contemplating buying 2005 Swing

Hi folks, I joined this forum with the intention of getting advice on the Swing. I have found one: a 2005 with 5000 km. My fear is that the bike has been sitting for so long, and parts may have rusted. I can see some rust around the exhaust pipes. I only gave the bike a minimal lookover. I intend to check things out a bit more thoroughly before I hand over the money. Are there any particular areas I should be looking into? This bike has been up for sale for 18 months, and it seems I am the only prospective buyer to come along !!!! I don't buy that; so, what has deterred others from taking it? And what's a fair price in Atlantic Canada? It does have some paint damage to the left plastic from tipping over. I value your opinion. Thank you.

What is the asking price??? This could be the reason why the bike hasnt been sold! Personally i wouldnt hesitate to buy an 05 with 5000klm on it. Does it run smooth? Has it been stored inside? If it doesnt have any accessories on it (topbox etc) and its in decent shape, i would pay around $3000-$3500 range, especially now with the end in sight for the riding season. You can buy my rust free and mint black 05 swing with 20k on it and accessorized (topbox,givi windshield,cruise,garmin gps,alarm,brakelight wigwag,seat beads,pillion armrests,carbon fiber wrapped underskirt/mirrors,led lighting,digital thermometer,upgraded seat strut,iphone mount,switchable fork mount running lights) for $4000. Im only one province away! . It isnt officially for sale but i probably wont use it a lot now. I just aquired an 06 Suzuki gsf650 and i like the way it brings out the hooligan in me. Makes me feel young again   ! My wife just rolls her eyes  .

Thank you for the reply ,hotwings. The asking price was 4300. It has no extras, zip. It has some static paint damage on the left panels, looks like driveway spill, but the paint and plastic are dented. It has been outside , I'd say for the best part of its life. I looked in the shed and garage, and there's no room in either to park a bike. I'm hesitating because I don't know what surprises are waiting inside the bike, like mice, etc. I can only do so much in his yard.
I'd come get your bike, it's loaded to the hilt and I'm sure well worth the money, but I'd have to spend a ton to get over and back. This one is offered at 3000. I'm going to make a case for 3000 all-in, title in my hand. I don't know if it will go over well.

cotetoi wrote:

... snipped ... This one is offered at 3000. I'm going to make a case for 3000 all-in, title in my hand. I don't know if it will go over well.

Not sure what you mean by offering $3,000 "all in". You said that's their asking price which, I think it pretty fair.

It's low mileage which is a good thing. It's been sitting around, perhaps outside, and sounds ignored which is a bad thing.

Does it start? Did you hear it run? Have you been able to take it for a ride?

Whether you do it or not, I'd ask the seller if they'd be prepared to let your motorcycle mechanic inspect it? Their reaction usually speaks volume.

If it were me, I'd check it over with a fine tooth comb. Take a note pad and make a list of everything you find that is not up to spec.

If you find things that will cost you money to bring it up to spec, you can either research what those costs will be or ballpark them. Then make an offer accordingly and explain your number.

If you are convinced it is a decent scoot (no obvious frame damege, bent rims, obvious crash damage etc.) and you have heard it start and run smoothly, then make an offer.

Like my Dad told me, when making an offer as a buyer, you can always go up ... but you rarely can come down.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

In California last year 2008 SWings with less than 10000 miles, mint condition, with ABS were going for $4200 to $4400 - so $3000 plus change for a 2005 non-ABS seems about right. I would recommend you hold out for an ABS even if you need to pay more (ABS was about a $1000 option). Have someone EXPERIENCED (you or other) ride it and check the oil cleanliness.

Hi Folks, I am officially a Swinger. It is a sweet deal. It is the ABS model, 2005 with 5500 km. I got it for $2800 and after taxes it came to $3100. A good scooter friend of mine went with me this morning. We looked it over and took a test ride. Everything checked. I rode it 90 km home; it worked great. No hiccups. Runs real smooth, picks up really good and cruises very smoothly. I am sure some things will need adjusting to suit me, but for now I am delighted with my new-to-me ( almost new ) scooter. Only issue with me is that I find it difficult to get it on the centerstand. Being a short guy and not so strong, I have not been able to do it on my own. If you have any tips for me, I'd appreciate them. For now, I'll just use the sidestand.

Shorty here,

Left hand on the left handlebar
With right hand grab the left aluminum seat bar thingy.
Right foot on the peg. Now, better have good shoes on ... STAND ON IT and with right hand pull on the aluminum bar. Tadaaaaa !

When taking the bike off, same hands, same places, now pull with right hand ... use brake for smooth landing.

my 2cents

Thnks, LN. I just realised my mistake. I was trying to do it with slippers. No wonder I couldn't put enough pressure on the peg. Will give it a go with proper footwear tomorrow.

Good advice from LN. The key is to push down with your foot. There is a good discussion of this on the search function. Oh, and congratulations on your "new" ride    

Might be a good idea to lubricate the centre stand pivot points bud,if it has not been used much there may well be some rusting going on making it harder than normal to work

And the best and least costly thing you can do for a bike that maybe has been sitting around a bit - give it an oil change! Congrats on your new ride.

Thank you all for the great tips. She got a good wash and general clean. I poured a third of a bottle of Seafoam in the gas tank before I drove it home. Now it's time for the oil change. Great welcome from you all; and lots of very useful info in here. I hope to contribute a little in time.

Good luck with your purchase , Hope you have many happy miles ahead.

Cheers ,

Scroller

Thank you, Scroller. I spied this one on kijiji 2 years ago and again this year. The owner wanted it out of his yard and not have to worry about storage, maintain and look after it. He cannot ride for medical reasons. I got it at a real good price. It is the black version of yours.