High mileage bikes?

[Bored At Work]

Well it's been over a year since I had to sell my TA to pay for new babies etc. I'm nearly in a position to be getting another bike - after lots of saving and quitting the fags (£130 a month saved from that alone).

I have a question about what you would regard as high mileage.

Now if i was buying a car that had 60,000 miles on the clock, I would think that as very low mileage.

Why is it/is it just me, that if a bike had the same amount of miles on the clock I would think that it's past it's best?

Basically what i'm asking is, would it be wise to buy a bike with high (50,000+) miles on it?

Thanks for any advice
Andy

[alpslapper]

I would say a lot depends on the make and model of the bike and the service history.

50,000 on my cg125 - sheesh - its not even due an oil change yet.

50,000 on a pan - the engine wouldnt even be run in yet

50,000 on a well maintained alp or africa - just finding its feet

50,000 on an itialian thing like a ducati - is there such a thing???

Hope that helps

Alpslapper - self confessed knows nuffin bout nuffin nor nuffin

[Bored At Work]

Well i'm looking for either another TA or an @.

So 50,000+ miles would be ok then provided the bike had a history and was well looked after?

Cheers

[alpslapper]

I would say absolutely. The more mechanically minded here will be along to advise you on what to double check for Im sure, but I'd have every confidence in a well maintained alp with a good history and evidence that bearings are in good nick - I'd say by around the 50,000 mile mark wheel and head bearings would have needed sorting. All the cables are in good nick or replaced and the clutch/gearbox is sorted/good along with all the usual consumables.
People do seem to be scared of high milage bikes and this is reflected in the prices - so some damn fine bargins to be had.

[Chad]

if its got a eal good history ie regular oil changes ect and the price reflects the milage then theres no reason not to buy

however if you feel the slightest bit of unease walk away . always follow your gut instincts

[Bored At Work]

Is there anything in particular to look for, leaks, rattles, noises that kind of thing?

I suppose alot about buying is trusting the guy selling it.

however if you feel the slightest bit of unease walk away . always follow your gut instincts

Nuts... Mr indecisive here!!

[Chad]

keep an eye out for leaks around the heads and if poss take off the cover of the front sprocket and check for play in the output shaft, if its got a center stand . get sombody to hold the bike back so the front wheel is off the ground , grip the front wheel and lift it sharply up and towards you to see if there is any play in the head races also swing handlebars from side to side ,you should be looking for a smooth action ,spin the wheels to check for warped disks and wheels. check fork seals, check the swinging arm for play in the bearing etc ....most of all test ride it .i would not buy anything ive not ridden if the guy is genuine he wont have a problem with this

good luck mate

chad.

[Maverick]

Just take Chad with you when bike hunting, your departing words with the seller should be "If this thing f$cks up the big man will be back"

[Bored At Work]

I was concerned that I would have to wait another year to save more money for a low miler. I reckon i'll start looking out now for one that's maybe not as new/low mileage.

Thanks for your help alpslapper and chad thanks for the tips on checking over the bike.

Cheers
Andy

[Chad]

happy hunting andy