Author Topic: Looking to buy....thoughts (Read 3683 times)

robth100 · **on:** December 12, 2009, 11:28:20 pm

I am new to motorcycles though I've been trolling this forum for about a year now. Love the Bullet and have to opportunity to purchase one used locally. I went and checked it out today with a friend of mine that has many motorcycles to be my voice of reason. Any way, the bike is a 2004 Classic, 2400 miles on it, 1 owner, well kept from what we could see. Currently has the Old-Fashioned solo seat and pillon seat, upgraded exhaust and a few other odds and ends. Cosmetically this bike is in great shape - no dings, scrapes, etc. The asking price is $2590. Thoughts? It seems like a decent deal though I'd like first hand advice if possible. Also, if location has an impact on price, I'm in the Northeast US.

Cheers!

ScooterBob · **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2009, 12:03:11 am

This sounds pretty good to ME ..... The fact that it has some miles on it is also comforting .... that means that it hasn't sat around and got funky from sitting. Did you RIDE the bike at all - or was the weather against you? I'd advise riding it to see if it suits you at all before you plunk down the hard-earned dollars. All-in-all, tho - it sounds like a decent deal for a bike that's destined to become a modern classic!

Cabo Cruz · **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2009, 12:43:50 am

Amen!

bullethead63 · **Reply #3 on:** December 13, 2009, 12:51:06 am

That's about what I paid for mine,and I love it...go for it!

ace.cafe · **Reply #4 on:** December 13, 2009, 01:40:49 am

I think that's a good price.

UncleErnie · **Reply #5 on:** December 13, 2009, 01:46:22 am

Seems a little cheap to me, at least from asking prices I've seen around here.
I never ride bikes I'm going to buy, but I DO look around where it's stored and have it stated from cold. I also ask a lot about his break-in, maintenance, and why he's selling.
At least at that price, if you don't like it, you can re-sell and not lose anything.

Ice · **Reply #6 on:** December 13, 2009, 01:52:05 am

Hi robth100,
Welcome aboard.

Good price.
Bonus points for being well kept, being broken in or nearly so and having extras.

As with any motorcycle ride it before you buy it if possible.

jdrouin · **Reply #7 on:** December 13, 2009, 03:51:45 am

Sounds promising, but I second Ernie's suggestion to ask for a description of the maintenance history. If he's the original owner (which you should find out about), the fact that he got it to 2,400 miles should mean that he's kept the valves and chains in adjustment, regularly replaced the oils, probably retorqued the head bolts at least once, and probably adjusted the timing as well. Also, if it's a 2004 with only 2,400 miles, that means it probably sat still for long periods, so you might check to see that the wheels are not out of true or out of round.

And definitely test ride it or, if you don't have your license, have your friend do it. Check for excessive vibration, pulsing from the brakes, pulsing from the wheels during curves, proper idle and power, etc.

I'm from the northeast as well, so I would want to know how he stored it for our long wet Winters. By your account, the outward appearance has been maintained. But, for example, did he take care to fog the motor?

Jeff

The Garbone · **Reply #8 on:** December 13, 2009, 12:27:28 pm

An RE was my first bike... Love it.. I say jump in and if you decide the experience is not what you want you could sell it and not be out a major amount of money.. I think it would be a better investment than something like a Buell blast...You can trade those things in for a cup of coffee after you own em for a year or two. If your lucky...

Welcome to the board....

Gary

1Blackwolf1 · **Reply #9 on:** December 13, 2009, 12:44:57 pm

I agree with everything said so far. If the owner is really cool he might let you take it to a pro for an appraisal. Wouldn't necessarily need to be an Enfield shop (although they'd know the machines better). Any Brit mechanic would work in this situation. Enjoy, Will.

single · **Reply #10 on:** December 13, 2009, 03:22:13 pm

Well,I did not care much for mine the first time I rode it,but I came to craving my rides on it.So,ride it if you can and look for things others here have said,but unless you are used to old bikes it may hafta grow on you.Look mainly for signs of sloppy care,scrapes and dings.This sure looks like a good deal,one where you can hardly loose.

robth100 · **Reply #11 on:** December 13, 2009, 04:46:11 pm

Thanks for all the input. As I do not have my license (though I've ridden dirt bikes in the past ...not exactly the same) I opted to have my buddy do the test drive. Bike fired right up and after warming for a bit he took it for a spin (not that long as its 25 degrees out these days). But he liked the ride and feel of it and his recommendation is that I should pick it up. After talking to the owner for a while we realized we both happen to know a bunch of the same people from another collector circle so it eased my mind to know the guy is legit. Anyway, I am 99% certain that I am going to do it. Will keep you posted on the final out come!

1Blackwolf1 · **Reply #12 on:** December 13, 2009, 04:56:23 pm

And we want to see pictures!!!! Will.

robth100 · **Reply #13 on:** December 13, 2009, 05:12:47 pm

Here's few pics...not the best as I took them with the camera on my phone

http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j226/robth1001/Royal%20Enfield/

ScooterBob · **Reply #14 on:** December 13, 2009, 07:04:07 pm

Ni-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ice ..... You'll find that Old Fashioned solo saddle to be quite comfy, I'll bet! You just better jump on that - or someone ELSE may! Hahaha!! I'd get the shift bushing kit for it right away if it hasn't already been put on there - thats the WORST part of the bike is that the old right-shift four-speed is now a left shift bike. The factory used rubber bands or something like that (overcooked pasta noddles?) to do the conversion. It was a little less than perfect ..... I'll bet it runs like a little Rolex tho ..... !

Cabo Cruz · **Reply #15 on:** December 13, 2009, 07:19:10 pm

Very cool, Br. Rob!!!

bullethead63 · **Reply #16 on:** December 14, 2009, 10:36:47 pm

Well...add a set of black RE saddlebags,and it would look almost EXACTLY like mine...needless to say,I like it...

...you should buy it...if you don't like it,you can always sell it and break even...

Chuck D · **Reply #17 on:** December 14, 2009, 11:25:36 pm

Looks like a good bike. It even has the correct breather setup from the looks of it. Jump right in.

jdrouin · **Reply #18 on:** December 14, 2009, 11:31:41 pm

Quote from: robth100 on December 13, 2009, 04:46:11 pm

Thanks for all the input. As I do not have my license (though I've ridden dirt bikes in the past ...not exactly the same) I opted to have my buddy do the test drive. Bike fired right up and after warming for a bit he took it for a spin (not that long as its 25 degrees out these days). But he liked the ride and feel of it and his recommendation is that I should pick it up. After talking to the owner for a while we realized we both happen to know a bunch of the same people from another collector circle so it eased my mind to know the guy is legit. Anyway, I am 99% certain that I am going to do it. Will keep you posted on the final out come!

So? Did you buy it yet? Just do it!

Jeff

robth100 · **Reply #19 on:** December 15, 2009, 01:33:12 am

Made the verbal agreement to buy it for $2500. Will be picking it up on Saturday. Hope you're all ready for many annoying questions. Though I have a feeling I will become very familiar with the search feature on this forum first! Thanks for all the advice.

robth100 · **Reply #20 on:** December 22, 2009, 11:59:00 pm

It's official. As of last Saturday, I became one the of the newest RE owners. Now the bike is sitting patiently in the basement for the warm weather!

Ice · **Reply #21 on:** December 23, 2009, 12:25:51 am

Quote from: robth100 on December 22, 2009, 11:59:00 pm

It's official. As of last Saturday, I became one the of the newest RE owners. Now the bike is sitting patiently in the basement for the warm weather!

Congrats and welcome to the club.

blueberry · **Reply #22 on:** December 23, 2009, 01:36:27 am

Congrats, and welcome. How many times a day do you go to the basement and sit on it? Very nice bike!! Ride it in good health.

bullethead63 · **Reply #23 on:** December 25, 2009, 02:16:01 am

Welcome to the club...you can only look at her for so long without giving in to temptation...on the first semi-warm day,I'm sure that you'll be out riding LONG before your buddies are!

500KsGerry · **Reply #24 on:** December 25, 2009, 11:15:23 am

Take it for a ride...if you like it and she runs good...JUMP ON IT...thats a god deal