Christopher
New member
...make sure it's in good shape? A graduate student at my university is interested in selling his motorcycle, and it looks just like the sort I've been wanting to buy for some time. It's a 1987 Honda Shadow 700cc Cruiser, and outwardly it seems in good shape. He is only the second owner, tells me it has 37,000 miles on it, and has needed no maintenance except new tires, a new battery, and oil changes every 3,000 miles. He tells me the one issue is that it has a broken plastic display and mounting for the odometer and speedometer from when he got ran off the road at 15mph and had to lay it down, but that everything including the gauges have worked fine in the two years since.
I have not owned a motorcycle before and admittedly know much less about them than I do about cars, and unfortunately don't know any motorcycle owners well. However I understand motorcycles generally require less intensive maintenance than cars, being of a simpler design, and can stay useable longer.
His asking price is $1,300, his stated reason for selling that he is looking for something more sporty. I don't have much money and can't afford a brand new one, nor to have a professional come out and take a look at it.
Can anyone offer me advice on what to look for when examining this motorcycle to make sure it is worth the price, and will be a useable and lasting vehicle that won't have unexpected maintenance problems or safety issues arising?
Thank you!
I have not owned a motorcycle before and admittedly know much less about them than I do about cars, and unfortunately don't know any motorcycle owners well. However I understand motorcycles generally require less intensive maintenance than cars, being of a simpler design, and can stay useable longer.
His asking price is $1,300, his stated reason for selling that he is looking for something more sporty. I don't have much money and can't afford a brand new one, nor to have a professional come out and take a look at it.
Can anyone offer me advice on what to look for when examining this motorcycle to make sure it is worth the price, and will be a useable and lasting vehicle that won't have unexpected maintenance problems or safety issues arising?
Thank you!