Thoughts on this bike

**The Flux Capacita** · 6th June 2007, 20:21

hey i'm looking at getting a new bike since my late FZR met unfortunate circumstances and being winter they're a little cheaper than normal

250's are still over priced but i better stick to my class so any thoughts on this bike here would be appreciated

cheers

Flux

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...448&key=594484

**Karma** · 6th June 2007, 20:26

Just an initial observation... that's seriously low km's for a bike that age, especially if it's been used as a commuter, might be possible that it's been wound back or gone round the clock.

**The Flux Capacita** · 6th June 2007, 20:28

it's not to bad aye....my i paid $3300 for my FZR though with upgraded brakes and it only had 26000 kms though so yea...with exup...brought it off some commuting girl in auckland again who was moving overseas

and i'll know if it's been around the clock when i get the owners sheet unless it's been owned by the same person since new (unlikely)

**gamgee** · 6th June 2007, 22:35

see how the numbers on the odometer don't line up, it's usually a good indication that it's been tampered with

**Tim 39** · 7th June 2007, 17:36

I don't think 39000 km's are that low considering a lot of people who have a road bike may only use it for a wee ride once in a blue moon

**-df-** · 7th June 2007, 19:38

Originally Posted by gamgee

see how the numbers on the odometer don't line up, it's usually a good indication that it's been tampered with

I thought most older speedo's do that when they are about to clock over a main number (the 10,000s). That one is under 200kms from that so wouldn't pay any attention to it.

**The Flux Capacita** · 7th June 2007, 20:34

yea my FZR kinda read funny as well...couldn't tell if it was 26000 or 25000 when i brought it but looking at the owners papers it looked like it had been in a shop or something for some time as 2wice the mileage hadnt changed untill it got to girl i brought it off so i decided it was genuine

Thanx for your comments guys...i used a mates buy now to get the bike and i'll pick it up in 2 weeks after uni exams

will be good to have a bike again

**moko** · 8th June 2007, 04:43

Unless you've got proof don't rely on the odo of any bike to judge the mileage/kms.By proof I mean like my DR650 which came with all the service history from new and every M.o.t. certificate(same as WOF) over the years as well.The older a bike is the less chance that the kms are genuine for any number of reasons,that one for example has been dropped and the fairing repaired,could well have got a set of replacement clocks at the same time.
In reality condition and the way it's been treated are a lot more important,I know of a very low miles 3 year-old SV1000 that I wouldn't touch with a barge-pole.It's only ever had the first free service and the owner revs the nuts off it and thrashes it all of 3 kms each way to work and back.Alternatively I know owners of scruffy old bikes that no-one gives a second look at who are totally anal about maintaining their machines.
Particularly at the budget end there are a few simple things that will tell you more than numbers on a clock.Firstly take a mate,he or she will look at the machine more dispassionately than you looking at something you really want.Check the chain for lube and correct tension,stick your finger in the oil,has it been changed,what colour is it,also coolant and brake fluid levels,tyre tread,pad condition,slick cable operation e.t.c..These are simple things but a great sign of either a conscientious owner or a clod who can't be bothered with basic maintenance and a budget bike that needs a new set of tyres and chain and sprockets often isn't such a bargain after all.If the seller gets the hump walk,what's he trying to hide,not as if you're asking to strip the motor is it? Do a bit of homework before you go,ask him/her when it was last serviced and ask for the receipt,keep it friendly by the way,don't give the guy the impression you're trying to catch him out because quite rightly he'll get upset.If he says he services it himself having done your homework you can ask him what the tappet clearances and plug gaps are for your future use,his reaction and answer will tell you volumes.At the end of the day you're looking at the bargain end of the market so you're not going to get anything mint for your money but you also don't want a neglected machine that's going to turn into a money-pit either.
Any seller with nothing to hide will let you look at whatever you want to within reason,you're the guy with the money,he's the guy that wants to sell the bike.Something I always do is ask a seller what's the least they'll take for the bike before I even set out,saves hassle later and you both know where you stand,you know his lowest price so that's what you take with you and either have it or not,if you're going to walk the seller might just drop again but personally I prefer to know the guy's bottom limit before leaving home and having told him that's what I'm prepared to pay.

**Chrislost** · 9th June 2007, 00:08

look at the pic from behind.
does it look twisted?

**dogsnbikes** · 9th June 2007, 00:25

Originally Posted by The Flux Capacita

yea my FZR kinda read funny as well...couldn't tell if it was 26000 or 25000 when i brought it but looking at the owners papers it looked like it had been in a shop or something for some time as 2wice the mileage hadnt changed untill it got to girl i brought it off so i decided it was genuine

Thanx for your comments guys...i used a mates buy now to get the bike and i'll pick it up in 2 weeks after uni exams

will be good to have a bike again

Good on you and good luck have fun with the bike

looks like the chain and sprockets could do with some attention take it easy out there