How to make the right offer on a bike? - Page 2

Stringcheese · 07-11-2012, 03:16 PM

Lowballing someone is fine as long as you're willing to be laughed at. For example, I have a car listed right now on craigslist for 9,300. I've had a couple of offers on it. One guy offered 7,000. I just laughed a little and told him to get back to me when he's ready to make a serious offer. Like in Bluu's example above. If he offered 4k on someone I had listed for 5k I wouldn't even bother countering, just tell him to let me know when he's serious. But I'll never get offended, it's just business.

I have the same car listed here for my bottom line price of 8,800. If someone from CL was to offer that I'd take it so I posted it on CL with the intention of someone negotiating. Start with something a little below what you're willing to pay and then if you get a counter you can both meet somewhere in the middle.

Jeffytune · 07-11-2012, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by TJC

In your example then every 5 year old bike should have brand new brakes and brand new tires?

I understand the concept you're trying to get across but I don't think you should expect to get 100% of the repair costs deducted from the price. If the bike is unsafe to ride then the cost to get it road-worthy is reasonable but if the brakes have 50% life left I wouldn't expect to get $225 off.

I was saying was if in the inspection, the tech makes the determination that the brakes are worn and the tire need to be replaced.

I know that some people (And I am one of them) that say a tire will loose enough grip to warrant replacement regardless of wear after 3 years.

But that would be the buyer choice at that point. But to get the top price for a bike it has to be in near perfect condition.

My example was generic, but lets say it's a Suzuki Hayabusa, the price for that bike would be 8,120.00 in excellent shape.

Kelley's description of Excellent condition:

This Suggested Retail Value assumes that the unit has been fully reconditioned and is in excellent condition. Mileage/condition and additional equipment may have a substantial impact on the value shown above.

It's only a starting point and guide.

gvtwest · 07-11-2012, 08:30 PM

I just got this absolutely beautiful 2009 Honda CBR600RR with 547 miles!
Thanks everyone!

superlund · 07-11-2012, 08:47 PM

No, you lowball. It shouldnt offend anyone. If it does, no big deal, there are much worse things in life than getting offended by someone's offer. I dont get offended when i get lowballed. Try to get the cheapest deal you can get. Although, lowball only works 5% of the time but if you message atleast a 100 people on craigslist all over washington state or even oregon in one day then you will get atleast one guy accepting your offer and from there, you can go and buy it and you got yourself a good deal. I have gone through many many bikes to know this! Goodluck on that cbr!

Bluuu · 07-11-2012, 08:49 PM

547 miles? It's not even broke in!

Mind telling us what you managed to get it for?

Runout · 07-11-2012, 10:05 PM

Congrats! Looks great.

Bluuu · 07-11-2012, 10:30 PM

Did you take that pic or did the original owner?...

Cause that road it just went down or was about to go down looks nasty.

gvtwest · 07-12-2012, 01:32 AM

Originally Posted by Bluuu

Did you take that pic or did the original owner?...

Cause that road it just went down or was about to go down looks nasty.

I took that picture by the original owner's house.
Although my driveway is paved, it's very steep. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow.


07-11-2012, 03:16 PM	#21
Stringcheese Race Qualifier Joined: May 2008 From: Clarkinsas, WA I Ride: Whatever's next	Lowballing someone is fine as long as you're willing to be laughed at. For example, I have a car listed right now on craigslist for 9,300. I've had a couple of offers on it. One guy offered 7,000. I just laughed a little and told him to get back to me when he's ready to make a serious offer. Like in Bluu's example above. If he offered 4k on someone I had listed for 5k I wouldn't even bother countering, just tell him to let me know when he's serious. But I'll never get offended, it's just business. I have the same car listed here for my bottom line price of 8,800. If someone from CL was to offer that I'd take it so I posted it on CL with the intention of someone negotiating. Start with something a little below what you're willing to pay and then if you get a counter you can both meet somewhere in the middle. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-11-2012, 08:30 PM	#23
gvtwest Permit Joined: May 2012 From: Roseburg I Ride: ZX6R	new bike I just got this absolutely beautiful 2009 Honda CBR600RR with 547 miles! Thanks everyone! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-11-2012, 08:47 PM	#24
superlund Pit Crew Joined: Jun 2011 From: Lynnwood, Washington Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: nothing	No, you lowball. It shouldnt offend anyone. If it does, no big deal, there are much worse things in life than getting offended by someone's offer. I dont get offended when i get lowballed. Try to get the cheapest deal you can get. Although, lowball only works 5% of the time but if you message atleast a 100 people on craigslist all over washington state or even oregon in one day then you will get atleast one guy accepting your offer and from there, you can go and buy it and you got yourself a good deal. I have gone through many many bikes to know this! Goodluck on that cbr! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-11-2012, 08:49 PM	#25
Bluuu Señor verde Joined: Mar 2011 From: Kirkland I Ride: behind the girls.	547 miles? It's not even broke in! Mind telling us what you managed to get it for? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-11-2012, 10:05 PM	#26
Runout Race Qualifier Joined: Sep 2006 From: protesting at the mall I Ride: Aprilia	Congrats! Looks great. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-11-2012, 10:30 PM	#27
Bluuu Señor verde Joined: Mar 2011 From: Kirkland I Ride: behind the girls.	Did you take that pic or did the original owner?... Cause that road it just went down or was about to go down looks nasty. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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