[JOSPDX1]

I am a retired 67 year old guy who wants to be a new rider. In Portland, Or, I saw a used GS250 for sale $600 and had 10K miles on it. I thought it would be a cheap set of training wheels Questions: What do I need to look for, questions to ask seller and generally speaking what the h--- should I do to test drive it?
I have a Yamaha 125 cc scooter now (no clutch to worry about) so traffic is not my problem. Any comments from experienced riders would be appreciated.
I went to a local dealer and tried to test drive but had clutch/throttle troubles. I hope this isnt going to be one of those beginners nightmares. I dont think I am to old YET!

 

[Trapper]

Here's a good run down on what to look for. Welcome to the board.
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

 

[oldgeezer]

If you haven't taken the MSF course, I'd highly recommend it. They start the course very basic by power walking the bike, then gradually getting used to the clutch and throttle. From there, you learn essential skills to biking.

 

[JOSPDX1]

Thank you for your comments. I have a motorcycle indorsement on my license. It is required for scooters that go over 35 mph. It is interesting how another's viewpoint provides good insite. I took a riding class using my scooter. You are right, I should take the class again using a motorcycle. They provide 250cc's. Thanks

 

[DrBob]

For $600 you are not going to get much. As long as the tires are decent, the brakes work, and the motor runs without smoking, buy it. Learn, experiment, drop it, whatever...then buy a nice bike and pass this one off to the next guy for the same $600.

 

[SDSUsnowboards]

Polite, receptive to advice and "the MSF suggestion", wants to start small... It must be something that comes with age, but you seem abnormally wise. I agree with what everyone said. Unfortunately I don't really have anything new to offer. I guess it'd be helpful to actually ride it to make sure brakes are not warped and engine makes no wierd noises under stress. You know, the kind of things you can't tell by looking at it or letting it idle in a parkinglot.

 

[Clint]

Troll! J/K.

Welcome, and happy riding.

 

[jaw5279]

I took the beginning riders class last year. About half the bikes they had were GS250's the other half Honda Rebels. I rode a GS250 and found it easy to ride as a starter. However, you will probably "outgrow" it fairly quickly. I absolutely agree with starting small and moving up so a good, inexpensive bike is the way to go. I started with a Vulcan 500 LTD which is a bit bigger than the GS250 but still a good starter bike. I recently moved on to a M50.

Have fun, be safe!

 

[jaw5279]

Whoops... make that half the bikes were GZ250's not GS250's.

 

[Gixxerdale]

I'd suggest taking the MSF as mentioned and not buying anything until after the class. During class you'll get the "feel' of a 250 and they usually have several models. As for test riding, you'll be much better equipped to test ride a bike after the class.

Heck you might decide that a 250 is just to small and go buy a Busa 1300! But you best not, because that's my bike when I retire! Just kidding!

Welcome to the forum!

 

[87gsxrnut]

For $600 you are not going to get much.

I disagree. There all all types of decent, quality used bikes out there for that price. You might have to "time travel" back to the 70's or early 80's, but it can most definitely be done. I see them out there all of the time.

- Nut