So I went to look at a Honda XR 125 at Pole Position (New Kent Rd, near Elephant and Castle) after being tipped off by driesie here
I was hoping I could get some advice on whether it looks like a decent deal, or if I’m being a moron and shouldn’t bother.
Its a Honda XR 125, registered in Dec 06 with about 10 000miles on it, and therefore doesn’t need an MOT until Dec 2009.
The service history shows it has had some work done to the front of the bike (all I can remember is indicator repair work, but there was more) so more than likely it has been in some kind of accident.
Also, it has not been serviced since 3500 miles, so that’s 6500 miles without a service. The guy at Pole Position said they would service it after I bought it, and I could have a “gentlemen’s agreement” 3 month guarantee… I’m not quite sure what that means, but I’ll make sure I get it in writing.
The asking price is £1100. I’m very tempted to go with it since it’s well within my budget of £1500, but I’m not sure what to make of the service history. Maybe I should try knock £100 off the asking price… ?
If you know someone that knows a thing or too about bikes then I’d definitely let them have a look, but my gut says to walk away as it is too much money for a bike that’s of dubious accidental history and a lot of miles.
6,500 miles without a service isn’t the end of the world, but smacks of a bike that hasn’t been looked after.
Hmm, I did an HPI check with just the licence plate number, and so far so good.
I will get the rest of the info tomorrow morning and check it against all the details before I make a decision.
It aint easy used bike shopping, you’ll be lucky to find a 125 people havent fell off cause the majority are used to ‘learn’ on… take someone with you who knows about bikes if you can, theres no substitute for experiance.
Ye, that’s my problem… I don’t know anyone who is mechanically minded.
If there’s anyone anywhere near SE1 4AG who is willing to have a look see I’d appreciate it.
Gentlemans agrrement means you wont get it in writting mate. Id be very dubious about it. You would be better off getting someone you can trust and knows what there doing to have a look at it for you.
i am and iam not to far away. i no that shop and they are right dodgy a friend off mine bought his gsxr1000 k4 from there and got mugged lool. then when it broke a week later they would not fix it so i did it.
How long ago was that biker_dan? I think it used to be owned by somebody else.
I’ve been served there well, but I haven’t bought a bike there, and don’t really know anything
I agree though, if it doesn’t feel right, walk away. I would want to have 3 months warranty on paper before buying from a dealer.
I think the current owner Greg, has owned the shop since 2001.
Having slept on it, I think my gut is telling me to walk away. The main reason I am buying from a dealer is so that I can get a proper 3 month dealer warranty, not some off the cuff warranty scratched on some A4. If that means waiting a few more weeks still, then so be it.
The search continues…
Next stop: Wembley Motorcycles.
If it doesn’t feel right, walk away. It’s always dangerous to feel like you should buy particularly if you’re excited about the prospect of owning the bike.
There’s plenty bikes around and I’m sure one will turn up that is just right.
