First - I don't think I would let my wife ride something that I wasn't sure about.    If you aren't sure - then don't do it.  

"How many miles is too many" - it matters who put those miles on the bike and if regluar maintenance was done.  My Savage has 20,000+.  I know of others that have twice as much.  

"Same judgement as buying a car" - yes and no.  If the car breaks down you can pull over a bit safer than on a bike (especially when on the side of the road).  You should make sure she has a riding buddy until both of you are comfortable with her skills (do the MSF course!)

"Hate to buy new parts" ...  Well, it IS a 1989 (although the Savage was sold in the States in '86 and '86, then didn't come back till 1995 I believe ).  

Is it worth $1500?  That's how much I bought my '96 for.  Of course, I didn't haggle the price, I knew it was what I wanted - needing some TLC (Tender Loving Chopping).  Was at 16,000 miles then.  It's given me troubles at times (okay, most of them have probably been my own fault) but all in all, a very reliable bike.

I thought about buying another Savage - was a '86 - was leaking gas, started up, bald tires, rusty, front fork seals were leaking, covers missing.  Looked like the front wheel may have been bent.  Guy wanted $500 - I didn't bite.  As soon as I saw it I knew it wasn't worth the time and expense.  Since he was selling it from eBay, I just bid $150 and some other person bought it (and then had it on auction for $450 10 days later).  

If you maintain your own bike, you should be able to tell if it's worth it.  But remember who's going to be riding it.  Sure, she may drop it with mistakes but I know I would want my wife to be riding something she could know will do what she asks.   New cables and brakes, battery and maybe tires is something I would change out and keep the old if I thought it was worth it as spares.  Change the oil, brake fluid, and any other fluids on getting it.  Change the filters (air, oil, gas).  Make sure it's going to be there when she needs it to be.

jajke wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09:


Savages weren't sold in the U.S. in 1989.  They were sold in '86, '87, '88 and then were not sold here until 1995.  I'd do a little digging.  If it is an '88, you should also consider that the Savages sold in the U.S. in the '80s were four speed vs. five speed.  For more detail on what has changed over the years, see this topic:

Savage Parts That Have Changed '86-'05

BTW, it is great that your wife wants to learn.  It is fun riding as a couple on one bike and even more fun on two bikes!

Put the Roadie's two bits worth in...

I'd say you may want to spend more on a newer bike.  My 02 was $2500 (not much more than what that guy's offering!).  Of coarse, location and demand are one thing that drives price.  The riding season's almost over here in a month, so more bikes will go up for sale.  So the fall/early winter is a great time to look. (So is VERY early spring.)

Get a "biker" buddy to go out looking at bikes with you.  You'll be surprised how much two eyes miss that four don't.  Look down the bike for any tell tale signs of abuse.  (Check the rim edges, scrapes on sides, turn signals, tank, ect.)  Does the bike have a "racing" case guard (assuming it's not a savage) then avoid stuff like that.  Tires, are they worn evenly? Do they have any "abuse" look to them?

Ride the bike, if not endorsed, have the "biker" buddy do it.  Lots of things stick out on a ride.  

There's a great guide to finding a GOOD used bike:

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

READ THE ABOVE!  It's more comprehensive than anything we can tell you here. (Though Greg seems to know a lot..  )  

Observation is the key to buying anything new.  Don't just look at the paint to see if it's shines.  Anyone can do a "Tennessee tune-up".

-Roadie

One more thing -  if you do get a second Savage, you will have something to tear apart and have fun rebuilding if your wife decides that it isn't for her!

Paladin. wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09: