He says it has 59k miles, has some slack in the timing chain but runs very well. My friend has a mint F1 with around 45k and it's a really cool motorcycle but he won't sell it to me. So I know it's the season to buy bikes and was wondering what you guys thought about this. I have replaced timing chains before and don't think there's anything special about this bike but I am not sure. I worked on a 1980 CB 750 nighthawk and I don't know how similar the engines are. 89 cbr 600 F1. Let me know what you think

 

To replace the cam chain you have to pull the engine and split the case since the f1 has the cam chain in the center of the engine. It looks to be in fairly decent shape with not too much missing. If the chain is making noise it's possible the tensioner is bad. You also might be able to get away with putting a manual tensioner in if the chain isnt too stretched. they are only about $60 for an ape manual cct

 

Looks pretty nice. Needs a front fender tho :-)

 

Looks pretty good. As ben said, it might just need a chain tensioner. If it rattles a little bit at cold, then goes away when it warms up/revs, its usually the CCT.
Looks like the rear tail piece is missing, and the guy has made the tail an abomination.
Make sure you check tires, brakes, oil for foamy look, chain, sprockets etc... for wear and needing replaced. IMO $1400 is a bit much, I'd feel more comfortable paying $1000, especially if it might need a new tchain.

 

Yeah $1400 Is steep. Since to replace the cam chain the engine needs the case split use that as a negotiating point. If it was me I wouldn't offer more than $600 knowing how much work it is to replace the cam chain.

 

Thanks for all the input, I said I'd give him $1,200 for it. Now that I know that I have to split the cases I feel I have another bargaining tool. If I split the case will the transmission come apart or will all the shafts and cogs stay together in the lower half?

 

It's been a while since I replaced mine but if I remember right most of it stays together. Even after a bolt went for a ride with my cam chain and stretched it badly I was able to adjust my manual tensioner and it still ran fine and didn't make any noise.