Purchase: Looking To Buy 1998 Speed Triple

Discussion in 'Newbies Hangout' started by Francis Robertson, May 14, 2022.

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  1. Francis Robertson

    Francis Robertson New Member

    May 14, 2022
    11
    3
    Northampton, England
    Hey guys,

    Great to virtually meet you.

    I am viewing a 1998 Speed Triple tomorrow with 34k on the clock.

    Just wondered if anyone had any good advice for me that will enable me to make a decision on the bike.

    Many thanks in advance,

    Franc
     
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  2. Helmut Visor

    Helmut Visor Only dead fish go with the flow
    Subscriber

    Oct 3, 2018
    6,260
    1,000
    Three Counties
    Hi Franc :cool: no specialist info from me I'm afraid ;)
     
  3. Francis Robertson

    Francis Robertson New Member

    May 14, 2022
    11
    3
    Northampton, England
    Thanks. Should I be concerned about high mileage? Or does service history take precedence?
     
  4. philip ham

    philip ham Member

    Aug 30, 2018
    19
    8
    anglesey
    Hi engines are pretty much bomb proof Milage not a problem the only grief is engine strip down to change sprag clutch no inspection cover on them
     
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  5. Francis Robertson

    Francis Robertson New Member

    May 14, 2022
    11
    3
    Northampton, England
    Is there a recommended interval required to change the sprag clutch?
     
  6. philip ham

    philip ham Member

    Aug 30, 2018
    19
    8
    anglesey
    Hi generally no bu some do a lot of miles with no problems a good quality battery well charged and if bikes been standing a bit fuel tap on prime it will fire up quickly don’t be put off they are superb engines love my Daytona 48 000 miles
     
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  7. Francis Robertson

    Francis Robertson New Member

    May 14, 2022
    11
    3
    Northampton, England
    thanks so much. Gives me some confidence that this could be a solid opportunity
     
  8. philip ham

    philip ham Member

    Aug 30, 2018
    19
    8
    anglesey
    Glad to be of help they are great bikes anyone here will tell you
     
  9. Geoff Butler

    Geoff Butler Never too old for Biking!

    Apr 5, 2021
    626
    143
    Hampshire & Powys
    Welcome Franc!

    I have the Daytona T595, which is pretty much the same bike with a fairing.

    I guess your questions really depend on how much you are paying and what general condition the bike is in. Here are some things I would look out for:

    • Signs of fuel tank leakage and damage (bottom right hand side of the tank nearest the seat)
    • Aged tyres - They might look good but how old are they?
    • Cracked panels
    • Lift both seats and inspect
    I hope it goes well for you. :cool:

    Cheers

    Geoff
     
  10. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    881
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Hey franc, I am far from a mechanic, but I would say that it's down to service history all the way...

    Have a Google for "1998 Speed Triple problems" or whatever.

    Was there "reg/rectifier" issue on these bikes early on, was it sorted (probably).

    I have found in recent searches that it's not uncommon for a bike to have had many owners, unlike cars. I don't think it necessarily needs to put you off if it's been looked after.

    At the very least regular oil and filter changes.

    Have big jobs, like timing, been done? If there's no receipt, anticipate doing it. Likewise chain and sprockets.

    Leaky suspension seals?

    Tyres in good condition - what's their age?

    Whilst sundries are well supplied, actual "spare parts" are getting, or can be getting scarce... Bodywork for example...

    Have a look on eBay or Facebook Marketplace to get your eye in on what some bits may cost... I'm sure you'd find a nose cone...but would it be in the neon red you need? (For example).

    I always take a look through the MOT history online. Not the passes, but the advisories....

    An MOT is great,.but it's nothing more than 'the brakes are ok'...and a "pass" is as reliant as the tester. I have had my bike MOT done and before the ink was dry set about changing the notchy head bearing.

    Personally, I'd rather a bike that's been used daily, rather than sunny Sundays only.

    Does it start with oomph. Or sluggish.

    How easy is finding neutral. How are the up and down shifts -twstwd when engine is hot, ideally.

    Does the fan kick in?

    Are you able to sit comfortably on it?

    None of the aboveeans you shouldn't get it. Just "be aware".

    I bought a 2010 Tiger a few weeks ago. It may need a new clutch...but I am enjoying the "finding out" about how I may do this myself. That for me is part of the hobby, the maintenance...

    Having said that, be prepared to walk away.

    Don't feel rushed or pressured. Bikers tend to be friendly and chatty...so be friendly and chatty, but be aware if they are too.

    "Bullshit baffles brains"; so don't let it being all shiny hook you in...

    Cnt think of anything else, apologies if I'm teaching you to suck eggs... I really enjoy the bit you're re at! Enjoy it..

    And, above all else...

    Keep us posted. Send photos. Use the forum(s)!
     
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  11. Francis Robertson

    Francis Robertson New Member

    May 14, 2022
    11
    3
    Northampton, England
    Thank you Geoff.

    It is listed for a very reasonable £1500 but hasn’t been MOt’d since 2018, so could suggest some significant work is needed…

    The tank has blistering so need to be cautious of that right?

    thanks again
     
  12. philip ham

    philip ham Member

    Aug 30, 2018
    19
    8
    anglesey
    Is it a 509 model. Sprag is a log easier to change than late t 300
     
  13. Geoff Butler

    Geoff Butler Never too old for Biking!

    Apr 5, 2021
    626
    143
    Hampshire & Powys
    That’s a good price if she’s a keeper and you already know you will be constantly “maintaining” a bike of that age. With no MOT though, be prepared to replace the tyres (based on age and/thread depth) and possibly the the brake pads and discs. I just did my brakes all round and had to fully strip down the fronts with new pistons and seals.

    The tank on these is plastic so the blistering is most likely just the paintwork, quite common with models of this age.

    @DanielB offers some solid advise and tips above too.

    Have you got any pictures of the bike for us to critique? ;)

    Cheers

    Geoff
     
  14. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    881
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    [QUOTE="

    It is listed for a very reasonable £1500 but hasn’t been MOt’d since 2018, so could suggest some significant work is needed…
    QUOTE]

    I'd imagine all the suspension linkages will need new bearings.

    Eccentric hub need a regrease?
     
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  15. Mrs Visor

    Mrs Visor Elite Member

    Aug 21, 2021
    3,246
    800
    UK
    Hi and welcome, best of luck with your purchase!
     
  16. sprintdave

    sprintdave Nurse,he's out of bed again
    Subscriber

    May 25, 2014
    1,539
    750
    Birmingham
    Make sure engine is cold first when you look at the bike. Check oil is clean and not sludge, no creamy film in oil, sign of poss head gasket etc.Look at battery, is it old looking....... if poss check for 12.6 or so volts? Start engine, you may need to pull the clutch, it should fire after no more than a couple of turns, if funny noises , ie clatter or banging from starter be careful as sprag could be on way out. With engine running check battery leads again, should show around 14 v or so which proves charging circuit is working. Is tickover good, if not the 3 vacuum pipes to ecu may be cracked and need changing. No rattles from camchain.
    Ask when last serviced and when were the valves last checked, this is due every 12000 miles and is almost due, costing around 450 to £600 depending on where you go. Check age on Tyres, there is a 4 digit number on sidewall, ie 1220, first 2 digits are month and last 2 are year, if tyres are 5 or 6 yrs old they need replacing. Check forklegs for oil weep from seals, pump a few times and recheck. Check chain adjustment, approx. 35mm in tight spot on chain on sidestand, try to pull chain away from rear sprocket, if you can pull it away a bit the chain could be shot. Chain adjuster can seize but you wont know unless the eccentric looks like it has been greased. Bounce rear suspension, does it damp or keep bouncing?
    Can you road test, how are the gears and clutch. Look at brake pads, do they appear worn, disks not scored badly. Front brakes on these bikes are quite good, rear brake tends to feel woody and not very effective. Check brakes do not bind.
    If you can, run engine till hot and check fan comes on and no burping of coolant from catch tank.
    Tank bubbles can be an issue unless painted an prepped carefully but this is common with plastic tanks.
    Mileage is not an issue, mine is an 885i, T509 with 55000 miles.
    I assume yours is a 955i.
    Great bikes. Good luck.
     
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  17. Wessa

    Wessa Cruising

    Apr 27, 2016
    11,630
    1,000
    North West England
    Hi and welcome….
     
  18. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    881
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    You've not said how adept you are with spanners franc...

    Just incase, there are a few fruity things on the above lists...but some sound worse than they are....

    Cracked vacuum lines is nothing more than a fiver on some silicone hose, for example. A lot of it is "just nuts and bolts"; and I am an advocator of "having a go"...again, Google what some of the advice/checks/maintenance actually includes. I'm sure it'll surprise you how achievable it may actually be!
     
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  19. Dartplayer

    Dartplayer Crème de la Crème

    Aug 8, 2018
    7,199
    1,000
    New Zealand
    Hi Franc and welcome to the forum :cool: best wishes with your purchase and do-up :p
     
  20. Francis Robertson

    Francis Robertson New Member

    May 14, 2022
    11
    3
    Northampton, England
     

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