Buying a bike you can't view?

**Dirty Heathen** · 15th November 2009, 09:43

So still looking at bikes I live in the bay of plenty and there always seem to be a a lot of really good well priced zxr,cbr 250s is the south island i do have a friend that lives in CH who has owned a ZXR and now has a R6 so he more then happy to go test ride and inspect any bikes in that area that I am interested in but whats the best thing to do if don't have anyone you know to have a look at the bike.

Any advice from anyone that done this would be great.

I have test ridden similar bikes locally so know what they are like to ride or the feel of them is just more making sure what they selling is what it is and the condition it is in.
Do you guys get mechanical checks done on them if so how much does it cost on average?

Also what kms would you not buy a IL4?

**JohnJumper** · 15th November 2009, 11:18

If you have a friend who will test ride, get his opinion first. If he thinks it is all good and you intend to purchase, then get a mechanic to look it over for you.

All is good, especially the chance to ride the country on the way back from the south island

**EJK** · 15th November 2009, 11:36

There are plenty of friendly chch bikers whom maybe able to help you.
And by telling where you are living, and what your "friend" rides (ZXR and R6) I'm guessing your friend is a well known KBer "Dave-"

**Dirty Heathen** · 15th November 2009, 12:10

Yep I know Dave through gaming not a RL mate but trust him well enough to look at bikes for me we have been part of the same gaming community for a very long time.

**McJim** · 15th November 2009, 12:17

Although kms are usually the currency with which to measure used bikes the overall condition and history of maintenance can be a better way of measuring a bike's value.

Some high km bikes have been maintained well. some low km bikes have been rolled bowled and arseholed.

Best to see the bike in the flesh, hear it start from cold. check for funny noises, worn bearings, burning oil, oil leaks, coolant leaks, twisted frame/forks etc.

If you can't do this yourself or get someone knowledgable to do it for you then you are taking a bit of a gamble. Lets face it though - if someone is selling a bike for less than the going rate there's probably a reason why!

**EJK** · 15th November 2009, 12:18

He's a great guy and also hes got some great friends. I heard he's left for Whakatane this morning. You could personally meet him soon.

**Hiflyer** · 15th November 2009, 12:56

I'd get a KB'er (or friend) who lives in the area to have a look, then if that was sweet I'd get a mechanic to have a look. (maybe a friend whos a mechanic?) then personally I'd fly down and get the bike and scoot on up the country!!!! Just be very careful though if your new to bikes, dont want ya puching out acc levies up

EDIT: and if there's a service record, dont take the K's into account too much, dont know what peoples issues are. OH NOES THE BIKE HAS DONE OVER 20,000KMS.... MUST BE ABOUT TO BLOW UP....

**Dirty Heathen** · 15th November 2009, 13:09

yer as kms go anything under 50,000 not to worried if its been serviced but seem to be a a lot of bikes with 60,000 plus that worry's more.

**Disrespective** · 15th November 2009, 18:13

I bought a bike in Auckland earlier in the year and i was in Wellington. I got him to take it to a mechanics to get it looked over on the proviso that if i was satisfied with the outcome i'd pay the price of getting it done and then get it shipped down.

He was a KB'er so that helped, but i'd be doing that again with anyone i was wanting to buy a bike from that i was unable to view myself.

**Dirty Heathen** · 15th November 2009, 19:19

could anyone tell me at what kms do does the timing chain need to be done on the IL4 engines?

I am actually starting to look a lot more at fzr there a little cheaper then the cbrs and zxr and they look nice as well.

Might go at look at this in Htown this week if i can thought
And here is a few others

Really keen on the last one but its in CH which is a pain in the arse and the main reason i started this thread.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=254114397
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=252782839
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=252502320
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=252640795
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=253723498

Sorry to ask buts better to have the opinion of experienced people that not ask.

its mainly engines that my biggest concern I can do cosmetic easy and cheap with my business so it more getting a bike thats very good mechanically the IL4 just scare me with the story's of when they shit them self and the cost to fix them.