I don't think anyone is really arguing that HDs won't do the job, its that they won't fit my estimated budget.
You all are making good arguments for some of the larger Japanese cruisers though, especially the Hondas.
Flightservice dealer has :
07 ST1300 45k miles $6300
05 FJR 33k miles $5300
08 Concours 14k miles $6500
(Yes those would all be over my budget, but it would be one stop shopping to sit on and maybe test ride all the bikes I am looking at back to back)
Mininmac-what year Goldwings are those? I see really expensive ones $10-20k newer body style and really cheap ones $1000-2000 older angled body style, with not much middle ground.
The ST seems a little expensive to me.
In reply to BoxheadTim:
That is what I was thinking. I have done some looking locally since this started up and That would probably be a $4500-$5k bike in Missouri.
all 3 seem a little high to me...
but that is dealer pricing. If two up is your thing even an older Goldwing or Valkerie would be good.
Nothing wrong with a 1200 Wing. great bikes.
I just noticed you were in Nashville. There are a few great dealerships in East TN as well. Jim's Motorcycle Sales (I used to work there, Ken, Kirk and Wilma are family friends. I grew up in that shop so I am biased) in Johnson City is one. There is also one in Chatty that gets some good reviews.
As always there is Atlanta.
Pinch- I'm in Knoxville now, so I will check them out.
I agree all seem high based on CL but being able to test ride without the typical CL "cash in hand" has its benefits.
From the little searching I have done, the Hondas are almost always higher than the Kawi or the Yamaha. Even in cases like this where the Honda has more miles. Reputation maybe?
The ST1300 is probably the smoothest and best all-arounder of those three. The price you got is too high for that kind of mileage and age. Just a wild guess, but I think you should be able to take it home for $4k, $4500 tops. They all seem like decent bikes. Can you take test-rides? If so, make sure you get it up to speeds that you might see often on the highway and not just around the block.
My father is selling his '04 FZ1 for $3k. He has done some distance on it and is only selling because the ergs don't work with his knee braces. It has a Corbin saddle, 1" bar risers, Renntech(?) case and luggage bars, and more. If it doesn't sell by the spring I might buy it.
here is a 2008 Honda ST 1300 with ABS. 40,000 mi and a removable top trunk for $5,600. it is end of the year here, so I bet that if you offered $5k you could get it for $5,200
https://akroncanton.craigslist.org/mcy/5228203357.html
another in Detroit at what looks like a dealer - 2003 Honda ST1300 w/ 60,000 miles - $3299.
again, end of season means good deals but still nice enought weather to ride home.
https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/mcd/5221153700.html
Neon- shoot me your contact info. I tried to PM you as well.
Thanks
I thought you decided did I miss something?