Looking for my First Bike!

Mike +1 on the training - people tend to think you can buy a bike and jump on. Takes practice to gain and maintain the right skills

 

Taking the safety course was definatly a help, I already knew how to ride before but taking the course not only helps your convidence it also helps your insurance and Helps so you dont have to take the test at the DMV :lol:

 

For sure, Im going to get signed up as soon as I can. There was a huge blizzard here in kansas.. I know, its march! Anyway, Im going to go look at the bike monday, and if all goes well will have the thing home that afternoon to tinker with.

Anyone know about how much that class will cost me?

 

Last I knew in Vermont, they run about $150. But sign up early!! Up here they fill up fast!

mikeg

 

In Ohio it was inexpensive - $50, I think. It will depend upon your area and how much it is sponsored by the state and so on.

 

The guy sold it out from under me before I could look at it. Whichita had a blizzard in so I told him id come look monday (today) he sent me a message this morning saying he sold it...

Back to the drawing board...

 

Sorry about you missing out on the bike. Unfortunately, sometimes at least, thr first one to present cash takes the prize. With Craigslist I usually ask the seller to hold the item for however long I think it will take me to get to the meeting spot. Then I call about halfway through to verify my interest.

I also tell them that if the item is as they described it I will take it cash payment no checks, etc.

 

1983 Kawasaki KZ 440

This is my new prospect, thought id toss it on here and see what you guys thought of it. It looks like its in really good shape from the pics. he says one of the side covers has a broken clip, all that would need to be done is JB weld it back on (which I cant do myself) The tank also has some bubbling on it (just cosmetic obviously). The bike has 27,000 miles on it and he was asking 900. I kelly blue booked it and it came in between $500-$900. He shot back saying he would take $750..

This bike is a 440cc, the maxim (I was going to pay $800) was a 650cc. This bike is just for me to learn on and I dont plan on keeping it long anyway, I just want to make sure I get a good deal and can re sell it for a similar price.

What do you guys think?

 

Sounds like a nice starter bike. Good luck with it and let us know how you are doing.

 

Check it out, see how it runs. If you want to be safe, arrange to take it to be checked out - with his permission obviously.

Bubbling on the tank? Sounds like rust under the paint ... you may have to remove the paint, rust, then seal and paint again. Be sure to check the inside of the tank as well in case that is rust coming through the tank on the inside!!

Other than that, I know nothing about Kawasaki's other than recalling that we used to make fun of their jingle ... Kawasucky makes the bad times flow ... <grin>

As I said, use the learning time to look for a real great deal on an XJ.

Good luck