesh jackets.

I've only used one helmet, which is a HJC. But its held up well over the past 3 years. Shoei is the shit, but you gotta have the cash.

Gloves too is really personal preference, I run Joe Rocket gloves which have lasted since I bought the bike.

You probably want both a leather and mesh jacket. I have both, leather is safer but in the summer it gets hot. If there are any motorcycle shows that come around the area you can usually get good deals on closeouts or last years gear. I'm lucky in MI, since Detroit is the Auto Capital. We get the North American Auto Show and Motorcycle Show that strolls through every year.

Posted by: Bryan60275 Nov 28 2007, 12:53 PM

QUOTE (Big_Ben @ Nov 28 2007, 11:13 AM)

QUOTE (Bryan60275 @ Nov 26 2007, 08:26 PM)

yeah, buying out of season sure saved some dough, but it's hard as hell to watch it sit in my garage

lucky bastard. yeah, i've been looking at some Icon gear, but i've heard some really mixed reviews on their gear. looking into some alpinestars jackets at the moment. just cant find anything that i really like stylistically that also has a reputation for good protection...

Posted by: Bryan60275 Apr 5 2008, 05:29 PM

Just thought I'd bump this one back up as it's FINALLY riding-worthy weather out today! So hauled the baby out to the local shop and put a new rear tire on and the good times are rolling! 62 miles so far today.

Some new pics of the beauty:

Posted by: Kevin43403 Apr 5 2008, 06:45 PM

That bike is bad ass.

Posted by: hadi_D Apr 5 2008, 10:32 PM

Aaww! I miss my bike

Posted by: J-Freak25 Apr 5 2008, 10:38 PM

That's nasty! It makes me want to get a bike, but I have bad luck man! If I got a bike I'd probably get seriously messed up in some way, even if I didn't do anything stupid on it.

Posted by: yeashescool Apr 5 2008, 10:50 PM

that bike is sick

Posted by: hadi_D Apr 5 2008, 11:01 PM

We called it "Blue Berry", "The Smurf". But it was shortly lived.

Posted by: Doogsy Apr 6 2008, 12:39 PM

QUOTE (hadi_D @ Apr 6 2008, 05:01 AM)

We called it "Blue Berry", "The Smurf". But it was shortly lived.

Thats a sick bike!

Posted by: Big_Ben Apr 9 2008, 08:23 AM

Looking sweet dude, got out Saturday for 4 hours and Sunday for 3 hours. Make sure to check tire pressures after winter!

Posted by: Bryan60275 Apr 9 2008, 08:32 AM

QUOTE (Big_Ben @ Apr 9 2008, 08:23 AM)

Looking sweet dude, got out Saturday for 4 hours and Sunday for 3 hours. Make sure to check tire pressures after winter!

yep, did that. running at 32 psi right now. already did most of my new season checks and changes: oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc. Still want to replace my spark plugs and rear pads. Other wise, good going so far. Not quite the hours you've put in, but I got about 250 miles in from Sat. to Mon. Debating taking it out today, rained last night but should be fine the rest of today...