Hi, I'm new to the forum and new(back) to biking..... 22year gap. Be passed my test and raringvto go. Im on budget but I really do want a triumph and I've been I'm looking at a street triple. I've had test rides on new ones but budget dictates a used one. I've found a 2009 one with 15k on clock which seems reasonable. I'm after advice on what I should be asking the dealer about and what I need to check for on the bike before buying. Any no no's etc. Your help will be much appreciated.
If you're buying from a dealer, there are two areas to ask questions about imo : 1. Legal ownership - the dealer needs to be able to prove to your satisfaction that he has the legal right to sell it to you. Showing you the V5 document is not enough. He needs to be able to show you a paper trail that proves the previous owner; the previous owner trading the bike in, with him; etc 2. Service history - it is not enough for the dealer to you a stamped up service book, if there are no accompanying invoices. You need to see paperwork to prove what work has been done. If he says "yeah, it's had a new chain and sprockets set 3 months ago" that's great - "show me the invoice". No invoice, no proof. Just build your offer price on the basis of hard proof, not just flim-flam words that will evaporate as soon as you take delivery of your new ride. This particular bike with 15K mls on the clock, it's 8 yrs old. So it should have had at least one if not two tyre changes. Check the chain to see if there is any sideways movement, look at the sprockets - any visible wear. A chain and sprockets set is £100 if you fit it yourself (easy job, I just did mine) so budget for a new one. Also budget for new tyres unless they look mint, and a std service is about £200. I would prefer to buy cheaper, leaving me money for ME to put new bits on, then I know for sure what's been done. How much is the dealer asking for this bike?
Thanks Biglad, some invaluable advice that I wouldn't have thought of. The bike is up for £3450. I like the idea of building in the DIY when negotiating, especially if they can't prove work done.
Thanks Biglad, some invaluable advice that I wouldn't have thought of. The bike is up for £3450. I like the idea of building in the DIY when negotiating, especially if they can't prove work done.