What would you do???
#1
04-21-2009, 11:34 AM
Join Date: Mar 2009
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What would you do???
My second post. Not yet a Cane owner but think I'm close. When I do I will be certain to update my profile and properly introduce myself. I'm looking for some advice from the voice of experience. I have read thru many posts and you guys/gals really seem to know just about everything there is to know about these classic bikes. I have attached pics of two different Hurricanes I am looking at. The blue one is a 1987 with only 21,980kms. Haven't personally seen or heard this one as it's about an 8 - 9hr drive, however, the original owner tells me the bike is in very good condition. The second is a 1988 with 60,000+kms. It has had several owners, the most recent, an autobody repairman...thus the magnificent paint work. This is actually the second time he's painted it. He tells me it was a brilliant copper colour last year. (He paints his own toys as a hobby). This one I did see and heard this past week-end (no ride though). I'm not sure how this cam chain rattle should sound but when he started it I could not detect any "rattle" from the engine. It sounded quite strong with a few quick twists of the throttle. The rear tire is completely smooth. He said he couldn't help himself before putting the bike away last season. He and a buddy were competing with one another in some rubber burning contest. So you can see my dilemma. A beautiful bright red Cane (1988)that I've seen and heard, but with 60,000Km.......or a 1987 Cane that I haven't yet seen but with only 21,980km and have access to the original owner and service technician (but fairly long drive). I'm trying to ignore the shiny new look of the red Cane...after all, it's just paint.
Any thoughts???
Any thoughts???
#2
04-21-2009, 11:53 AM
Administrator - Retired
Depends on other factors as well.
Was the repainted one ever wrecked? I'd check the frame and other parts for signs of rash. Never can be too sure with a painted bike (or any bike for that matter).
Price is also a big factor. You didn't mention it on either, so I'm guessing they are similarly priced?
Not really seeing or hearing the blue bike, who knows how good or bad it REALLY is.
Ask about history a lot, too, and see what you can find out. Any major repairs? Good service history?
Was the repainted one ever wrecked? I'd check the frame and other parts for signs of rash. Never can be too sure with a painted bike (or any bike for that matter).
Price is also a big factor. You didn't mention it on either, so I'm guessing they are similarly priced?
Not really seeing or hearing the blue bike, who knows how good or bad it REALLY is.
Ask about history a lot, too, and see what you can find out. Any major repairs? Good service history?
#3
04-21-2009, 12:05 PM
Administrator - Retired
21k kilometers is really low mileage, too, for an '87.
I bought mine with like 17k miles and it's a '95. I thought that was low mileage!
I drove 9hrs to get mine. Only had a couple pics, but the guy ASSURED me it was bone stock and mint and that he was the second owner. He had the paperwork to back it up, and he wasn't lying.
I believed him and I took the chance. He was a good guy, and was completely truthful with me. You never know, though.
It's usually good to make a list of questions to ask, so you don't forget.
I'd call the guy that has the blue one, and maybe ask him a bunch of questions about ANY flaws he can think of, and ask about repair history, etc.
I bought mine with like 17k miles and it's a '95. I thought that was low mileage!
I drove 9hrs to get mine. Only had a couple pics, but the guy ASSURED me it was bone stock and mint and that he was the second owner. He had the paperwork to back it up, and he wasn't lying.
I believed him and I took the chance. He was a good guy, and was completely truthful with me. You never know, though.
It's usually good to make a list of questions to ask, so you don't forget.
I'd call the guy that has the blue one, and maybe ask him a bunch of questions about ANY flaws he can think of, and ask about repair history, etc.
#5
04-21-2009, 12:20 PM
Guest
Posts: n/a
Two bikes
Well, the red one is going to have a little of our Administrator's name to it. ChainStretcher!!! Here is what I go on when I buy a bike and I have bought over 35 bikes. If I like it, I buy it. I have lost more money on stocks in my life and only had a piece of paper to prove it, than I have lost on bikes!
I do most repairs myself so labor is cheap. I have bought some bikes sight unseen and have gotten a shipping crate with a wreaked bike in it. Went on ebay, got the parts cheap and made $500 in the end (sold it of course). Bought other bikes that looked great and seemed great, but they did not FIT me. I hated them!!! Great bike, great price, great looks, fantastic performance, but it did not fit me, so I never rode the darn thing. Sold it for cheap just to get rid of it...
Bought my present Cane with a pop in the exhaust, put a dollar bill over the exhaust and found it was not a burnt valve (burnt valves s*ck the dollar bill into the tail pipe instead of always having being pushed out), so I bought it. Carbs needed going through, vacuum was leaking, overheated (t-stat) and the front tire needed replacement. End results - The CANE fit me perfect so I would have paid twice the amount and did twice the amount of work on the bike if I had to do it over. It is just that simple...
Moral of the story. Buy what fits you well and remember that ALL parts on ALL vehicles are replaceable. Just "DO IT"..... As Johnny Cockran said in the OJ Simpson trial, "If the Bike doesn't fit, call it a piece of Chit!" If a Cane fits you, buy it.
By the way, a paint job like the red one will cost you about $1500 or more. I myself like to start with good looks (that's why I like a Red Headed **** in Stilettos!) and then fix the mechanical items. This forum will help you with the mechanics, but can't help with the paint..... Test ride it, let go of the handle bars, if it drifts to a side or shakes like crazy, the frame has a problem or the front end needs work (tire replacement).
Me? I would buy the Red one and call it a "Smokin' Red Head ****" like what is in the Hurricane Saloon right now!
Wait any longer and the next guy will have himself or herself a nice looking Cane and you will still be wishing for a Cane...... Life is toooooo short to be sitting on your thumbs figuring every angle in life. Just "Do it."
P.S. If you screw up, that is what JD, Jimmy Black, Jagermeister, Red Headed ****, and of course money is for.
I do most repairs myself so labor is cheap. I have bought some bikes sight unseen and have gotten a shipping crate with a wreaked bike in it. Went on ebay, got the parts cheap and made $500 in the end (sold it of course). Bought other bikes that looked great and seemed great, but they did not FIT me. I hated them!!! Great bike, great price, great looks, fantastic performance, but it did not fit me, so I never rode the darn thing. Sold it for cheap just to get rid of it...
Bought my present Cane with a pop in the exhaust, put a dollar bill over the exhaust and found it was not a burnt valve (burnt valves s*ck the dollar bill into the tail pipe instead of always having being pushed out), so I bought it. Carbs needed going through, vacuum was leaking, overheated (t-stat) and the front tire needed replacement. End results - The CANE fit me perfect so I would have paid twice the amount and did twice the amount of work on the bike if I had to do it over. It is just that simple...
Moral of the story. Buy what fits you well and remember that ALL parts on ALL vehicles are replaceable. Just "DO IT"..... As Johnny Cockran said in the OJ Simpson trial, "If the Bike doesn't fit, call it a piece of Chit!" If a Cane fits you, buy it.
By the way, a paint job like the red one will cost you about $1500 or more. I myself like to start with good looks (that's why I like a Red Headed **** in Stilettos!) and then fix the mechanical items. This forum will help you with the mechanics, but can't help with the paint..... Test ride it, let go of the handle bars, if it drifts to a side or shakes like crazy, the frame has a problem or the front end needs work (tire replacement).
Me? I would buy the Red one and call it a "Smokin' Red Head ****" like what is in the Hurricane Saloon right now!
Wait any longer and the next guy will have himself or herself a nice looking Cane and you will still be wishing for a Cane...... Life is toooooo short to be sitting on your thumbs figuring every angle in life. Just "Do it."P.S. If you screw up, that is what JD, Jimmy Black, Jagermeister, Red Headed ****, and of course money is for.
Last edited by CBRriderNevada; 04-21-2009 at 12:30 PM.
#6
04-21-2009, 12:21 PM
It's always a tough call , 'shall I drive 8hrs to see a bike/car that may not be worth the effort?' Try to find out as much as you can about the bike , if it's from an unbiased third party so much the better . The seller if he's genuine , will be happy to answer all questions as this shows interest on your part as well.
Someone told me once that as well as looking at the bike/car look at the owner ,where he lives , his house , appearance , attitude. I would rather buy a bike off someone that was trustworthy and obviously treasured their bike , rather than someone that had a carefree attitude toward your future treasured possession! A rear tyre burn-out doesn't sit well with me , I know I would never do it to my baby . I prefer original and don't really like painted bikes , mines original and though far from perfect I would be reluctant to paint her , but that's just my 2 cents worth.
Someone told me once that as well as looking at the bike/car look at the owner ,where he lives , his house , appearance , attitude. I would rather buy a bike off someone that was trustworthy and obviously treasured their bike , rather than someone that had a carefree attitude toward your future treasured possession! A rear tyre burn-out doesn't sit well with me , I know I would never do it to my baby . I prefer original and don't really like painted bikes , mines original and though far from perfect I would be reluctant to paint her , but that's just my 2 cents worth.