2005 GZ250 for $1999. Is that right?

[WowWhoaWeeWa]

Hey Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and a new rider with bike fever. I know a new GZ250 is about 3000. I found an 05 with 5500 miles for $1999. I've been researching what to look for in a used bike and I feel pretty good about that. I'm just not sure of "what is a good deal." For $1999, I know I can get a brand new scoot with 0 miles. I figure if the bike is in good condition, I'd offer $1750 and see if they bite. What are your thoughts?

Thanks for the feed back.

Howard

[geezer]

they want to much, let em know that a brand new one can be had for 3000. the bike is not worth that much imo

[mrlmd1]

Regardless of what price you settle on for the bike, those tires are 6 years old, and it makes no difference the amount of miles on them or what they look like, they need to be replaced with new ones. So, if you have a shop mount them, etc, you are looking at another ? $300, Add front brakes for another $50-60 while they have the front wheel off. Figure that into the price so you can knock them down more. $1500-1700 max would be more appropriate if the rest of the bike is in really good shape. Prices tend to be a little higher this time of year for the upcoming riding season, and with gas prices around $4/gal.

[Moedad]

Another part of the equation is demand and the pool of available bikes in your area. Here in Southern California, there is a high demand for bikes, especially good starter bikes. Prices can be higher.

[tcrave]

Regardless of what price you settle on for the bike, those tires are 6 years old, and it makes no difference the amount of miles on them or what they look like, they need to be replaced with new ones. So, if you have a shop mount them, etc, you are looking at another ? $300, Add front brakes for another $50-60 while they have the front wheel off. Figure that into the price so you can knock them down more. $1500-1700 max would be more appropriate if the rest of the bike is in really good shape. Prices tend to be a little higher this time of year for the upcoming riding season, and with gas prices around $4/gal.
i would agree, the bike I bought before the gz had good tread and I didn't look at the age. I got home and realized there was too much dry rot and they needed to be replaced. All the little things can add up! $2k is more than I would pay for that. Doing work on the bike yourself can save a lot of money, too. But, if you mess it up, then you might end up costing yourself even more money.

One suggestion I took after reading everything on this forum is switching the oil to synthetic. Its expensive, but I feel that my bike is running better because of it. Just remember, you can add synthetic to conventional, but not the other way around. But, this is true no matter what bike you buy unless the owner has records of all maintenance.

[Water Warrior 2]

I doubt there would be a problem adding regular dino oil to synthetic oil. It is still oil no matter how you look at it. What you do not want to do is use Energy Conserving oil in the bike.

[5th_bike]

I got a 2005 for $1,800 - in 2007. OK it had about $300 off due dents and scratches but rode (and still rides) fine.

I'd say offer no more than $1,500. You can tell them that the bike is about halfway its useful life so why should you pay any more than half the price of a new one.