Funny things that happen when you go to look at a used bike....

[buzzbomb]

hehe, good one

You laugh, brother but it's the truth. It's difficult to imagine, being that stupid, I know. The front brake had stopped working. I still don't know why. The rear breaks were just gone.

I didn't have any money to replace anything. Basic maintenance was out of my reach. I worked third shift at a Hardee's in a town 40 miles away. I rode that bike throughout the winter, at night.

It was my only transportation at the time. Minimum wage was just enough to put gas into the thing, pay the insurance for it, and buy my meals where I worked. I basically worked to afford to be able to get to work. It sucked.

My Tora Tanshi is the best vehicle I've ever purchased, and I've had many. Used or not, she's a frickin' awesome machine.

 

[bmw675]

Fortunately, I don't have any horrid stories of buying bikes. But the guy that bought my 6r sure made for an unusual transaction. Not sure if I should go into detail though, because he was a member here, and I dont know if he still lurks.

 

[blkbrd]

When I was looking to purchase my first bike I found one about 2 hours away that seemed to be "the one". It was a 2001 Suzuki GS500 with only 4000 kms (2500 miles) on it. The ad said it was in mint condition and all that nice stuff. Why should it not be in mint condition? With 4000 kms on it, it's a brand new used mototrcycle. Right? WRONG!!
So I email the guy wondering when I can see it. He replies that the bike is not running very well because of carb issues, so he has sent the carbs to a shop to be cleaned, and he will get back to me. I tell him OK and wait for an email from him. A few days later, he emails and tells me everything is perfect except that the float bowl gaskets need replacing because they leak. I strike a deal with him that I will stop at a Suzuki dealership on the way to see the bike, and pick up the gaskets for him. Then he will install them and then I'll test the bike out.
So the next day after work, a buddy and I take off to go see this bike. A 2 hour drive with about a 30 min. side trip to pick up these gaskets. We get there and he's in the driveway with the tank off ready to replace the gaskets. He installs them, puts everything back together and the bike wont start. He cranks it untill the battery is flat, then resorts to boosting with his car. No luck. Off with the tank to check fuel lines and stuff. Drops tank on ground, HUGE dent now. I also notice scrapes on engine side cover. Also notice paint on underside of gas tank is very "sand blasted" from sand and stuff coming off front wheel. Rubber on pegs is EXTREMELY worn. This is definitely not a 4000 km motorcycle. I politely ask for the 20 dollars I spent on the float bowl gaskets and we leave. What a complete waste of my time!!

 

[arse]

Fortunately, I don't have any horrid stories of buying bikes. But the guy that bought my 6r sure made for an unusual transaction. Not sure if I should go into detail though, because he was a member here, and I dont know if he still lurks.

Haha we must know !