Should 1999 and 70,000km mean stay away?

[James Deuce]

I'd be more suspicious of something from the '90s with ~4000km on the clock like that RGV250"SP" some wag is trying to sell for 1 million dollars on Trade Me.

[Dodgy]

My VFR800 2000 model has clocked up 110,000km. At 105,000 I finally had to replace a leaking fork seal. They were the original seals and I replaced the bushes as I had ordered some already - but the originals were barely worn. She uses nil oil between changes and has original clutch plates. I have just replaced the (original) seized rear suspension bearings, there was a bit of slop developing.

I reckon that she is good for at least another 50,000 before getting a refresh, and although she is great as a tourer and keeps up with the Blackbirds and Hayabusas that I ride with, the VFR would probably have a market value of $2,500.

Dont be afraid of higher kms, take the bike for a ride and judge for yourself.

[avgas]

As much as I'd love to say I trust a motorcycle dealer saying the bike runs great, the fact that it has had 70,000kms is what is making me think twice - I am not sure if it has a full service record or not. Have just seen another bike advertised with 85,000kms on the clock, ex-rental bike and although it has more KMs it has a full service record.

That said, what can a full service record truly prove? Apart from a regular oil & filter change it can't speak for how many times the bike has been redlined/thrashed?

If you are talking about red baron........it gets worse.....

They basically frankenstien bikes. So they would get a few of the same model. Take all "good" parts (including the lowest speedo) and make their "top of the line" bike......resprayed it will look brand new.

Then they take all the crappiest parts and make the "bottom of the line" bike, and even that is with the speedo sitting on a drill for a few days.

As long as engine number matches frame. People are none the wiser.

In saying that I have had the best service from them. So swings and roundabouts. But yeah - be a little cautious with their import stock.

[Laava]

and even that is with the speedo sitting on a drill for a few days. .

Tell us more about this! I would love to know how you are going to modify an lcd electronic odometer with an electric drill!

[Big Dog]

If you are talking about red baron........it gets worse.....

They basically frankenstien bikes. So they would get a few of the same model. Take all "good" parts (including the lowest speedo) and make their "top of the line" bike......resprayed it will look brand new.

Then they take all the crappiest parts and make the "bottom of the line" bike, and even that is with the speedo sitting on a drill for a few days.

As long as engine number matches frame. People are none the wiser.

In saying that I have had the best service from them. So swings and roundabouts. But yeah - be a little cautious with their import stock.

Do you have evidence of these claims?
If you do I am sure the various bodies would pay a handsome reward.

[Tazz]

70k is not outrageously high.

The K's should be reflected in the price.

This...if you're happy with the price vs risk, go nuts. That applies to any vehicle, even new.

[tigertim20]

70k is just run in.

as above, price should factor in its milage, but my cbr600 (91) I sold on with nearly 140,000km on. that was about 5 years ago. I understand its still going fine.

[swbarnett]

my bikes done 120km, but it sure feels like it, one blown fork seal, smokes like a prostitute, plastics all broken, paints faded, indicator dont work, gear indicator doesn't work, bike has a miss every now and then, and just this morning the abs light came on.......

Mine's done about 117,000km and it still looks almost new. What do you do to your bike?

[Gremlin]

as above, price should factor in its milage, but my cbr600 (91) I sold on with nearly 140,000km on. that was about 5 years ago. I understand its still going fine.

Hondas are good like that.

Mate's CB900 has just under 100k on it. Rear wheel bearings done way back under warranty (known weakness). Mine is a touch over 123k now, just got a birthday with the front end pulled apart and new seals, bushes, springs etc. Clutch cable replaced at 60k, besides that, it's pretty much consumables (tyres, pads, 1 rear disc, front - I think - and rear wheel bearings, chain and sprockets) and regular servicing. Lives a tough life as it's all commuting, no country running. Another mate has another CB900 that's done 150k, just needs some TLC around chain, suspension etc. Only one CB900 has done more that I know of, done about 240k, but it's had gearbox work done. Used to be a courier bike, and now owned by another KB'er. Afaik, none have required engine work...

[The End]

For those asking the price, its listed as $3995. 1999 naked model - The paint has seen better times, but the odd chip and scratch is to be expected with a bike of this age though.

Some wise input in this thread, thanks all.

[Mike.Gayner]

If you are talking about red baron........it gets worse.....

They basically frankenstien bikes. So they would get a few of the same model. Take all "good" parts (including the lowest speedo) and make their "top of the line" bike......resprayed it will look brand new.

Then they take all the crappiest parts and make the "bottom of the line" bike, and even that is with the speedo sitting on a drill for a few days.

As long as engine number matches frame. People are none the wiser.

In saying that I have had the best service from them. So swings and roundabouts. But yeah - be a little cautious with their import stock.

Without proof this post is nothing by slander. I'd be pretty careful making these kinds of assertions, you could legitimately find yourself in legal trouble.

[R650R]

Without proof this post is nothing by slander. I'd be pretty careful making these kinds of assertions, you could legitimately find yourself in legal trouble.

Yes and NZ law is pretty tough on this compared to other countries. A lot of people mistakenly think that if the info is true that they are protected but you are still liable for libel/slander if your statement damages someones rep or business...

[Gremlin]

For those asking the price, its listed as $3995. 1999 naked model - The paint has seen better times, but the odd chip and scratch is to be expected with a bike of this age though.

Some wise input in this thread, thanks all.

Not sure how much negotiation room you have with the list price, but this strikes me as a better option: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-761087140.htm

[R650R]

suspension gets flogged after 10k, still 100% rideable at 100k but it wont be as good as it could be.

Brake system may or may not need an overhaul if never done before.

plastics may start to be going brittle at 15yrs.

Valve clearances, piston rings, wheel and steering head bearings - all these things (plus many more) will be worn.


my bikes done 120km, but it sure feels like it, one blown fork seal, smokes like a prostitute, plastics all broken, paints faded, indicator dont work, gear indicator doesn't work, bike has a miss every now and then, and just this morning the abs light came on.......

Suspension woes easily cured with just fresh fork oil and a clean out on most bikes... brittle plastics???? they all are when they hit the ground...
Not really an issue under normal use...

[DR650gary]

To be honest, I'd stay away and head for this http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-761702212.htm

Regardless of service history etc it is a 1999 bike compared to a 2008 for similar money and similar k's. The 2008 is probably a better spec model, although I am not an SV650 expert, but the extra 9 years means something.

Have a look at both and any others that appeal and buy what feels right to you.

Cheers