Help with buying advice

[MadMax]

So I'm in the market for a bike (again). I've been looking at early-mid 90's 600's. Now I'm wondering about bartering for a better price. I've been talking with this seller http://eugene.craigslist.org/mcy/393313079.html
Any ideas on what might be a could starting offer? he said it has carb troubles, which I should be able to fix on my own, as well as being laid down. A shot in the dark is ~$1200.

Also, if you know of any decent 600's for sale for around $1500 let me know.

[ryan6055]

see how frustrated he is with the bike taking up room. remember he wants to sell it more than you want to buy it. put 1,000 cash in his hand and ask if we have a deal. looking at a wad of cash is very pursuading. Its how i bought my bike for well over half of what they were asking :).:nutkick

[kneedragger26]

Looks like a good deal, but he didnt post any mileage....... Not that it matters.

[Xusia]

I think the mileage matters a lot - it tells you how "used" a bike is. Even well maintained, a bike with a lot of miles will have parts that are naturally more worn than a bike with fewer miles. I was gonna say that bike was a good bike back in 1990 and is probably a little old, but then it dawned on me that my wife's bike - which I will be riding on the ride tomorrow - is even older and still runs fantastic. We love it. My point is that if you like it, and it's in good shape, go for it!

[Flyte Risk]

only real problem with the FZR600 is the lack of modern rubber to fit it. Other then that they are plenty capable.

For price both of you should be smiling in the $1200-1600 range depending on the condition.

[dansrc51]

for 1500 bucks, that is pretty much what you're looking at. there may be clean, newer modles out there, but not many, if you have to have one now, that is. If you wait until the fall / winter, bikes will be coming out of the wood work as people realize that they just don't ride or want them anymore :2cents:(posers :D)

[2k2 banshee]

for 1500 bucks, that is pretty much what you're looking at. there may be clean, newer modles out there, but not many, if you have to have one now, that is. If you wait until the fall / winter, bikes will be coming out of the wood work as people realize that they just don't ride or want them anymore :2cents:(posers :D)
+1

[MadMax]

I think I'm going to try to raise some more money, then buy one in the winter. Thanks for the tips.

[MadMax]

How many people get pre-purchase inspections for bikes? And does anyone on here have a recommendation for mechanic to do one?

[TOM-CAT]

How many people get pre-purchase inspections for bikes? And does anyone on here have a recommendation for mechanic to do one?
I would suggest taking along a knowledgeable friend who can point out issues as well as help you talk down the selling price. A lot of shops don't really like getting involved with pre-purchase inspections, because if a problem develops down the road the buyer may try to go after the shop for telling them the bike was in good condition. Usually all the shop is going to do is look for obvious issues or signs of a problem. Most full fairing sportbikes will require some time to tare down to check things like compression. So depending on how good of an inspection you want done, be prepared to shell out some $$ for the labor.
:2cents:

[MadMax]

Just wanted to thank you all for your helpful advice, waiting till fall allowed me to get a great bike at a great price. Hopefully all your posts will help some other people get the most for their money.