I am looking to get an MX bike, but am pretty short on ca$h. So, of course, we are looking at 125's. And cheap 125's at that!
I will try to stay well below $2000 - somewhere around $1300 - $1800 is my target price, that way I have plenty left over to pay the Kalifornia Government their tithes and have some in reserve for minor maintnance issues as well.
Browsing through CycleTrader, I see lots of bikes from the big four from 1998 - 2001 advertised between $1900 - $2400. These prices seem pretty arbitrary; of course if someone has Enzo suspension, "new tires and top end," the price tends to go up - but in general all these bikes seem to be in decent condition with typical mods. There are also quite a few, again from the big four only, from 1994 - 1997 advertised between $1700 - $2100. I am thinking that every bike in here can be had for at least $300 less than the asking price, sometimes more. Does that sound about right?
My biggest query, however, has nothing to do with price. Are there any really crappy years / models that stick out in your mind to stay away from? Likewise, any really great years? Keep in mind that I am a full novice to MX riding, having ridden solely Wyoming trails before.
Are there any 125 specific problems to look for when I am checking these bikes out? I know they burn through top ends and clutches pretty quick, and I plan on running compression tests on any bike I seriously look at, but is there anything else I need to look at specific to these bikes?
Thanks!
I will try to stay well below $2000 - somewhere around $1300 - $1800 is my target price, that way I have plenty left over to pay the Kalifornia Government their tithes and have some in reserve for minor maintnance issues as well.
Browsing through CycleTrader, I see lots of bikes from the big four from 1998 - 2001 advertised between $1900 - $2400. These prices seem pretty arbitrary; of course if someone has Enzo suspension, "new tires and top end," the price tends to go up - but in general all these bikes seem to be in decent condition with typical mods. There are also quite a few, again from the big four only, from 1994 - 1997 advertised between $1700 - $2100. I am thinking that every bike in here can be had for at least $300 less than the asking price, sometimes more. Does that sound about right?
My biggest query, however, has nothing to do with price. Are there any really crappy years / models that stick out in your mind to stay away from? Likewise, any really great years? Keep in mind that I am a full novice to MX riding, having ridden solely Wyoming trails before.
Are there any 125 specific problems to look for when I am checking these bikes out? I know they burn through top ends and clutches pretty quick, and I plan on running compression tests on any bike I seriously look at, but is there anything else I need to look at specific to these bikes?
Thanks!