Help I don't Wanna Get Burned!

[mot]

Hello all,

I've been riding beaten up old honda cubs around the place for the last few years but I wanted to move up to a 125 to do me test and all that. I went to see a CG 125 (2001) and while it was in great nick, once I took it out for a spin it lost power around 35-40mph and then cut out altogether. After that it wouldn't really run right at all. I thought I'd flooded it at first but it didn't seem like that after.
Turns out it hasn't been driven in 7 years...
The guy's been starting, it but not riding it, about 2-3 times a week but he's been letting it tick over and revving away always with the choke on. (It's his son's bike, he hates bikes, drives an ambulance!)
The spark was fouled but replacing it didn't seem to help much.
The carb is totally spotless, looks brand new in there.

What I'm wondering is is it worth taking a chance on? Reckon I could get it for about 200 and if it didn't need much that'd be a nice bargain but is there some horrible surprise problem that anyone can think of?! It's only got about 9000 miles on it, everything is brand new looking. Also he said that his son never had any problems with, and he's a trustworthy guy, but you never know really do ya?! Maybe he was riding around with lighter fluid in the tank and no oil...
Anyway I'd appreciate any help at all.

Cheers all!

[Benson_JV]

Replace the petrol, check the fuel filter (if it has one?!) and make sure the spark looks strong by sparking it outside the cylinder.

EDIT: Didn't realise you hadn't bought it...for £200 I would!
____________________
Willson - "If you go out on that CBR600 in the winter, you're going to do more miles on your side than on your wheels."
Riding: CBR600FW Driving: Audi A6
Previous Bikes: '96 Bandit 600, '96 GPz305

[CaNsA]

[mot]

The guy was originally looking for 500 but after I tested it he took the ad down and said he was "gonna put it in mothballs in the shed" but if I still wanted it I could make him an offer.
Problem is he lives two hours away so I can't really go fiddling about with it again before making an offer so it's kind of a leap in the dark. But ya for that kind of money I reckon it's an okay gamble!

[chris-red]

200 is a bargin if he was near me I'd buy it fix it and sell it.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[dungbug]

If you can get it for £200 then go for it! that's no money for a CG, especially at that age. If it's been laid up then the carb could probably do with a clean, as mentioned fresh petrol would be a good start, maybe a service, definately change the oil & filter if it's been laid up.
Even if you can't get it running right you'll still see a profit by selling it on.
____________________
CBT: Pass 25/06/2011 Theory Test: Pass12/06/2012 Mod 1: Fail 08/07/2012
Mod 1 Retest: Pass 15/0702012 Mod 2: Pass 03/08/2012
Suzuki GN125 (Sold) ~ Current bike: Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat

[Rogerborg]

Cockles to that. If you want a working bike, then buy a working bike with a year's MOT on it. A Local Bike for Local People.

However, if you want a project, then go for it. Factor in the costs of transport, parts and time, although I can't see it being much more than expired fuel or gummed up jets.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[TamaJosh]

200 quid is a deal! Even if it's knackered just break it down for parts

[mot]

Cheers to all for replying. Reckon I'll go for it alright.
If I had more money I'd to buy a local bike for local people! But what can ya do... No it's a lifetime of bangers for me

[mot]

Just to wrap this story up... I eventually agreed a sale of 325 ( that's euros not pounds) with the guy and was all set to drive up in my friends van the next day.
That morning he sent me a message to tell me the bike was sold and thanks for my interest.
He'd told me before that he wasn't going to actively try and sell it because it wasn't running right but that if I wanted to take it away I could make him an offer, which is what I did. He'd said again and again that it was going nowhere and that if I didn't want it it would just sit in his shed another few years... Seems a bit weird that the very next day after agreeing the sale it went to a, presumably, higher bidder!
Odd indeed. It's a shame you can't just take people at their word.
Anyway thanks for the replies before. I've learnt a lot rummaging through this site, keep up the good work!

[Quornholio]

Sounds like he's realised it's a simple fix, and/or he can get more money for it. He may even be a member on here, and everyone's advice has helped him fettle it

[mot]

Haha! That's a good point. I'll make a note to be more discreet when trying to haggle in public!

[Rogerborg]

When I was looking for a bike last year, I lost count of the times I heard/read "Actually, mate..." from sellers.

But on the other hand, they probably get sick of fantasist buyers not turning up, or offering joke money, so once they've decided to actually sell the bike, they'll doubtless take cash in hand from the first buyer to actually show up. That'll be my policy when I flog on some of mine, although I'll at least be honest about it.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Sako]

shame you missed out. could have been a good little profit on it.