Buying Bike help?

[Knubje]

Hi all,

The time has come where I am looking at upgrading my current wheels

After much looking and research over the months whilst saving I am unsure what to do now that I have bike in my sights.

I'm looking at a Honda Blackbird and have found one within my budget range. It looks good but not a lot of advice on the advert. Other than its in good condition (the pictures prove that at a glance) and that its had full service history.

I know from some basic vehcile checks that the VEL doesn't expire for another 6 months, which is nice.

I'm thinking of going and taking a look as the seller is very close to me. What sort of things should I be looking for with this specific bike?

- I know that Blackbird (CBR's) have certain "issues" with exhausts in that they need changing every 16k miles (iirc from my very limited/poor mechanical knowledge of this bike).


Shortlisting some basic questions I have:

When is MOT due?
When was any last major work/repairs done to it?
Has it been in any accidents?
Can I have a test ride?


Any help would be really appreciated, it is a private seller not a dealership so obviously I'm being extra cautious!

Cheers all!

 

[Knubje]

Thanks for the protips so far guys, this is exactly the sort of thing I was after. Anymore suggestions would be excellent. Hoping to go and visit by the end of the week so hopefully will have an extensive list of things by then!

Please, keep any ideas comming!

 

[Knubje]

Check the last service and next service due and mileage against the service requirements, you dont really want a big pricey service due a few k after youve got it.
Ive asked a mate who knows Blackbirds to let me know of any gotchas

Will do! Also will be great to get your friends knowledge out on Blackbirds. Anything you can find out in the near future, please post, I'd really appreciate it!

Get it on its centre stand and give the back wheel a good couple yank. If there's play its either rear wheel bearings or the swing arm pivot bearings.

Reg's were common to go on these, so get it fired up and turn on the lights - give it a rev and if the lights go brighter, its fine and charging.

Centre stand so the backwheel freewheeling then yank it? I take it, if it spins freely thats "play" that you're talking about?

Sure thing about the Reg, I had this on my Deaville quite recently so was something I was keen to look at, but you have reminded me! Nice one!


Keep it coming guys, this is really good stuff!

 

[Knubje]

Thanks for straightening that out for me guys. Going to have a look tonight so I am quite excited. Can't test ride it without leaving the price of the bike with him in cash (which I am yet to withdraw) so I will mainly having the once overs as described above.

If it passes the tests tonight and maintains my interest I'm going to have to get the cash out to test ride it in the next couple of days.

Also, wondering if there is any news from your friend Kippermitten. Have you had a chance to speak with him?

 

[Knubje]

Well, thought I'd report back as I have been and seen it this evening.

To say that it is immaculate is an understantement. For a 2000 reg (W) bike, it is pristeen. Obiviously the guy has had a clean but even still, it has one slight scuff on the mud guard and a little scratch (miniscule) on the tank, which is half expected almost.

I took my check list that was devised with all of your help and it passed everything. The only thing was the chain was a little lose, but that is because it had been modified due to the current owner being a heavy dude and I can have this fixed soon enough.

Its been a fun bike for the current owner who has barely done 1k and it had 2 owners before that who also treated it very well. Even the exhaust as it meets the engine underneath the bike wasn't in bad condition. No signs of bad pitting or rust and the joints all seemed solid as a rock.

Going to test ride it Saturday and can't wait tbh. I'm practically sold now but need some time spent on it to really guage if it is for me. Something tells me I'm going to love it though!

Just wish I knew someone local who knows more than I do to take a look at it and give approval. Still, I can take it down a mechanics my family know who might do that for me after I buy it (if I do((which tbh I probably will all being well)).

Might aswell give a link to the bike on sale for anyone following the thread to take a look at!

 

[Knubje]

It has been done! After a test ride was very happy, as I knew I would be. Didn't get too long as he didn't want me racking up milage, which was understandable.

The only thing I wasn't sure of at first was the noise of the engine and of the chain. Been used to disc so having a chain was something to get used too. I think the chain might be a little tight so need that looking at and that was the reason I think I got him down a few hundred.

Went for a cruise with my old man and his bike after and it is a great bike. The amount of power is quite insane! I'll post some pics when I get them done in the next few days

Thanks for the advise all!

 

[Knubje]

There she is Khaaan! took some pics last night which I am very grateful for in which he has definatley done her justice!

The handling isn't as bad as you mention though Saga. Maybe its becuase I'm used to a clunky old Honda NT Deauville with back and side boxes. I guess I'm used to the weight too as a result.

So far very pleased with the purchase! Looking forward to my commute later