Hey guys,
I'm new here, and I was looking at a 1989 CBR600 with 40k km's on it, (so about 25k miles). Here's a link to the ad.
1989 Honda CBR - Calgary Sport Bikes For Sale - Kijiji Calgary Canada.
I was wondering what kind of things I should look for, is the 900 being asked a steal, or should I be able to talk him down some? What would be a reasonable offer if it's in good condition with that high of mileage?

Thanks for the help

Josh

 

Welcome.
It depends on what condition the bike is in. If its in good running order and well taken care of, $900 is a good price. If it needs a bunch of work - maybe not so much. I got mine for $1000 last summer - but had a strong, well taken care of power plant and a brand new paint job.

The bike in the add is missing its lower fairings, which takes away value. And those mirrors will have to go haha.
Don't get too caught up on that mileage too, I doubt that is accurate. 40000km over 23 years is only 1700/year. Unless it was hardly used, its probably 140000 km's (only 5 digits on the odometer)

At the end of the day, if it runs well, and puts a smile on your face, it won't be the worst $900 you will spend, these bikes are champs.

EDIT:
If this is your first bike buy, things you should look for is tire condition (sidewall cracking, bulges, uneven wear, lack of tread), chain condition, sprockets, exhaust condition (headers to the can), inside the fuel tank (for rust etc), even wear on the brakes (look down the pads) and rotors, bent clipons (been dropped), engine tick (a bit is normal on these, usually goes away at higher rpm when the engine is warm, changing the cam chain tensioner usually clears this up). Have a shop check compression. 2nd gear on these can go bad, so shifting from 1st to 2nd at higher rpms sometimes misses. If it is doing that, walk away (or be prepared to drop the engine, split the case and replace the guts of the trans)

 

Considering 900 Canadian is what, 750 US? It is probably a good deal.

Also the low mileage is possible. My cane only has 39,000 on it. I know because I bought in the low 6,000 mile range. You could only ride 4 months a year were I used to live. (year round where I live now!) When my first born was born 6 years ago it dropped to about 1000-1500 a year in mileage. I have had mine for 13 or 14 years now.

 

This isn't 2005 anymore, CAD is worth more than a USD now :P

And sure, any amount of mileage is possible. But with the uncertainty of the REAL value, don't let the seller use that as a selling point! Unless there is alot of documentation going back where the mileage is tracked.

 

Sorry, I stand corrected, $1.00 Canadian is equal to $1.01 US, so almost the same. Still a good price if its in good condition. Physical looks do not always show mechanical shape. So take some time to check it out if you want to get it. I don't know how Canada tracks mileage on vehicles, but here in the US the DMV requires all mileage readings every year. That way you can go to the DMV and find out its true mileage.


Corrupt's list is a good place to start in checking out the bike.

If it fires right up and drives go drive it around and look for straight tracking, if it has any shimmy's on accel or decel, If the brakes stick, if it sputters at cruise at different rpm's, general drive-ability stuff.

Also check the frame, quite a few are cracking now at the 25 year+ year old mark.

 

Thanks for the quick response guys! Yes this would be my first street bike purchase, I know what I'm doing when it comes to dirtbikes, but have never worked on street bikes. How fast does this bike get between first and second gear? as I don't find it quite safe to go too fast this time of year haha. If the guy replies to my e-mail I will for sure go take a look.
Thanks for all the info!
Josh