AUKwrestle said:
DougRoost, i like your idea(s) about a 125,
looking for something that is between a 2005 model year and a 2007. ****? the daily paper? thanks for any response.
I've been riding a 450F for almost a year and just bought another 125 ('05 KX). 125's are very fun bikes. The maintenance is more "pay now" as opposed to the F's "pay more later". In other words, the 125 requires pistons/rings on a regular basis, transmission oil changes, and clutches (if you ride them that way). The 250F might go a year or more needing nothing other than oil changes, but when it comes time for rings, valves, seats, springs, cam chains, etc., the bill comes in with a vengeance. Many people sell the bike right at this point and if you buy a used F, be careful that the wrath of the repair bill doesn't fall on you.
The single most reliable, inexpensive, and versatile bike I've had was a KDX200. It took a piston/rings every 3rd year and that's it, aside from the usual tires, chain, etc. I rode mine in the desert, woods, trails, and track.
Where to find? The key is "how far do you want to drive?" Go to that auction site and set it to search for "motorcycles" w/in 200 miles. Sort thru those. Check the online Thrifty Nickel for nearby cities. Google those cities newspapers and check their classifieds. I live way out in the sticks and I'll drive 250 miles for a bike. Found my KDX by watching the online Amarillo TX classifieds, found my YZ250 by watching the Albq online classifieds, got the KTM200sx and KX125 on fleabay, bought the YZ450F new, found the KX125 in the back of a nearby dealers (still a 90 mi drive, though).