Buying a 15 year old low mileage bike - what to look out for?

Discussion in 'General 1000RR Discussion' started by Sp0oner, Apr 16, 2019.

  1. Sp0oner

    Sp0oner Active Member

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    Just want thoughts on what should have been done based on age rather than mileage. With say 10k on the clock service history will be minimal so what major work should have been carried out based on age?
     
  2. nigelrb

    nigelrb Elite Member

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    Major service is at 16K, so at the moment you should still expect clean oil and air filter. I always look for leaks in fork seals. The unscrupulous will wipe down forks pre-sale. Leaks will then only become obvious after the deal's done.

    Looking underneath the bike reveals how fastidious the owner is. Grimy belly pans and lower exhausts worry me. It's not to say there's a fault with the bike or the owner, it's just that I feel happier knowing that a bike has been looked after as I would look after it.:)
     
  3. Sp0oner

    Sp0oner Active Member

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    Thanks Nigel. Is any of that 16k service affected by age too though? So fluid changes such as brake fluid etc need to have been done by now?
     
  4. raphael

    raphael Elite Member

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    brake fluid and coolant is every 2 years mate, check tyres as some won’t waste the money on new to just sit there
     
  5. Sp0oner

    Sp0oner Active Member

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    Thanks i didn’t realise it was every 2 years as my pevious bikes were always serviced on mileage which was roughly every 4 months and just had done whatever was due at the time. I need to start reading up now I don’t do any miles o_O I’ve already messaged them asking when fluids were last done.
     
  6. dmc12

    dmc12 Well-Known Member

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    What bike is it you're looking at Spooner? Got a link?
     
  7. nigelrb

    nigelrb Elite Member

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    Don't be daft. He won't post that in case one of us goes out to buy it!!:)
     
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  8. Sp0oner

    Sp0oner Active Member

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    Nigel’s right it’s not something I want to share at the moment.

    Brake and clutch fluid was done 4-5 years ago and coolant last year is what’s come back.
     
  9. nigelrb

    nigelrb Elite Member

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    That shouldn't be anything to put you off, UNLESS fluid has deteriorated due to bike being kept in damp conditions (which you know about). Aside from the fluid it could have adversely affected caliper pistons. Is worth just looking inside the master cylinder.
     
  10. gary1966

    gary1966 Active Member

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    Theres are tell tale signs you will no if someone has loved the bike or abused it, all the mots should be with it regardless if its been used every year, the exhaust header bolts should be shiny downpipes go a nasty brown that cant be helped but if its seen SALT it will show on the header bolts and the bolts on the radiator/horn. For me the engine must be clean no oil stains etc. Also under the pillion seat it should be corrosion free bolts should be shiny unless its seen rain or a garden hose and been left dripping wet. 15 years old RR4/RR5 ???? 10K miles got to be the .......................... wink wink
     
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  11. Sp0oner

    Sp0oner Active Member

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    Nigel and Gary thanks for the pointers much appreciated. Lol Gary it did worry me you might see it as you are after an rr4 but i thought it had too many miles and not pristine enough for you collectors :D
     
  12. gary1966

    gary1966 Active Member

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    I sent an offer in but thinking about it I do want one in standard trim, miles not a problem yesterday’s bike 929 has 22k on it.

    If the rr4 was completely standard it would now be mine
     
  13. Sp0oner

    Sp0oner Active Member

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    Yeah he doesn’t have the end can for it I know that much which is a shame as I like to have the original parts. It’s a 6 hour round trip to see it so I need to work out if I do want it and can agree a price how i’d get it home.
     
  14. gary1966

    gary1966 Active Member

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    One i am intrested in is 9.5 hrs round trip, the 929 a courier is picking it up wednesday and dropping off to me 1st thursday £120, end cans can be bought on ebay cheap enough.
    Any luck with selling your Repsol?
     
  15. Sp0oner

    Sp0oner Active Member

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    Yeah it’s being picked up Saturday morning deposit taken and buyer confirmed he will be down for it Saturday.

    How do tou guys normally deal with sales? I wanted to go the bank and get him to transfer money via the cashier but being a Saturday my nearest bank open is 20+ minutes drive away. There must be a simpler safe way of doing it.

    The courier is an idea and £120 isn’t bad I was thinking of a hire car to view it and drive up there and then if i want the bike ride the bike home and leave hire car for collection there. Need to speak to the hire car company though I use at work and insurance company about the bike cover.
     
  16. gary1966

    gary1966 Active Member

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    Do you do online banking? if so he checks your bike over he gets his phone out transfer it to your account you do the same and check your balance jobs a gooden.
     
  17. nigelrb

    nigelrb Elite Member

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    First, congrats on the confirmed Repsol sale!

    I do most of my transactions via bank transfer on my computer. It's instantaneous with most banks. (Just noticed Gary mentions same)

    I've also used motorcycle transporters ( Neil from here is good https://www.motorbiketransporter.com/ ) but just recently taken to hiring a van and doing it myself. (Okay if you have your own straps etc. I keep them in my bedroom - the gals love the ratchet clicking as they're bound up. Woops getting carried away there:rolleyes:) Logically, if you're going to hire a car, you may as well hire a van. If you don't buy it you'd still be up for the rental either way.
     
  18. Sp0oner

    Sp0oner Active Member

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    Thanks both - again. Yes I do internet banking but he doesn't although he called the bank to transfer me the deposit so guess he could do the same for the remaining amount when he is at my house. I just prefer to go to a bank and get them to confirm the money is transferred i'm just not very trusting unless the bank tells me it's all good.

    The problem with me hiring a van Nigel is i've no idea how to strap a bike down!!! I'd rather that was done by a professional. That's why I thought drive a hire car there and ride the bike home. But until i've spoken with the hire company it might ot be practical anyway.
     
    #18 Sp0oner, Apr 16, 2019
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2019
  19. gary1966

    gary1966 Active Member

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    How far is the train station from his?
     
  20. nigelrb

    nigelrb Elite Member

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    Fair enough. One of those things that's easy when you know how - and with the right equipment. Many of us have probably heard stories of ropes or straps coming undone in vans and on trailers. Not a nice result!:mad:
     

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