In reference to this.
I just got back from testdriving it. As recommended by Hactar, I checked the brakes (fine), the front forks (fine), the tires (fine), the sprockets (slightly worn, but still good for 10k or so more miles), the chain (worn and stretched to its max length) and the ride (described below).
I arrived to meet a very unassuming late-30s-to-early-40s UPS delivery driver who was very friendly and polite. I gave the bike a onceover, and really liked the look of everything but the chain. He had told me it was the original chain, and that a new chain would cost about US$65. He told me that he had just had the bike in for a pre-sales tune-up and general checkup. The guy that did the tune-up didn't do a terrific job; there was some hesitation when it started up, and a touch of hesitation when dropping the hammer (yeah, we did that a few times <bugs-in-teeth grin>). This is the most powerful bike I've ridden, aside from a couple of times renting 1200cc and 1300cc Harley-Davidsons for a weekend, so the power was expected, but still surprising. We came to a stopsign that had about a 1-mile straightaway beyond it. At the 1/4 mile I was doing about 90 in 3rd, and had popped the front tire off the ground going into second. If not for that slight hesitation (and it really is *slight*), and the chain being as stretched as it can get and still be safe, I'd have probably been over 100 at the 1/4 mile.
My overall feeling: It's very nice. My hesitations: (1)It's a sport-cruiser, so I'm leaned forward on it. (2)It's got an old chain. Nuff said. (3)It's still got that hesitation after a (possibly botched) tuneup.
Seller's answer: (1)Handlebar risers, which will lift the bars by 1-2 inches, are available. That would make the ride a LOT more comfortable. (2)He'll get that replaced when he goes in to (3)yell at the dealer to get that hesitation fixed.
Motorcycle UFie thoughts? Should I run away? Should I bargain? Should I take the deal? (of course, this is all dependent on finances and, well, finances...) |
