Motorcycles???

Question

I am looking to get a motorcycle to cut back on gas. I have a dodge ram v8 and it guzzles. I am new to bikes but I know I want a cruiser NOT a crotch rocket. I am looking into a 1997 Suzuki Intruder (800 cc; 2 cylinder) at just under 12k miles for $4000. Is that decent? How many miles is TOO many for a motorcycle? Not sure on other specifics yet but will test drive it soon.

Answer 1

That's a good choice of bike!  A cruiser is more comfortable and probably safer, just the thing if you want a bike for transportation primarily, not just for fun.  (Though you will have fun!)

And 800cc is just about right.  Enough power for the freeway but not so much that you waste gas.

$4k sounds maybe a bit high to me, but look at your local Craigslist or on EBay and see what these bikes are going for.   It might be in really good shape, too.

As for how many miles, well water-cooled bikes routinely go 150,000-200,000 miles, just like a car.  I have an air-cooled BMW with 60k on it and it's still like a new bike, but that's a BMW.  If you look at the bike and ride it you really get an idea of how good a shape the motor is in.  I've seen 60,000 mi. bikes that looked almost new, and 10,000 bikes that looked like they were ready for the scrap heap.

Answer 2

The gal across the street has the same bike for sale with 5k miles on it for 3 grand.

Take your money and use it for a down on a new bike.

Answer 3

It could be better, 11 years old and still $4,000?  You might as well overpay, will get the bike off the market. Crotch rocket is NOT a class of motorcycle.  Crotch Rockets are, if the term is to be applied to anything, those darned little Knee-HI tiny motorcycles.  I can see how you might be confused, motorcyclists equate thunderous horsepower with their sexual organs so the jump from Cruisers to Crotch rockets was a "short one" I suppose.

Motorcycle last considerably longer than 12,000 miles, 60,00-80,000,  is closer, but what kills motocycles is that suddenly the dealer do not carry parts (after 10 years or so, like your suzuki) and they bcome more valuable as a collection of parts, than as a running motorcycle. BMW last longer than 120,000 miles mostly because they maintain the parts supply at a high level.

Answer 4

Looking on cycle trader it seems that is about the going price. I saw a couple for $3500 but most were $3800 to $4000. 12K is very low mileage. I am primarily an off road rider but have had sports bikes in the past (GSXR, Ninja, etc.), I just bought my first cruiser and I love it. Riding is so much more enjoyable to me now.

Answer 5

800cc's is good. Any more and you'll be back to burning gas, if that's your main concern. 12k is not bad for a bike, but at $4k, you may wanna hold off and see if something "better" comes along. Overall, sounds like a decent enough deal if you're looking to spend less gas money in the long run and you plan on maintaining this bike. Bikes take a little more monthly maintenance and attention than cars or trucks. Replace your fluids regularly.