2nd hand bike and rust, beginners bike.

[mr_fett01]

I have just looked at a Suzuki GN250 as a possible for my first bike. There was some rust behind the headlamp and at the back where the number plate is.

The current owner also said that the GN's have a tendancy to loose battery power if not used regurlarly, and I just want to know if that was right. Do the GN's have battery problems. They did say that it is fine if used on a regular basis.

[varminter]

Well, the obvious answer is ride it every day, two birds, one stone, worst case buy a new battery. Surface rust? should clean off and hopefully you get it cheap.:2thumbsup

[davebullet]

Check for rust on the frame.. adn aruond welds. That would be a much bigger concern. The Chinese made GNs are built to a price and it shows.... nothing wrong, with that but you can't afford to neglect the cleaning and lubing / protection coatings (WD40 etc...) unlike a more expensive / better made machine that can withstand some neglect without expensive rust / damage..

[AllanB]

Sounds like two areas than never get cleaned, consequently surface rust.

Batteries. Any bike that is not used often can have battery issues. A bike battery is pretty small and it takes a bit to turn over an engine.

If the owner is regularly having issues with the battery then it is most likely on its way out - check the price before buying as batteries can be expensive.

A battery tender is a good idea if you do not use the bike regularly but if it's a GN I'm presuming it will be daily transport.

[YellowDog]

Check for rust on the frame.. adn aruond welds. That would be a much bigger concern. The Chinese made GNs are built to a price and it shows.... nothing wrong, with that but you can't afford to neglect the cleaning and lubing / protection coatings (WD40 etc...) unlike a more expensive / better made machine that can withstand some neglect without expensive rust / damage..
Good advice.

All bikes have battery problems (except BMWs) if they are not used regularly. The fact that he has suggested a problem would alert me to some Mickey Mouse electrics.

Check no fancy wiring has been weaved in to power a Chinese alarm or something stupid.

[mr_fett01]

thanks for the advice. The rest of the frame looked in good condition. The engine housing looked ok and there did not appear to be any new wiring or alarms fitted. The rust at the back was only on the bit that the rear light is attached too.

They were asking 2400 for it. Is that a fair price?

[mossy1200]

thanks for the advice. The rest of the frame looked in good condition. The engine housing looked ok and there did not appear to be any new wiring or alarms fitted. The rust at the back was only on the bit that the rear light is attached too.

They were asking 2400 for it. Is that a fair price?

If it low km and under 3year old it would be fair.Do remember that some were sold 3300 new.If its older then bargin down the dollar figure and let him know that you need to spend $70-100 on new battery straight off.

Give us more bike details age ks etc.Is it listed on tard me.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-240688468.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Other/auction-241475735.htm

This would be nice.Not sure about his reserve price. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-241716534.htm

[mr_fett01]

Thanks,

This is the bike.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Other/auction-241475735.htm

[varminter]

Offer $2k and see what happens, not a lot selling at the mo' so might be worth a punt.