Wiring and hoses can be eaten (chewed on) when bikes are stored outside by field mice or squirrels (they're everywhere). Also check the air breather box, they like to build nests in there. You said besides the obvious, check throttle, clutch & brake cables, sitting in the elements for over a year can cause corrosion causing them to not function. Also check brakes, they can be frozen too. Good luck.
Found A Good Deal - Maybe?
So I found what appears to be a good deal online for a larger cruiser, Suzuki c90. Owner was not available last night (worked late) to show it, let us ride it, but we were able to look at it from afar.
For sure it needs new tires and windshield. Cosmetically, it needs some TLC. The chrome is a bit tarnished in spots, dusty and basically unprotected. It has been outside for at least a year (maybe more), and not ridden since April (tags expired). He's the third owner, the bike was his dad's then his brothers. It has a bit over 46000 km, so not out of line for something this old.
I have the guy over a barrel, he's really desperate to move this thing before he leaves on holidays tonight, so I should be able to get it for a song (I'm hoping for less than 2g's). I can then just trailer it the dealer for a full inspection, and get the urgent stuff looked after. Even if I don't end up liking something about the bike, I can flip it after I get it back up to snuff.
Storing something like this outside just doesn't make sense to me, is there anything other than the obvious dust and oxidation that I should be aware of that could happen to the motor, injectors, battery etc?
Any suggestions what to pay particular attention to would be appreciated.
I will have an extra set of eyes with me tonight, my BIL is an auto tech who rides, so there is some skill with me.
For sure it needs new tires and windshield. Cosmetically, it needs some TLC. The chrome is a bit tarnished in spots, dusty and basically unprotected. It has been outside for at least a year (maybe more), and not ridden since April (tags expired). He's the third owner, the bike was his dad's then his brothers. It has a bit over 46000 km, so not out of line for something this old.
I have the guy over a barrel, he's really desperate to move this thing before he leaves on holidays tonight, so I should be able to get it for a song (I'm hoping for less than 2g's). I can then just trailer it the dealer for a full inspection, and get the urgent stuff looked after. Even if I don't end up liking something about the bike, I can flip it after I get it back up to snuff.
Storing something like this outside just doesn't make sense to me, is there anything other than the obvious dust and oxidation that I should be aware of that could happen to the motor, injectors, battery etc?
Any suggestions what to pay particular attention to would be appreciated.
I will have an extra set of eyes with me tonight, my BIL is an auto tech who rides, so there is some skill with me.
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You stated that you "have the guy over a barrel", and that he is desperate. I can understand being excited about a great price on something, but it almost sounds like you're reveling in the guy's unfortunate situation and your ability to take advantage of it. I've got a great idea. Ask him what he wants for it, and if it's reasonable, give it to him. It may be just me, but I never haggle over prices if they are fair. Placing yourself in his shoes will shed some light on what I'm referring to.So I found what appears to be a good deal online for a larger cruiser, Suzuki c90. Owner was not available last night (worked late) to show it, let us ride it, but we were able to look at it from afar.
For sure it needs new tires and windshield. Cosmetically, it needs some TLC. The chrome is a bit tarnished in spots, dusty and basically unprotected. It has been outside for at least a year (maybe more), and not ridden since April (tags expired). He's the third owner, the bike was his dad's then his brothers. It has a bit over 46000 km, so not out of line for something this old.
I have the guy over a barrel, he's really desperate to move this thing before he leaves on holidays tonight, so I should be able to get it for a song (I'm hoping for less than 2g's). I can then just trailer it the dealer for a full inspection, and get the urgent stuff looked after. Even if I don't end up liking something about the bike, I can flip it after I get it back up to snuff.
Storing something like this outside just doesn't make sense to me, is there anything other than the obvious dust and oxidation that I should be aware of that could happen to the motor, injectors, battery etc?
Any suggestions what to pay particular attention to would be appreciated.
I will have an extra set of eyes with me tonight, my BIL is an auto tech who rides, so there is some skill with me.
Electrical connections may need freshening as well... and as was already mentioned, rubber products can be vulnerable... I've had many bikes that lived out of doors for years -- and of itself, that doesn't bother much -- they just need to be covered and not ignored...Storing something like this outside just doesn't make sense to me, is there anything other than the obvious dust and oxidation that I should be aware of that could happen to the motor, injectors, battery etc?
Any suggestions what to pay particular attention to would be appreciated...
The best accessory you can get for your bike is a fresh layer of road-grime :smile:
It may not be such a bargain if it's going to cost you a wheel barrow of money to fix everything. Why did he park it in the first place? Tags expire, or a rod knocking? You might think you've got him over a barrel, but check your enthusiasm and if you hear any little voices saying no no no, walk away from it.
This will be priority number 1, why is it parked? We will find out tonight.It may not be such a bargain if it's going to cost you a wheel barrow of money to fix everything. Why did he park it in the first place? Tags expire, or a rod knocking? You might think you've got him over a barrel, but check your enthusiasm and if you hear any little voices saying no no no, walk away from it.
So far I have quotes for tires, windshield and an inspection, and what I know it needs. It will start at a min $1800 for sure, and go up from there. We will see what his final number is and how it all fits together. Ultimately if I have to put into it what I pay for it, it will be close to market value.
I am hoping you have found a good bike and get it at a good price, I just hate to see anyone get taken for a ride, so to speak. Been there, didn't like it one bit.
Bring starting fluid, spray some in, crank it...So I found what appears to be a good deal online for a larger cruiser, Suzuki c90...
>If it runs, I wouldn't pay much above dealer trade in value.
>If it doesn't run, it's a $500 bike at best.
Dead battery?, then pop start it; if it will start.
Starting fluid fishes out a serious problems real fast..volatile as hale...if it won't run with starting fluid...red flags and sirens.
New tires, windshield, battery...already looking at ~$600 if you do it yourself...$900 if the dealer does it...I'll bet it needs more than that...if you're not going to do the work yourself...I'm thinking this is a bad deal.
PS> Bring cash and only bring the absolute max you think you'd be willing to pay. Have a roll of $500 in your pocket, if it's a $500 bike, break out that roll out and say "$500 is what it worth to me"...Cash is a big motivator...buddy was looking at a bike...seller firm on price...eventually asked if my friend was pre-approved for a loan...friend whipped out a roll of cash..>SOLD!...for less than that "firm" price. The roll was the price he wanted to pay...he was willing to pay full price...but I had that extra money on me..so that if the guy wouldn't accept the roll, my friend could ask me "do you have any cash on you?"...
PSS> Don't go alone...take a buddy or two...you never know who the seller is...carry if you're legal to.
Well you looked at it 2 nights ago, what was the outcome?
We were supposed to meet on thursday, he ended up working late so we moved it to friday. Again he had work late and never confirmed our viewing. He wanted it gone by friday, he was going on holiday's, his flight left late friday.Well you looked at it 2 nights ago, what was the outcome?
We will see what happens when he gets back.
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How old is something this old?
UK
UK
It's a 2006 C90 Boulevard.How old is something this old?
UK
I should say it was a C90. Ad's gone right now.
Speaking as the former patron saint of lost causes, I have to say this is waving a giant red flag. I've been there, done that, and I can say from painful experience that buying a bike like you're talking about is a giant **** shoot. At the least, I would have a mechanic provide an inspection and write up an estimate before I make the seller an offer. The next step is to make sure that the parts you need are available.
Bottom line is that you will be dollars ahead in the long run if you buy from a reputable dealer who has performed a documented, comprehensive inspection, or buy from a loving owner that has current experience with the bank and can provide you with the maintenance history.
Let us know how what you end up doing.
Bottom line is that you will be dollars ahead in the long run if you buy from a reputable dealer who has performed a documented, comprehensive inspection, or buy from a loving owner that has current experience with the bank and can provide you with the maintenance history.
Let us know how what you end up doing.
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
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