Author Topic: found a motorcycle to buy (Read 395 times)

JB73 · « **on:** April 18, 2005, 09:57:15 AM »

very similar to this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4542197981&category=6710#ebayphotohosting

the one im getting is a 81 kawasaki 650 for $200

the owner got spooked one time, was chased by a car, ended up driving onto a sidewalk to escape, and has been to scared to get on the bike since.

it has been in his garage for about 5 years.

my best friends neighbor is a bike freak, owns a hayabusa, and told me about the bike.

im paying him $50 and a case of beer to make sure it is running and all good.

whatcha think? i'll be getting ym motorcycle liscense this week, and registering for a safety course this week also. will get the bike in 2 weeks about.

Skydancer · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2005, 10:40:12 AM »

That'll do nicely

The z650 is a fine little middleweight as long as you don't expect it to perform like the latest stuff.

WTG:aok

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2005, 04:36:47 PM »

As long as its in good running condition, that 650 will have lots of low end pep and scoot you around town just fine. It'll have enough juice to take on the highway if necessary, and should be easy to handle. I wouldn't plan any long trips with it, but for what you described your needs to be, it should perform admirably.

Have fun!

Chairboy · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2005, 05:09:37 PM »

Problem: If it has been sitting in the garage for 5 years unridden, then expect to spend some hundreds of dollars getting it into ridable shape.

Things that WILL be in need of inspection, probably replacement:

1. Tires
2. Battery
3. Depending on how it was started again, possibly seals in the engine. If they pulled the plugs, sprayed some WD-40 in and slowly hand cranked the engine a few times to restore lubrication to dry spots, for example, you might be ok. But if they just hooked up jumper cables and held the starter button until it fired....
4. Stuck carb floats
5. Gaskets in carb/tank stop valve
and more.

Motorcycles quixotically stay in better shape if ridden. They are not jewels or wines that stay in top shape through disuse. Frequent riding keeps them healthy.

If you are picking this over a $500 or $600 bike that has been a daily driver, you are not saving money.

ASTAC · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2005, 06:53:24 PM »

not a bad ride...I like the older ones...now everybody just tries to look like Harleys...from a time when jap bikes had their own look.

Skydancer · « **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2005, 07:28:07 PM »

On reflection Chairboy is right make sure you check it over good first. As long as its pukka then It'll do the job nicely. Reading the description it sounds like the carbs are gummed and the floats are sticking which would suggest its been sitting for a while. They'll need a strip down. Change oil and filter immediately don't run it without doing that. Plus check the air filter. Goosd luck let us know how you get on.

RedTop · « **Reply #6 on:** April 18, 2005, 07:32:03 PM »

73,

I cannot , over emphasize , how careful you need to be. I have met you 1 time in life. real life that is. Please be careful. AND WEAR A HELMET!!!!!!!!!!

I lost a friend Friday Night. He was simply riding down the road when the car on his right that was slightly in front of him was going to turn right. A truck coming out of a parking lot that couldn't see him pulled out thinking he was clear since that car was turning.

My friend hit him broadside and was killed. No ones fault really. Just an accident. But the kid driving the truck is a complete basket case. As I am sure I would be. Forever changed.

My friend leaves behind a 13 years old daughter and a wife. He has been riding for about 2 years.

I have rode 1000's to 125 Dirt Bikes. I have raced Motocross and broke bones.

It doesn't take long to change many many lives and it be no ones fault.

Please be careful.

Skydancer · « **Reply #7 on:** April 18, 2005, 07:38:37 PM »

Ditto.

Ride like everyone on four wheels is an idiot out to get you! Wear Helmet Jacket Gloves. Skin burns through to the bone in 3 secs at 30mph! Denim is ****e! Unless its this stuff

http://www.dragginjeans.com.au/

Ok scare stuff over be carefull out there.

rpm · « **Reply #8 on:** April 18, 2005, 08:24:59 PM »

Sounds like a great deal on a nice bike. It will require some TLC at first, but you should be in OK shape mechanically.

First is to buy new tires. Even if they look fine, they are at least 5 years old and need replaced. A blowout or tread seperation is no fun at all on a bike. Also check the condition of the chain. Replace it if it's worn, it will save you from buying sprockets. I'd recommend using some gas additive like Berrymans to remove any gunk that has formed for the first couple tanks. Change your oil and filter, then change your oil and filter again after the first 500 miles to get any gunk out of the crankcase.

Just remember to drive safe, be careful and enjoy the ride.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 18, 2005, 08:54:20 PM »

Also check to make sure the inside of the tank hasnt rusted. Sitting for that long if they didnt leave the tank full, it will have drawn condensation. I'm not sure what the liners were like in the 80s, but sitting for a long time can make just about any tank draw water and rust. They make a treatment kit for that, as long as it hasnt rusted through.

senna · « **Reply #10 on:** April 19, 2005, 12:46:19 AM »

If I were to get used motorcycle thats not what Id get but for 200 bucks,,,, I still probably wouldnt get that.

Roscoroo · « **Reply #11 on:** April 19, 2005, 12:55:01 AM »

as long as its the 4 cyl which i beleive it is you'll do just fine .. great mid size bike .

if its the twin toss it in the junk (had one of the starter eating, hardly ever runnin pos 650 twins )

lazs2 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 19, 2005, 08:49:05 AM »

son just gave me an R75 BMW.. it had been alternately stored and beat to death by kids with about 6 owners toward the end..

It ran great. I spent several hundred on perishables like plugs, points, filters, hoses etc... all seemed pretty bad shape... damn thing still runs great... if it runs any better I can't tell.

It is a light bike and Iwill use it when the weather is just perfect or I feel like it... I will wear levis and a tee shirt like I did when I rode allmost every day for 30 years.. I will have to wear a helmet in this state so I bought one of the fake ones that doesn't obscure your vison on hearing.

If someone hits you or you hit them you will be maimed... if you are wearing a lot of safety gear then you probly got hit because you couldn't see or hear... it will just take the medics or coroner more time to cut it all off you.

bikes are very dangerous. think of it as jogging at 50 mph into the grill or a pickup. I have spent totals of months in the hospital over bikes and have many permanent injuries. If you ride long enough you will too. It is inevitable.

lazs

JB73 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 19, 2005, 10:16:47 AM »

chairboy, or anyone, what is a good price to pay for simple tires (non burnout racing tires or anything)? $60 $90 what?

also, im not "choosing this" over another option, after my other thread i kind of put the bike on the back burner because of the recommendations of either a larger bike, or the honda that i can never seem to find. this deal i just kind of fell into talking about bikes with a friend. i wasn't "activelly" searching

the guy who's helping me in this knows his stuff, and i trust him, he's not going to put me on something the is unsafe. on the 30th we are going to see it, and see if it will start.

LePaul · « **Reply #14 on:** April 19, 2005, 11:28:40 AM »

My first bike was a on/off road dirt bike that was street legal. I took all the blinkers off and road off road to learn how to ride. When I felt I had good control of the bike, I put the blinkers back on (otherwise they wouldve been mashed from the few spills i took)

A 24 year old bike is going to stink for parts. Oil filters, etc.

Id suggest my approach, then once you decide you like riding, up the cash for a newer, mid-sized bike