Motorcycle people wanted

[Warthog]

I'm thinking of maybe getting a dirtbike (just for starters) to go onroad with, short trips, and we have plenty of off-road areas around here (PLENTY). A good family friend is selling his....don't know much about it, yet. It's an '81 Honda, meticulously maintained....my dad said he thinks it's 250cc, don't know 100%. He says $950 but I think that's way too high for a bike of that age. I was thinking $600-700....but what do I know....that's why I'm here

I don't know Jack about what to look for in a bike, what to expect, how to buy, etc. I know this thread will have attracted desmocat and knothole (I think u ride, right?)...

About a year ago, I was interested in bikes....it went on the back burner for a bit 'til now. I went to the VT DMV's website, skimmed their online manual and took the practice test - 2 wrong out of 14......seriously though, I would actually get to know the info because I am fully aware that bikes are quite dangerous...

I'm looking for a lil run around bike, just to get to know the basics and go to school in good weather...hehe, that'd be cool, only guy with bmw for a car and only guy riding a 'bike to school. Perhaps someday, I'll get a Ducati (love the looks of those bikes)....Kawasaki's are nice, cheaper but I like the more tradional bike look more than the crotch rocket style

Any input on bike choosing or anything else is appreciated

Warthog

[Knothead]

Did you say....Knothole?

[Warthog]

hahaha, was wondering if you'd notice that, my young wooded friend

[caddmannq]

Wart:
That's not such a bad price if the bike is in A-1 shape. I'm not sure how the market is up there. However, parts might be a bit scarce, depending on how long they made that exact model. I'd find out exactly what model number it is & call some dealers. I'll assume that it runs well, or you'd not be interested, but check the chain (Are the adjusters all the way up? Then it's shot.) Check the sprockets for worn, hooked, or broken teeth. (The front one is usually hard to see with the covers on. A small mirror will help. ) Check the tires carefully. Good ones are not cheap, & a pain to change for the newbie.) Check the wheels for dings & straightness. Any broken or loose spokes? Tick the spokes with a small wrench. They should each sound about the same pitch. Look for oil seepage at all the gaskets. You need to take the wheels off to check the drum brakes. Disk brakes are easy to check. Look for cracks in the drum/disk. Look for worn pads. The levers should work smoothly, without binding of cables or pedal linkage. Sit on it and pump the suspension up and down while holding the front brake tight. Then look for fluid leaks around the front fork seals & rear shock(s). Put it on the center stand & straighten the forks. Step back & look straight down the bike at axle level. Do the wheels line up nicely? Does the frame look true? Put a voltmeter on the battery & start the bike. The voltage should rise about 2 volts while it's running (to about 14 or 14.5 volts.) If it doesn't, the alternator might be shot. (Expensive!) If you have an experienced friend, have him test ride the bike for you. He'll notice things you wont.

Finally: Learn to ride in the dirt first. Practice in both loose and hard dirt, and in light mud. Know what's going to happen when you start, turn, slide and brake, before you hit that oil slick out on the blacktop with knobby tires. Knobbys have poor traction on blactop or concrete, especially if it's wet. Dual-purpose bikes are much more forgiving on the dirt than on the street. Beware.

[Knothead]

Well said, Cadd!
Yep, that's what I would'a passed on to our young friend, if he hadn't'a called me a Knothole...snif....



Oh, and btw...if you see hooked teeth on the rear drive sprocket, then your chain must be replaced. It could be dangerous. Although I doubt that a 250cc engine could create enough torque to distort it like that, but...
Caveat Emptor!

[Warthog]

haha, you're just lazy knot

*still reading, cadd*

[caddmannq]

Unlike some folks, Knothead can actually find his knothole; and without two hands and a fllashlight, either!

[Warthog]

wow! Thanks cadd, just the kind of information I wanted!

Also, in the classified there is this:

1975 Kawasaki 175, looks and runs great, low hrs, no rips in seat, tach and speedometer, directionals, street legal, won't last at $450

@ $450 I think it probably has some worn parts.

[Chooco]

my brother baught a '74 Kawasaki 175, it was mint condition for $350 CDN
it's was so much fun to drive until we broke the chain. we were going like 30mph and my bro just slammed on the back brakes so the chain is taking the force of the friction on the wheels......BOOM the chain just blasts into tiny pieces. we never got it fixed though all it needs is new chain lol

yo how heavy are you? the 175 could get me up to about 65KM/h and i'm only 130lbs or so

[caddmannq]

Probably, the '75 is soo old, you can't find many parts. You really have to call some dealers to check on this stuff.

Also, with your 6'-4"...ummm...framework, a 175 is too small for you. You're gonna be chewin' on your knees while you ride