Hey guys, new to this forum and very serious about buying this bike, I got the guy down to $2000 but I just wanted to make sure that sounds like a good price.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/mcy/1797400910.html

The only thing i forgot to ask / havent asked yet is what condition the tires are in, although for some reason i feel like he said the tires were in "pretty good" condition, whatever that means, i'll have to ask further.

Should I try and get him to come lower? am i getting this for a steal? is it just a decent / average price? your input and things to look for when I go look at it would be much appreciated.

on a side note as well, this will be my first bike. I've read that this is a pretty good bike for beginners (as long as you're not stupid and a speed demon right away). I took my motorcycle safety course and have my license as well.

thanks everyone, cant wait to read your responses!

 

looks like a pretty sweet deal to me. mine was wrecked when i got it, which was a steal, so i dont know what the going price of a really clean f3 is....

 

Looks like a good deal. Ask mileage and take it for a spin after looking it over good. But yeah, I'd jump on that deal if I lived near

 

If you look at the bottom right picture it has almost 17,000 miles on it.

ok, great. I just wanted to make sure because I've seen people on some cbr forums say that they got their 97/98 for like 1,200 - 1,500 dollars and just wanted to make sure i wasnt paying too much even still

 

I would take it for 2k. The fairings look very clean! I have 22k on my bike and still runs like a charm (when I am not tearing it apart).

 

Haha my bad

 

ok, great. the only problem/concern im having is ive been reading that a lot of people say that the f3 at this point in the game isnt even worth getting and just to hold out and save for an f4i because of the "many" advantages it has as far as cost to maintain, ease, etc...

 

If you like the bike who cares what people think. I have one and I am making it look like an f4i and I hate to say it but have tore up many of newer 600's with my 96.

 

It's up to you honestly, I'd imagine the cost to maintain is like any other model/year.

 

ok, thanks for the advice guys.

also, the other part of the question. Do you think this is okay as a bike for a beginner?

I've never rode a bike before this but I took my MSF course (2 weekends) and passed no problem, actually got 0 points on the riding test. I believe we were on 125cc's... though i didnt feel threatened by them at all.

regardless, i am a pretty cautious driver, and i dont plan on being a speed demon (maybe after i get a few months under my belt i'll take it on a back road and see how fast i can get her), probably sticking to rural areas and keeping her slow until i get comfortable and then when i am taking it out on the highways and freeways.

anyhow, I tried looking up online if 600cc is a decent beginner bike but all that comes up is "600RR" models and everyone says ABSOLUTELY NOT, START WITH 250. But i know if i start with a 250 im just going to want to sell it and get something bigger in a few months... so yeah, any opinions/words of wisdom?