Looking at possibly buying a used RS

[johnshumpert]

Went and looked at a 2004 Sprint RS last night w/ only 1800 miles on it. The owner (only one owner) is an older gentleman who doesn't really seem to know much about bikes. He's asking $5300 for it. He told me he'd only red lined the bike once or twice...

The bike was FILTHY. Hadn't had a bath in forever, and hadn't been cranked in 3 or 4 months.
When I road it, it seemed to hiccup and then the power would come in all at once. This seemed to dissipate the longer I road it. Towards the end of the ride it was pulling pretty hard, pretty consistently, but still hiccuped and had the occasional backfire. The bike did handle beautifully though.

Do you think these symptoms are mostly because the bike has been sitting and not ridden? Would anyone here recommend buying the bike? If so, what would you offer? I know it's hard to say seeing as how no one here has actually seen or ridden the bike, but any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,

- John

[zore]

My ST seems to do that after the winter sitting. Fresh tank of gas and some riding usually fixes it.

[Ron_F_D]

Good price. My $.02, like the man said before me, some fresh gas and a bit of fuel injection cleaner in that just in case the injectors have smuz on them from sitting around. Since you said the bike was dirty, maybe check the filter for dirt, nesting squirrels, etc. When you get it home you might want to do an oil and antifreeze change and lube the chain. Sounds like a good deal. I found my bike sort of in the same way.

[ This message was edited by: Ron_F_D on 2006-05-24 06:55 ]

[Beach]

Use the fact that its running rough, looks neglected and he doesnt know anything about bikes, as bargaining points and offer a ridiculously low price. Of course this depends on how good you are at haggling.

I've bought quite a few things this way. You can always up your offer.

I reckon if the person selling it cant be bothered to look after it, they dont deserve a good price, no matter how low the mileage is.

My $0.02 (AUD)
Brett

[vdlcinc]

I'm with Beach...

[johnshumpert]

I was gonna offer him $4800 for it. All he can do it turn me down, right...

[Scottius]

My suggestion is to do a full lube/liquid change (oil, radiator, brake). Also that gas is nasty now sitting for that long - drain if it you buy it. Put some super in it with a touch of injector cleaner and blow out that crud!

And yeah - offer him less - he didn't take care of it apparently - doesn't deserve a good price despite the mileage.

I'd start where you suggested, but not go higher than say $5300 - gotta cover costs associated with his neglect.

[glacier]

I agree - just bought the '00 RS on repo auction, so accounted for costs of the general maintenance and fluids replacements in my mental calculation of the 'true cost'. Definitely use that as a bargaining point regarding your total cost vs. the $ to the seller.

[Stlakid]

Hell, I'd start at $4500! After his shock you have the opportunity to explain why it's only worth that much. Neglect, poor service record, it runs poorly and that you are going to have expenses just to get it to 'running' shape. You can always offer the $4800 after as a 'you seem like a nice guy' offer, but Triumph's are expensive on parts and service!
:lgh:

[hchon]

On 2006-05-24 05:54, johnshumpert wrote:
Went and looked at a 2004 Sprint RS last night w/ only 1800 miles on it. He's asking $5300 for it.

Is the bike with single side swing arm and all? I am looking at 2004 RS as well here in Nor Cal and the asking price is much higher. hchon