Suzuki GSX400X Impulse 1987. Should I buy it?

[Markyfinstein]

Hey guys

I found a Suzuki GSX400X Impulse 1987 with around 50 000 on the clock. According to owner runs perfectly.
selling for 1.5k (Thats CHEAP!)

Should I go for it?
Will it break down everyday as soon as I buy it?

Also I'll be doing the long drive so I need a confidence booster regarding bikes reliability.

Thanks guys

Keen to hear responses

Cheers
Marky

[Madness]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-780469694.htm

Looks pretty straight.

[Markyfinstein]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-780469694.htm

Looks pretty straight.

Sweet as, thanks mate!

[local]

I wouldn't.

Why go to the other end of the country for it? Is it because a 400cc LAMS bike for $1500 seems comparatively cheap?

I understand, and often participate in, the 'long trip home from buying something, learn all about it's character on the way' idea, but that one doesn't make sense to me.

[skippa1]

Should I go for it?
Will it break down everyday as soon as I buy it?

Also I'll be doing the long drive so I need a confidence booster regarding bikes reliability.

Keen to hear responses

Cheers
Marky
You seriously think someone on here can answer those questions?

[Markyfinstein]

You seriously think someone on here can answer those questions?


Why not? If anyone on here was a mechanic with experience with similar bikes and mileages, then they might have an idea maybe.

[Markyfinstein]

I wouldn't.

Why go to the other end of the country for it? Is it because a 400cc LAMS bike for $1500 seems comparatively cheap?

I understand, and often participate in, the 'long trip home from buying something, learn all about it's character on the way' idea, but that one doesn't make sense to me.


Yea the price is big part of it and just the idea of driving from one end to another is an amusing experience. Also is a decent bike to clean up.

Still doesn't make sense?

[Big Dog]

Why not? If anyone on here was a mechanic with experience with similar bikes and mileages, then they might have an idea maybe.

If you want a mechanics opinion, pay for one. Cost you between $50 and $500 depending on the depth of the investigation you want and the quality / location of the mechanic / bike.

This can sound expensive but is not when you are 1,000 kms from home.

In my limited experience with them ( never owned or ridden one, known a few to come along to various rides ) they are typical small bikes. They need a little more TLC to stay right but they hardly ever let you down completely. More reliable than a full on sports bike bit also less performance than some 250ccs.

They are a little boney for some people ( did a short stint in bike sales). Taller and shorter buyers did not complain but dead average height riders complained about parts sticking into their legs.

Any bike can be the best bike for you if it makes your heart race.




Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Markyfinstein]

If you want a mechanics opinion, pay for one. Cost you between $50 and $500 depending on the depth of the investigation you want and the quality / location of the mechanic / bike.

This can sound expensive but is not when you are 1,000 kms from home.

In my limited experience with them ( never owned or ridden one, known a few to come along to various rides ) they are typical small bikes. They need a little more TLC to stay right but they hardly ever let you down completely. More reliable than a full on sports bike bit also less performance than some 250ccs.

They are a little boney for some people ( did a short stint in bike sales). Taller and shorter buyers did not complain but dead average height riders complained about parts sticking into their legs.

Any bike can be the best bike for you if it makes your heart race.




Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.


Awesome man. Yea I think I'll have to get it checked up and wouldn't mind chucking in a couple hundred dollars to make sure it's in good shape.

Cheers mate!

[Akzle]

it's missing an 'R' or two...

[Big Dog]

A lot of cosmetic damage. Either it has been neglected under a cover or been left in the lee of a house rather than garaged.
May not have been the current owner that neglected it.
I get the feeling an electrical fire may have played its part in the current condition due to the statements about some gauges not working and the cosmetic issues being localised to the tank and instrument cluster.

Not a deal breaker, just keep in mind a dealer would spend about 1-1.5k on it and list it for sale around the 3-4.5k mark. Factor in they need to make a profit and still be negotiable.

I'd definitely say no mech inspection no sale.

Don't pay more for the bike because of a jacket. You don't know if it fits or it's condition. Perhaps offer to buy it if you like it?

Negotiating? Get a mech first, if you are happy with the state of play start with the asking price, knock off any repairs, knock off some for the hassle of you sorting it.

Assuming nothing major is wrong with it I would start around $750 be prepared to go to $1000.
Otherwise there are better deals to be had.

If you pay over a grand for a bike in this cosmetic shape at this age you will regret it unless you plan to do most of the work restoring it.


Picking a bike should be emotional. Buying it must be logical and a sound business decision or you will get to a time of regret.



Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Madness]

it's missing an 'r' or two...

gsx400-x rimpulser?

[Markyfinstein]

A lot of cosmetic damage. Either it has been neglected under a cover or been left in the lee of a house rather than garaged.
May not have been the current owner that neglected it.
I get the feeling an electrical fire may have played its part in the current condition due to the statements about some gauges not working and the cosmetic issues being localised to the tank and instrument cluster.

Not a deal breaker, just keep in mind a dealer would spend about 1-1.5k on it and list it for sale around the 3-4.5k mark. Factor in they need to make a profit and still be negotiable.

I'd definitely say no mech inspection no sale.

Don't pay more for the bike because of a jacket. You don't know if it fits or it's condition. Perhaps offer to buy it if you like it?

Negotiating? Get a mech first, if you are happy with the state of play start with the asking price, knock off any repairs, knock off some for the hassle of you sorting it.

Assuming nothing major is wrong with it I would start around $750 be prepared to go to $1000.
Otherwise there are better deals to be had.

If you pay over a grand for a bike in this cosmetic shape at this age you will regret it unless you plan to do most of the work restoring it.


Picking a bike should be emotional. Buying it must be logical and a sound business decision or you will get to a time of regret.



Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.



I appreciate your advice a lot! Lots of good points.

Regarding regret, I bought a cheap Keeway Supershadow once before and with not much experience rode it with a loose chain. The chain came off and punched a whole in to gear case. Luckily sold it for relatively the same price as a 'project bike'. The regret was bloody awful.

I also have good padded leather jacket from then so that'll drop the price a notch further :)

Yea I seriously hope the cosmetics weren't a result of a serious incident. Planning to sort the cosmetics on my own.

I'm in my second year of electrical engineering and wouldn't mind tinkering a bit with the electrics.

Overall do you think finding spare parts will be easy? (if needed)

Cheers again!

[Markyfinstein]

gsx400-x rimpulser?

...lol....

[Big Dog]

A search of trademe for GSX400X gets me 6. As many results for parts as bikes.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Big Dog]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/801034158 might be a good source for a new tank.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Akzle]

rim-pulser?

you're hopeful.

how is your mother, btw?

[Madness]

...how is your mother, btw?

Quite dead, still.

[skippa1]

Why not? If anyone on here was a mechanic with experience with similar bikes and mileages, then they might have an idea maybe.
Fuck:facepalm: you want someone to tell you if a bike you're looking at, that no one else can see or assess is going to let you down? You need a fortune teller not a forum

[BuzzardNZ]

I've owned one and they were a great bike.

My guess would be that parts would be almost impossible to get for these now.

Also, they were known for dodgy electrics. That's why I ended up selling mine when it started playing up in that area.

[mossy1200]

I did one up to resell.
Tanks leak and rust along bottom seams.
They seem to go ok but they are not a nice bike to ride. Very common that they will have been poorly maintained and ridden hard. You will understand if you ride one.
Things like suspension, swingarm bearings and headstock areas wont be in great shape.
I had to do a lot of work when I got mine and sold at about even dollars.
I think I sold mine for $1450 and that was pre lams days so I guess if its in good condition the price is ok.
Get someone to check it out before spending.

If you want a 2k lams bike find a Bros or Revere. Far less likely to have been abused and more fun to ride.

[unstuck]

I had one for a couple of years and did heaps of trips between Auckland and Wellington on it. I liked it, for what it was. Never had any issues with mine at all.:niceone:


And it was a heap of fun on the gravel, lived in Pakiri at the time and worked in silverdale, so got to ride it over the Leigh hill most week days.:headbang::headbang:

[Akzle]

got to ride it over the Leigh hill most week days.:headbang::headbang:

you dont even want to see what they've done to that road... let alone the district!
fucken aucklanders.

i'm sensing a one way trip to a remote island in my future. unfortunately, by the time "my future", te south wont be far enough...

[breakaway]

1.5k for a beat to shit abused bike is most definitely not 'cheap'. Especially one that's nearing 30 years of age. Looks like its been repaired on the cheap every time anything has broken on it too.

If I was _REALLY_ desperate, I'd buy it, but I wouldn't pay a dime over $500 for it. Even that's too much.

The bike is in otago, and you're in Auckland. You'll need to budget at LEAST $300 (a very, very conservative amount) to get it back up to Auckland.

Seen many sucked into the "buy a shitter for cheap" mindset before and in the long run it always, always costs more (in money and time) than saving up for something that isn't a pile of junk.

Move on, keep saving. There's better deals to be had.

[nzspokes]

Take a look at this, http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-799016779.htm

[bungbung]

I paid $1500 for one of those in 1995 or 96, good fun then but your example is pretty shit.
Look for a nicer example or a GSXR400/CBR400/whatever the yammy version was called would be a better bet.

[awa355]

Offer him 2 grand and refuse to pay a dollar less. :(:( For that money there are plenty of clunkers in Auckland that you can at least see the rust, missing screws, perished rubber and rounded nuts before handing over your dosh.