what mileage to look for

[Gti]

Say I bought a 600cc sports that had done 10,000/20,000/30,000 etc. What sort of major work/service do they need at some point in their lives.

Don't want to buy a bike that I thought was a good deal then have to spend £500+ having a major service after a month.

What's the general rule of thumb and specifics if you've got them please.
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[M]

[Ian (GPX)]

Most 600cc motorcycles don't need looking at in a major way until 60k plus.

I've just got myself a GPX600R which has done 38K, and it sounds sweet still for a bike that was made / registered in 1988.

Just listen to the engine for any strange noises, and if possible take it for a test ride (about an hours ride).

If you find no noise and that the bike rides fine too, then there is a good chance that it will be fine.

A service book thats stamped also adds confidents to you along with the bills to go with it.

I have the bills of all the work that was done to the GPX for the last 5 years by the last owner and the owner be for that.

Hope this helps.

[Bendy]

Find out when the valve clearances need doing and budget accordingly as that can be expensive - cost me £500 to get mine done on the CBR (although that's an extreme example, they were a bit shagged apparently).

It differs from bike to bike, but it's at 16,000 on my bike, though I didn't get them done til more like 19,000.

[Gti]

[Ian (GPX)]

Valves need to be checked / done between 10k and 20k for most 600cc bikes.

[Bendy]

I think it's 20,000 on the R6 so probably the same on the Thundercat. 16,000 on the CBR like I said, not sure about any of the others.

[Ste]

The milage is not the most important thing, you should be more worried about what servicing has been done to it. As it is quite possible to have a low milage bike and the engine on it is shagged to death, and it's also possible to have a 60,000 mile engine which has been correctly looked after and is still going strong.

Basic stuff like regular oil changing, spark plugs every so often, and then there is the more expensive stuff like valve clearances. These will need doing on any engine every so often so if it's been done recently (by a good garage!) then it's not going to need doing again for 20,000 miles roughly.

You just need to go and view the bike, and the price will reflect the milage, and make sure it's in good mechanical condition and if it is then go for it. If it's not, depending on what needs doing the price will also reflect this and if you don't mind doing it or having it done then there is no reason why not to buy it, but if they've been skimping on one part of looking after the bike they could well have been on other parts which you won't be aware about until it breaks and they you're very very aware of it .

Use your mechanical knowledge, take a friend who knows about bikes along with you as well, and if doubt go home and think about it. Don't just buy it as it's all nice and shinney like happens sometimes.

Happy bike hunting.