Found a sweet specimen...to buy or not to buy

Hey folks,

I seek the advice of our experts again. I've all but pulled the trigger on a 98-01 model, I've ridden both these models and a spankin' new 2015 model, and as much of the reviews say, the new bikes really aren't that different from the old ones, save for the new gadgetry. The feel is pretty much the same. Anwyay...

I've found a very clean 98 model, black, with 26,000 km (about 16k miles) on it. I went to a Honda dealer today to check it out and test-ride it. This ol' girl was certainly garage kept, there isn't a spot of corrosion anywhere on the metal, from the look of it even my RC51 has seen more rain. And also from the super-clean state of it, I tend to believe that the 26,000 km is real and not actually 126,000 km.

Link to the ad


Thing runs like a top, I let the engine pull up to 10k a few times and pull it does, feels and sounds great. Brakes are sure, suspension is responsive, steering is crisp, etc etc etc.

What's even better, the bike comes with three travel bags, two sides and one top. They said they'll put fresh oil and fresh coolant in it as well. The price? 3,800 euro. In my opinion not bad at all for a bike that according to the lore runs forever and is fun to ride to boot. What say the group?

1) Is the price fair considering it's already equipped with travel bags? I'm in Germany, not the States, remember we're talking european prices, motor vehicles are significantly more expensive here. Please don't chime in by saying you can find the same bike in Texas for 800 bucks.

2) Despite its age, being in seemingly excellent condition, is this a safe buy for someone who wants to go touring?


Thanks, folks.

 

Make sure the charging system is good (check all related connectors for signs of heat or burning) & steering head bearings aren't worn then get it and RIDE!

 

Holly batman that would be $4300 USD :scared:
If you like it get it, that sure a lot cheaper than 2015

 

It sure looks a fair price but I still would haggle .
€3500 would be more like it.

 

You need to go back there right now and buy that damn bike. Even in USD that is a steal of a price in my opinion. If the R/R and steering head bearings haven't been done, it's not the end of the world. It's not awful hard to do either of them if you:
A) Know what you are doing and are mechanically inclined
-or-
B) Have a credit card and can pay someone to do it.

That thing is gorgeous and it is the perfect compliment to the RC51!

 

BTF, Buddy great find...
It's your $$$ if your happy with the shape and price , put that bitch in your garage today before someone swipes it from you......she's a beautiful bike.
Didn't mention the tires, new hopefully, and of course ask about the electrics. Good luck

 

Thanks guys!! Both for the advice and for the push. I've been mulling it over all weekend, the dealer has it reserved for me until wednesday. I'm gonna try to negotiate a new front tire into the package, too, the rear is almost new but the front could be swapped for something better.

I've been researching a replacement voltage regulator, too, I'll insist on a reading of the charging volts tomorrow as well. The headlights were a bit dim, but they didn't change brightness with revs or flicker. Anyway, even if the original is still working like new, from what I've read it's a good idea to swap it out before a problem appears, and I've already sent an email to Wiremybike.

I did steering head bearings on an old yamaha xj750, it wasn't terribly difficult, just time consuming. That said, this bike has no problems with steering, bearings or otherwise, that I could feel. With the old XJ it was very obvious that the steering head needed work.

So anyway, if the consensus here is that, despite her age, she'll make a good tourer as long as everything is kept ship-shape, then I'll take it.

Thanks again!

 

I have a 7th gen 1200 now, but I look back on my 5th gen with the same fondness I do for past girlfriends. Even though my 7th gen is better in almost every way, the 5th gen are just so damned hot you can't help thinking about them every once in a while!