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Might buy another used bike - question

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  • Might buy another used bike - question

    I'm looking at this used 1998 Triumph Speed Triple, but I am a bit leary after some inspection and seeing it run.

    It is on consignment, so no test ride... it is priced at $4500, which is about $700 below Kelly Blue book for my area. The bike is in pretty good shape aside from a rub-scratch on the fairing above the headlights, scratches on the brake lever (look like tip over scratches, not sliding or crashing), and scratching on the right side turn signal (again, looks like tip over scratching).

    Also, the muffler is missing 1 screw (it should have 3, only has 2 to hold the baffles in, I assume that's what they are doing). My biggest concern, however, is that when the dealer revved the bike up, there was a little bit of smoke - I couldnt tell if it was oil or fuel though. He said the bike had been sitting for a while, been there for 2 months so far and that the fuel injected bikes tend to run pretty rich while warming up.

    He also said that the owner had managed to do something to the bike that damaged the compression, and that the bike shop had honed the cylinders and put new pistons in it and the compression is good now - the bike had been ridden 100 miles since. Their tech's found that the airbox wasn't correctly attached so they "guessed" that sand or something had gotten into the cylinders.

    I couldn't detect any abrasion on the frame whatsoever either - but I forgot to get the VIN to check carfax - I'm going to do that tommorow when they are open. I'm thinking that if carfax is clear then picking it up with their $500 one year shop warranty figuring that if anything major is going to happen, it's going to happen in one year. Also, the front tire needs to be replaced.

    Oh yeah, it's got just under 18,000 miles on the clock.

    What do you guys think?
    Last edited by Snow; 03-22-2004, 01:38 PM.
    1979 XS11F Standard - Maya - 1196cc (out of order)
    1978 XS11E Standard - Nina - 1101cc
    http://www.livejournal.com/~xs11

  • #2
    Btw, it did appear to be black smoke...which would appear to indicate fuel richness, no?
    1979 XS11F Standard - Maya - 1196cc (out of order)
    1978 XS11E Standard - Nina - 1101cc
    http://www.livejournal.com/~xs11

    Comment


    • #3
      I keep answering my own questions, don't I?

      T595 Forums (triumph forums)

      My –02 had also been standing for a year at the dealer, but it had 0 miles on it. For the first 1000km I used the stock can and I did not rev it at all when it was cold, so I don’t know if it was smoking than. But now, with a Triumph race can, it smokes just as you describe!
      There are other posts similar to the above quoted... if anyone has opinions one way or the other, please feel free to divulge them.
      1979 XS11F Standard - Maya - 1196cc (out of order)
      1978 XS11E Standard - Nina - 1101cc
      http://www.livejournal.com/~xs11

      Comment


      • #4
        Well, after some conversing with the guys on the triumphrat.net forums, I decided to *not* go after that bike. I will be picking up a brand new 2003 Triumph Speed Four sometime next week

        599cc and a claimed 98 hp
        1979 XS11F Standard - Maya - 1196cc (out of order)
        1978 XS11E Standard - Nina - 1101cc
        http://www.livejournal.com/~xs11

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by Snow
          Btw, it did appear to be black smoke...which would appear to indicate fuel richness, no?
          yes

          Pretty easy rules:

          Black = too much fuel
          Blue = oil burning
          White = Water
          ---
          Marko
          '81 SH

          Comment


          • #6
            Why a triumph 600? AFAIK all the jap stuff outclasses it. But OK...
            Not many around here. Tigers, speed triples, stuff like that...
            I'd like a bonnie....

            LP
            If it doesn't have an engine, it's not a sport, it's only a game.
            (stole that one from I-dont-know-who)

            Comment


            • #7
              I have been checking out the new Triumphs at a local shop pretty regular for a while now... haven't wrangled a test ride yet, waiting on a nice day. There is something about the Speed Triple that the Four just soesn't seem to have. I can't put my finger on it, just a certain appeal.
              buffalo
              80 XS1100SG

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by strom
                Why a triumph 600? AFAIK all the jap stuff outclasses it. But OK...
                Not many around here. Tigers, speed triples, stuff like that...
                I'd like a bonnie....

                LP
                Pick up the latest Motorcyclist Magazine - the S4 is retailed at 6499 and spanks the crap outa the SV650, FZ6, and the Honda 599 that are similarly priced.

                This little 600 has more claimed HP (98) than my XS did new and weight quite a bit less
                1979 XS11F Standard - Maya - 1196cc (out of order)
                1978 XS11E Standard - Nina - 1101cc
                http://www.livejournal.com/~xs11

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Snow


                  Pick up the latest Motorcyclist Magazine - the S4 is retailed at 6499 and spanks the crap outa the SV650, FZ6, and the Honda 599 that are similarly priced.

                  This little 600 has more claimed HP (98) than my XS did new and weight quite a bit less
                  That one is supposed to be in the CBR600, ZX6R, GSXR 600, R6 class.... bout the price... get the Comet 650.
                  The other ones are... a cheap step to a 1000+ bike. Or for girls. Something to plug the bikelessnes.

                  LP
                  If it doesn't have an engine, it's not a sport, it's only a game.
                  (stole that one from I-dont-know-who)

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    The GSXR600 and the like are retailed at $6499?

                    Besides, I wanted a naked bike and *need* a bike that is cheap on insurance - this one fits that bill being that I have full coverage for $455 a year with a $100 comp deductible and a $250 collision deductible with progressive

                    After only 80 miles so far, I can say I'm very happy with my choice so - I can't wait until she is broke-in and I can start having some fun
                    Last edited by Snow; 04-04-2004, 05:13 PM.
                    1979 XS11F Standard - Maya - 1196cc (out of order)
                    1978 XS11E Standard - Nina - 1101cc
                    http://www.livejournal.com/~xs11

                    Comment

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