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Message started by Tyler43090 on 06/28/10 at 21:52:46

Title: Should I buy this?
Post by Tyler43090 on 06/28/10 at 21:52:46

Hey guys I have been looking around the forums for a good amount of time now. I have come to respect your opinions on topics and I would like to ask for your help on this topic. There is a savage for sale near where I live and I was wondering if you felt it was worth buying.

I have a few additional things to say. First of all I am a new rider and this would be my first bike. I went to look at the bike this past Sunday and I was sure to bring a friend of mine that is quite the gear head. The bike started just fine with a battery tender on it and it ran great. The post says the charging system needs check out and my friend is sure its either the alternator or rectifier. Assuming i could buy the bike for 900$ and perhaps get it running reliably for 70$ (best case scenario with the alternator). I realize there are alot of variables but based on this information do you feel its worth it?

Thanks for reading my really long post and providing feedback.

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Tyler43090 on 06/28/10 at 21:53:06

It wouldn't allow me to post the ling in the first post so here it is http://williamsport.craigslist.org/mcy/1801583602.html

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Serowbot on 06/28/10 at 22:30:20

Muffler looks like a straight pipe.... no back pressure... I'd swap it for a Sportster...
..., but if your buddy says compression and clutch seem good,... I'd go for it...
Charging problem may be just a dying battery,.. or like you said...

If you can have a decent running bike for less than 1k,.. you can't loose...
This assumes things like fork seals, wheel bearings, brake pads,... are not a problem for you...

Personally,.. I usually look for 3 to 6k, and 95' or newer... but, I usually pay $1200 to $1500... location makes a difference in price too....

Best of luck... ;)...

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by verslagen1 on 06/28/10 at 22:31:55

Con's,
It's an '86, so it has a weak starter
crappy paint job from looking at the close up of the tank.
lot's of custom parts, all I see is sissy bar, signals, pegs and mirrors.
That combination usually means it's been dumped.
Bad charging system, so you're gonna have to work that out
alternator/rectifier/battery, anyone or all.

Pro's,
turn out muffler, ok that's cool as long as you're good with the sound.
10k miles
rest is stock.

You can pick up a good condition '86 to '88 savage anywhere for $1000
parts/paint $250 plus supplies

I'd go with a '95 or better myself.

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Serowbot on 06/28/10 at 22:33:50

Wow!... Me and Versy think a lot alike!... ;D...

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Tyler43090 on 06/28/10 at 22:44:02

Thank you both for a speedy response. So with all this considered you feel that it would be better to just pass it up and wait for one that is in better condition?

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Serowbot on 06/28/10 at 23:03:24

... don't know the market in "northumbland",... or even where that is... but, if it was here,... I'd probably wait, or try for $600... :-?...

wet location's,... look for rust,... hot dry location's, look for rubber rot...
perfect areas,... look for perfection... ;D...

Where's "northumbland"?... :-?...

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by verslagen1 on 06/28/10 at 23:16:41

you got it ser... $5.. 600 I'd consider it.

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Edgar on 06/28/10 at 23:29:14

The price needs to go down for sure! I got my 86 for $700 in Los Angeles, the paint/body on mine is in better shape too

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Stimpy on 06/29/10 at 01:29:13

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I would definitely buy me a savage as a 1st bike,
but I would maybe wait and save up a couple of hundred
more and buy maybe a newer model with no issues, besides
I don't like red bikes but that's just me.

There will be many more opportunities because sadly
with this economy there is more offer than demand right
now, this also this gives you a bit more time to educate
yourself on how to check/buy used bikes, lots of online info,
good luck.

http://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Used-Motorcycle

http://www.google.de/search?q=how%20to%20buy%20used%20motorcycles&hl=de&client=firefox-a&hs=DpW&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbo=u&tbs=vid:1&source=og&sa=N&tab=wv

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Tyler43090 on 06/29/10 at 07:39:22

It is "Northumberland" I guess the poster of the classified add has trouble spelling. It is a small town in central PA. I agree that the price should go down a little but I got all hot and bothered when I looked at it because despite all its faults i could see myself on it. The seller said he was pretty firm because all the parts and work he had put into it. I was always taught that you never get the money back that you put into the bike (as far as modding). The seller also stated that if he didn't get near what he was asking he would just part it out and sell it on eBay and make more money than selling it whole. Thanks again for the insight guys

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Hashbrown on 06/29/10 at 07:48:41

just bought a 95 savage fully functional with 6k miles, bags, windshield, supertrapp muff for 1k. believe me you can hold out for something better or half that price for what your looking at. its economics 101, doubt he will sell that for 1k so wait it out and get it cheaper or wait for a '95 + savage.

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Tyler43090 on 06/29/10 at 07:54:40

Wow i am envious.. The market must be tougher here. If the savage you bought really is in good shape that exhaust is worth a least a couple hundred itself..

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Bubba on 06/30/10 at 08:24:40

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/1787997853.html

my guess is he can't get it started...you and your buddy probably could...

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by james may on 06/30/10 at 09:19:42

that 2007 looks like a good deal, just needs a carb clean and maybe a new battery probly. 1k is way to much for an 86 and for a first bike I wouldn't buy a beater. When your not too confidant on a bike, having the throttle stick open cause the cable is rusty or having one or the other of the brakes go out is not a good thing, not to mention if it has good tires or not. Get something good and reliable and not too old and rusty for a first bike. Or plan on spending alot of time bringing everyting from top to bottom up to spec before riding it. I just wouldn't trust a 2 wheel jalopy. it's ok on 4 wheels with a body to protect you, but on 2 wheels everything should be perfect.

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Hashbrown on 06/30/10 at 09:31:59

yeah thats when my eyes lit up. the bike was runing mint and it looked clean, i was gonna haggle with him on 1k but when i walked around to the other side of the bike and saw the supertrapp staring back at me i shut my mouth and handed him 10 Franklins without question. ;D i agree with james, the savage is an inexpensive bike to begin with, dont get one in harsh condition. be patient and refresh craigslist on a daily basis and check a bit further outside your 25 mile radius too. something will come up i promise. and get a 90's savage cause your gonna want that extra gear.

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by Bubba on 06/30/10 at 09:34:08

Tyler, the above bike is also in PA...contact the seller...ask for pix and some history on the bike, then take a road trip over to look at it and see if you can set the carb on Prime...roll it down a hill or have your buddy push you and "pop" start it.
If your buddy is a good mechanic he should be able to run some basic tests to see if it's gonna go. An '07 for an extra 500 bucks would definately be way better then the (possible) heartache of a 30 year old bike.

Title: Re: Should I buy this?
Post by BurnPgh on 06/30/10 at 10:59:31

Im in Pgh aswell as two other forum members. If they're not interested, I at least, would be willning to get the '07 running if you decide on it. I HIGHLY doubt theres anything seriously wrong with it in 600 mi.