Pre-purchase check? (when buying from a Wellington dealer)

[mynemesis]

Hi

Just hoping for some experienced thoughts on the following.

I'm thinking of buying a bike from a bike shop in Wellington (I'm in Auckland), but feel it would idiotic to purchase without inspecting or riding it first. Obviously though that's a very long trip to make for a test ride and I don't just want to take a sellers "word" for the overall condition, whether bike shop or private.
So where does that leave me? Are there private bike inspection services (although I don't know if I would trust them anyway based on past experience with private car pre purchase inspection service).....

Do I just wait for the rush of spring time sellers and source something closer or what?

Thanks for any info or insults :blink:

[pritch]

You have missed some important information, like which bike shop. Wellington Motorcycles seem to have a good name, I had a good experience there although it was mechanical rather than buying. KBer Pete "Crasherfromwayback" used to work there but he's now at Boyles I think. There were other KBers used to work at other shops too.

If you say which shop the locals should be able to give you an idea of how the place is regarded.

Good luck.

[mynemesis]

Hey Pritch

It's MotoMart fwiw.

[mossy1200]

Is it a bike from the showroom or a trade in special sold as parts from out the back?

[mynemesis]

Hey Mossy

I think it's a bit of both. As in, it's likely a trade in, but it is for sale on their website as used stock.

fyi http://www.autobase.co.nz/motorbikes-for-sale/Honda/CB900/Motorbike---Road-Sports/2345948.htm

[mossy1200]

Is that the type of bike your after or the amount you want to spend?

[jellywrestler]

Hey Mossy

I think it's a bit of both. As in, it's likely a trade in, but it is for sale on their website as used stock.

fyi http://www.autobase.co.nz/motorbikes-for-sale/Honda/CB900/Motorbike---Road-Sports/2345948.htm

why not get the shop to take up close up shots, like real close up, they cost nout and are easy to transmit, or do you trust a stranger to do the assesment, remember it will be to their standards

[Ender EnZed]

I think it's a bit of both. As in, it's likely a trade in, but it is for sale on their website as used stock.

fyi http://www.autobase.co.nz/motorbikes-for-sale/Honda/CB900/Motorbike---Road-Sports/2345948.htm

That's easily "on the showroom floor" enough that they will have had a look at it. At least to the level of any pre-purchase inspection you'd have done on it. Motomart has been around a long time and they do sell off their older trade ins on $1 reserve to (sensibly) avoid responsibility. That Hornet is obviously above the level they consider a "cheap trade in" and is still covered by the CGA.

[FJRider]

Most Motorcycle shops will do a pre-purchase inspection if it can be brought into their shop.

However ... without splitting the cases ... or lifting the head ... they can only go by their observations of it's general condition. (in other words ... an educated guess)

Most (of said) Motorcycle shops will not (cannot) guarantee that their opinion of the motorcycle ... IS as they believe it is (more ... as it could be) ....


Unless those testing are psychic ... do not expect the perfect (accurate) result/report everytime ...

[mossy1200]

That's easily "on the showroom floor" enough that they will have had a look at it. At least to the level of any pre-purchase inspection you'd have done on it. Motomart has been around a long time and they do sell off their older trade ins on $1 reserve to (sensibly) avoid responsibility. That Hornet is obviously above the level they consider a "cheap trade in" and is still covered by the CGA.

I agree. Its a floor stock bike and will be treated like any other. 6 Grand is a hard price range as it includes newer high millage bikes and older lower millage. Im not very into the 5-8 grand price range bikes value wise but if im out that way tomorrow ill stop and have a look.

Alternative bike if you can find another grand is

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-862892075.htm

Its in your area to have a look at.

[cheshirecat]

Bought my 95 VFR off them some years ago. They gave a month guarantee, still riding it 8 years later and no problems.

[Drew]

Bought my 95 VFR off them some years ago. They gave a month guarantee, still riding it 8 years later and no problems.

Oh, well let's all go buy a bike there. Based on this experience they only sell perfect machinery.

[BMWST?]

if you pay them to do a pre purchase inspection they should report to you every aspect of the bike that a prudent buyer would be likely to make.Will it be infallible....no.Will it be cheaper than you flying down to do the same.....probably.
But if you want to take the risk,grab a cheap flight,get a bus to the welly rail station,then get on a train to Meling station ,they are about 400 metres over the bridge and to the left,grab a test ride,pay the monies and ride the sucker home.

[mynemesis]

Wow thanks everyone for your input. I jumped in the car home and switch on to all of the above.

Unfortunately for me I also got home to an email telling me that the bike I was interested in has already just sold today. So another one bites the dust.

Thank you for the offer to take a look for me by the way, that's a surprisingly unexpected nicety (yes it's a real word as I just made it up).

Yeah I know pre purchase checks aren't infallible. But I've learnt over the years with cars, that someone with a good arse (Nikki Lauder "Rush" reference) and half a brain (excludes alot I know), can usually rule out most major problem within 15mins of riding and listening.

I've just been off the road so long now, that I don't really trust my own skills. Another reason for picking between a hornet and a bandit as they are both famously reliable.

Anyway, once again, many thanks for the input. And in regards to the z750. Although I think it's a damn fine looking bike, I'm now pretty much committed to either the bandit or hornet at this stage. But thanks for help.

Well I guess I better go wash my pos, I mean gt650 and try make some money for this upgrade. Maybe I'll be luckier being a cash buyer....?

[nodrog]

I've got a Suzuki GS I could sell you for around that price. Less K's too.

[mynemesis]

Thanks, but yeah.....nah...

[mossy1200]

Join the bandit club.
Everyone is getting one.

Mine cost well under 4k for 2005 model and then 150 for some luggage and gsxr1000 shock. Total still well under 4k.

[mynemesis]

Yeah I got one of them in mind too for sure! No shims, air cooled, tons of engine upgrades available if wanted.

4k is CHEAP! Had it been round the world already for that price or is that a price worth keeping an eye out for that should come up again?

[mossy1200]

Yeah I got one of them in mind too for sure! No shims, air cooled, tons of engine upgrades available if wanted.

4k is CHEAP! Had it been round the world already for that price or is that a price worth keeping an eye out for that should come up again?

82km but going well and sounds good. Very under stressed engine tuned well below its potential power output so should be reliable.

Someone on here offer me a slightly older one with less km for 4k with loads of extras on it but I had already purchased.

Crasher had a gs1200ss for 4k with 35km on it I think also.

[mynemesis]

Yeah that's what I was thinking when it came to the bandit. (The whole large displacement, carb setup being under stressed compared to similar)
I like the Hornets too though for their out the box improvements on the bandit. Lighter, more hp, little better looking too imo,

But then again I fell in love with bikes when I got a ride on my uncles 1991 gixxer 1100. So a massive soft spot for that engine.

Arghhh too many choices (....2....)

[mossy1200]

Yeah that's what I was thinking when it came to the bandit. (The whole large displacement, carb setup being under stressed compared to similar)
I like the Hornets too though for their out the box improvements on the bandit. Lighter, more hp, little better looking too imo,

But then again I fell in love with bikes when I got a ride on my uncles 1991 gixxer 1100. So a massive soft spot for that engine.

Arghhh too many choices (....2....)

At least you have more money to play with than I did.
$3600 is what I paid and the guy delivered it 150km for that price in the poring rain.:msn-wink:

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-889583519.htm

Get brutal and offer him a price you cant refuse. 4.8k sounds good for that one.

[mynemesis]

Wow you got a good deal.

Yeah I saw that one in Papakura. Not thought of being brutal with offers, as so many kiwis just quote other trademe adds as "proof" of their bikes value. It's like one big overpricing paradox.

I'm gonna have to sell mine and become a cash buyer. Guess I'm washing the bike tomorrow.

Thanks Mossy

[nzspokes]

I like the Hornets too though for their out the box improvements on the bandit. Lighter, more hp, little better looking too imo,



Whut?

What is better on a Hornet over a Bandit?

I have a Bandit 1200 as my day to day bike, paid $2200. Its now run in at 102,000ks. I had a 900 Hornet, did 30,000ks on it. Most boring motorcycle I have owned.

[mynemesis]

Alright, relax a bit brother. I didn't call your kids stupid or your wife ugly.

Just like I said above, it's lighter, has more hp, better suspension I'm told, gives better fuel milage and in my opinion it looks a little better too.

By the same token, I like the bigger 1200cc engine, I like carbs and adjustable tappets, I like that with a little but of coin I can squeeze out 150hp if I choose to.

If I'm really honest though, it's only the fact that I'm not quite ready to admit I'm past a little bit of ridiculous hooning around, that I don't save a bit extra and buy a gsx1400.

We'll see.....

[nzspokes]

Alright, relax a bit brother. I didn't call your kids stupid or your wife ugly.

Just like I said above, it's lighter, has more hp, better suspension I'm told, gives better fuel milage and in my opinion it looks a little better too.

By the same token, I like the bigger 1200cc engine, I like carbs and adjustable tappets, I like that with a little but of coin I can squeeze out 150hp if I choose to.

If I'm really honest though, it's only the fact that I'm not quite ready to admit I'm past a little bit of ridiculous hooning around, that I don't save a bit extra and buy a gsx1400.

We'll see.....

Doesnt bother me what you buy. My Bandit is not my favorite bike, but it is good.

Take a close look at a Hornet frame and rear suspension properly before you buy one. Then compare it to a Bandit. The forks are exactly the same. Its the same cart in the fork.

I get 300k before reserve on the Bandit and 240k on the Hornet before the fuel light.

[mossy1200]

Doesnt bother me what you buy. My Bandit is not my favorite bike, but it is good.

Take a close look at a Hornet frame and rear suspension properly before you buy one. Then compare it to a Bandit. The forks are exactly the same. Its the same cart in the fork.

I get 300k before reserve on the Bandit and 240k on the Hornet before the fuel light.

My Bandit far easier to ride than the Agusta.

[mynemesis]

Sweet thanks for the advice. I'll have a good butchers at the rear shocks next chance I get.
Surprised to hear about that gas milage. I was "led to beleive" the bandit gave pretty shitty milage...

Lives and learns. :-)

[nzspokes]

My Bandit far easier to ride than the Agusta.

Well its a ton easier than my Hawk but sounds crap compared.

[mossy1200]

Sweet thanks for the advice. I'll have a good butchers at the rear shocks next chance I get.
Surprised to hear about that gas milage. I was "led to beleive" the bandit gave pretty shitty milage...

Lives and learns. :-)

Claimed standard is 260km from 20litres.
Spokes has a jet kit lifting that a bit.

I get excited easily so its going to be 200 odd but my other ride can be drained a lot quicker.

For a 5 grand bike both bike are good options and there is others also depending on what you like riding.

If your trading and buying from a bike shop you will add a premium on your purchase cost and trade will be the same or less than private sale might get.

If you like GS1200ss style then contact Crasher on here.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/175558-Buy-this-bike-You-know-you-want-to

[mynemesis]

Thanks Mossy

I can't say I'm really too concerned about milage. I really only ride for fun these days and drive the work ute for everything practical (not fun).

I did look at the gs1200ss. But it has clip on handle bars and my carpal tunnel procludes me from riding anything with a sports stance for more than 15mins.

Its a shame, as I seem to have missed my sports bike window due to that. Oh well, I've always loved streetfighter / naked / upright riding.

before it was even called streetfighter. We just called it a cheap front end fix (with no money for new plastics) to your bike after shunting it into a u turning car....

[mossy1200]

Thanks Mossy

I can't say I'm really too concerned about milage. I really only ride for fun these days and drive the work ute for everything practical (not fun).

I did look at the gs1200ss. But it has clip on handle bars and my carpal tunnel procludes me from riding anything with a sports stance for more than 15mins.

Its a shame, as I seem to have missed my sports bike window due to that. Oh well, I've always loved streetfighter / naked / upright riding.

before it was even called streetfighter. We just called it a cheap front end fix (with no money for new plastics) to your bike after shunting it into a u turning car....

If you get a chance and see one in a shop have a sit. The handlebar seat height combo isn't that sporty on the GS as the seats set low down. Would depend on your arm length also. It just adds another option.
There is a few big naked bikes made in the same time period to pick from.
What bike are you selling or trading.

[mynemesis]

Yeah Ill see if theres any around here and perch myself on one. Seem amazingly cheap considering its the same 1200cc lump with just a resistor restriction.

But I really am possibly getting to the point where Im too busy (lazy) to be mucking around soldering resistors, fitting new headlights, etc (I don't like the old school aerodynamic bubble on the SS) to bikes.

I have to sell my hyo GT650P. It's not that bad a bike to be honest. Well its not good either, but its not THAT bad. My first V twin and I have had a bit of fun on it. Got me back on the road at least so can't be too bad.

Amazed that someone that just rides around some tennis balls, in a car park for 20 mins, is allowed to get one and shoot down the road on one....:weird:

But then again, this is a country that gave ME a gun licence.......so Ho HUM:killingme

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=922285184

I would be rebuilding this as a naked street fighter is I was in the market living in Auckland and it remained under 1500.

[mynemesis]

would be a bargain, but if I'm going down the 1250 route I'd probably start looking at cb1300 and other similar watercooled fuel injected things, and if I did that then Id just start looking at the gsx1400 again (late at night, when no ones can see me, with the volume down and that wouldn't end well).

[Big Dog]

Gsx1400 begging to be bought. http://www.trademe.co.nz/855799145
Similar priced cb1300. http://www.trademe.co.nz/901381280

Sent via tapatalk.

[Big Dog]

If you go cb1300 attend in person before setting your heart on a particular one. We saw a lot of mongrels before we found one worth the ask. We were originally looking for a hornet but the Ch was cheaper and physically larger and in better condition than any hornet we saw.

Most that have been stored outside a lot have rust on the rear springs some look like bites are missing. A lot of seemingly good buys the vendor states never crashed then looks sheepish when you point out the scrapes on the clocks.
The GSX1400S I looked at... well I didn't. They were all over 3k dearer for the same standard. 30% is a lot extra if you at counting pennies.

There were a few offering lower prices, but they all tried to put me of buying by being unavailable to inspect. Or just told me it wasn't really for sale and promptly put the price up.

A year on a battery has died and a stator died.
Otherwise it gets up every day and hauls me 57kms each way to work without complaint.
I am reasonably confident my next bike will be a Cb1300 if something happens to this one.

Sent via tapatalk.

[Largs Saint]

Doesnt bother me what you buy. My Bandit is not my favorite bike, but it is good.

Take a close look at a Hornet frame and rear suspension properly before you buy one. Then compare it to a Bandit. The forks are exactly the same. Its the same cart in the fork.

I get 300k before reserve on the Bandit and 240k on the Hornet before the fuel light.


Yup 300k before reserve is what I get on average on my Bandit.

[nzspokes]

Thanks Mossy

I can't say I'm really too concerned about milage. I really only ride for fun these days and drive the work ute for everything practical (not fun).

I did look at the gs1200ss. But it has clip on handle bars and my carpal tunnel procludes me from riding anything with a sports stance for more than 15mins.

Its a shame, as I seem to have missed my sports bike window due to that. Oh well, I've always loved streetfighter / naked / upright riding.

before it was even called streetfighter. We just called it a cheap front end fix (with no money for new plastics) to your bike after shunting it into a u turning car....

Just get the op done, I had it done a couple of years ago. Sweet as now. Or just have a couple of whiskeys and DIY.

Here is the how to vid, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMcPJhGYISQ

[mynemesis]

Jeez big dog that gsx must have been begging hard as its gone already.

Thanks for the advice on the cb1300. I'm definitely gonna try and be wise with my selection.
I have a terrible track record with buying vehicles for myself. I get too emotional and blind to anything negative if I develop a crush for something.

I'm awesome at buying cars and bikes for other people.

"Those who can...." and all that.

For now I'm still thinking it's going to be between aircooled bandit or a hornet 900.....or if a good deal cb1300........or the right salesman catches me at the right time next to a good gsx....

Hmmmm maybe I bloody deserve this crappy hyosung!

Hey NZ SPOKES I am done and done when it comes to surgeries mate. Unless it's a life saver I don't ever wanna go near another knife wielding butcher for as long as possible. Hopefully ever.

[haydes55]

How about a Z1000? I've got a good'n for sale. Just bought a bandit 1250s (the Mrs doesn't like being on the back of the Z1000 and I got a good deal on the bandit).

My old flatmate had a hornet 919. Back to back comparison the Z1000 was faster and has much better suspension (upside down forks even).

I'm just leaving it in the shed til summer before I put it on trademe. Chuck me a pm if you're keen on a deal. It's an '05 68,000ish km looking for $5000.

[mynemesis]

Hi Hayde55

I started off looking at those and they definitely look the best imo. But I prefer torque to hp and that awesome zx9 engine likes revs. I almost borrowed some cash recently for one that came up, was cheap, looked great and once again my head turned off and my heart turned on.

TBH though I think I dodged a bullet. Wasn't a bad bike but like I said, I like torque low speed fun and that thing would have brought out the hooligan a bit too much. Half the reason I am looking at naked bikes, is it often feels faster than it really is. so the grin / kmh ratio is much higher.

Thank you though. Good luck with your sale when you do list it.

[cheshirecat]

Oh, well let's all go buy a bike there. Based on this experience they only sell perfect machinery.
but 95 VFR's are

[merv]

but 95 VFR's are

Must be, because they are the same as the 94.

[jonnyk5614]

Return to Wellington can be had for $100.
Seems pretty cheap for a $6k bike.
Or, $50, ride it back and enjoy the ride. If you don't want it, $50 for a flight back.

[jellywrestler]

Return to Wellington can be had for $100.
Seems pretty cheap for a $6k bike.
Or, $50, ride it back and enjoy the ride. If you don't want it, $50 for a flight back.

if you book that six month in advance, that's from airport to airport too, if you're lucky, what about the other travel and parking costs incurred, you're probably one of these people who say it's cheaper to go to aussie than south island, but have added the costs of taking a car down south and the ferry and all, but not added tose same costs when going to OZ.

[nodrog]

if you book that six month in advance, that's from airport to airport too, if you're lucky, what about the other travel and parking costs incurred, you're probably one of these people who say it's cheaper to go to aussie than south island, but have added the costs of taking a car down south and the ferry and all, but not added tose same costs when going to OZ.

Dream Killer.

[jonnyk5614]

if you book that six month in advance, that's from airport to airport too, if you're lucky, what about the other travel and parking costs incurred, you're probably one of these people who say it's cheaper to go to aussie than south island, but have added the costs of taking a car down south and the ferry and all, but not added tose same costs when going to OZ.

Nope - I can do a jetstar return tomorrow for $79 out and $59 back. Last time I flew to Welly on a couple of days notice, it was even less. Add on $10 at each end for the bus and we are up to $180. How much is the pre purchase inspection.....?

[mossy1200]

Nope - I can do a jetstar return tomorrow for $79 out and $59 back. Last time I flew to Welly on a couple of days notice, it was even less. Add on $10 at each end for the bus and we are up to $180. How much is the pre purchase inspection.....?

The bike was sold as per earlier thread entry so its an expensive trip to not buy a bike.

[Hailwood]

Bruce, the former service manager from Wellington M/C, has set up a bike inspection service and mechanical work I hear...he would be great to get to look at a Wgtn bike. Talk to Pete (Crasherfromwayback) and I am sure he will know how to get hold of him.

FWIW I wouldnt give Motomart the steam off my piss....too many bad dealings with them

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-929455926.htm

That's another option

[AllanB]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-929455926.htm

That's another option

Don;t like the look of the '2' in 52 on that speedo ........

[mossy1200]

Don;t like the look of the '2' in 52 on that speedo ........

Yes might want the rego number and do a check on millage at each wof. What is the full carjam report worth?
Speedo looks like the type you could pull circlip at end and release and manually turn numbers.

Didn't see the muffler wrap either.