Looking for tips on buying used bike low miles

[hiteck]

I'm currently looking at purchasing my first street bike.

Area listings have 2 that interest me:

1)
2006 Shadow Spirit 750 - 5800 miles, windshield, saddle bags, after market exhaust, leds under tank, floor boards, new battery, and almost new tires. The bike started and ran great. I could definitely see myself on this.
$4000.

2)
2004 Shadow Spirit not sure on cc's. Did they make 750 Spirit in '04? Has 3400 miles. It also has saddle bags and windshield, not sure what else. I have only seen pics of this bike I'm still waiting to hear back from owner left a message.
$2500.

On paper (NADA) the 04 looks like a better deal, but I'm not sure if I should be concerned about the low mileage. Any tips you can give me on helping me decide would be great.

Thanks in advance!!

[93gc40]

Heres my rule for mileage. if it doesn't have at least 2000 miles per year, I worry about storage damage. I would rather a 10 year old bike with 30000 over one with ONLY 10000. get the one you like better. Me I would look for an 1100 if I were going shaft drive. But then I won't even look at a cruiser of less than 1000cc.

[Dauntae]

Most bike are purchased by weekend riders and don't get many miles, for a 06 I'd say that's average for many, as long as there taken care of both look good, go for the one that you like better, both look good to me.

Dauntae

[hiteck]

Originally Posted by 93gc40

Heres my rule for mileage. if it doesn't have at least 2000 miles per year, I worry about storage damage. I would rather a 10 year old bike with 30000 over one with ONLY 10000. get the one you like better. Me I would look for an 1100 if I were going shaft drive. But then I won't even look at a cruiser of less than 1000cc.

What would be considered storage damage? Rusted tank, gummed up carb?

Are there things I could visually look for?

[Big B]

Id go for the 04 unless money is no object. It's a 750 btw. You may even be able to talk the owner down some as well if you show up w/ cash

[Lordmik101]

Storage damage: dry rotted tires, gummed up carbs, wiring problems due to mice or squirrels, brake problems-brake fluid is hygroscopic meaning it absorbs moisture. These among other things I'm sure others will list can break a deal on a low mileage bike. Just go over the potential purchase very closely, take someone with you who knows bikes. Good luck and have fun. I love bike shopping.

[hiteck]

Originally Posted by Big B

Id go for the 04 unless money is no object. It's a 750 btw. You may even be able to talk the owner down some as well if you show up w/ cash

Due to the price, color, possible better deal?

Originally Posted by Lordmik101

Storage damage: dry rotted tires, gummed up carbs, wiring problems due to mice or squirrels, brake problems-brake fluid is hygroscopic meaning it absorbs moisture. These among other things I'm sure others will list can break a deal on a low mileage bike. Just go over the potential purchase very closely, take someone with you who knows bikes. Good luck and have fun. I love bike shopping.

Thanks Lordmik101! I've got a buddy who works on quads and has had several bikes in the past I could get to give them a look.

[halifax]

Any Honda Shadow from 98 and up is a pretty safe bet as long as it wasn't thrashed too too much...learn how to check brake pads, cables, tires, all fluids, shift gear, what they should sound like (listen to a known healthy bike)...have fun, they're both decent deals by the looks of it.

Shadows are sometimes like treadmills...people get excited and buy one, rarely ride it, wife gets pregnant or whatever...out it goes to the curb for crib money. Good deals.

[bikenut]

More important than years, mileage, deferred maintenance, or even price is how the bike feels when you sit on it; and if possible when you test drive it. Everything must be good, and if there is something minor like leg position or vibration that you notice now, it will bug you for the duration of ownership, like a nagging relationship that has no future. When you find the right bike it will hold your attention, like two full well rounded breasts inside of a revealing silk bra.

[still_bluenoser]

Originally Posted by Lordmik101

Storage damage: dry rotted tires, gummed up carbs, wiring problems due to mice or squirrels, brake problems-brake fluid is hygroscopic meaning it absorbs moisture.

All things that you should look into with any used bike, no matter the mileage.

I've yet to purchase a used bike that I truly believe ever had a brake fluid change...

Likely the most overlooked part of servicing.