Buying a bike that's been stored for a year

[stu125]

Hi all!

Ever since my son bought a new Suzuki Marauder 125 last October I've been tempted to get one as well.

My last two-wheeled transport was a Vespa scooter which I sold in about 1975.

I've seen a Marauder on Ebay which is less than 2 years old with only 130 miles on the clock. It's been garaged for a year.

My question is - is there a significant risk that it has been damaged by the long lay-up?

What should I look out for? It's local and I hope to arrange a viewing.

I'd welcome your comments.

Thanks!

[bristol_sports_bikes]

it'll be fine , just look for obvious things,eg rust ,
then ask the owner to run it and hear what it sounds like,
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honda vfr nc30 1991

[TOM M]

It could probably do with a good service
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Now owner of a 1200 Bandit

[Psychonaut]

Battery may be shot, so may need a new one

[palmer]

check for things like rust, siezed bolts, water in the clocks, tyres can go funny if left in the damp for ages, change oil/coolant etc, drain the petrol tank and clear the carb, then refill the tank. check the brakes are still strong, if they are spongy bleed/adjust them. make sure all the lights work, brake lights, main beam, indicators etc. be sure the battery can hold charge.


i guess thats about it.

palmer

[stu125]

I hope to view the bike tomorrow. From what you've said it seems a good service is essential. What would that cost? I guess around £100? It would be good to have some idea if I'm going to bid for it.

Tanks again.

[18_stuart_88]

Make sure you contact the owner and make sure he.she doesnt warm the bike up before you view it. You need to make sure it starts first time with ease.

Also when you test ride it just do some minouvers. soft breaking hard breaking. using both breaks. ride it normal and ride it hard. check chain for tightness or slackness.

Good luck tomorrow.

Stu
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Make: Honda NSR 125 R Year: 2004 Colour: Black And Silver - Died on December 18th 2005, Layed to rest December 30th 2005 :(Make: Aprilia RS 125 Year: 2000 Colour: Black And Red - Derestricted Sold!
Make: Suzuki GSXR 600 SRAD Year: 1998 Colour: Red - White - Blue
Pic of My New Bike!!

[instigator]

[Jrod]

Look in the petrol tank, if its rusty you will probally have to petseal it.

[stu125]

I went to see it. It looks immaculate so I've bought it. I took a piccie but it's only a phone camera so the quality isn't that great.

https://www.stul.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Photo0021.JPG

Thanks for the advice. I've booked the CBT and I'll let you know how I get on.

[Black Knight]

Looks nice, how much?
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Where does a turn end? 'Where you can do anything with the gas you want to, where you are brave again, where your attention is free from the turn, where you are sure you can do it better next time; that's the end' - Keith Code.

[stu125]

I've paid £1100. It's a bit dusty, but not a mark on it.

[Batfink]

Looks in excellent condition, even the chrome on the head lamp looks to be unmarked and shiny!

Looks like you have found a bargain!

[MattShill]

As people have said, change the fluids and it should be fine. Better sitting in a garage for a year than being thrashed to hell in all weather.
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Living life in the second overtaking lane!

'98 Kwak ER-5

[stu125]

Thanks again to all the above for all the advice and comments

Everything is absolutely fine with the bike except for needing a new battery, as expected.

Insurance was cheap enough too, only £78 TPF&T.

I've done a couple of hundred miles since completing the CBT. I'm a bit scared of roundabouts still, and I don't like wind, but I guess my confidence will grow with the miles.

If you see a guy round Cheltenham tottering on roundabouts and leaving his indicator on then that's probably me