On average... when is a bike over-the-hill?

**WildBoarMouse** · 20th June 2005, 19:00

Just getting into the scene, how do Km's on a bike compare to Km's on a car... just for example, you might start getting a little wary of a car that's done over 150,000km, but would be fairly comfortable buying a car with only 80k-100k on the clock.

How does this compare to a bike? 250's in particular - since that's what us newbies have to start with

I'd be really interested to see what people think about four-strokes in particular...

What brought this question up was a ZXR250r sale on trademe, 1990 model, split windshield, no wof, no rego, new paintjob (

), and 80,0000km on the clock going for $2750!!! Now, is that a reasonable price?

I'd really appreciate it if things could stay kind of on-topic as threads often go AWOL after about 10-15 posts

**Bonez** · 20th June 2005, 19:08

I own two bikes with over 120,000ks up. And they run fine, bit rattly, but fine. It really depends on how they have been looked after. I rather buy a well maintained higher millage m/c than a low millage ill maintained one thats only been riden on Sundays.............

**WildBoarMouse** · 20th June 2005, 19:11

Agreed... there are always exceptions!

**Jabez** · 20th June 2005, 19:15

Originally Posted by Bonez

I own two bikes with over 120,000ks up. And they run fine, bit rattly, but fine. It really depends on how they have been looked after. I rather buy a well maintained higher millage m/c than a low millage ill maintained one thats only been riden on Sundays.............

I also have had a bike over 100K & my present one has done about 70k.
I do on average about 10K/yr. As long as they are well maintained, they should last.

**Jackrat** · 20th June 2005, 19:16

For me a bike is never over the hill until the day you can know longer beg, borrow, buy, or steal the parts to keep it going.
Ummmm, maybe not steal,but you get the drift aye!!
I met a guy last year that was riding a Honda of some type(can't remember just what it was)but it had 170,000 and looked almost new.
My hats off to that dude.

I've had one bike with 140,000 up an it was good for another I reckon.
Would of ended up like that good old spade that had three new handles an two new blades but was still the same good old spade.

**GSVR** · 20th June 2005, 19:22

I know a lady on here thats got a Honda Jade 250 thats got extremely low mileage.

Runs pretty well no smoke mind you she doesn't thrash it.

**WildBoarMouse** · 20th June 2005, 19:44

Hi guys... Yep, there are definitely some bikes out there that have gone the distance!

But... for someone purchasing their first bike (250cc in particular) when would you start to look elsewhere... assuming all you have to go on to start with are the rough details you find in the classifieds.

**Bonez** · 20th June 2005, 20:03

Originally Posted by WildBoarMouse

Hi guys... Yep, there are definitely some bikes out there that have gone the distance!

But... for someone purchasing their first bike (250cc in particular) when would you start to look elsewhere... assuming all you have to go on to start with are the rough details you find in the classifieds.

Classifieds don't tell you much at all really. It's not till you've looked at, talked to the seller and riden the things that give you what you need to make the final purchasing decision IMHO. Also gander in as many bikeshops as you can. This should give you an idea of average retail prices and an idea of the condition for millage. Remember its usually the good'ns, as in visual condition, that are out front. There may be the odd servicable "rat" out back which could be perfectly fine to learn on. Do you have a freind whose into m/cs who can assist?

**SPORK** · 20th June 2005, 20:08

What a coincidence! Within 30 seconds of perusing KB and TM, I find these two matches!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/a...sp?id=29465692 That's the one, eh?

**WildBoarMouse** · 20th June 2005, 20:18

Thanks for all the polls so far! Looks like we're starting to see a little trend!

Classifieds don't tell you much at all really. It's not till you've looked at, talked to the seller and riden the things that give you what you need to make the final purchasing decision IMHO. Also gander in as many bikeshops as you can. This should give you an idea of average retail prices and an idea of the condition for millage. Remember its usually the good'ns, as in visual condition, that are out front. There may be the odd servicable "rat" out back which could be perfectly fine to learn on. Do you have a freind whose into m/cs who can assist?

I've been trawling the online sales sites in particular and have only been in to a few bike shops... My neighbour is in to racing on a suzuki 1000 something and a workmate is also in to bikes. Both are able to lend a hand

Certainly makes bouncing ideas around a little easier.

What a coincidence! Within 30 seconds of perusing KB and TM, I find these two matches!

Yep

Thats it

**DingDong** · 20th June 2005, 20:22

Originally Posted by WildBoarMouse

a ZXR250r sale on trademe, 1990 model, split windshield, no wof, no rego, new paintjob (

), and 80,0000km on the clock going for $2750!!! Now, is that a reasonable price?

Depending on how hard you want to look, I'd say its a rip, any bike without a wof is poor buy if your buying from an auction, the seller is no longer responsible for the bike once you buy "as is"... which is essentially what your doing... get it checked out first, tell the seller this before you hand over the cash (or even start bidding) and set your conditions of sale.

If it was $1500 it would be a different story...

**HDTboy** · 20th June 2005, 20:37

My 1990 cbr had 70ks on in when i bought it for $2700 with wof & reg

**crashe** · 20th June 2005, 21:02

http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/a...sp?id=29465692

Ok couple of things:
How much will a new windscreen cost?
As they state you will need a new one before you can get a WOF.
Cos you will need to get that done as soon as you buy it....
so check out the cost of replacing one first.

The bike looks good in the pic but you will need to see it first.
Arrange to go and look at it, plus take someone with you to really check it out and who also knows these bikes. Maybe get them to take it for a quick spin down the road - yep I know not legal for the road.. but it would be good to see it run.

How long has it sat for? Will it also need a new battery? Cost of a new battery.

Why is the seller selling it as is where is.... is it cos he cant afford to keep the bike...? If you buy it, you will need a trailor or van to get it home...

Also take into account that you will be paying on top of it the rego and WOF.

Good luck in your search for your very first bike.

**WildBoarMouse** · 20th June 2005, 21:09

Thanks for that Crashe! I wasn't seriously considering that particular bike, but it's good to know the little things to look out for in this particular case.