I am looking to pick up a used bike soon, but having a tough time choosing which one would be best. This will be my first street bike, so when I take a look at craigslist and see how much stuff is on there I get overwhelmed. All of these bikes look good, but what should I be mainly looking for to help choose? $7300 would definitely be the most I want to spend, but is there a better deal in these links? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

2009 - 880 miles - $7300 - 2009 Honda CBR 600RR
2008 - 6800 miles - $6500 - 2008 Honda CBR 600rr Orange/Black MUST SEE!!!
2008 - 1200 miles - $6444 - Honda 2008 cbr 600rr silver/black
2008 - 3000 miles - $6990 - 2008 Honda Cbr600rr, Pensacola FL - 99073510 - Cycletrader.com
2007 - 2000 miles - $6000 - 2007 cbr 600 rr with 2000 miles
2007 - 13,000 miles - $5800 - CBR 600rr
2006 - 13,800 miles - $5000 - 06 CBR 600RR

 

Well personally I would stick to 07 and up. I would also count the silver 08 with a loan on it. Buying a bike with a clean title is just so much easier. I wouldn't worry about the miles. The bike with the highest only was 13 and that is nothing. These bikes really can go forever when taken care of properly. What is is really going to come down to is how much you want to spend and what color scheme you like the best. Go look at the bike and look at the bar ends, levers and fairings to see if they all look clean.

 

Check oil/coolant levels (this indicates quality of care). Oil condition (milky/blackened/
dirty) milky is an internal water leak, blackened possible ring issues/poor maintenance.

look for fitment of the fairings and completeness. If the bike has been re-painted
from stock, it's probably been down. Check the fringes of the bars/exhaust/swing-arm/
belly-pan/turn-signals for scratches (another sign the bikes been laid-over).

Listen to it run, at idle and blipping the throttle. Should be smooth, no stumbles or hesitations. If you test ride it, look for same type performanceof the engine. Brakes should be smooth, firm. Clutch pull light, even. Shifting positive, firm engagement.

Inspect the fork-tubes, where they slide over each other, for any sign of leakage.
Sitting on the bike, grab the front brakes, pump the front-end up and down.
Do the handle-bars/front tire stay all lined up to the axis of the bike?

Look at chain slack, 1/2 to 3/4 inches? Rust or stiffness? Excess slack is another sign of poor maintenance. How much adjustment left on the adjusters at the end of the swing-arm? Are the sprocket teeth straight and uniform?

Try to take a buddy with you to be your critic/enthusiasm restraint. DON'T fall in
love with a bike till AFTER you buy it. There are lots of bikes for sale, if you see
any flags/signs wrong with the bike, walk away. (or use them as a price negotiation
tool, if you are mechanically inclined).

Good luck, Ern

 

You mean you would stay away from that silver 2008?


MadHattr thanks for those tips. I'll keep those in mind.

 

I'd say the 09 with 800 miles for 7,300 is a great deal!

Offer him 6,500 or try to haggle him down to 7 flat.

Either way that's a strong strong deal. NO brainer if you ask me. Plus its the best looking one anyways

 

Yeah that's what I meant.

 

I've been leaning more towards that 2009 too, but wasn't sure if there was a better deal.

 

I say go for the 09. Low miles, excellent condition it appears and unmolested.

Looks like we have a winner to me