joerickson said:
I found a 2000 honda cr125r for $900. I havent called the guy yet, but in the add it says it has newly rebuilt front forks, new plastic, and good tires. Does this sound like a good deal and is it a good bike as far as ease of maintenance and reliability goes? Is this year prone to any major problems, or what all should I look for if I check out this bike in person?
That's a good price for that bike and I think you would be happy with a cr. Here's a little checklist to look at when you go look at the bike:
Biggest issues:
-Check the bottom of the frame for stress cracks/deep rust.
-Make sure the sub frame is not too bent out of shape, cracked, or broken.
-Go over the suspension (especially the rear linkage bearings, shock bearing, and swingarm bearings) checking for rust. Working on your rear suspension can get pretty expensive.
-Take a good look at the footpegs and make sure where they mount and pivot on the frame does not have excessive play outside of the normal folding of the footpeg.
-Before you try starting the bike feel the expansion chamber to see if the bike has already been warmed up. If it is hot or had been warmed up, ask why. Sometimes if there's a bike that has issues starting (being from poor compression, jetting issues, or whatever else) people will try to hide that by warming the bike up before you get there. Not a big deal to do a rebuild, but just know what you are getting into before you buy the bike.
Smaller Issues:
-Check the fork seals for excessive leaking (although he stated new fork seals, just make sure)
-Take a look at the air filter and see what kind of shape it's in (if it is rotten and filthy then the guy probably has not kept up the regular maintenance.)
-Check side to side slack in the wheels (checking the wheel bearings)
-Check the brake levers and the clutch lever to make sure they aren't broken or overly bent and have good pull.
-Check out the front/rear sprokets and chain for excessive wear. (Again just to know what you might need to replace when you buy the bike, then it will help you make a decision on price and whether or not you want this specific bike.)
I think this would give you a good idea on how well the bike was maintained and whether you want this specific bike or if you want to search a little more and find something different. If the bike seems to be in poor mechanical condition then just be prepared to spend a good amount of time and money getting the bike into good running condition. Often times you are better off finding a very well maintained bike and paying more for it off the start because it will end up saving you a boatload of money probably in the first year and even more in the long run, if you continue to maintain the bike well. I hope this helps a little....