Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest
Buying a track/race bike
-
23-06-2009 1:29pm#1
Comments
-
-
Give us the full spec and asking price. Race bikes are far cheaper than their road equivalent and in these difficult economic times you should be able to pick up a clean bike for cheap.
Can't go into mad detail right now but if you give me the spec I'll tell you if the price is realistic and then I'll tell you what to look out for!
Oh and is it for racing or track days?0 -
Steffano2002 wrote: »Give us the full spec and asking price. Race bikes are far cheaper than their road equivalent and in these difficult economic times you should be able to pick up a clean bike for cheap.
Can't go into mad detail right now but if you give me the spec I'll tell you if the price is realistic and then I'll tell you what to look out for!
Oh and is it for racing or track days?
pm sent
cheers for reply Steffano0 -
-
-
Advertisement
-
-
-
-
-
-
Advertisement
-
-
Right! Buying a race bike:
You probably won't be able to test ride it as it won't be road legal. The ideal thing when buying a race bike is meeting the seller at a track day to test ride it but that's a rare luxury so you'll have to take a decision after taking a good look at her.
First, make sure it's not stolen. Getting the V5 would have been ideal but in your case, checking with the VIN number will have to do.
Now, this track/race bike has probably been down the road a few times. That's "normal" for such a bike but it means you need to be very careful before buying it. Are the fairings in good condition or are they hanging on with tie wraps? If it's the latter, don't pay asking price.
Is the frame straight and true? Are the crash mushrooms damaged? If the bike only saw a couple of lowsides it's fine. If it was highsided, inspect the frame, subframe and forks/yokes carefuly to make sure it's not bent.
Tip: to make sure the forks/yokes are straight, sit on the bike and adjust the handlebars to where you'd expect the front wheel to be straight (top yoke perpendicular with seat/tank). Then dismount the bike and go behind it and kneel down to see if both wheels are aligned. If you move your head from left to right you should see the front wheel appearing on both sides exactly the same way. If one side appears before the other, the forks/yokes are bent. Walk away.
Engine: the sellers told you he used the bike four times so even if he didn't change the oil after every outing (or after every second outing) it won't be too bad. But what about the previous owner? Was he racing the bike (that's usually a good sign as most race bikes are well looked after)? Was he changing the oil regularly? Oil changes are critical for race bikes because they get a proper pounding every time!
The fact that the engine is "basically standard" is a good thing. Race tuned engines are fragile so you're better off with a standard one. But what exactly does the seller mean by "basically standard"? Has it been tuned a little? Ask him!
Are the engine casings cracked or damaged? That can happen if there was no crash mushrooms or they didn't do their job properly. Engine casings are expensive so make sure they're good (you'll get away with light scratches but if it looks more serious walk away).
Oh, to check if the engine is alright, make sure the bike is dead cold before you arrive at the sellers location. You want to start her up from cold to see how she runs. If she fires up good and sounds alright when cold you should be grand (battery could be a little tired though as race bikes don't get used on a daily basis - don't let that put you off). Listen for knocking noises and generally make sure the engine is running smoothly.
The list of extras looks alright. Full Akra is definitely good. Power Commander means the bike was probably put on a dyno and tuned a little. That's fine if done properly and if you want to get it done yourself I know a place that will do a phenomenal job. Steering damper is a must (WP is a good enough brand). Ohlins shock and K-Tech internals sounds good but make sure he gives you that receipt to prove they were serviced recently!
Spare wheels are a must-have but do they come with discs? If they don't, knock some money off the asking price to get a set for them (trust me, it's a pain having to change discs every time!).
So there you have it, a few things to look out for...
You're looking at a 2006 CBR 600. Honda's are bullet-proof so there's a good chance she'll be a good bike. And being 2006 means she hasn't been around for that long. My race bike is a 2002 GSX-R and there's nothing wrong with her so a 2006 should be perfect!
Take your time and take a good look at her. Make sure everything is working and looks good/clean.
As for the asking price, I'd offer £2,900 if she's in great nick. If the spare wheels don't have discs and if the fairings are in bits I'd offer £2,400.
Best of luck and see you at the track! 0 -
-
Yeah, taking a long close look at it is the only way really.Hey Steffano,
Cheers for putting all that effort into writting up those pointers. Much appreciated.
Going up to look at the bike on Monday.
The fairings look good from the pic he sent me and he said there is disks on the spare wheels.
From the picture there is a mark on the casing, but hard to make out how bad from the pic. Suppose i'll know when i see it.
cheers again,
Daryl
As I said, I wouldn't let a few scrashes put you off but if it looks a bit too serious then walk away or offer much less than asking price.
Best of luck and let us know how you get on! 0 -
-
Steffano2002 wrote: »Yeah, taking a long close look at it is the only way really.
As I said, I wouldn't let a few scrashes put you off but if it looks a bit too serious then walk away or offer much less than asking price.
Best of luck and let us know how you get on!
Hey lads,
Went up to look at the bike on Monday. Everything on the bike is straight and everything looks good. Started the bike, no problem. Bike sounded good. Tuck her for a spin down the road. Engine had a clicking noise and the higher the rev the faster the clicking. Could be valve clearances or could be something more serious. Walked away. Was unsure about the engine.
The search continues.
To be continued....0 -
Fair play for walking away seen as you were unsure! Takes courage after going all the way up to have a look at her...
Better look next time!
Do you be on IrishBikeRacing.com (the forum section)? LOADS of bikes for sale on there! 0 -
Steffano2002 wrote: »Fair play for walking away seen as you were unsure! Takes courage after going all the way up to have a look at her...
Better look next time!
Do you be on IrishBikeRacing.com (the forum section)? LOADS of bikes for sale on there!
More than that, i had a bike trailer and sterling with me too.
Irishbikeracing.com, biker.ie, donedeal.ie. I think that's all the irish sites.
If ya think of any more, let me know.
Cheers man.
Daryl0 -
Advertisement