Did you test ride it? That will tell if there's anything wrong with the front end. Just watch for pogoing, shimmy, wobble, etc. If everything feels good at your road speed with no noise, then take it to a dealership or qualified motorcycle mechanic and have it inspected. It doesn't matter if it was in a crash or not, as long as it passes mechanic inspection. Maybe even better yet, get a friend who has been riding for a long time to test ride it too. As for price, pay what you can afford, as long as you are happy with it. Also, make sure you check the alignment. Do this in some sort of soft material that leaves a good tire impression, then check that both wheels are on the same centre-line.

 

Well, I think I've given up on the rebuilt bike. I got a call from the guy with the Spirit today. It's an 03 purple 750. Said it had bags, windshield and a few other parts. We're going to go take a look this weekend. He said he just wanted to pay it off, but wasn't sure what he owed. So, I'll see what I can find out. I'll take my buddy (not the one selling the other bike) who's been riding cruisers all his life, and the misses. We looked at them on ebay, and she really likes the looks of this one. I have to agree, I do to...

Here's a pic of one like it from ebay:

 

now you're talking.

nice looking bike, good luck.

 

I like that bike too. You have good taste.

Haven't I said that before?

[EDIT] Except, I'd have to get a sissy bar for it...for the wife.

 

Thanks guys! and yes, I've already been told we have to have a sissy bar... but that will come later once I'm used to riding again, we'll try riding with her... I prefer the "look" of a solo seat, but probably not an option.

 

Closer, the Spirit looks nice Hopefully you can get it.

 

Closer, is that a pic of the Spirit? It looks pretty good. It's the same colour as my wife's 750 Shadow A.C.E. I'm sure you will enjoy it, but as far as riding 2-up, it might be a little light on the suspension for long rides, and the p-pad might be a bit uncomfortable because it is a bit narrow. If you can, get a 2-piece seat, and above all, make sure it's comfortable for your partner, or she will get turned off to the riding scene. My wife rode onteh p-pad of my '94 FXSTC for 7 years, but never really enjoyed it, so we eventually got her her own scoot.

 

That is "a" Spirit similar to the one I'm going to look at.

We're looking at this purchase as an intro bike. I've riden, but not a lot, and its been quite awhile. So, this bike is mostly for me/short trips with her. Once I/we get used this bike we'll probably look at something a little larger/more comfy for her. She's pretty small though at 5' tall...

We may hang on to this one (or whatever we end up with)for her, or look into a 250 for her... She wants her own bike, but it won't be something she'll ride all that often... I however, think I would use it quite often...

 

At 5', she might be able to manage it. Just make sure when she's sitting as primary operator, she can put both feet flat on the ground with her knees slightly flexed. If she can't do that, look at getting it lowered, front and back. Then she will be able to handle it. It probably weighs around 350-400lbs.
It is a good entry bike. It should also be good enough for the 2-up for short rides of about 2 hours or so. Just make sure you stop often enough for her to get rid of the 'dead end'.
Also, when she first starts to ride, she may mention that her lower back is tingling. That is from the vibration traveling up the sissy bar, but it does go away after a number of rides. Slso, I wouldn't recommend that she leans against the sissy bar with all her weight, slight as it may be. Make sure she holds on to you at all times. It doesn't have to be a death-grip either.

BTW, if she has a bit of trouble lifting the bike off the stand, a little trick I use on heavier scoots is to turn the bars all the way to the right, then apply the front brake and the bike will be soooo easy to lift upright.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep that in mind...

 

Any time. Welcome back to the world of 2-wheelin'.

 

What does everyone think of BMW motorcycles, particularly the F650?

 

Closer9 - Good Luck with the bike hunting. I'm a Honda man myself. I have a VTX 1300, which has plenty of power and you can buy all kinds of aftermarket goodies for. My brother had the Honda Shadow 1100, which I driven several times. Really nice bike.
If you get a Honda and looking to buy goodies for it goto: www.hondadirectline.com Prices a fair and has a real good selection of schtuff..

Here's a couple of pics of my "X"




AND YES, The Sissy Bar is for the Wife...



Plus a Video Clip of what my pipes sound like:
http://www.fordf150.net/photos/showp...0/ppuser/56449

BTW: Once you get one, post some pics for us!

 

There's a guy that I ride with that has a BMW, has over 135k miles on it... Still going strong... Plus, he's Amsoil Dealer and with his bike having over 135k really helps his sales...

 

I see lots of Beemers headed up the Alcan Highway every summer, from dirt track set-ups to cruisers. They all seem to be able to handle the rigours of thousands of miles pretty well. Some look pretty comfy, but others look to be a real PITA.
I'll stick to my '05 Road King Classic.

PS ConnRad. You have a cool bike, but please pardon my say-so, but that sissy-bar is a real eye-sore. Is it one that you buy after-market from Honda? If so, I think the engineers should re-think that one.