Before you all point out the sticky, i read it a while ago, and i just reread this
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html. also, i have my M license, and my own gear.

98 honda cbr f3
27k miles
jardine exhaust
fairly new front/rear tires, sprocket, chain (have all paperwork)
matte black paint, plastics in decent condition

just from that, are there any glaring things/omissions? is "matte black" a color choice? or did this get repainted?

if you f3 guys could chime in with its quirks that i should look out for, etc, id really appreciate it.

 

I don't think ANY bike ever came matte black. Most F3's came multi-colored, although a few are strictly one color. But definitely not matte black.

It's possible the bike has been down and the plastics were repaired and/or repainted.

Look out for a worn cam chain tensioner. If it starts to fail, you will hear a distinct rattling/ticking noise. This can be replaced with an OEM tensioner, or an APE manual tensioner.

The regulator/rectifier is also a weak spot for this bike. Find out if it has been replaced. If not, it's not a deal-breaker. Just something you may want to switch out as preventive maintenance.

What price is the bike set at?

 

^ +1

 

i thought the new r6's came with a matte black option. anyways, thats what i was wondering, since it says the plastics are in ok condition. how do i check for a worn cam chain tensioner? where in relation to the chain is it?

the asking price is 2000.

 

You won't be able to see the cam chain tensioner, but you will be able to hear it probably between 4,000-6,000rpm when you ride it.

All of us can give you good tips on what to look out for, but I'd try to bring a friend who knows about bikes (specfically Hondas if possible). My experience is that no matter how much I researched about a bike I was looking to buy, there were always a couple things I missed until after I already bought it. Good luck

 

2000 is a good price, if everything is ok.

The CCT is located near the engine (sorry, I don't recall off the top of my head). You can see the plunger part of it sticking out, but you won't be able to see the cam chain itself.

Those R6's weren't matte, were they? Just a black color. But what do I know? They're just piano-bikes.

 

I think he is referring to the raven r's

 

yeah, those were matte black, werent they?

ive been workin on getting someone knowledgeable, but there really isnt anyone in the area that i know well enough to ask this of someone. its why im hesitant about buying a bike.

 

What area are you in? I'd help out if you were local around here.