Considering Buying Older Low Mileage Bike.

I bought my 2012 900 Thruxton (865cc) about 5 years ago, so it was 7 years old at the time. Apart from changing the oil and filter it was no trouble at all, during my ownership.

 

It's all about condition, condition, condition!
You can have a 2 year old bike that has been trashed or a 20 year old bike that has been pampered all it's life.
Chrome spokes and rims can deteriorate quickly if neglected but they can also last a long time if looked after. Check them carefully before purchasing.

I would look for a bike that has been well looked after and has a full service history the older bike will not have as many 'rider aids' as the more modern bike but on the other hand without the computerised trickery such as electronic suspension, different rider modes etc. it is easier to maintain.

I know it's more difficult in the States where distances are much larger but there really is no alternative to go and stand in front of a secondhand bike and give it a careful inspection before buying

Best of Luck!!

 

Old bike every time with me. It’s the best way of bonding as when the weather gets bad you still can spend time with minting it up and checking things

 

When you have some skills as a mechanic you will love it!
Otherwise you should be able to afford a mechanic if needed.

 

Yes mate totally agree. I got my America ( 2009) with 19000 on the clock but it was very well looked after and although it was 9 years old when I got it, it had only done 2000 miles in its previous 4 years. So no problem for any old fart like me who are used to doing the usual servicing on their bikes, its part of owning one. Good luck on finding a bargain mate.

 

I would think it's just all about the individual bike. I bought a 19 year old Fireblade (now 20) that the previous owners clearly looked after and have had zero issues with it (touch wood!). Equally you see some fairly new bikes in horrible condition. Just a case of looking at each one you're interested in carefully I think - hope you find a gem!!

 

@Dan Zulu
I'm in agreement with many on here regarding "it depends". My hubby recently bought a one-owner 2001 Harley Fat Boy with only 13K miles on it. It came from California with no rust and a near-perfect condition exterior. Overall the engine and all related parts worked fine but upon closer inspection he did need to have some work done to it, mostly relatively small things.

It's running fine now but when he had some tuning done recently, our tech determined that the inside of the tank has "issues" and it needs to be cleaned out and/or relined. He did need new handlebar risers as the originals were a bit off kilter and a bolt was stripped out.

So overall the bike was a great buy but things arose after he brought it home and saw it more up close and personal. He did keep in mind that he bought it as a project bike so has taken all of what needed to be done in stride and has actually enjoyed the process of learning more about an older carbureted bike. Actually, he had one exactly like it when he and I first started dating but sold it. He always regretted selling it and looked for years for one just like it. Same model, same year, same paint, same big grin on his face!

Good luck with your hunt! Keep us posted here on the forum.

 

@Dan Zulu Do keep us all in the know as to your decision.