Topic: Suzuki GT185 Good Buy?

[wingman]

I am considering buying this bike:  http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/1308036432.html

Here is what the owner sent to me:

The bike was in a barn and the pistons were siezed due to sitting all those years, The top end is all new including standard bore pistons, rings, needle bearings, cylinders the rest of the engine looked like it had no miles so I left it alone. I rebuilt the carbs and added the cool air cleaners instead of the ugly airbox, I also added the clubman handlebars, I bought and extra chain for it but never used it and also have the old parts. I built the bike to be a daily rider and it ended up being pretty awesome, I work at a custom motorcycle shop so I had alot of help with the bike from our mechanic. As far as needing anything I would have to say maybe have the adjustments on the carbs looked at to make sure I have em right.

It has a clean title, and he has told me he will take 800 for the bike and all the spare parts that he has for it.

Is this a good deal?  I am looking for a little bike to tool around on and for the lady to ride from time to time.

[Caminokid]

Its a nice bike...but not 1000.00 nice. Its a 185. I could see if it was a 750 or something comparable. Wait and see if he drops the price anymore.

[wingman]

He has come down to 800 at this point.  I am still kinda on the fence at that price.  I have unable to find (google) any price index for these bikes.

[tomkimberly]

A good looking bike w/title that runs, for $800.00, that is a good price.


Tom

[zoo mob]

Be patient, there are tons of deals better than that out there. That being said, the bike seems to be sorted out already which is nice.

[cleveland]

Dependes on what you want. 

Do you want a bike that is ready to rock right out of the box?  If the answer is yes, then $800 for this bike may be the way to go.  Might find CB350's in that condition for a similar price if that's something you prefered.

You could take the same $800 and spend $200-$400 on a fixer-uper and the rest on the things that would make the bike yours. 

[wingman]

Now at 700 - what is a good price point for this bike?  Others have mentioned that is is too much at 1k or even 800, at what point does it become a decent deal based on the market for these bikes?

[ColinMc]

Sounds like a bike he bought for a couple hundred tops, put a couple hundred into and some of his own labor and wants to make a little money. Not a bad bike and I don't think 700 is that unreasonable...are the tires brand new or the original ones? I'd use that to try and knock the price down further...I don't care what the tread is like, if they are old tires they are toast. From what it sounds like he did if he sold the bike for 500 he'd still be making a profit, all depending on his initial purchase price of course.

I myself would consider that bike for 700 if the tires are new. Looks like a fun bike.