Should 1999 and 70,000km mean stay away?

[The End]

I am looking at a 1999 SV650 with just over 70,000kms on the clock, and as this will (hopefully) be the first bike I've bought second hand, am a little wary of buying such an old bike with (debatable) high KMs.

The dealer says the bike is in good nic, passed the inspections fine, and people constantly talk about SVs reliability.

What say you more wise riders out there? Is purchasing a 15 year old bike with 70,000 on the clock a bad idea? Am I going to be in for many nights in the shed getting her working, or is the reliability of SVs good enough that I won't need to worry?

[Gremlin]

:laugh:

2005 CB900: 123k
2010 1200GSA: 93k

More important is how it's been looked after, service history. Plenty of hot km are better than less cold km for the engine.

[The End]

:laugh:

2005 CB900: 123k
2010 1200GSA: 93k

More important is how it's been looked after, service history. Plenty of hot km are better than less cold km for the engine.

As much as I'd love to say I trust a motorcycle dealer saying the bike runs great, the fact that it has had 70,000kms is what is making me think twice - I am not sure if it has a full service record or not. Have just seen another bike advertised with 85,000kms on the clock, ex-rental bike and although it has more KMs it has a full service record.

That said, what can a full service record truly prove? Apart from a regular oil & filter change it can't speak for how many times the bike has been redlined/thrashed?

[Gremlin]

Look, there's nothing to say that something significant won't crap out at some point, despite a full service record. It's the odds of buying higher mileage, or older bikes. However, simply ruling out a bike because of mileage is also silly.

Service records can also be lost. I know I've traded previous bikes with full records, some records get passed through owners with the bike, some don't.

Generally, rental bikes are over-serviced, as it costs the company much more if it fails during rental. That said, rental bikes can have short lives and the people riding them might not care as much as an owner.

Also, look at the style of bike. Sportsbikes, higher chance of being thrashed, tourers, highly unlikely, and so forth.

[Laava]

I think you have talked yourself into buying a bike with less k's.
The SV is a great bike and cheap too.
Spring some more coin.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-761215705.htm

[FJRider]

An average of 6600 km's per year might indicate a relatively light usage per year. 70,000 km's for a 650 isn't that harsh.

[slofox]

My GSX-R600 is approaching the 70,000km mark. Apart from a failed cam follower (at 40,000ish km) it has had no problems and continues to perform up to expectations.

The distance travelled is not that significant. Think less of what the bike has done and more of what it can still do.

[BuzzardNZ]

Personally, I'd stay well away from anything with that kind of mileage on it.

[Mike.Gayner]

The K's should be reflected in the price, and if so I wouldn't worry about it. My dad just bought a 1997 BMW with similar mileage and it's a fantastic bike. There's no way of saying nothing major will fail, but that's true of any bike at any age.

[R650R]

My GSXR has done about 105,000km. Was a daily rider no car when first bought, prob did 20-25k a year first couple years then in storage while overseas.
Then into long hours job and not much time to ride, kms per year varied greatly.
Still on ORIGINAL clutch, pistons, rings etc, shims been checked three times but never needed touching. Replaced front and rear wheel bearings at 74000 km but bugger all cost, main swing arm bearing at 54000 but prob from over zealous washing with high pressure water....
Anyway bike is still like new apart from a leaky valve oil seal on #1 cylinder which means it smokes a tad upon startup if not used for few weeks.

100,000km is the new 40,000km bikers used to disconnect speedos all the time but not so common now limits are so strictly enforced and with the electronics it requires bit more effort.

[Banditbandit]

My 1250 Bandit has just clicked passed 60,000ks .... and I bought it new in 2009 .. it's 10 years younger and nearly as many ks

That SV does not have high ks for its age ...

Buying second hand is always a bit of a risk .. less risk from many dealers than from tardeme (but there are some not good dealers out here ..)

How much are they asking for the bike?

[caspernz]

If the price reflects the age and mileage, I'd say go for it.

Look at it this way, if the bike was dodgy (or known to be dodgy) in terms of mechanicals, then odds on it wouldn't be on a dealers' floor. :(

No doubt I'll now get flamed for showing any kind of trust in dealers?:weep:

[The Pastor]

suspension gets flogged after 10k, still 100% rideable at 100k but it wont be as good as it could be.

Brake system may or may not need an overhaul if never done before.

plastics may start to be going brittle at 15yrs.

Valve clearances, piston rings, wheel and steering head bearings - all these things (plus many more) will be worn.


my bikes done 120km, but it sure feels like it, one blown fork seal, smokes like a prostitute, plastics all broken, paints faded, indicator dont work, gear indicator doesn't work, bike has a miss every now and then, and just this morning the abs light came on.......

[Erelyes]

If it's from a dealer, I would be happy with a bike with 70 thou on the clock - if, of course, the price is right (or if you particularly love that bike for some reason).

Just make sure it has a warranty for a period (say, 3 month / 5,000km) so that if any issues come to light that the previous owner has hidden, the dealer ends up wearing it, not you.

Other than that, I imagine you'll face negligibly more issues with your bike, than you would with a low km bike anyway.

One thing I would agree with above, on a '99 the plastics will be getting brittle - high kms or no. Is it a naked or a faired model?

Suspension may be tired, but people commonly upgrade the SV stuff anyway, so if you plan hard riding that's money you would have spent anyway.

I just bought a K7 SV650S (black frame) with 20 thou on the clock from a dealer for 6 grand. Not sure how that frames your bike's cost.

[BlackSheepLogic]

Plenty of hot km are better than less cold km for the engine.

+1

I would rather have a bike well ridden than one that's been sitting in some garage. It's lots of short trips where the bike's being ridden cold that's hard on the engine.

[James Deuce]

I'd be more suspicious of something from the '90s with ~4000km on the clock like that RGV250"SP" some wag is trying to sell for 1 million dollars on Trade Me.

[Dodgy]

My VFR800 2000 model has clocked up 110,000km. At 105,000 I finally had to replace a leaking fork seal. They were the original seals and I replaced the bushes as I had ordered some already - but the originals were barely worn. She uses nil oil between changes and has original clutch plates. I have just replaced the (original) seized rear suspension bearings, there was a bit of slop developing.

I reckon that she is good for at least another 50,000 before getting a refresh, and although she is great as a tourer and keeps up with the Blackbirds and Hayabusas that I ride with, the VFR would probably have a market value of $2,500.

Dont be afraid of higher kms, take the bike for a ride and judge for yourself.

[avgas]

As much as I'd love to say I trust a motorcycle dealer saying the bike runs great, the fact that it has had 70,000kms is what is making me think twice - I am not sure if it has a full service record or not. Have just seen another bike advertised with 85,000kms on the clock, ex-rental bike and although it has more KMs it has a full service record.

That said, what can a full service record truly prove? Apart from a regular oil & filter change it can't speak for how many times the bike has been redlined/thrashed?
If you are talking about red baron........it gets worse.....

They basically frankenstien bikes. So they would get a few of the same model. Take all "good" parts (including the lowest speedo) and make their "top of the line" bike......resprayed it will look brand new.

Then they take all the crappiest parts and make the "bottom of the line" bike, and even that is with the speedo sitting on a drill for a few days.

As long as engine number matches frame. People are none the wiser.

In saying that I have had the best service from them. So swings and roundabouts. But yeah - be a little cautious with their import stock.

[Laava]

and even that is with the speedo sitting on a drill for a few days. .

Tell us more about this! I would love to know how you are going to modify an lcd electronic odometer with an electric drill!

[Big Dog]

If you are talking about red baron........it gets worse.....

They basically frankenstien bikes. So they would get a few of the same model. Take all "good" parts (including the lowest speedo) and make their "top of the line" bike......resprayed it will look brand new.

Then they take all the crappiest parts and make the "bottom of the line" bike, and even that is with the speedo sitting on a drill for a few days.

As long as engine number matches frame. People are none the wiser.

In saying that I have had the best service from them. So swings and roundabouts. But yeah - be a little cautious with their import stock.

Do you have evidence of these claims?
If you do I am sure the various bodies would pay a handsome reward.

[Tazz]

70k is not outrageously high.


The K's should be reflected in the price.

This...if you're happy with the price vs risk, go nuts. That applies to any vehicle, even new.

[tigertim20]

70k is just run in.

as above, price should factor in its milage, but my cbr600 (91) I sold on with nearly 140,000km on. that was about 5 years ago. I understand its still going fine.

[swbarnett]

my bikes done 120km, but it sure feels like it, one blown fork seal, smokes like a prostitute, plastics all broken, paints faded, indicator dont work, gear indicator doesn't work, bike has a miss every now and then, and just this morning the abs light came on.......
Mine's done about 117,000km and it still looks almost new. What do you do to your bike?

[Gremlin]

as above, price should factor in its milage, but my cbr600 (91) I sold on with nearly 140,000km on. that was about 5 years ago. I understand its still going fine.
Hondas are good like that. :woohoo:

Mate's CB900 has just under 100k on it. Rear wheel bearings done way back under warranty (known weakness). Mine is a touch over 123k now, just got a birthday with the front end pulled apart and new seals, bushes, springs etc. Clutch cable replaced at 60k, besides that, it's pretty much consumables (tyres, pads, 1 rear disc, front - I think - and rear wheel bearings, chain and sprockets) and regular servicing. Lives a tough life as it's all commuting, no country running. Another mate has another CB900 that's done 150k, just needs some TLC around chain, suspension etc. Only one CB900 has done more that I know of, done about 240k, but it's had gearbox work done. Used to be a courier bike, and now owned by another KB'er. Afaik, none have required engine work...

[The End]

For those asking the price, its listed as $3995. 1999 naked model - The paint has seen better times, but the odd chip and scratch is to be expected with a bike of this age though.

Some wise input in this thread, thanks all.

[Mike.Gayner]

If you are talking about red baron........it gets worse.....

They basically frankenstien bikes. So they would get a few of the same model. Take all "good" parts (including the lowest speedo) and make their "top of the line" bike......resprayed it will look brand new.

Then they take all the crappiest parts and make the "bottom of the line" bike, and even that is with the speedo sitting on a drill for a few days.

As long as engine number matches frame. People are none the wiser.

In saying that I have had the best service from them. So swings and roundabouts. But yeah - be a little cautious with their import stock.

Without proof this post is nothing by slander. I'd be pretty careful making these kinds of assertions, you could legitimately find yourself in legal trouble.

[R650R]

Without proof this post is nothing by slander. I'd be pretty careful making these kinds of assertions, you could legitimately find yourself in legal trouble.

Yes and NZ law is pretty tough on this compared to other countries. A lot of people mistakenly think that if the info is true that they are protected but you are still liable for libel/slander if your statement damages someones rep or business...

[Gremlin]

For those asking the price, its listed as $3995. 1999 naked model - The paint has seen better times, but the odd chip and scratch is to be expected with a bike of this age though.

Some wise input in this thread, thanks all.
Not sure how much negotiation room you have with the list price, but this strikes me as a better option: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-761087140.htm

[R650R]

suspension gets flogged after 10k, still 100% rideable at 100k but it wont be as good as it could be.

Brake system may or may not need an overhaul if never done before.

plastics may start to be going brittle at 15yrs.

Valve clearances, piston rings, wheel and steering head bearings - all these things (plus many more) will be worn.


my bikes done 120km, but it sure feels like it, one blown fork seal, smokes like a prostitute, plastics all broken, paints faded, indicator dont work, gear indicator doesn't work, bike has a miss every now and then, and just this morning the abs light came on.......

Suspension woes easily cured with just fresh fork oil and a clean out on most bikes... brittle plastics???? they all are when they hit the ground...
Not really an issue under normal use...

[DR650gary]

To be honest, I'd stay away and head for this http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-761702212.htm

Regardless of service history etc it is a 1999 bike compared to a 2008 for similar money and similar k's. The 2008 is probably a better spec model, although I am not an SV650 expert, but the extra 9 years means something.

Have a look at both and any others that appeal and buy what feels right to you.

Cheers

[The End]

Not sure how much negotiation room you have with the list price, but this strikes me as a better option: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-761087140.htm

That or this (as mentioned in this thread): http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=761702212 - I'm just wondering if I have much room for negotiation here though.

I prefer the blue 2008 with 85,000 kms to the black 2004. The 08 has a full service history and looks in good condition and is a bit cheaper....

Now I just need to see the bike in person and make sure she rides well. Oh, and get the paycheck from the boss....:sleep:

[240]

70,000ks on a Japanese engine like this is nothing mate,go for it

[The Pastor]

Mine's done about 117,000km and it still looks almost new. What do you do to your bike?

I ride them.

[imdying]

Tell us more about this! I would love to know how you are going to modify an lcd electronic odometer with an electric drill!They don't, they use pulse generators for those. Much like the max rpm of a drill, even that isn't a perfect solution though... a digital speedo has a maximum speed it will respond to too!

[awa355]

Back on topic, If the 70,000kms were on a mid nineties 250 sports bike, would you be taking a harder look at it than the same k's on a 1000cc tourer?. I think I would.

[BigAl]

Also the number of owners would influence my decision.

I'd want to get an ex-rental bike or car for a lot less than alternatives as we all know how rentals are ridden/driven.

[Old Steve]

A year ago I bought a 2000 Honda ST1100P with 124,000 km on the clock. In the last year I've done over 10,000 km on her. All I've done is changed the oil and filter, I dropped her in the garage and had to fitt a new mirror, mirror cover and windscreen.

[NAR RG500]

I bought a 2002 Hayabusa with 73000 on it and then did 5000k including 4 track days all in twelve days.

Nothing wrong with 70,000k. As has been mentioned already, at times its more the chassis/suspension components to worry about than the engine

Cheers

[Hitcher]

70,000 km's for a 650 isn't that harsh.

There's a 650 in the Hitcher household that's almost turned over 140,000km. It doesn't burn oil, indeed the colour of the oil that runs out of the sump drain plug each 6,000km is about the same colour as the stuff that's poured in to replace it. The original battery cranks it over successfully each time the starter button is pushed.

I'm more worried about bikes that have been nowhere than ones that run up lots of big, hot kilometres. I mean, seriously, what kind of dropkick owns a bike that clocks up fewer than 5,000km a year?

[imdying]

I'm more worried about bikes that have been nowhere than ones that run up lots of big, hot kilometres. I mean, seriously, what kind of dropkick owns a bike that clocks up fewer than 5,000km a year?A drop kick that has worked hard enough to end up with half a dozen bikes in the garage? Not everybody is a poor peasant stuck riding the same bike over and over.

[Hitcher]

A drop kick that has worked hard enough to end up with half a dozen bikes in the garage? Not everybody is a poor peasant stuck riding the same bike over and over.

This Dropkick stands chagrined.

[FJRider]

I'm more worried about bikes that have been nowhere than ones that run up lots of big, hot kilometres. I mean, seriously, what kind of dropkick owns a bike that clocks up fewer than 5,000km a year?

The Queen street Biker brigade ... only ride on sunny Sundays to a pub ... a pub no more than a hour out of town.

Five year old bikes (many .. American built) ... with fewer than 10,000 km's on the clock. Rider with two days growth on their face .. as they have to shave for the office come Monday.

[Berries]

If that is meant to be a poem it doesn't even rhyme.

[Erelyes]

If that is meant to be a poem it doesn't even rhyme.

Quoth the Raven: 'Ride it more'

[GrayWolf]

That or this (as mentioned in this thread): http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=761702212 - I'm just wondering if I have much room for negotiation here though.

I prefer the blue 2008 with 85,000 kms to the black 2004. The 08 has a full service history and looks in good condition and is a bit cheaper....

Now I just need to see the bike in person and make sure she rides well. Oh, and get the paycheck from the boss....:sleep:

Engine wise, as long as the basic's have been done at a regular interval (oil/filter/shims etc) higher mileage shouldnt be an issue. Budget for replacement of things like bearings/seals in the 'near' future.

My last 3 bikes were all purchased with low, K's. That itself can bring issues.
1995 FJ1200abs, had 16,000km Jap import. Clutch slave and master cylinders quickly became an issue due to old crud that had accumulated round the seals. Fork seals went quickly... this is due to simple lack of use and they harden.
1993 ZZR1100.. 30,000km, rear shock, fork seals, and the dreaded thermostat seal, all went quite quickly, again, due to lack of use (hardened seals) So an older, low K's bike, can still end up costing money. So factor that possibility into the purchase pricing.

My current bike now has 60,000km + in 2.5yrs, Apart from head race bearings, one disc (warped) and the front wheel bearings, there have been no mechanical failures to date. ( I do have an engine warning now for the starter decompression solenoid thermistor) this doesnt effect the running, but indicates the unit is 'wearing', But given it's turning over a long stroke 1700cc V twin, I think that's acceptable wear and tear.

I'd fully agree with James Deuce, it's the short rides that will produce the highest amount of engine wear. (Wellington area) I'd have more pause for concern over buying a 'Sunday thrash over the Rimataka's bike' with low K's, than I would say, one that Hitcher had owned, where it's done high Km's but long distance rides.

[shafty]

Good advice all round

Just also consider what your bike will be worth with another 10 or 20 thousand clicks on it

It may be running like a clock, but people are rightly or wrongly suspicious at higher miles, as you are with the bike now....

Don't let this stop you, just take it in to account

Have fun

[The End]

I am now considering having to raise my budget.

I was looking into a 2009 Hyosung GT650r with 27,000 on the clock - Mint condition, service history etc. The bike looks great and would suit my needs.
However the reliability history of them is putting me off. I need a bike to commute to work on every day, if I cannot ride (don't have other transport) then I cannot work.

Which is why I am now looking at some used 20-40,000kms on the clock Honda CB900s. They have the reliability of a Jap bike and much lower KMs than what I was previously looking at (70,000+). Plus I'm a total pushover for naked bikes ;)

Only problem is getting the money for it! :bleh:

[GrayWolf]

I am now considering having to raise my budget.

I was looking into a 2009 Hyosung GT650r with 27,000 on the clock - Mint condition, service history etc. The bike looks great and would suit my needs.
However the reliability history of them is putting me off. I need a bike to commute to work on every day, if I cannot ride (don't have other transport) then I cannot work.

Which is why I am now looking at some used 20-40,000kms on the clock Honda CB900s. They have the reliability of a Jap bike and much lower KMs than what I was previously looking at (70,000+). Plus I'm a total pushover for naked bikes ;)

Only problem is getting the money for it! :bleh:

May I make another suggestion? The CB900 Hornet is a great bike, there's no question, your budget is your limiting factor.

However, like yourself, I am a one vehicle (bike) household and work shifts, so reliability is paramount. Research your bikes, example. the old and venerable FJ1200 Yamaha, these can be picked up for good prices with 40,000km or less. They in all practicality are bullet proof motors, and were in production as the FJ and later the XJR till the early 2000's.
The Suzuki VX800... damn good machine, just wasnt popular. There are several 'oddball' machines that are excellent and you could pick up a real 'bargain' by spending some time reading up.....

ZZR1100, GS1100, the early Bandits, the 'replica' GS1100S (the black GSX1100 replica that used a bandit motor).... ZRX11/1200, these all have excellent motors.

[Gremlin]

Which is why I am now looking at some used 20-40,000kms on the clock Honda CB900s. They have the reliability of a Jap bike and much lower KMs than what I was previously looking at (70,000+). Plus I'm a total pushover for naked bikes ;)
I errr... might be slightly biased, but yes, the CB900 is an excellent bike. I'm assuming this is your first big bike? The CB900 is one of the very few larger capacity bikes I'd suggest as a first big bike, normally it's better to start with something mid capacity. The CB900 is a heavier bike, in line with it's capacity, so if you're tiny it might not be a good idea. Otherwise, I liken it to a puppy. It's happy doing whatever you want. Want to go slow and easy, no problem. Ride the torque and trundle along, no problem (even skip gears if you really want. I can pull away in 2nd, ride it a bit then change to 6th :laugh:). Give it gas and pull wheelies... no problem. So, it's got a really nice gentle response, very smooth, but don't be fooled. Crack that throttle hard and let the 100 ponies out, and she'll fly.

Typical Honda, it's not amazing at anything, but it's good at everything, which kinda makes it amazing. I think I've already detailed servicing for it etc. Service every 6k, add gas in between. The stock handlebars are crap, go for some Renthals or something, I've got wider ones that rule out some splitting, but much more comfy on the bike. Add a top box for lugging stuff around. Better yet, find one with the bits and pieces already on it. They went through a phase of being super popular, but now they're really hard to shift, so you can pick them up for a great price as usually there are several for sale.

My mods:
Renthal MX bars
Givi crash bars
Ohlins rear shock
Givi pannier and top box mounts and top box

[cheshirecat]

My VFR800 2000 model has clocked up 110,000km. At 105,000 I finally had to replace a leaking fork seal. They were the original seals and I replaced the bushes as I had ordered some already - but the originals were barely worn. She uses nil oil between changes and has original clutch plates. I have just replaced the (original) seized rear suspension bearings, there was a bit of slop developing.

I reckon that she is good for at least another 50,000 before getting a refresh, and although she is great as a tourer and keeps up with the Blackbirds and Hayabusas that I ride with, the VFR would probably have a market value of $2,500.

Dont be afraid of higher kms, take the bike for a ride and judge for yourself.

My 94 VFR's done 150,000 and just had to change a front wheel bearing, tail light bulb and sprockets, which is all the non consumable stuff I've had to do since buying it some 8 years ago - oh and helicoil the sump plug. No cam chain stuff either. VRF's regularly do over 250,000 and are cheap to pick up. It tours, commutes, supermarket trips, carries the dog etc and feel barely run in.

[FJRider]

This Dropkick stands chagrined.

Sit down then ... <_<

[FJRider]

The Suzuki VX800... damn good machine, just wasnt popular. There are several 'oddball' machines that are excellent and you could pick up a real 'bargain' by spending some time reading up.....



A VERY under rated bike ... it's only downside is ... it's a Suzuki .. :facepalm:

[DR650gary]

I am now considering having to raise my budget.

:bleh:

Stick to your budget. This will not be your last bike. Buy the best you can currently afford, enjoy it until you want to move on then start all over again.

Many good bikes have been mentioned here and as I have been riding bikes for many years plus having a wife who rides and 3 riding sons we have owned and/or ridden most of them. At one Christmas dinner we had 20 bikes in the shed and they were all great ;)

Take your money for a walk and get yourself a nice bike.

Cheers and enjoy the search.