Old, Low Mileage Bike Concerns?? - Ducati.ms

galaxy · Dec 3rd, 2011, 9:10 am

So what would you guys say would be your concerns or focus areas on an older, low mileage bike? Let's say theoretically a 2004 2V bike with only 1,500 miles on it? Skip the automatic stuff...belts, tires, fluids...got it.

Besides those basic items, what are some "gotcha's" or hot points to hit? One could argue that buying a bike that's been sitting this much poses more problems or concerns than one with a lot of miles on it!

MTScott2 · Dec 3rd, 2011, 9:16 am

Where and how it was stored , would be a consideration ,
Got to wonder about the age of rubber plastics etc,
Ain't nuttin that can't be fixed!!!

stryder · Dec 3rd, 2011, 9:30 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by galaxy

So what would you guys say would be your concerns or focus areas on an older, low mileage bike? Let's say theoretically a 2004 2V bike with only 1,500 miles on it? Skip the automatic stuff...belts, tires, fluids...got it.

Besides those basic items, what are some "gotcha's" or hot points to hit? One could argue that buying a bike that's been sitting this much poses more problems or concerns than one with a lot of miles on it!

As mentioned, storage history would be good to know. Possible concerns: rusted, internal engine parts that could let loose down the road; flat spotted bearings; dried up seals, rusted fuel tank, mouse-nibbled wiring, corroded electrical connections. If it was "parked" for a very long time, with no attention, and if it was in an area where there was exterme weather fluctuations, I'd take a very good look at how the bike was stored.

galaxy · Dec 3rd, 2011, 10:07 am

Storage was not an issue. Let's say theoretically, it's literally "show room" condition.

Mblaster · Dec 3rd, 2011, 10:16 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by galaxy

Storage was not an issue. Let's say theoretically, it's literally "show room" condition.

Belts, plugs and an oil change. Drive it and see whatcha got!!

stryder · Dec 3rd, 2011, 10:28 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by galaxy

Storage was not an issue. Let's say theoretically, it's literally "show room" condition.

Then all the above, but to a lesser degree.

flynbulldog · Dec 3rd, 2011, 11:07 am

in 04 or 05 I bought a 01 MH900E with 7 miles on the clock. The guy bought it, rode it around the block once, and parked it - didn't drain the gas, didn't drain the oil.
He literally just parked it in his garage. Luckily he lives in Tucson so there were no moisture problems.

When I came over to look at it he put the key in and turned it, the fuel injection charged and the two plastic fuel line quick-connects popped sending gas everywhere
- it smelled like old varnish, and it was old varnish at this point. I bought the bike anyway and took it home and tore the fuel system apart and cleaned everything.
(fuel tank, pump, all the lines and changed the fuel filter and replaced the plastic fittings)
After it was back together I changed all of the other fluids and got the bike started, it sure enough needed new plugs and new batteries (the MH has two batteries).

I rode the bike about 500 miles before I changed the belts and I never did change the tires. I kept the bike in my house and rode it about 2 or 3 times a year.
I kept fresh gas and batteries in it and took pretty close care of the bike but it was amazing how much the bike deteriorated just sitting in the house.
I sold the bike last year with just 1700 miles on it and it still has the original tires.

SP3 · Dec 3rd, 2011, 11:14 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by stryder

flat spotted bearings

no such beast

stryder · Dec 3rd, 2011, 1:13 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP3

no such beast

I've heard yes and no over the years so I've always lifted the front end off the ground when I store my bikes for up to 6 months at time to give the bearings, head set and wheel, as well as the fork springs some relief. I thought both "brinelling" of the race way was possible over many years of continuous storage with the weight continuously on the bike, and without the bearings being turned, possibly some rust damage too. If I was checking out a bike that has been sitting for many years, I'd definitely feel/listen to the wheel bearings for "storage damage."

stryder · Dec 3rd, 2011, 1:17 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by flynbulldog

...I kept the bike in my house and rode it about 2 or 3 times a year. I kept fresh gas and batteries in it and took pretty close care of the bike but it was amazing how much the bike deteriorated just sitting in the house....

That's what I refer to as "active storage", ie the bike was well taken care of, it did not just sit there during years of non-use.