Thinking of buying a Triple

Hi, i'm a newbie here.
I'm looking at a 96 triple with 39K on the clock.
That seems pretty high to me, since I'm used to 70's japanese bikes. The seller assures me these bikes go well beyond that. What problems should I look for with a bike of that mileage?

Thnx!

[Klugman]

The only problems I used to have with mine @30,000 miles on it were electrical. Tachometer, and display lights.
The pickup coil went out on it once. Other than That the bike ran like a top. My 95 S3 was one on the best dang bikes I have ever ridden or owned.

hi clockwork, i'm also a newbie here. i've just bought a '94 speed triple but with 30,000 on the clock.
the last owner bought it with 9,000 on it and rode it over 21,000 miles in 3 years, which isn't unusual over here in the uk. i have aveaged 12,000 miles for the last 15 years mostly on middle-weight japs which are cheap to buy. but have seen the light and returned to british.

hiya klugman, what was the cause of your leccy problems with the tacho and lights?

by the way this board looks the dogs doodahs, good to have found you all.

[Klugman]

Hey ratty, I sold the 95 for a measly 1500 bux (I miss it).

I never did find out what the electrical problem was with the tach and lights but have seen a few post on here about electrical troubles with the early 90 S3 models.

When the pick up coil went out the bike would run about 10 miles til it got hot then just quit. I remeber the first time it happened me and the wife got off I piddled around looking for the problem then about 5 minutes later the bike cranked right up. I said hmm the we got back on and headed for home. It would stop about every 2 miles after that until my battery finally died. The dealership "cycle products in gainesville Ga." tried to tell me that I needed to replace the 700 dollar computer, but I had a manual and did my research. Turned out the pick up coil was just 8 ohms off of what it should be. So I ordered a new one and never had any more trouble.

It was a much heavier bike than my 2003 but it was fun to ride after I got used to it.

Cool,
I may own a speed triple by this weekend. It seems, from reading through the board, that the pick up coil is a common problem. If it has never been replaced, who you recommend it be replaced before a long trip? It would be a bummer to have it quit in the middle of nowhere.

[Klugman]

If I were you, I would keep a spare Pick up coil (70 bux) under the seat, and also a spare throttle cable.

klugman thanks for the advice, it's always good to know what spares to carry in case of a breakdown.
she is one overweight mutha makes moving her around in and out of my shed a pain.
clockwork go buy that triple, big grin factors.
cheers fellas :-)

Thanks klugman.
If I don't buy this speed triple, ratty, another will come along.
But I hope this is the one. I've always loved the orange 96.