I really don't know what to think

That'll be why it isn't running right, and it will be bodged for just
long enough to sell it. Tissue paper will be stuffed inside the fork
dust covers to soak up the oil.

If it isn't running right and isn't A-OK when you look at it, walk away
and never *ever* believe the "we'll sort it out before we sell it"
story.

Ask yourself why it hasn't been sorted out *first*.

 

Yep

 

Not if its running on three cylinders........

 

Why?

The reason I ask is that they certainly appear to be a bona fide outfit,
with proper premises, bikes for sale, repairs ongoing in their workshop and
a decent enough ebay feedback.

--
Dan L (Oldbloke)
My Bike 2000 Honda CB500
M'boy's Bike 1990 Suzuki TS50X (Heavily fortified)

BOTAFOT #140, DIAABTCOD #26

 

a reply to Oldbloke but following on from the thoughtful words of
sweller.

well I know nothing about bike mechanicals but don't you find it odd
that the auction deadline mysteriously extended itself once the dealer
had seen your salivating chops in his showroom?

He has extended the auction in order to tempt you back because he can
smell a sale. In other words he knows your heart is overruling your head
and thus he can fob you off with something that isn't working properly
because your brain has been temporarily switched off.

If he'll sell you a pile of crap imagine how little luck you will have
getting any other defects fixed once he's lumbered you with it. Heed the
words of TOG and Sweller - buy one by all means but get a decent one.

 

Or just wait a little longer and but a bandit 12, ignore the 1100
completely.

Honestly, it may sound crazy, but, it isn't.

 

****, ****, ****, ****........

--
Dan L (Oldbloke)
My Bike 2000 Honda CB500
M'boy's Bike 1990 Suzuki TS50X (Heavily fortified)

BOTAFOT #140, DIAABTCOD #26

 

TBH, I don't know. I probably have a low opinion of dealers.

My main concern with the bike you've described would be the misfire.
Also the having been stood (the two are probably, mortally, related) and
the fact the dealers punting it out like that.

I understand the forks aren't leaking as such and aren't really a big
deal. A strip and clean will probably sort them. Why hasn't it been
done?

It just, just, doesn't 'smell' right.

 

I put on my best poker face, and did not rise to his offer of stopping the
auction with an early offer.

The extended aution has rather pissed me off, I must admit.

I know, TOG and Sweller, if I ignore them and it is crap, the "I told you
so's" will never end.

Bloody buggering bollox

--
Dan L (Oldbloke)
My Bike 2000 Honda CB500
M'boy's Bike 1990 Suzuki TS50X (Heavily fortified)

BOTAFOT #140, DIAABTCOD #26

 

Seems the Zephyr was a trade in for a Varadero from a bloke a few doors
down. They just want to shift it quick because it's a bit old.

Seemed plausible to me, but then I was spoiled with the CB, as the last (and
first) owner was a good friend of a steady disposition.

Certainly the chap who I saw today did not try to fob me off or hide
anything, he just seemed to want to sell it (without ramming it down my
throat)

--
Dan L (Oldbloke)
My Bike 2000 Honda CB500
M'boy's Bike 1990 Suzuki TS50X (Heavily fortified)

BOTAFOT #140, DIAABTCOD #26

 

On Fri, 2 Jul 2004 17:33:18 +0100, "Oldbloke"

It might help to blag a few test rides (of any larger capacity bike
they'll let you have) from your local dealers. It'll broaden your
experience, which may help your decision, and it's free fun.

Bugger.

 

Heh, surely the mad bint bit is PROVENANCE.

Ah jeez, I really don't know.

Well, £1500 seem(ed) pretty okay-ish to me, notwithstanding the fork seals
and 3 cylinder stuff.

This is very true, I do keep an eye out for Zephyrs, particularly on Ebay,
550's are reasonably common, 750's less so, and 1100 even less so. This one
(on paper at least) seemed so right. It's a bit like finding out that the
girl of your dreams has a drugs habit, IYSWIM.

--
Dan L (Oldbloke)
My Bike 2000 Honda CB500
M'boy's Bike 1990 Suzuki TS50X (Heavily fortified)

BOTAFOT #140, DIAABTCOD #26

 

I'm with sweller all the way on this. "A bit old" doesn't matter with
dealers if a bike is in really good nick (unless you're talking about
real antiques).

This smacks much more of "too scrappy to put on the showroom floor".

Avoid.

 

As if we would!

 

....and if you do it should stand a good chance of keeping its oil /in/
the sump.

 

the cont known as Oldbloke says...

Well your description doesn't quite match the dealers description.

 

The Older Gentleman wrote

Wise words.

 

Paul Corfield wrote

More wise words

 

Oldbloke wrote

I wonder if trading standards would think that sharp practice or
something?

 

I doubt it somehow, and TBH the chap seemed okay to me.

Anyway, having slept on it I think I'll leave it and keep looking.

Alternatively I could keep watching the auction, and if no bids are received
offer the bloke a grand for it.

--
Dan L (Oldbloke)
My Bike 2000 Honda CB500
M'boy's Bike 1990 Suzuki TS50X (Heavily fortified)

BOTAFOT #140, DIAABTCOD #26