Trying to buy a GZ250

[srinidhilv]

Hi,

I am a newbie to biking.. I am trying to get my first motorcycle and I think Suzuki GZ250 will be a good one to start riding :hide: .

I found a 1999 bike on Craigslist for $650 :) . The catch is the listing also states: "just needs new rectifier ($60). Can get it to start if on low charge jump."

I don't quite understand what this means. Is the rectifier really $60 (I will find out from Suzuki dealer tomorrow). Is it easy to replace? How much would a dealer charge to replace? O_o

What do I need to check when I go to see this bike before I make a decision to buy?

Any advise will be greatly appreciated.
:2tup:

[blaine]

Welcome.The rectifier is part of the system that charges the battery.If the bike is not charging it will not run when the battery goes dead.This sounds like a good price for the rectifier,if that is the problem.The other main part of the charging system is the stator and they can be as much as $200.00.It seems a little strange that the owner would not replace the rectifier if that is the problem,as it is simple to replace.I would be cautious if the owner won't put a new one on to show you that's the problem.Even if you paid the price of the rectifier in the final sale of the bike.He is correct that the bike will start and run on a charge or boost,as long as the vehicle you boost from is not running.If he is boosting the bike from a running vehicle there is likley more damage than a rectifier.Good luck.
:2tup: :rawk:

[alantf]

I think that if everything else seems o.k., I'd tell the owner that I'd pay his price, but get him to fix the rectifier first, for an additional $100 ($60 for the rectifier, & £40 for his trouble) That way, you've got a running bike, which proves that the rectifier was the problem, & he gets $40 for his time. If he doesn't agree, then I'd be suspicious that the rectifier wasn't the only problem. This is because I reckon that if $60 is all it costs, I'd have sorted it out before I tried to sell it. People have been caught out before with "it only needs........."

Good luck :2tup:

[PhyPhoestilic]

Make sure u check it out. I agree with alantf's post, but I was in a similar situation when I picked up my motorcycle. The battery wasn't really holding a charge, and a replacement battery was only $50. The person I bought the bike off of decided to just take that off the difference, and I replaced it myself. Other than that the motorcycle was in great condition, it turns out that the battery he had in there was a cheap autozone replacement that was the wrong size to start with. So maybe u'll get lucky, but since its selling for so cheap it might be worth it to take it to a dealership to have it inspected before u buy it. It might cost like $50-100 but the piece of mind know that there's nothing else wrong with it should be well worth it.

Anyways, good lucky with your decision!

[dannylightning]

never buy a broken bike unless it is dirt cheep.. i would stay far away from that one...

[Easy Rider]

What do I need to check when I go to see this bike before I make a decision to buy?

What you need to do is tell the seller to replace the rectifier AND the battery and then you will talk to him again. Seriously.

Unless and until it is FIXED, he doesn't know for sure WHAT is really wrong with it.

How far away is this find ??