The MSF BRC is a week away. The last thing I want is to leave the class and not have my own machine to practice on...  

So I looked at this Savage for sale not too far away. It's a 2002 with just under 3,000 miles. It's never been dropped. No signs of any oil leaks on the engine. There isn't even any blue OR gold on the exhaust. A windshield and saddlebags come with it.

It wouldn't start, though. The owner had it on a trickle charger, and offered for me to return next week when the battery is charged.

I forgot to take a look at the oil. Not sure if I could tell much, other than to be wary if there wasn't any - or if it was as thick as tar...

The kicker is that he wants $3,000 for it. I didn't make an offer, since I'm going back when he gets it running.

So if I can talk him down on price next week, I may have a bike ready to ride when I get back from MSF.  

I think they had fixed the plug problem in the 2002's... and I don't think you usually see the plug leak until somewhere between 4k and 7k miles anyway.

Chances are it is the original battery, had to replace the one on my '02 six months ago. The bike should have the new style plug in it, '02 was the first year it was advailable. What color is it, black or silver were the only two colors offered (I think). $3,000 with bags and a windshield isn't a bad price if the bike is in real good condition. Good luck on it and on the MSF

I bought my 2001 with 1800 miles for $2000.00. It came with windshield, saddlebags, highway bar, gel grips, and every chrome piece you can buy for a Savage. I have spent about $800.00 now on mods. I would not take $3000.00 for mine. If the bike runs good and you can deal with the seller a little, buy it!

I took off the 5 painted pieces and carried them to the paint shop. I got Viper red with clear coat for $180.00 cash.

Oh I'll definitely deal with him. He has every right to ask as much as he wants for his bike. I take no offense.

By the same token, I have every right to offer whatever I'm willing to pay.

Based on Kelly Blue Book (which dictates how much it can be insured for),  and recent e-bay sales for bikes in the same condition, I think $2200 - $2500 is the range I'd be willing to pay.

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While paying for an older one and fixing it up sounds nice to my pocket book, I really do suck when it comes to turning a wrench. Every project I've ever started that requires tools has gone sour, and cost me lots of money and aggravation. I do best with 2 tools:The yellowpages and my checkbook. At least I know my limits.  

o ok when u said custom paint i thought u meant multi colors,with an airbrushed skull or two,yeah u can get a solid color for 400 easily.

Let the negotiations begin...  

When I called the owner today, he said the motorcycle still wouldn't start. It spent all weekend on a trickle charger. He wasn't sure if it was the battery. He suggested that he might have had the trickle charger hooked up 'wrong'.

I can just see my offer price dropping by the day.

"Well, sir, it is in great shape cosmetically, but it won't run. I may have to buy a battery($40). You admit that it wasn't winterized, so we're looking at a carb cleaning by a certified mechanic ($100). You also mentioned that it hasn't been serviced in a while. It's going to need an oil & filter change ($20)."

"Since it isn't running, I'll need to rent a truck/trailer in order to haul it to my place. ($80)"

"I'm kind of disappointed. With an advertised price of $3k, I was hoping for something that I could drive off your property. All this extra work is a bit aggravating($200). Besides, Kelly Blue Book has this thing valued at only $2700 if mint from a dealer. Of course that would be running condition. Trade-in value is $1800"

Unless he finds another buyer, or feels he can get it running on his own, I figure I've got a much better chance to get this bike for something closer to $2k or under than $3k.

Now I may or may not have the mechanic do all the work. Frankly, since I'll just be coming from MSF, and since I haven't done ANY wrenching or diagnostic work on a bike, I'm sorely tempted to let a mechanic get it running this time. I'll ride it and get the permanent grin on my face, then deal with wrenching so I can keep it there.

Yeehaawww!!!!!  8)

Tim