[Ken]

My wife wants to learn to ride. My neighbor is selling his bike. It's a 1989 Yamaha Radian. I am completely unfamiliar with this model. This is a 600cc bike with 7,000 miles on it. He has taken very good care of it over the years, and it seems to have no mechanical problems at all. It's in very good condition. He put on new tires and brake pads this year. It was recently inspected.

It has a short seat height, a weight of just 420 pounds, and handles nicely. She loves it. I rode it and it seems like a great bike for a beginner.

Now, my question. He will sell it to me for $1,200 and will throw in a 4 year old Shoei RF-800 helmet (great condition) that fits her perfectly.

Any feedback, hints, tips, suggestions, and comments on this particular bike and the price tag would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Spok]

Sounds reasonable to me. 1989 with 7k miles....

 

[chunky]

has that got the fzr 600 motor in it?

 

[1Adam12]

The life expectancy of helmets as recommended by the mfg's is 5 years before replacing unless its taken an impact. I wouldn't worry about the helmet too much, but the bike sounds wonderful.

$1200.00 I'd do it! Be better for $1000.00 so you have an allowance for a new helmet!

 

[Ken]

Forgot to mention that the carb boots and clutch plates were also replaced this year. It has been garage stored since original purchase.

As for the helmet, it's a bonus but not a deal breaker. I have a feeling it's seen about as many miles as the bike in the last four years, about 1500. Not much time at all.

I realize this bike is pretty old. Fifteen years...rubber parts start to crack, brake lines, and things can go wrong. I want it to be safe. But I'm not necessarily thinking she'll keep this bike more than a couple years. Either she will fall in love with riding, and we'll get her a nice Kaw, or she'll not get comfortable being in the driver's seat and we'll end up selling it (or I'll use it as a commuter bike ).

I'm just trying to get a feel for the price/age, and any feedback on this bike. Thanks folks!

 

[jukief]

I'd get it for her! How can you go wrong with a price like that? As you say, if she doesn't like it for one reason or another you can always turn around and sell it.

You know, when my husband and I went to look at the bike I ended up getting, I knew the minute I saw it that I wanted it. I just knew it was my baby, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. If she likes it and it's been well taken care of, it's an easy decision, I think. What a nice husband you are!

As for the helmet, I would never wear a used helmet, even if the person told me it had never been dropped and it was only a month old!

 

[ispeed77]

bike

if she likes it and it seems like something that she could learn on then i would jump on it. put it this way, as long as you maintain and clean the thing, you should be able to get the $1200 back when she is ready to upgrade. once a bike depreciates so much, they tend to stop at a certain point, as long as they stay in decent shape. i sold a 1980 suzuki GS850L about three years ago. the bike had a flat back tire and a smashed headlight, but i still got $600 for it, and that had over 30K miles on it. i would go for it.

 

[1Adam12]

If you decide to get it you can just change out all of the vacuum tubes, fuel lines and radiator hoses etx to be on the safe side. It's a great way to get acclimated to the bike as well.

 

[Spok]

heres a site with info on the bike.

http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Yamaha/1989/Yamaha YX 600 Radian/

 

[bud8fan]

sounds like a good deal..get it if she feels comfortable on it and can cruise it...

 

[Ken]

Excellent feedback everyone. Thanks to all who chimed in here. I truly apprecaite it.

As it turns out, the neighbor's magic number was $1000. I waved 10 crisp $100 bills at him and he snatched em up and handed me the keys and the title. Everyone wins.

Now to find the largest, flattest parking lot I can find...

 

[Spok]

great news. let us know how she progresses

 

[ispeed77]

purchase

good for you and good for her. at least she has a seasoned rider to show her the ropes, and i am sure she spent some time on the back of yours, so she probably understands some of the basics already.

 

[forest1000]

'86 Radians are going for CDN$1000-2495 in Autotrader. This would make it a good deal. I think the engine is the same one as the FJ600 (an increased displ. 550, i.e. Seca550) and it is one of the best air-cooled engines Yamaha made.

I'd go for it. You may end up liking the bike better anyway.

 

[kyhick1]

Ken,


Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Anytime you can get a garage kept bike in that good condition for around $1000 is a good deal. Just go over it closely to see what will need to be replaced. I bought a bike that had been sitting for 15 years in a garage. IT was in Mint condition!!!! Put new cables (brake/clutch and speedo) checked the rubber around the carbs, etc. I spent about $100 on parts and a carb tuneup and that was all I needed to do to it to get it running 100%.

There are lots of ladies riders up here, so your wife is welcome to join us too

 

[ZX-2R]

AWESOME deal

Awesome deal for a Yamaha of that class and motor! Absolutely a great bargain. Good for you an dyour wife that you bought it...just remember to get the best tires that you put your wife/life on...