Idle bike - what kind of damages?

[ilant]

What happens to a bike that stands idle for 3 years or so? is there any irreparable damage? can it be restored to original condition without replacing the engine?

I'm asking because I came across a 1993 model with fairing kit, decent price, low mileage (only 50,000 Km). The original owner was an old man who baught it for fun and didn't ride it a lot. At some point a few parts were stolen and the bike stood idle in his garage for 3 years. Then he sold it to it's current owner who fixed it up and used it for 2 years. The current owner only replaced secondary parts, like carburator, chain, tires, disks, caliper, etc. The engine remained.

Am I taking a big risk if I buy this bike?

Thanks,
Ilan

[JohNLA]

How much are they asking?
If it is running fine now and does not have any carb problems then it has probably had any sitting related damage fixed. You might also take a flashlight and look for rust inside the tank. Check the conddition of the oil. A lot of bikes unfortanatly get stored the only real damage is dirty carbs but again if it is revving normal then that has been sorted.

[ilant]

He wants 1550$ for it.

The carb, tires, chain and disks were replaced six months ago. The gas tank was recently fixed (soldered) after some rot was discovered in it. It was also coated with anti rust.

[Toenis]

Damn, that`s not cheap...
I brought one of mine for 1000.- and there were only 23000Km on odometer and it was in perfect condition.

In Europe and for 1200.- (EUR) there are many 93`s that come with fairing and in perfect condition and half of that mileage, but I don`t know about US/CAN/AUS...

[ilant]

I suppose in other places that wouldn't be cheap, but here (Israel) it's about 10% above the avg. market price of a 1993 model.

[KevinC]

50,000 km is a lot, and if the tank has started to rust out, it would likely need replacing soon. At 50k the engine isn't too far from re-build time.

Not a great deal I don't think.

[pantablo]

pass on this bike. old man says he didnt ride it much yet bike has that many miles on it?

Doesn't sound like a good deal to me either-you can get a well sorted one for less.