how many is too many miles

Hi there,

I'm at the point where I'm ready to buy my first CBR, I've been a huge fan for ages so I'm really excited, The problem is I only have about 2900 to spend so a newer model is out of the question.

I'm looking at this guys CBR F2 tonight, nice bike, but its got 42k on the clock. I'm a little worried about the miles, although not excessive for its age, its still a lot.

How many miles should I expect from this thing, its only 2500 and I plan on upgrading the season after next, think it will last?

Miles can and should be a concern, however if those miles have been placed with love and care and not abuse you will be good.

Can you get any of the maintenance records
How often was the bike maintained (oil change, chain tension and tightening, fork seals, bearings, etc.)
Does the bike smoke
Does it have excessive valve-train noise
Are there any oil leaks
Does the bike misfire and or skip

I could go on with the questions, but I think you have the idea. Make sure to check out the bike extensively and never buy on impulse because it fitsyour budget.

I agree with Custom. I've heard that when you go look at a bike, you should cover the mileage with a piece of tape. Check out the bike and if you like it, use the mileage as a bargaining chip (lower price).

CBRs are great bikes....as long as it hasn't been seriously abused or neglected, it'll last a good long while. Abadfish had close to 80,000 oh his F3 when he sold it. My '04 F4i is at 28,000, though that isn't a whole lot, but it's been maintained meticulously and still runs like the day I bought it new. Check it out though, you should be able to tell how it was taken care of, and if it has been and it seems to be in good shape, go for it!

I put 64,000 miles on a VFR 750F. Stunning bike... I bought it new & was there when they brought it out of the crate. If I knew where it was I'd probably be willing to buy it again because I know how it was broke-in, and what the service was performed & when.

If a bike is abused in the course of its existance it doesn't matter how few miles are on it; likewise a bike that's been well looked after is a delight. If you are not mechanically inclined bring a trusted friend that is to look it over. If you are not in such a position take it to a mechanic that you trust... not one that the seller offers up if you don't know of one. Go to where sportbike riders hang out and ask them whom they would endorse, then take the bike there to be looked at... expect to pay for this service. You can negotiate that fee into the price of the bike. If the seller baulks walk away... don't look back. It's the old 'Nothing to hide, nothing to worry about.'

Generally speaking, Honda engineers extremely well designed bikes, the F2 certainly falls into that heading. There are a tonne of parts available for them. They're getting a little long in the tooth for aftermarket accessories, but with e-Bay anything can be had.

You would have to expect some up-front expenses with any bike of this age, just remember that some are 'nice to have' and some are 'need to have'; always pay close attention to the Need group - this is where it could be a money pit.

Good luck in your search - remember there are a lot of well loved bikes out there, so you don't have to jump at the first one. Also, as riding season is starting to wane, there are a lot of guys willing to sell a bike that they won't use over the winter months - good deals could be had.

Cheers

remember if you are a new rider and not a mechanic an F3 is a carburated bike and at 42k it might be fussy

Don't knock carbs, I ride a '99 which now has 33,000 miles on it without a problem. How often a bike is ridden and how it is taken care of is a better indication than anything else. You should be able to get a good idea how a bike has been treated by closely looking at it.

no I know carbs are smoother on the throttle my only point was that somebody not willing to tear apart their engine shouldn't invest in a bike with 42k