WANTED: Motorcycle

suzster · 12-08-2007, 10:49

My partner is looking to purchase a second hand motorcycle, and whilst he's not too specific about the make and model, this is the style of bike he would like to buy: -

I know we have quite a few bikers at Accyweb so if you would keep your eyes and ears open it would be appreciated. He would prefer a private sale as cash is tight at the moment, but if anyone can recommend a good second hand bike dealer he would also be really grateful.

Suz x.

entwisi · 12-08-2007, 19:17

so he's after a cruiser (thats the style you have posted) how much is the budget? they aren't particularly fast or handle that well but if thats his thing then good luck to him. you can also get them from 125 to >2000cc so what size is he after? I assume he has passed his full bike test?

Dealer wise, Dixons and Clarkes are OK, Chorley Yamaha is a good dealer, There are a few in Manchester that are worth a visit as well. You can get far better prices from private sales but you are taking more of a risk.

Not the style he wants but I have a Honda Varadero 1000cc big Trailee for sale if he/you know anyone?

suzster · 12-08-2007, 19:47

He's not passed his test yet but is sorting the lessons this week. Thankfully I've had my full licence for years so I will be making good use of the bike until he's sorted!

The problem we have is that he's 6'2" and I'm not. We have tried out the cruisers and they seem to suit us both due to the low seating position. It means I can feel comfortable with the bike, my feet can touch the floor and he won't look silly on something thats far too small. If we can find another style of bike that fits us both (size wise) then we will keep our options open.

The budget is up to the £2k mark and he's seen a few possibilities already. Have you any photos of the Varadero, I'm assuming it's a big, big bike not suited to a petite girlie like me?

Suz x.

entwisi · 12-08-2007, 20:08

heh, yep, I'm ~6ft and I can just touch

It looks like this http://www.photo-evasion.com/images/...varadero_5.jpg

you could always try stilts!!!!

Just passed his test, you with short legs, Can I recommend a Yamaha Thundercat? You should get a decent bike for £2K. They suit short and large alike, they are a superb 1st big bike. Good torquey engine, superb brakes, stunning handling, quick enough ( will do 150 if you really want) but is equally easy round town.. I had one and its a bike I'd go back to if my back would take it(I broke it in an accident 4 years ago)

They look like this http://members.fortunecity.com/roadr...thundercat.jpg

I'd seriously try one for size if I was you.

suzster · 12-08-2007, 20:13

Thanks Ian,

We'll start to look around now, that's really appreciated.

Suz x.

entwisi · 12-08-2007, 20:43

No probs

Other bikes worth thinking of? off to of my head, try

CBR600, I didn't like them but they have sold loads so they must suit some
In thecruiser mold, Yam Drag Star, Kawasaki DRifter(40's stylee thing, get the800, teh 1500 is no better)
bandits sell well but never did anything for me, they felt 'disjointed'
old shape Fazers are Thundercats without teh fancy clothes, cheap and good.

in race style ZX6R sare also good bikes

MITZY · 14-08-2007, 07:28

Try places like Glasson Dock or Dick Turpins on A59 going towards Skipton, a lot of bikers hang out at these places and may know of someone with a bike for sale.

entwisi · 14-08-2007, 10:06

Devils bridge, Rivington Barn, are others as well as Autotrader and teh likes. You may also want to look for single model forums like

Yamaha Thundercats

suzster · 16-08-2007, 15:01

Quote:

Devils bridge, Rivington Barn, are others as well as Autotrader and teh likes. You may also want to look for single model forums like

Yamaha Thundercats

Thanks for that! There's one for sale over there that I'm interested in. Just waiting for the owner to get back to me

Yamaha Thundercats

Suz x.

entwisi · 16-08-2007, 23:24

things to check/ask

has teh front fork oil been upgraded (standrad is 5W they work better with 10W)

Check teh rear suspension, if the spring is weak figure ~£200 to replace

check for scuffs to engine casings

is it an import (speedo marked predominantly in KM), if so ask if teh headlight is UK spec

Check teh front forks/mudguard for signs that its had a disc lock on and tried to set off (cracks/marks on teh fork legs). not major but a bargaining point to get a bit more knocked off.

If teh SH is by Chorley Yam then its been well looked after as they are one of teh best dealers round here

Thats a very good price for a top motorcycle. I think I even have a few goodies left from mine (Haynes manual etc)

I'll post some more tomorrow when I've thought some more

entwisi · 17-08-2007, 07:18

OK, some more thoughts,

Tyres, check for plenty of tread, a full set costs ~£120-150 I preffered Bridgestones but as long as they are a decent make you will be fine. BTW fronts will last ~8-10K Backs ~4-5K depending on how hard you ride it.

Chain and sprocket, - take some latex gloves, get hold of teh chain on the back sproket at what is the equivilant of 3 on a clock face and try and pull it off the sprocket. it should move a small amount but not too much, if you can get a pencil/pen in then its knackered, £100 ish for a decent set to replace

Scott Oilers are a godsend, if it hasn't got one, get one, ~£80 fitted

The engines are pretty much bullet proof but still give it a close listen, any grumbly noises from the bottom end are bad.

Most insurance companies will want a decent alarm on it. ask what make it is.

When you ride it, teh engine should pull well from ~3-4K, kick again at 7K and again at ~10K. If you aren't used to sports bikes it will seem awesome, do an acceration test in 3rd on a motorway, from 40 it should pull fast enough that you would be happy overtaking like that, if you are brave/stupid and its a dead clear/good condition and are happy to do so it will pull to 100 liek an absolute train.

suzster · 19-08-2007, 09:55

Thanks Ian.

I've been to see a Thundercat and it was just a little too big for me. It's back to plan A now and am looking for a Yamaha Virago (decent engine and my feet touch the floor, love the retro look too!) in good condition for year and also at the right price. I don't ask for much do I?

Suz x.

entwisi · 19-08-2007, 20:12

You sure your human and not pygmy?

One girl I knew was under 5 foot and still managed!

Good luck with your search.

Viragos tend to hold their money, have a look at drifters and drag stars as they tend to be a bit cheaper so you will get a better bike for your cash.

entwisi · 19-08-2007, 20:32

Someone I know has just put their Drifter up for sale, above your price limit but there are plenty of pictures to see if you like teh general 'style'. They do a pillion seat seperately. this one is solo only

1999 KAWASAKI Drifter VN800-C1 RED , 13000 miles on eBay, Kawasaki, Motorcycles Scooters, Cars, Parts Vehicles (item 140149590834 end time 26-Aug-07 21:00:00 BST)

suzster · 24-08-2007, 13:54

Finally managed to buy a motorbike and am really pleased with it. Thanks for all the help and advice from Accywebbers, especially Ian.

Yamaha Virago, 1993, 535cc, 14,000 miles, pristine condition and under budget from Ebay.

Suz x.