Buying a dry stored bike? - ER5

Pace · L Plate Warrior Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Karma :

Hi all

I am looking to get a bigger bike than the 125 (considering GPZ/ER5/FZS) and I am looking at a local Kawasaki ER5.

It's 2002 reg and has done 750 miles! It has been dry stored for 9 years. Reserve is £1250 (would be MOTd upon sales, no tax).

Would you advise getting this and what's to look out for? I was thinking maybe OEM tyres will have aged (possibly?), new oil needed, chain oiling.
Would all the carbs/tank need cleaning?

And first services (could do this myself?) or would it cost lots for services?

I was just asking for your advice really - is it going to cost lots for parts or will it be fine with such low mileage?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers! Smile

cb1rocket · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jan 2010 Karma :

if its going to on sale with an MoT then I would personally just change the oil, and lube the other moving parts like chain and cables.

the tyres would be perished and an MoT failure if they are that bad.

If the previous owner is MoT'ing the bike then the carb should be fine, if he drained the carb before storage that is.

After all its seems pretty good, and so once with an MoT shouldn't need anything doing other than oil change. The previous owner will have to do most of the work to get it through the MoT in the first place!

Also brakes could be binding sticking which would need to be sorted prior to MoT

fiery tupp · Trackday Trickster Joined: 24 May 2010 Karma :

It looks & sounds ok . But if it's local to you go & have a look before you bid .
Ideally with a guy who knows what to look for .
Even dry stored things can perish over 9 years & any moisture can = rust Neutral

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Velocifero · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Karma :

I have had on since new (2003). Indestructible engine, cheap to run, need regular polishing though. What is servicing? I still have the same coolant in the engine! The regulator/rectifiers are underneath the bike just above the swing-arm and can fail in 12 months. I have had four!

nokiakeys · Token Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Karma :

My Hornet was stored for 2 years with 6k done on it.

The things that needed doing was the normal stuff really, oil, coolant change. The chain was a bit stiff. Other than that it was good to go.
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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Probably 'needs' nothing, personally I would give it a through service, and put serious thought into a new set of hoops depending how it felt.

OEM rubber is rarely brilliant especially on budget bikes, and especially after 9 years. Tyres are only supposed to have a life of 5 years. But I put a 6 year old tyre on my TDM and couldn't tell the difference between it and a 'new' one.
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sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :