Hi all I've just gotten my Ls and am in the market for my first bike. There is a 1998 Balius I'm pretty keen on, but I'm not sure what I should be looking out for when I go to take a look at it. What are the common problems I should be looking out for (and how do I check for them)?
http://2fiftycc.com/index.php?threads/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-motorcycle.136/#post-28691 Post up any pics u have of it and what they want for it ...... plenty of people here buy and sell bikes on a regular basis and will give u some clue if its worth it or not for starters
It's $2,000 with 26,000km on it. I can't figure out pictures, but I don't think it's been dropped. That thread is excellent, but I was wondering about issues specific to the balius. I've heard cam chain tensioners and rust can be issues, but I don't know what i'd be looking/listening for. I'm also interested what you guys reckon a good price for one of these things is.
Unless you've been around a bike before you won't know what to look for. I would suggest bringing a friend or family member who rides or owns a bike to look. But here's some general tips: 1) Don't believe a thing the owner tells you (it was never dropped, its just been serviced, I never have any issues with it, etc) but just go along with what they say 2) Ask questions: How often do you ride it? What's the steering like? How hot does the bike get? 3) Go for a test ride and see how you like it 4) Get the VIN & rego plate # and do a PPSR check (cheap as **** to do and verifies that the bike is not stolen/debt owing against it) 5) Check the manual for warranty/service history 6) Observe the fluid levels and feel the tyres Specific mechanical things to look/listen for for: 1) Knocking, tapping, or any odd noises that an engine shouldn't make 2) Smoke out of the exhaust (and what colour it is. White/blueish, or black) 3) Fuel, oil, or coolant leaks (and see if you can smell any of these) 4) Brake discs and pad wear. The discs should be perfectly flat & pads should be within wear levels (bumpy discs indicate failure to replace brake bads) 5) Check the chain slack and feel if it's been lubed recently. Also check that the chain is clean 6) Make sure the rear wheel spins freely (on a stand if you can) 7) Check that you can move the handlebars from full left to right. Listen for any odd noises or feel anything odd
if there is a loud clanking sound from the rhs of the engine, the cam chain or the tensioner may need replacing, it will always be noisy but if it is really loud then it may be a problem. with 26k on it the cam chain should be ok. also take it for a spin and make sure it revs clean through to the rev limiter and starts easily, both cold and hot.
stand behind and see if wheels in a straight line and no bent forks or frame.rap throttle on and off and check exhaust for smoke.
Thanks for all the info guys. I guess the last question I have before I go to look at the thing is how much it is worth if everything checks out? (I'll be deducting the cost of replacement parts from this number if I find anything dodgy)
1991 Kawasaki Balius ZR250 LAMS/Learner Approved on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1057406801 Give you idea double the kms and 300 more $$$$ so if it in good nick a matter of ur wallet but still haggle as they will have a dream number and a get it off my drive way number lol
If its up for 2 grand Id offer 1400/1500 wheres it advertised ? gumtree? ..... message me a link so I can lift the pics of it Is it registered? ..... xtra $5oo for rego
So, I went to see the bike on Sunday and... bought it! There was no evidence it had ever been dropped and plenty of evidence it had been properly maintained (it even came with spare oil, coolant and plugs). The seller suggested I might want to replace the chain, which I thought looked ok. I'll post up some pics of my new baby tomorrow. Many thanks guys, your tips really were helpful.
I bought an 88 Balius here in Perth a couple of months ago for the other half to learn on (also a miniature project for me ) - its a great little bike and if I was a leaner Id go for one of these or an older 250cc and not one of the newer ones which I had a few years ago. A bit of work was/is still required as itd sat in shed for 2 years going no where but I knew that after taking a look at the bike (I did get it for a decent price). Carbs needed cleaning and it had been in a slow drop so Ive replaced handlebars, bar ends, levers, mirrors etc. Ive also replaced filters, oil, and brake pads/fluid. Respray of the tank is next. I have all new throttle, choke and clutch cables coming so thats the next cab of the rank. Other than what the other peeps have mentioned, make sure you get onto the floor and look for leaks etc - its easy what can be hidden when wiped down - after a test ride get underneath and if oil is going to leak you have a better chance of seeing it then.
Oooh, that's purdy. This is mine, The Wasp: I'm hoping to get her up to your level of excellence over the next few weeks.