Used dirtbike prices... Am I the crazy one?

[R&S]

sounds like it could be fun, dangerous, but fun

[Robby30-06]

Yes, people are crazy. The smaller dirt bikes seem to never drop in value around here as there is a huge "Pit Bike" market. Everyone from car racers to motocrossers to road bike racers have pit bikes. Alot of them also have aftermarket parts to make them more adult user friendly and alot of guys expect to get their money back for those parts.

[baglock1]

Actually, I was riding in the Flagstaff area (as well as out in the desert west of Prescott, ~3500'). The change was noticeable, but still fun. My primary purpose won't be for CO trails so I'm not too worried about altitude. If I was wanting a bike to push the envelope on, I'd be looking at a 400-450 minimum anyways.

Thanks though, it does illustrate a good point.

[HBARleatherneck]

we ride the xr80 and xr100 out here (as adults) and have tons of fun.

[BigDee]

In the world of Craigslist you have to keep in mind there are two types of sellers. Those who have their stuff priced to sell and those who have their stuff priced to keep. 90% of the sellers have their stuff priced to keep but they often fail to realize it at first because they are gauging their price on what others are asking for a similar item.

I buy and sell a lot of cars on craigslist. Almost every seller has their car listed over blue book, the ones that don't always seem to list their stuff in good condition with a few bumps and bruises and think knocking $200 off KBB because the vehicle needs $3K in work is a "fair" deal. I don't make offers on 90% of the stuff I look at because it's usually run down junk that's barely worth what the recycling center would pay for it. The 10% of stuff I make offers on are either A) People who are in desperate need of cash and are willing to make a deal or B) an offer I know will be refused because it's based on real value and not the far fetched value the seller thinks their stuff is worth. In situation A I usually walk away with said item and in situation B I'd say around 40% of the sellers are ringing my phone off the hook within a week because they are sick of all the tire kickers or people willing to give them their asking price if they'll take payments or agree to some other weird arrangement, as a general rule I usually knock 10% off the price I originally offered to the situation B seller when they start ringing my phone off the hook if they still want to make a deal.

When you go to look at something make sure you take a copy of the print out with the blue book or nada guide value. Nada guide is usually lower than KBB but that is not always the case so make sure to check the value on both and take the lesser of the two with you. When looking at the item you need to be very aware of what you are looking at especially common maintenance issues on the vehicle, you should also be aware of the cost of said maintenance/repair issue. As an example older bikes usually need the carb(s) cleaned and in many cases rebuilt so you should ask to see proof of recent carb work and if it hasn't been done deduct the repair cost from the appropriate value of the item, if the repair is $100 and the seller is only willing to go down $50 walk from the deal, the simple fact that you will have to invest the time in having the item repaired with no compensation for your time is enough as is. Also, do not ever take a sellers word for anything, if they tell you the motor has been rebuilt but they don't have documentation supporting it you need to assume it hasn't been done. If they do supply you with documentation you need to do your homework and validate that it is real, if the seller gives you a receipt that says the motor is rebuilt make sure to call the shop and verify the serial numbers and repair work matchup, you'd be surprised how many times I've had someone show me a receipt for something from a shop I've never heard of and the shop has magically gone out of business recently.

[RCCrawler]

I've got a nice 426 I've been thinking about selling...

[King]

I still have my little YZ85 from when I was a kid. 6 speed transmission and 84cc of 2 stroke goodness. That bike rips for how small it is.
And then there is my 450f...

[BigDee]

I've got a nice 426 I've been thinking about selling...

Fun bikes but a PITA to start. I've literally ripped shoes in half starting up my father's 426 in sneakers.

[brokenscout]

Its like Jeeps in CO

[BigDee]

Its like Jeeps in CO

On the phone

Me: "Have the main seals been replaced."

Jeep Seller: "Yeah the guy who owned it before me said he had those done."

After in person arrival and inspection

Me: "Why's there a bunch of oil on the ground under the jeep?"

Jeep Seller: "It's a jeep they all leak oil."

Me: "Have a nice day."

I won't even waste my time looking at Jeeps anymore.