Thought it would be a good idea to put a buyers guide on the forum. I couldn't seem to find one when I did a search so here it is. Im just adding some basic stuff...so please feel free to add extra information, and I will update it. What to look for when Looking: - oil leaks - any sign of accidents (scratches, bent frame, pegs etc) - front forks (seals leaking? Rust cavities) - tyre condition (plenty of tread?) - Body condition. Are the fairings in original colour schemes? Have they been replaced with fibreglass? Are there repair jobs on cracks etc. These are all signs of drops. - General wear and tear. Has the bike been well maintained (garaged). Is there rust, weather damage. - Condition of the chain. Has it been oiled? (this is a sign of regular maintenance) Is the chain tentioned properly (should be about 1-1 1/2 inch slack) - Sprockets. Harder to check the front, but is the back sprocket worn? (Eg are the teeth symmetrical (Good) or are they like a surfwave! Bad!) - Suspension. While fzrs commonly have soft suspension, check the dampening while sitting on the bike. Push the front forks down and let them spring back up. What to look for when Riding: - Bike starts with ease. - Suspicious sounds (eg Rattles) - Listen for a strong engine sound, and a good response when the throttle is snapped on. - IMPORTANT: Feel for a constant acceleration through the rev range. You dont want the bikes' acceleration to dip when your holding the throttle down. - Make sure the clutch isn't slipping as you change through the gears - All gears are working properly and slide in easily. - Get someone to watching behind the bike to see if it is blowing any smoke. Blue smoke means its burning oil..which isn't a good thing. Important to check at high rpm.
Check the condition of fairings... Are they original colour? Are they plastic or fiberglass? Have they been fixed and how?? (Plastex, glue, plastic weld, or fiberglass patch) Do they line up??
Also when buying, take note of the frame serial no. on the neck and work out the manufacture date as compared to the compliance date as bike shops will pass them off as later models BUILD DATE SERIAL 12-1986..... 2KR-111101～ 06-1987..... 2KR-157101～ 03-1988..... 2KR-164101～ 08-1988..... 2KR-210101～ ...... NESCAFE AMERICANA 08-1988..... 2KR-214101～ ...... TECH 21 03-1989..... 3LN-218101～279000 .. 3LN1 02-1990..... 3LN-279101～325000 .. 3LN3 05-1991..... 3LN-325101～340000 .. 3LN5 03-1992..... 3LN-340101～350000 .. 3LN6 03-1994..... 3LN-350101～ .............. 3LN7 DAVE
A very comprehensive checklist: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike-content.html">http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike-content.html</a><!-- m -->
Yes that link is very detailed... Still think its a good idea to have our own fzr one though. As certain things apply to specific bikes. Even if its just a quick checklist. A lot is even common sense..but if we can give people some idea of what to do...they will have the confidence to go out and buy these great lil machines.
Agree with you Grendal - that link is generic and there are specific issues for an fzr to look out for. I simply posted it to give the broad range of general things and we do still need our own.
