Need advice on buying non-running motorcycle...

[Kaneman]

I'm trying to pick up a CBR600 for cheap. Something that just needs a little work, but would be a good, long lasting bike. I'm almost ready to bite on this one, but wanted to see what you guys thought...

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/mcy/2259455000.html

Guy says all it needs is tires, ECM and brakes....says it hasn't been wrecked. The price is right, what do you think?

[Dave]

Title title title. If its got one id say take a look at the engine and make sure the cases don't look cracked. See if he'll let you look at the oil too and if at all possible try to turn it over

[pauldun170]

Title title title. If its got one id say take a look at the engine and make sure the cases don't look cracked. See if he'll let you look at the oil too and if at all possible try to turn it over

I read that as titties titties tittes.

[Dave]

I love titties

[pauldun170]

Its too bad you cant get titties on craigslist anymore.

[CasterTroy]

Its too bad you cant get titties on craigslist anymore.

Sure you can (http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/2191411906.html)

1988 camaro z28 iroc edition, loaded up, 5.7 t-tops, rally wheels, brand new set of tires (still have the titties on them)

[pauldun170]

Sure you can (http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/2191411906.html)

:lol:

[Dave]

Its too bad you cant get titties on craigslist anymore.

The hell you can't. Casual encounters has loads of free tits

[tommymac]

wow this thread derailed fast :lol:

[Dave]

wow this thread derailed fast :lol:

We didn't even mention prison rape.




















Oops :lmao:

[azoomm]

Back on topic, Title title title. If its got one id say take a look at the engine and make sure the cases don't look cracked. See if he'll let you look at the oil too and if at all possible try to turn it over

This. Title more important than the rest...

[Particle Man]

I'd be very curious as to why the ECM would be blown - I didn't think that was common problem with those bikes... unless the guy just started parting it out and decided to stop and it's just plain gone.

[tommymac]

I'd be very curious as to why the ECM would be blown - I didn't think that was common problem with those bikes... unless the guy just started parting it out and decided to stop and it's just plain gone.

that would be my main concern too. Unless hes like the guy withthe kawi who drilled a few holes in his :lol:

May also be worth looking into a carfax report as well.

[Rangerscott]

He was probably installing a fender elimator and drilled throught the ecm. LoL

[tommymac]

He was probably installing a fender elimator and drilled throught the ecm. LoL

Thats what the guy on the kawi did. That thread made its rounds on all the forums a while back.

[Kaneman]

Well I got it, I'm now the owner of a 2001 CBR F4i...and its in fairly rough shape. I got it for $1,600, so there's room. The engine turns, it runs though all the gears, the frame and subframe are both in good shape...straight and all, no cracks. Title and Bill of Sale in hand.

-Minor crash damage on both sides, looks to be 5-10mph lowsides.
-Tires are shot
-Brake pads are shot
-ECM is gone. He said he sent it off to get it fixed and the guy told him it was shot.
-Front blinkers aren't working.
-Right side mirror is missing.

But the price was right, if I can get it back into excellent condition for $1k then I'll have gotten a pretty good deal. The bad news is that I fucking suck at working on bikes....so there's that. I'll take some pics and post them after I clean her up.

[Rangerscott]

Since my internet is closer to you than most I help you as much as possible. LoL.

Post a list of parts in order of demand and I'll keep my eyes out for them.

[Dave]

Well I got it, I'm now the owner of a 2001 CBR F4i...and its in fairly rough shape. I got it for $1,600, so there's room. The engine turns, it runs though all the gears, the frame and subframe are both in good shape...straight and all, no cracks. Title and Bill of Sale in hand.

-Minor crash damage on both sides, looks to be 5-10mph lowsides.
-Tires are shot
-Brake pads are shot
-ECM is gone. He said he sent it off to get it fixed and the guy told him it was shot.
-Front blinkers aren't working.
-Right side mirror is missing.

But the price was right, if I can get it back into excellent condition for $1k then I'll have gotten a pretty good deal. The bad news is that I fucking suck at working on bikes....so there's that. I'll take some pics and post them after I clean her up.


Too bad you don't live closer. I work for beer

[Kaneman]

Sry guys, just realized this thread is in Off Topic. I could've sworn I posted in Street...my bad.

Anyway, at least it looks pretty good for $1,600

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/DSC_3751.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/DSC_3752.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/DSC_3753.jpg

[Particle Man]

Congrats! And if by "shot" you mean those tires are freaking TOAST, then yeah: they're shot.

[Rangerscott]

There's a guy on here that'll put 100k on if for your so you can say that it was you.

[Kaneman]

There's a guy on here that'll put 100k on if for your so you can say that it was you.

Shit man...that's what I do!
And yea, these tires are fucking toast. Someone finished the rear off with a nice burnout. :lol:

[G-Rex]

If you have to do any serious surgery let me know. I'm 3 hours from you and I'm always down for tearing shit apart! :D

[Porkchop]

Congrats on the sale.

Looks like a trip to Nice Cycle is in order. Tons of sets that would match the red tank...

[Kaneman]

Congrats on the sale.

Looks like a trip to Nice Cycle is in order. Tons of sets that would match the red tank...

Nah, I have all the plastics, just haven't put them on yet.


Picked up a computer at the local cycle salvage, plugged it in....wouldn't start. Did some internet research and decided to bypass the tip sensor (bank sensor). VROOOOOOOM...fired right up despite how long its been sitting. Runs like a fucking champ, like its ready to win a race.

Replaced the brake pads, rear rotor is shot, but the fronts are in good shape. Took off on a lil' test ride despite the shitty tires and lack of registration....man, these fuckin bikes are fast. Not sure if its faster than my FZ1 was, but it feels like it. 85 in a 40 happened real quick.

All I need now is tires and paperwork and I'll be ready to rock. Can't believe I picked up a bike this badass for $1,600. Pretty sure I got the deal of the year...

[askmrjesus]

If you have to do any serious surgery let me know. I'm 3 hours from you and I'm always down for tearing shit apart! :D

Yeah, but what he needs is somebody who's always down for putting shit back together. :lol:

JC

[G-Rex]

Yeah, but what he needs is somebody who's always down for putting shit back together. :lol:

JC

Yeah, I can handle that part too. LOL

[Rangerscott]

So the dude sends off the ecm and didn't ask for it back? I bet the other guy laughed his ass off when he turned around and sold it.

[Kaneman]

So the dude sends off the ecm and didn't ask for it back? I bet the other guy laughed his ass off when he turned around and sold it.

Either that or the real story was more like "I wrecked my bike and now it won't run but I don't wanna say that so...um...its the ECM" and he just pulled it to make it seem like an easy fix. I dunno, it wasn't that hard to find out about the tip sensor, that was pretty much the #1 recommended thing to try.

All I know is that this thing was a steal...unless I'm missing something...

[CasterTroy]

unless I'm missing something...

Frame straight? (http://www.framestraightsystem.com/Motorcycle%20Frame%20Check.htm)

[Kaneman]

Well I'm just about done putting her back together, and have managed to put around 700 miles on. I finally got the title transferred yesterday (don't let the TX DMV tell you that you have to have an Application for Texas Title, that's not true!) so I'm 100% legal.

Bike still rides and runs great. The only problem is the wiring harness that connects the front fairing (headlights, tip over sensor, blinkers) is glitchy, which affects the fuel pump. May make another thread about that.

Funny story though, couldn't get the headlights to stay on. Went to eat breakfast with my wife, came out and fired up the bike afterward...headlights wouldn't come on. Got on the highway, passed 9kRPM...headlights came on. Weird. Next time I started the bike headlights wouldn't come on. Passed 9kRPM....BAM headlights come on again. WTF?!?!?!

Disassemble all the plastics, buy a voltage meter, strip all the wiring of all electrical tape...fuck fuck fuck...can't find it, headlights still won't come on. So I go to start the bike to put it back in the garage and continue this tomorrow, when I push the starter button I barely graze it and the bike fires up...WTF? Turns out the starter button was sticking half way, which of course causes the headlights to go off. Goddamnit.

Anyway, here's what she looks like today. ECM, right mirror, fairing bolt kit, ram air covers, tires, brake pads, oil change, coolant change, grips. All in all I'm coming in under $2,500 for a bike in very good condition.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/Two%20Wheel%20Photos/DSC_3770.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/Two%20Wheel%20Photos/DSC_3767.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/Two%20Wheel%20Photos/DSC_3768.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/Two%20Wheel%20Photos/DSC_3769.jpg

[Dave]

Well I'm just about done putting her back together, and have managed to put around 700 miles on. I finally got the title transferred yesterday (don't let the TX DMV tell you that you have to have an Application for Texas Title, that's not true!) so I'm 100% legal.

Bike still rides and runs great. The only problem is the wiring harness that connects the front fairing (headlights, tip over sensor, blinkers) is glitchy, which affects the fuel pump. May make another thread about that.

Funny story though, couldn't get the headlights to stay on. Went to eat breakfast with my wife, came out and fired up the bike afterward...headlights wouldn't come on. Got on the highway, passed 9kRPM...headlights came on. Weird. Next time I started the bike headlights wouldn't come on. Passed 9kRPM....BAM headlights come on again. WTF?!?!?!

Disassemble all the plastics, buy a voltage meter, strip all the wiring of all electrical tape...fuck fuck fuck...can't find it, headlights still won't come on. So I go to start the bike to put it back in the garage and continue this tomorrow, when I push the starter button I barely graze it and the bike fires up...WTF? Turns out the starter button was sticking half way, which of course causes the headlights to go off. Goddamnit.

Anyway, here's what she looks like today. ECM, right mirror, fairing bolt kit, ram air covers, tires, brake pads, oil change, coolant change, grips. All in all I'm coming in under $2,500 for a bike in very good condition.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/Two%20Wheel%20Photos/DSC_3770.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/Two%20Wheel%20Photos/DSC_3767.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/Two%20Wheel%20Photos/DSC_3768.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/Two%20Wheel%20Photos/DSC_3769.jpg

My hurricane did the same shit

[Kaneman]

My hurricane did the same shit

Really? What'd you do about it? If I turn the ignition on and don't hear the fuel pump (happens 1 out of ever 10-15 times) I reach down, unplug the harness and plug it back in...has worked every time so far.

What worries me is the possibility of it cutting out in a corner or on the highway....

[Archren]

Is it bad that I focused on the depth of field in your photos? I'm turning into such a nerd. What camera did you use?

/threadjack

She is freaking gorgeous. Makes me miss my little F2. Although the F4i is so much prettier... especially in red. :D

[Kaneman]

Is it bad that I focused on the depth of field in your photos? I'm turning into such a nerd. What camera did you use?

/threadjack

She is freaking gorgeous. Makes me miss my little F2. Although the F4i is so much prettier... especially in red. :D

Nikon D90, Aperture priority - f/4.5, 50mm focal length, ISO 200, direct sunlight. If I wanted to really set it up though I would've preferred around 100mm focal length I think.

[Archren]

Nikon D90, Aperture priority - f/4.5, 50mm focal length, ISO 200, direct sunlight. If I wanted to really set it up though I would've preferred around 100mm focal length I think.

Were you going for a super shallow depth of field? I like how it makes the bike pop not only in terms of focus, but the contrast between the warmth of the bike color and the cool colors in the background.

[Kaneman]

Were you going for a super shallow depth of field? I like how it makes the bike pop not only in terms of focus, but the contrast between the warmth of the bike color and the cool colors in the background.

Yea, I go for that quite often. I would've gotten a much better effect with a telephoto lens instead of my 18-55...but I just wanted to take some quick shots.

Thanks for the compliments!

[Archren]

You're welcome. And definitely congrats on the freaking steal of a bike you got there. Now get out and find a better setting for your bike than your driveway. :lol;

[derf]

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/Two%20Wheel%20Photos/DSC_3767.jpg

Awesome deal

[Kaneman]

You're welcome. And definitely congrats on the freaking steal of a bike you got there. Now get out and find a better setting for your bike than your driveway. :lol;

Done.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/Two%20Wheel%20Photos/DSC_3775.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/PsychoMedic/Two%20Wheel%20Photos/DSC_3776.jpg

[Archren]

VERY nicely done. :dthumb: The first one is my favorite.

[Kaneman]

VERY nicely done. :dthumb: The first one is my favorite.

Really? I liked how it was hiding behind the grass in the second one, so I submitted that one for POTM. Maybe I should've gone with the first....

[Archren]

Really? I liked how it was hiding behind the grass in the second one, so I submitted that one for POTM. Maybe I should've gone with the first....

My photog professor always tells us "lines should move you through a picture rather than out of it." Maybe I'm thinking about it too much, but I'm also going a bit on initial instinct too - the foreground stuff in the second is a bit distracting, and seems to take away a little from the subject, but that may just be me. The downside to photography is it is so very subjective. :lol:

[njchopper87]

Wow, that's nice deal all right. Good for you.

[Dave]

Really? What'd you do about it? If I turn the ignition on and don't hear the fuel pump (happens 1 out of ever 10-15 times) I reach down, unplug the harness and plug it back in...has worked every time so far.

What worries me is the possibility of it cutting out in a corner or on the highway....

I took the switches apart and cleaned the fuck out of the wiring contacts and got all the dirt and grit out of the housing. It was still loose after that and would sometimes flicker but id jiggle the starting switch and it'd act right.

[101lifts2]

2001 F4i for 2500 (after fixing it) is decent. That is about the price here in CA 2500-3000. They are high miles tho. because they are great commuting bikes.