Suzuki GSX400X Impulse 1987. Should I buy it?

**Markyfinstein** · 2nd November 2014, 09:10

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** · 2nd November 2014, 09:15

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-780469694.htm

Looks pretty straight.

**Markyfinstein** · 2nd November 2014, 09:23

Originally Posted by Madness

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-780469694.htm

Looks pretty straight.

Sweet as, thanks mate!

**local** · 2nd November 2014, 09:45

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** · 2nd November 2014, 09:54

Originally Posted by Markyfinstein

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** · 2nd November 2014, 10:04

Originally Posted by skippa1

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** · 2nd November 2014, 10:10

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 2nd November 2014, 10:16

Originally Posted by Markyfinstein

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** · 2nd November 2014, 10:45

Originally Posted by Big Dog

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** · 2nd November 2014, 11:35

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

**Big Dog** · 2nd November 2014, 11:42

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** · 2nd November 2014, 11:54

Originally Posted by akzle

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

gsx400-x rimpulser?

**Markyfinstein** · 2nd November 2014, 11:59

Originally Posted by 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.

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!