Secondhand bike/ Speed Triple questions
Discussion
So, round three (or is it four:heh
of my discussion with SWMBO appear to be complete and she has agreed* to my return to biking.
I've always wanted a Speed Triple and the 955 comes into budget
Are there any specific issues with these? Or online buying guides?
I've seen a green one (
) in a shop locally (Fowlers if you know it) but they want 100 deposit before they'll prep it for a test ride. This is non-refundable, but can be transfered to another bike if I don't like it. I appreciate they want to put test pilots off, but is this normal in the bike world these days?
And my final, most numpty question is what checks should I do? I'm mechanically competent around a car but have next to no idea about bikes. I know to check wheel bearings, head race and chains but that's it, and I assume that any showroom will be better at hiding problems than I will be at detecting them. What do you guys do?
of my discussion with SWMBO appear to be complete and she has agreed* to my return to biking. I've always wanted a Speed Triple and the 955 comes into budget
Are there any specific issues with these? Or online buying guides? I've seen a green one (
) in a shop locally (Fowlers if you know it) but they want 100 deposit before they'll prep it for a test ride. This is non-refundable, but can be transfered to another bike if I don't like it. I appreciate they want to put test pilots off, but is this normal in the bike world these days? And my final, most numpty question is what checks should I do? I'm mechanically competent around a car but have next to no idea about bikes. I know to check wheel bearings, head race and chains but that's it, and I assume that any showroom will be better at hiding problems than I will be at detecting them. What do you guys do?
*Agreed might be a bit strong, capitulated perhaps?
My Step-Dad owns a Speed Triple 955.. Splits riding between that and his fazer 600.
Admittedly he bought his new but has had no problems whatsoever..
I've heard from some that the finish isnt the most hard wearing but though his lives in the garage his still looks new..
They sound much nicer with the Triumph race can and matching chip for the FI.
Nice bike!
Admittedly he bought his new but has had no problems whatsoever..
I've heard from some that the finish isnt the most hard wearing but though his lives in the garage his still looks new..
They sound much nicer with the Triumph race can and matching chip for the FI.
Nice bike!
I had a 955 Daytona. Engine is pretty nice, but can sound like a bucket of spanners sometimes - they all do it to some extent - niceon the run though. Found the build quality to be Ok... Electrics seem to be the big bug bear of Triumphs, mine shorted out in the summer and had to be recovered to be sorted out.
As for checks - all the normal stuff. Look for evidence that it has been down the road - scuffed bar ends / mirrors etc. Check the swing arm and frame for marks. Make sure there is equal lock on both sides (if not one of the forks may be bent). Try to get decent tyres and a chain and sprokets that have not done too much. Then just go on gut...
As for 100 quid to test ride - sod that! I'd walk away and go somewhere else. Every dealer I have ever been to has offered a ride there and then, if they dont they dont get the business. Tell them that!
As for checks - all the normal stuff. Look for evidence that it has been down the road - scuffed bar ends / mirrors etc. Check the swing arm and frame for marks. Make sure there is equal lock on both sides (if not one of the forks may be bent). Try to get decent tyres and a chain and sprokets that have not done too much. Then just go on gut...
As for 100 quid to test ride - sod that! I'd walk away and go somewhere else. Every dealer I have ever been to has offered a ride there and then, if they dont they dont get the business. Tell them that!
You wouldn't be expected to pay to take a car on a test ride so why on earth should it be acceptable to pay to test ride a bike you may wish to buy? When I wanted to test ride my TLR I just arranged a time - when I arrived he had the bike running before I was even off my other bike! He just said "take it easy, see you in a while" and wandered back into the shop. The fact that I turned up on a ZX7R may have helped matters I guess but at 25 I'd imagine i'm a more likely candidate for the 'test pilot' stereotype than a respectable looking chap like yourself - personally i'd go somewhere else, and be sure to ride over and show them your new bike when you do buy one.
Bill, drop me a note when you are planning on taking a test ride and I'll come along with you. I'm not suggesting that I'm the font of all knowledge, but two eyes are better than one and in my experience it always pays to take somebody who isn't emotionally involved in the purchase for a realistic view.
One other thing - a very good friend of mine owns www.frasersofgloucester.co.uk/. Have a look at his stock list, he definitely wouldn't sell you a pup.
One other thing - a very good friend of mine owns www.frasersofgloucester.co.uk/. Have a look at his stock list, he definitely wouldn't sell you a pup.
Mad Dave said:
Depending on when you're going, I may also be available to help Bill - not sure if Malcolm is out of plaster yet so i'd be happy to take it out for a spin to see if it feels straight or not. Give me a shout if you need me.
Dave
I am out of plaster and just about to start driving again. Probably won't be back on a bike until the Spring though (unless we get a very unseasonably pleasant day Dave
!).Mad Dave said:
Mon Ami Mate said:
Only just noticed Dave's previous post
.
Mad Dave said:
...a respectable looking chap like yourself...
Sorry Dave, you've just fatally undermined your judgement and credibility .Hey come on, he looks respectable!
Mon Ami Mate said:
Mad Dave said:
Mon Ami Mate said:
Only just noticed Dave's previous post.
Mad Dave said:
...a respectable looking chap like yourself...
Sorry Dave, you've just fatally undermined your judgement and credibility .Hey come on, he looks respectable!
Bog off the pair of you
Mon Ami Mate said:
Mad Dave said:
Mon Ami Mate said:
Only just noticed Dave's previous post.
Mad Dave said:
...a respectable looking chap like yourself...
Sorry Dave, you've just fatally undermined your judgement and credibility .Hey come on, he looks respectable!
That was an OK first bike. Until I bent it.
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