Second Hand Bikes

[Ozzie]

I personnaly will not seriously consider a second hand bike.

Why?

Well basically because I don't know what they have been through, I don't know enough about bikes to be able to tell. Because I can't be sure it is safe and hasn't been thrashed, and you just can't trust people to be honest;

Take for example the trade on trade me at the moment, that a newbee is looking at....http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...08&permanent=0

The notes say it has been dropped while stationery onto the right side, there is a pic of the damage, which to me looks like it was not stationary.

The bike is also missing the right mirror, and has tape or something on the clutch lever, which leads me to think it wasn't just one drop.....so.....i asked a question....

"""How did the mirror come to be off? What is with the tape on the clutch leaver? posted by: tb_ozzy (17 ) 9:01 am, Thu 13 Jul
mirror broke when bike fell over as i did not have the sidestand down properley, also must mention round knob on clutch lever is broken off (that if what tape is for) but does not affect the rider or bike in any way, only cosmetic 5:12 pm, Thu 13 Jul """

So the drop from stationery damaged the exhaust on the right of the bike, took the mirror off the left, and broke the knob off the end of the clutch lever....am I missing something?

So yeah, it is preferable to me (and the finance company) to go new.

What are your thoughts? What are your biggest concerns with second hand rides? What do you look for?

[GR81]

not everyone can afford a brand new bike :(

[XTC]

I personnaly will not seriously consider a second hand bike.

What are your thoughts? What are your biggest concerns with second hand rides? What do you look for?

What do you care you're not going to buy one anyway...... :lol:

That's leaves them for us who can tell the difference between a diamond and a zirc... zhir... one of those other things.

[Motu]

If you've got the money,go for it.For some people a new bike is not an option.

I look at the condition of the bike....and make my decision based on that.

[Mr. Peanut]

I don't have a problem with second hand bikes.

Get them thoroughly checked out and you'll have saved yourself huge amounts of cash. Warrantys are a bit of a joke, if nothing happens to your bike you've wasted a lot of money.

Older bikes have already been through the warrenty period and any subsequent factory flaws have already been dealt with.

The horrendous depreciation on a new bike could well exceed any repair cost on an older bike. :blink:

[bert_is_evil]

If this is the auction I'm thinking of (can't check from work) I was going to ask the same question, or something along the lines of "was the garage floor moving quickly at the time the bike fell"...

I'd love to buy a new bike but unfortunately finances restrict me to buying second hand with questionable past

[Ozzie]

What do you care you're not going to buy one anyway...... :lol:


Curiosity, wondering if I'm just anal (suspect I am), and seeing if I can learn from everyone else on what are the things to look out for.

I understand the finance thing, wanted a Ninja, couldn't afford the 20k, so was aiming for possibly a second handy up to 10k, the Katana was 10k new, so easy decision for me. Gives me a ride while waiting for more folding stuff.

[Motig]

So that goes for cars as well? Houses? Seriously its the old story 'Buyer Beware' so you ask around and do your homework, work out your budget, use your commonsense and buy that bargain.

[Ozzie]

So that goes for cars as well? Houses? Seriously its the old story 'Buyer Beware' so you ask around and do your homework, work out your budget, use your commonsense and buy that bargain.

Hence the thread.....Asking around.....

[inlinefour]

I don't have a problem with second hand bikes.


In fact all but one of my bikes have been 2nd hand. Perhaps the initial poster should have posted that he does not know enough about bikes to fully assess the condition of a 2nd hand bike or too useless to get someone who can look at the bike. I wonder if this person actualy knows much about bikes at all from reading the initial post. A new bike can also be a shitter too. Not very often, but it can happen. I like my older collectable bike, they have more character than any new bike could ever have and a hell of alot easier to work on or restore. :blip:

[Ixion]

Ah, it must be nice to be rich.

[Ozzie]

In fact all but one of my bikes have been 2nd hand. Perhaps the initial poster should have posted that he does not know enough about bikes to fully assess the condition of a 2nd hand bike or too useless to get someone who can look at the bike. I wonder if this person actualy knows much about bikes at all from reading the initial post. A new bike can also be a shitter too. Not very often, but it can happen. I like my older collectable bike, they have more character than any new bike could ever have and a hell of alot easier to work on or restore. :blip:

Man, you guys :wait:

From reading the initial post there should be no need to wonder, I actually said that, and aside from the KBers I met Saturday, I don't know any riders, hence the post, and the question....

Thanks for your response though!

[gamgee]

twat
so because one or two people tell obvious lies, everyone should avoid buying second hand? You'd have to be mad to buy from someone who is obviously lying like that! things to look for should be fairly obvious, bad noises = bad bad cosmetic = bad take it to a motorbike mechanic and get it checked - not the fucktards at AA, they haven't got a clue about motorbikes

[gamgee]

put it this way, I'd rather buy a bike from someone who says 'the fairing in really rough, it needs new front shocks and chain and sprockets, but the engine has been well maintained and runs well"
than someone who says:
"the bike got knocked off it's stand but it's a really fast bike"

[98tls]

When i came across my TL it had done 5000 km and had 4 owners which seemed abit dodgey..i rode it seemed fine..appearence wise perfect,got another bloke to give me a second opinion and he couldnt fault it so i bought the thing..5 years and 40000km later its never missed a beat.i think with anything second hand you just have to check it out thoroughly.

[XTC]

I think the bike you bought will do everything on the road that the ninja would do (remembering that the speed limit is 100kph) and the 10K you saved pays for alot of trips away, beer, tyres, beer, chains and sprockets, beer, girls, beer.... you get my drift? Some people buy beyond their means then can't afford to put gas in the tank, what's the point of that? I could have bought a BMW F650GSPD for 16000 bucks but went for a cheaper ride and well rode it more as a result. No big monthly payments to meet, no 16-20% interest rates just riding and fun. Yee Haaa!
Well done for realising that your dick will not be any shorter for choosing the suzuki over the ninja.

You could buy a low K 2nd hand ninja off some one who can't afford the payments though.

You can tell a crashed thrashed sports bike a mile off. They are called street fighters. The owner thrashed then crashed then couldn't afford the original body work so stripped the old cracked and broken panels off and put on a cheap taiwanese round headlight and called it a street fighter and all the younguns go oooh aaah! that maust be fast... love the customisation you've done! Fools.

Here's one
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/photos/a-62688521/p-22561936.htm

Here's another
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports-tourers/photos/a-62927283/p-15788157.htm

No matter waht they do they still just look like crashed sports bikes.

[Squeak the Rat]

4 owners in 5000km? Verly stlange.

The original link to tardme doesn't appear to work.... has the auction been pulled? Did the auctioneer pull? If so, who's pushing, and what are they pushing for? The truth? You can't handle the truth.

Ahem. 2nd hand from a good dealer is a good option if you're worried about finding a problem post-purchase......

[ManDownUnder]

I'll always buy a well checked 2nd hand bike. I don;t like the sound of the cash falling of them as the roll through those doors of the bike shop (actually it happens as the cash passes out of my bank account).

Have someone you know check it well, take it for a ride and if in doubt, buy it from an LMVD. They have a whole bunch of responsibilities imposed on them to make sure things are reasonably up to scratch

[98tls]

4 owners in 5000km? Verly stlange.. the last guy couldnt afford the payments so took it back to the bike shop..kind of a voluntary repossesion thing and i worked out a deal with the finance company...but yea 4 owners in 5000km had me wondering whats wrong with this thing...glad it didnt put me off as its been the best bike i have ever owned..and i always wanted a TL in this colour which is quite hard to find.

[gamgee]

4 owners in 5000km? Verly stlange.

The original link to tardme doesn't appear to work.... has the auction been pulled? Did the auctioneer pull? If so, who's pushing, and what are they pushing for? The truth? You can't handle the truth.

Ahem. 2nd hand from a good dealer is a good option if you're worried about finding a problem post-purchase......

not overly strange, unless it's 4 personal owners, i mean, the first owner will be the dealer, then a customer, then they could have sold it to a dealer, then another customer, and thats your 4 'owners' even tho it's really only two

[Macktheknife]

I have bought most of my bikes second hand, after checking them out well and getting advice from a mechanic if I have any questions. What I have learned is that my instincts are usually good, but it never hurts to have a second opinion from a more knowledgable person. If in doubt take someone along who knows their stuff and get them to look and ride it. Old story, buyer beware. Or you could buy second hand from a dealer who has a good rep, like Sarge at Colemans, he will see you right.

[beyond]

What do you do when you buy anything second hand?
First you look at it. If it looks dodgy you pass. If you like the look of it, you take closer look. If that passes your scrutiny, you take it for a test ride. If it doesn't rattle, fart or bang, you got a goer. You give it some stick and look behind you. If you can still see the scenery, it aint a smoker. :)

I've has the AA and Car Inspection services check vehicles for me and both times been burnt real bad with a full engine reco.

Now, I just drive or ride hard when testing, look for the obvious and have been 100% on the ball everytime.

Buying off a dealer helps with a 1 or three month warranty which most will give.

I bought my 1400 after one test ride with my missus on the back. It had done 15,000kms and I have now done 40,000 without missing a beat and it's a bloody good bike. been thrashed? Probably, but all new bikes have rev limiters etc so how can you actually thrash them anyway?

Needed new sprockets, chain and steering head bearings at 20,000kms so suspect the front wheels been pawing the moon for a bit but what a buy.

Buy new and yeah, you get to spend the first miserable 1000kms running the sucker in (if that's even good for it and modern consensus says it aint) and when you leave the shop door on your brandy, it just dropped $5,000 bucks.

Shit I can go on.

[XTC]

Shit I can go on.
Yep you surely can :) All good points though.

[Patrick]

All four bikes I've had recently have been second hand, three off TardMe and one at a garage sale. Had the three TardMe ones checked out, problems were found and the price was "renegotiated" every time. Ended up with four great bikes though. Get em checked out, money well spent.

[beyond]

Yep you surely can :) All good points though.

Thanks mate :)

Love me bike though.

I'm out Drury way.

[skidz]

Iv'e never had problems with any second hand bikes. It's just like like a washing machine, you either get a goody or a dud. The sport bikes of today don't mind a good thrashing. another thing you look at is you're gonna lose alot of money as soon as you take that sparkly new bike out the showroom door.

[skidMark]

with all this wealth can you buy me a new bike you know as long as it's over 17499 i'm happy cough 06 yamaha r6 plzzz oh yer don't forget about the onroad so when are you giving me it?

[pritch]

It had done 15,000kms and I have now done 40,000 without missing a beat and it's a bloody good bike. been thrashed? Probably, but all new bikes have rev limiters etc so how can you actually thrash them anyway?

Indeed! There must be a very small group of riders who could actually thrash modern litre bikes (or bigger). As long as you keep putting liquids in and remember to change gear what damage could you do?

[Ozzie]

Thanks guys, once the "Ozzie is a twat" thing, and the anonomous red squares ceased, some good info came.

I appreciate it, and I'm sure any other solo newbees that read it will as well.

And yes, I really am a twat, but if it helps someone like the newbee this is aimed at, I can handle it!:whocares:

[Maha]

[QUOTE=Ozzie]I personnaly will not seriously consider a second hand bike.

You should, from a Dealer you cant go wrong, as long as the chosen bike has a service history you shouldnt have a prob. I bought a YZF 600 last July for $8495, sold it 10 months later and got $8k for it, brilliant bike, never missed a beat, went back to the same Dearler and now have the Triumph, no regrets, love it

[toymachine]

Thanks guys, once the "Ozzie is a twat" thing, and the anonomous red squares ceased, some good info came.

I appreciate it, and I'm sure any other solo newbees that read it will as well.

And yes, I really am a twat, but if it helps someone like the newbee this is aimed at, I can handle it!:whocares:

Mmm, a good thread to raise some opinions if you ask me.

Second hand is my only option, and TBH having no experience on a bike it's the sensible option... hey, I _will_ drop it at some stage, bang it up a bit... hopefully not too much or too often but i expect it to happen.

Going to keep looking around... beyond trademe though i'm not sure where to look?

[SARGE]

I personnaly will not seriously consider a second hand bike.

Why?

Well basically because I don't know what they have been through, I don't know enough about bikes to be able to tell. Because I can't be sure it is safe and hasn't been thrashed, and you just can't trust people to be honest;

What are your thoughts? What are your biggest concerns with second hand rides? What do you look for?




which is WHY its a good idea to go throught a reputable dealership..

TardMe is a virus that eats $$$

[Swoop]

I bought my bike through betrademe.

2nd hand... no.
I am at least the 10th owner. Do I give a rats ass - no.

All second hand bikes have their issues. Normally very small.
It deends on what you are after. There is smeg-all that goes wrong with a modern bike - but check its history. Like a car, if the oil and filter has been changed regularly, there is very little that can go wrong.
A great dealer like SARGE will stand behind his bike/product/sale, 100% whether new or second hand. Why? Because of the reliability of todays engineering.

If a bike has been dropped? Then it needs to have been rebuilt by someone who knows what they are doing. Simple.

Bikes are like cars. Once driven off the showroom floor depreciation kicks in and the affordability varies.
Do your homework.
If you can afford a brand new bike - get one and look after it.
If not, get a 2nd hand one and enjoy it for what it is.
Then think about a new bike that you will look after and know its history.

Rule #1?
Be honest with your dealings when you sell the bike.

[SARGE]

A great dealer like SARGE will stand behind his bike/product/sale, 100% whether new or second hand. Why? Because of the reliability of todays engineering.



thanks man... even if it wasnt the law.. i'd still stand behind my deals.. ( unless i specifically state " As is Where Is"

no point in fuck-in anyone around .. if i sell you a good bike .. you'll tell 2 friends .. if i fuck you over .. you will tell 200.

it dont lend itself to long term career prospects

Garage sale Trademe dealers dont have that hanging over thier heads

[Ozzie]

Going to keep looking around... beyond trademe though i'm not sure where to look?

By the sounds of it dude, it might be an idea to drop in and see sarge, Colemans Suzuki isn't it????? Mt Eden????

[marty]

with all this wealth can you buy me a new bike you know as long as it's over 17499 i'm happy cough 06 yamaha r6 plzzz oh yer don't forget about the onroad so when are you giving me it?

lets see, 12 hours, $17499, that works out to about $1458/hr, or at the most, $14/km.....

[Motu]

thanks man...

How do you walk with all these heads stuck up your arse? Do you take them out at night?

[inlinefour]

Thanks guys, once the "Ozzie is a twat" thing, and the anonomous red squares ceased, some good info came.

I appreciate it, and I'm sure any other solo newbees that read it will as well.

And yes, I really am a twat, but if it helps someone like the newbee this is aimed at, I can handle it!:whocares:

Pays not to take anything too seriously that is posted. People who do tend not to last very long. Many of us when we started here where thought to be considered twats. Apparently there are still people that think that, but like I said. pay not to take anything too seriously here and I dont actually care...

Ask away with your questions, by all means. Just don't be surprised if you cop a bit of flack at times, we all do eh.:whocares:

[SARGE]

By the sounds of it dude, it might be an idea to drop in and see sarge, Colemans Suzuki isn't it????? Mt Eden????

K'Rd under R&R Sport..





How do you walk with all these heads stuck up your arse? Do you take them out at night?


no way dude..

i like it when they wiggle.. helps me dance better.. :blip:

[onearmedbandit]

Sarge, in NZ a licenced dealer can not contract out of the consumers guarantee act, even by putting 'as is where is' or 'sold for wrecking purposes only' on the VOSA. If shit hit the fan they can still take you to task, the only thing in your favour is the courts will take into account price paid, condition at time of sale (has to be agreed upon by both parties) versus normal retail. If it is blindingly obvious signifficantly less was paid then normal retail the consumers case will be weakened, but not thrown out. You are still bound by the sales of goods act, c.g.a, and fair trading act.

[sunhuntin]

when i upgrade, it will likely be to second hand. and will also likely be off someone i know, where i can know the history of the bike and how it was ridden. i was on a 4th hand suzuki that was ridden by my brother, then by my dad and then me. subsequently, i got hit by a car, but the bike is still being used on a farm somewhere. i was quite happy on that bike too.

i like the older bikes....these new ones all just look like clones to me, the old ones sorta all looked different. and they stand out even more today because of that.

[Bonez]

Secondhand bikes are fine. All the ones I've purchased have done over 50,000kms and more than 2 owners. The odd quirk here and there but nothing over the top.

[acewheelie]

I've never had the luxury of a new bike, by and large the bikes I've had have been roadworthy, some a bit tatty, but with TLC they tend to last ok. Even managed to get 80,000 km from a VF750F without the top of the motor letting go!

[yungatart]

We pay cash for most things, including all our bikes - I would rather pay cash for a second hand bike than interest on a new one!

[Silage]

Hey Ozzie, just so you don't feel like the only one to "prefer" buying new. The road bikes I buy, I expect to hang onto for a while and so the 1988 GB400 ($3200 new) and 2004 GS1200 ($9000 600km on clock) I bought new and still have. The extra dosh at purchase is evened out by length of ownership. For me it is the same issue as you raised - don't know what a second-hand has been and done. But I do realise that there are a lot of good 2ndhands around. I just don't wannabe 1000km from home with a no go. Sure it can happen with a new bike but its less likely.

In addition I have two trailies - XR200 and XL125 both bought 2ndhand and the 200 is a bit of a dunger but is a grunter when it goes - who cares if they break somewhere as I am unlikely to be more than 3hrs pushing to vehicle or home. And just to be totally inconsistent, I would never buy a new car cos there are heaps of great 2nd hand buys around. I am just fussier with my bikes - and its my skin.

No reason for red reps to you Ozzie, good discussion. When you get to 200 posts and 3months (or sommit like that) you can see who sent them.

[Ozzie]

No reason for red reps to you Ozzie, good discussion. When you get to 200 posts and 3months (or sommit like that) you can see who sent them.

Ha Ha, thanks Jimmie. Same with you on the bikes, and the cars, you should see the bucket of crap I drive?????

I will get over the reds, I'm guessing one was from the seller of the bike I mentioned, who around the same time pulled the auction.

If he/she is still reading this.....Hope you do sell it, but next time you list, tell the whole story up front and I mean the whole story, less likely to be seen as dishonest and trying to prey on newbees.:rockon: