I appologize if you guys get these types of questions a lot, but I have very little motorcycle knowledge. Fairly new rider too. I've been learning on a Ninja 250 for the last couple of months and I'm ready to step up to something better.

I found a decent deal on a 1996 F3 with ~40,000 miles on it. I haven't looked at it yet, just talked to the owner and have seen pictures. He claims excellent condition and well maintained. He just had it tuned up at a shop and it seems like he was taking it to them regularly.

My questions are,

Is it a wise choice to get a F3 with that many miles? Will I have to rebuild the engine in the near future?

If I do have to rebuild, can anyone give me just a rough estimate on the costs to do so (through a mechanic)?

Yeah, I know every bikes different and it depends on how hard it was previously ridden, but I'm assuming even if it was ridden hard, the seller won't admit it so I can't be 100% sure.

I'm not worried about having to do a little work to the bike, I just don't wanna have to be pouring money into it when I can just spend more and get something newer.

Any input or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

-Cy

 

my bike has over 45000 and runs like a beast.
yes it will more than likely need some work even if it was looked after, and changing owners changes a bike as well.
the f3 however is an excellent bike all round.
if looked after, they can double that mileage with no sweat at all.

 

mine has about 63,000 miles and it likes runs like a beast also. I got for $1,000 buks and all I did was a tune-up and ran good. I've had to do some repairs here and there but nothing major. I think you should get it if you're getting a good deal, also it would be great experience to work on your bike and not worry about throwing a couple thousand bucks to the trash.

 

Nice. Thanks for the response. I'm gonna check it out and if it feels right, I'll do it.

 

I agree with everything that has been said here. Sounds to me like the bike has been riden and taken care of. Bikes that aren't taken care of probably won't have that kind of mileage on it. My wifes F3 has over 45K on it and it runs better now that when we got it with 10K on it. If the price is reasonable, go for it.

 

and on the opposite side of the spectrum, my 95 cbr600 F3 has 12,000 miles on it, and it looks like it has to been war. half the fairings are missing, bolts are mis-matched, carbs looked like hell, didnt hardly run, bald tires when i got it, crooked windscreen frame... so it defintely shows if it has been ridden hard or not.

 

Thanks again.

I actually found a few with less miles I'm going to consider also. Plus I found a F4 for about the same price ima take a look at tonight.

 

There ya go, shop around and you'll get yourself a gem. GL dude.

 

I've 71K on mine and it's going strong. Just keep up on the regular maintenance and these bikes will run forever.

 

The previous owner will be the biggest influencing factor. A good previous owner and a honda will run near new with 50k on the clock.

But it can be a nightmare with just 10k with bad or indifferent ownership. I had an indifferent po. She just rode it and let any idiot with a wrench at her. I'm still finding things to make right (newest is the radiator not mounted right)