Motorcycle advice saught.

bradjonesbass · #1 01-15-2008, 10:07 AM

I've got a friend whose father passed away 4 years ago. The summer before he died he bought a brand new Yamaha Roadstar Silverado and put less than 1000 miles on it before he got sick...

It's now been sitting unused since fall 2003 and her mom's finally ready to part with it (I've been trying to talk her into it for 2 years).

A. What's it worth? I'm thinking in the general neighborhood of $6500 - $8000 give or take. I don't want to lowball her mom, but I don't want to pay too much either.

B. What all will I need to do to make sure it's road worthy. I know for sure I need to put new tires on it, have all fluids flushed and replaced, complete tuneup, and probably new brake lines and parts or at least a really good lube job.

C. How much will all that cost me, and how should that affect the bottom line on the motorcycle price. Again, I'm trying to be very fair with her mom, without paying too much for the bike. I'm not trying to score the deal of the century as she is a friend and I'm trying to help her mom out too.

Philbiker · #2 01-15-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradjonesbass

I've got a friend whose father passed away 4 years ago. The summer before he died he bought a brand new Yamaha Roadstar Silverado and put less than 1000 miles on it before he got sick...

It's now been sitting unused since fall 2003 and her mom's finally ready to part with it (I've been trying to talk her into it for 2 years).

A. What's it worth? I'm thinking in the general neighborhood of $6500 - $8000 give or take. I don't want to lowball her mom, but I don't want to pay too much either.

B. What all will I need to do to make sure it's road worthy. I know for sure I need to put new tires on it, have all fluids flushed and replaced, complete tuneup, and probably new brake lines and parts or at least a really good lube job.

C. How much will all that cost me, and how should that affect the bottom line on the motorcycle price. Again, I'm trying to be very fair with her mom, without paying too much for the bike. I'm not trying to score the deal of the century as she is a friend and I'm trying to help her mom out too.

As a motorcyclist It's satisfying to hear that the original owner got to ride that beautiful bike for 1000 miles before being rendered unable to ride.

Check blue books for price.

Your plans sound good to me. If the bike's been sitting for 4 years, you should probably plan on a minimum of $2,000 worth of work, possibly more, to make it roadworthy. Chances are the fuel system is clogged with varnish, tires need replacement, may will be problematic. If the oil was not changed before it sat, there may be internal problems, but since it only has 1,000 miles on it that will probably not be a problem.

Gas tank is probably badly rusted and will probably need replacement. You'll most likely need a new batttery.

I would pay no more than $2000 under book for a bike that I know has been specifically neglected like this. Frankly, it would be a used vehicle to avoid if I knew the history. If there is sentimental value attached, that may outweigh the negative aspects.

Whatever you do, don't try to start it up! Get it towed to a shop, explain the situation, and let them go to work.

PSPookie · #3 01-15-2008, 11:13 AM

Your profile indicates that you are 37. Do you currently own a bike? Ride it much?

My point is this: If you were a "bike guy" you would probably already own one and ride it on a regular basis (and probably know the answers to the questions you are asking). I have seen too many friends shell out the d'oh to buy a nice bike only to have it sit in their garage, unridden.

If I am way off base, then I extend my appologies.

bradjonesbass · #4 01-15-2008, 11:15 AM

That's what I was afraid of. It was stored at a cycle shop, so I'm hoping they prepared it for long term storage, which may have prevented some of the potential damage.

bradjonesbass · #5 01-15-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSPookie

Your profile indicates that you are 37. Do you currently own a bike? Ride it much?

My point is this: If you were a "bike guy" you would probably already own one and ride it on a regular basis (and probably know the answers to the questions you are asking). I have seen too many friends shell out the d'oh to buy a nice bike only to have it sit in their garage, unridden.

If I am way off base, then I extend my appologies.

I do not currently own a bike. I have in the past and sold it due to some life circumstances. Those have changed and I'm ready to ride again. Now, I just need to get a bike.

FL Knifemaker · #6 01-15-2008, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradjonesbass

I don't want to lowball her mom.

I'm sorry, I couldn't read any further

I think I've read too many Maki posts

Spector_Ray · #7 01-15-2008, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

I'm sorry, I couldn't read any further

I think I've read too many Maki posts

Ok..this thread's over!

Thanks for the giggle Neil! I'm sending you the cleaning bill for the soda stains on my shirt.

el_Kabong · #8 01-15-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradjonesbass

I've got a friend whose father passed away 4 years ago....

...her mom's finally ready to part with it (I've been trying to talk her into it for 2 years).....

..... I don't want to lowball her mom, but I don't want to pay too much either.....

...Again, I'm trying to be very fair with her mom, without paying too much for the bike...

My advice is to help her sell it to someone else and to buy something else for yourself. It's not like there aren't other bikes to buy. The price is obviously a difficult subject for you and the downside of falling out with the mother over an financial/sentimental issue is large and not exactly unlikely given the emotion connected with the bike. Buy something else and be happy.

ElectrAcoustic · #9 01-15-2008, 07:43 PM

Tell her mom what the bluebook value is and have a mechanic check it out to see what/if some repairs are necessary.. it may just need a little tuneup, oil/fileter change.. it's a yamaha after all.. Then offer her the bluebook minus the repair/maintenance cost..

iamlowsound · #10 01-15-2008, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElectrAcoustic

Tell her mom what the bluebook value is and have a mechanic check it out to see what/if some repairs are necessary.. it may just need a little tuneup, oil/fileter change.. it's a yamaha after all.. Then offer her the bluebook minus the repair/maintenance cost..

That is fair.

lowsound

Philbiker · #11 01-16-2008, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradjonesbass

That's what I was afraid of. It was stored at a cycle shop, so I'm hoping they prepared it for long term storage, which may have prevented some of the potential damage.

They probably did. If a cycle shop had it, they probably maintained the fuel system so that it won't need a new tank and fuel injection, probably had clean oil in it, and may have even had the tires cared for. I was assuming it was sitting in somebody's garage.

Put in storage at a shop by moto people is a VERY DIFFERENT situation than sitting in a garade neglected. It probably would be a great buy in this case. Have the mechanics give you an estimate and offer blue book minus that. You'll probably still need tires though.

bradjonesbass · #12 01-16-2008, 02:49 PM

Just found out the Yamaha dealer had it on their floor for a while two years ago. I'm feeling better about it now. It was in for a recall part replacement when he died, so the put into storage for my friend's mom. Then she asked them to sell it for her, but it didn't sell the first couple of years and she was trying to decide if she really wanted to sell it or not, so they just stored it for her.

Blue book trade in is 5300. Retail (used dealer) is 7400. I told her, pending an inspection and tuneup, I'd offer 6000. If it needs anything major, no deal. I insist on the tires being replaced. period. I'll split the cost.