This is my unscientific observation based on 2 weeks of looking for 500cc used bikes in the $2K-$4K range in the GTA
1) In this price range lot of sellers don't want to bother with safety. If you insist they want like 200$ more. Something crazy so you stop asking for safety. I might as well take a half day off work and do it myself then
2) A lot of them don't budge on price too much. They rather store it and sell it in spring. Only the ones who want to store their cars in the garage in Winter negotiate. I am in the suburbs so not a lot of condo bike owners.
3) I saw 4 bikes (3X Honda CB500 or CBR500 and one BMW G310) Only one was decent. The BMW was stolen from Quebec and for the other 2, the registered owner was different from the guy who showed up. So a lot of crap out there. One rider did not have a license and did not insure the bike.
Anyway, I am getting very close to making a deal on one bike. Hopefully, he holds up his end of the bargain.. will know EOD today or tomorrow