Anything to watch for??

[steveR]

I have seen a 2003 Big V that looks very interesting and worth a run out next week if it hasn't been sold by then. 12K miles, some service history and pretty well specced. Not sure if it is carbed or inject yet.

Any nasties I need to look for please?

[Snaphappy]

The only thing I have heard of is brake callipers shearing mainly front left as that's the one that pivots and activates the rear. If the bike is badly maintained or just used a lot in salty winter roads the pivot can seize and then in the next hard braking snap. Make sure the brakes are not furred up and still have movement.

SafeRidin'

[Dee Duble Yuh]

There aren't many major or costly problems. Most Honda shocks are prone to failure from 20,000 miles onwards, though they can last much longer. Steering head bearings have a similar life span.

Two more things to check. They needn't stop you buying but you need to factor into the price.

When the engine is warm, listen very carefully for any leaks from the exhaust system. The gasket from the rear cylinder down-pipe to collector box can fail unpredictably, and it's tiresome to replace. The "official" method is to remove the rear indicators, rack, rear plastics, both silencers (prob grind off the clamps), then undo the front pipe so you can lower the collector box to get at the failed gasket. Lots of new clamps and gaskets are required for reassembly. So it takes a while and you need various spare parts.

(BTW someone recently did this by simply undoing the rear pipe and raising it! But I've not tried that method.)

After a test ride, open the fuel cap and listen for the hiss of air entering the tank. If so the breather is blocked; not a big problem but leave it unfixed and the pump is strong enough to make the tank collapse inwards!

[steveR]

My thanks to both Dee Duble Yuh and Snaphappy for the useful and pertinent advice. Printed off and filed....

I called the guy and was told that the bike had probably been sold, so I am not going on a 160mile round trip for nowt! He has my number, so I will see what transpires after I get back from the meander around France and if I have any dosh left!!

[steveR]

My thanks to both Dee Duble Yuh and Snaphappy for the useful and pertinent advice. Printed off and filed....

I called the guy and was told that the bike had probably been sold, so I am not going on a 160mile round trip for nowt! He has my number, so I will see what transpires after I get back from the meander around France and if I have any dosh left!!

Mind, SWMBO has expressed a modicum of interest in a "trip to Scotland" later in the year..... Ullapool anyone?

Of course, I would need more oomph and comfort than a Transalp to lug us two around..... The Big V idea is still kicking