Okay not a big fan of this sites search function, it could be operator error though. Okay I am going to go take a gander at a bike for sale S4r, what do you look for or at besides the 2black, 1 red key and code card?
The rest is mainly regular motorcycle stuff. Especially important with a four valver though will be when was the last valve adjustment done. This can cost a substancial amount and would be a bummer to assume with a new bike if you weren't expecting it.
timing belts, fluids, and any recall/warranty items.
what year?
as stated, is it getting close to a valve adjustment? or where the valves serviced when they were due?
how old are the belts (important, as this is an age issue, not mileage)
the condition of the tires _may_ give you some indication as to how the owner has ridden the bike
condition of the chain and sprockets
well it is a 2005, I already asked about the belts, they have not been changed as I know they should by two years or 12,000 I believe, but te bike has less then 3,000 on the clock.
As stated, the belts are a time and milage issue. The bike is well over due for a belt change. That will run you about 400 bucks at least. They may not break, but are you willing to take the risk? Not a huge deal if they don't have the code card as long as they have the red key.
Quote from: cgos4r on September 27, 2008, 08:05:07 AM
As stated, the belts are a time and milage issue. The bike is well over due for a belt change. That will run you about 400 bucks at least. They may not break, but are you willing to take the risk? Not a huge deal if they don't have the code card as long as they have the red key.
$400 for a belt change? ??? Where are you taking your bike for service so I make sure I never go there!
Well I will be having to do all my maintenance as the nearest dealer is about 2.5 to 3 hours away. Not a big deal though as I have done all this kind of crap on my own car. Except having to shim my valves, but after reading and watching videos it appears to be very easy. Not a "black art" as most people make it out to be.
Excellent choice for your first duc. How much are you paying for it? Is it completely stock? The 4 valves involve more work if you are planning on doing the maintenance yourself. Changing belts will be easy for you if you say you have wrenching experience. I would replace them as soon as I get the bike. Also, if the seller allows it, remove the clutch cover and check the condition of the basket and plates.. you can see the clearance once you remove the cover. buying a new clutch (basket and plates) will run you at least $500.00 if it needs to be replaced.
Check the steering stops... that can reveal if the bike has been dropped if there is no other visible dents or scratches.
Quote from: Monstermash on September 27, 2008, 09:33:49 AM
$400 for a belt change? ??? Where are you taking your bike for service so I make sure I never go there!
Yep, I do all the maintenance my self except for the belts and valves. The belts were 89 bucks each and 99 bucks an hour for labor at Coleman Power Sports in VA.
Quote from: Cucciolo on September 27, 2008, 11:52:30 AM
Excellent choice for your first duc. How much are you paying for it? Is it completely stock? The 4 valves involve more work if you are planning on doing the maintenance yourself. Changing belts will be easy for you if you say you have wrenching experience. I would replace them as soon as I get the bike. Also, if the seller allows it, remove the clutch cover and check the condition of the basket and plates.. you can see the clearance once you remove the cover. buying a new clutch (basket and plates) will run you at least $500.00 if it needs to be replaced.
Check the steering stops... that can reveal if the bike has been dropped if there is no other visible dents or scratches.
The bike is stock except bar end mirrors and adjustable levers. As far as wrenching experience lets just say i have built two different turbo kits for my mustang from scratch, changed head gaskets, timing chains, rebuilt engines, etc. I already asked and he has 2 black keys, red key, and code card. He stated he has papers showing all maintenance from dealer so go figure. Not sure if he will let me take cover off, but my "concer" is with so low milage why would he have michelin pilot powers on?
plenty of folks here will burn through a rear tire in under 3K. Plenty of guys will buy a bike and put their favorite tire on new too. Why the concern with pilot powers on the bike with 3K?
The board is going through an upgrade, which is probably why the search function wasn't working properly for you.
As others said, there is nothing Duc-specific to look out for with the s4r except the belts. Based on how you've described your level of wrenching competence, there's nothing to worry about, though they do need to be changed. Low mileage bikes with older belts are even worse because if the bike doesn't get ridden, the belts often sit in one position for a long period of time. Not good.
As far as buying a used moto generally, I've found this buyer's guide (http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html) to be very helpful. Good luck. [thumbsup] [moto]
Quote from: Spidey on September 27, 2008, 05:02:07 PM
As far as buying a used moto generally, I've found this buyer's guide (http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html) to be very helpful. Good luck. [thumbsup] [moto]
that is a GREAT guide... very in depth.... even pics of the safety wiring examples.. WOW.. I will bookmark this as important pages.. thanks!! [thumbsup]
S4R no way I would never own one of those!
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/marsrr/DSC01556.jpg)
If I bought an s4rs with 3000 mi. on it, the only thing I'd do is ride it - a lot. At about 7500 I'd have a good Ducati shop check the valves and possibly change out the belts. Look to spend about $1000 for that service.
The clutch plates should last several thousand more miles and the basket for a good deal more than that - prob well over 30,000 mi. My basket has 27000 and looks fine.
3000 mi. is just getting broken in good. [thumbsup]
A good thing about the Desmo Quattro motor is that you get to mod the intake and exhaust and use a PCM to work out fuel injection vs. having to go with a Ducati Performance ECU to accomplish the same thing with the TESTA engine.
One of the best bike ever made. If it's a good deal $$$ wise, buy it and enjoy. [moto] [moto]
Of course as always YRMV ;D
LA