Tell me about it... pros/cons, what to look for buying one, etc.

 

Should've just posted in cycle whore

Like any used bike, look for tell tale signs its been dropped - new end bars, or slight scuffs on the end bars and check carefully all over the body work.

Ask for proof of maintenance, if they say "oh I did it all myself" then expect that they did nothing but change the oil every once in a while and get yourself a manual and just go ahead and do it all again yourself.

Check for abuse - Burnouts are pretty easy to spot, but if it is being sold they may have cleaned off the molten rubber. Check carefully under the tail for any little black boogers. Front forks, check for any fluid on them - the z1000's I've seen are almost always on one wheel. So check to make sure the fork seals are still doing their job and you won't need to have a rebuild done. Chain slack, and general disrepair of the sprockets can tell you wether or not the rider takes care of their bike after every ride.



Other than that, I've never ridden one. So I wouldn't be able to tell you what is good or bad about them. Japanese bikes usually run forever though, just passing along some bike buying tips.




CHEERS, BROMATE

 

Cool deal... good tips. What is general chain/sprocket maintenance after a ride? Haven't a bike since having a old Kawi KE100 when I was 12 and didn't know shit about taking care of it.

Do you clean/oil it after every ride? How often do you adjust it?

 

As with almost every bike, make sure 2nd gear doesn't pop out. You test this by doing a 2nd gear pull to the top.

 

"Hey can I test ride this thing and rag on it?"

 

Give him cash in hand, and they basically have to let you. If it pops out, go snatch your money back and drive back home.

Chain maintenance is actually very easy. Gnarly showed me how to properly do it. Just clean the chain with the cleaner of your choice very well, then walk the bike forward in your drive way as you spray in lube EVERYWAR in the chain that you can. (this is if you don't have a rear stand obviously)

Protip, let that thing dry REAL well before you ride. It will shoot up everywhere under your beautiful clean bike. And is such a biatch to clean up.


*edit: chain slack is adjusted by putting it up on a stand, pulling of the rear wheel nut, and adjusting the little bolts that are on the swing arm. You'll notice them sitting next to a bunch of Rick marks. 2-3 fingers is the norm I've heard.

 

Also never clean the chain with the bike on either.