I'm looking at a 954 with a black base paint and red wings, like this: http://www.2040-motos.com/_content/c...131932/001.jpg

Most of the pics I've seen are the opposite, red base with black wings, which leads me to believe this bike never came in these colors. Is this correct?

I'm trying to filter through bikes that are likely to be problematic, from previous crashes and/or previous owners doing bad work.

Also, does the 954 have a plastic gas tank cover like the 1000s or is it painted metal like the f4i?

 

I believe that was a color option in 2003. The 2002 had the red with black wings.

The tank is painted metal.

 

ok, thanks. anything I should know or look out for in these bikes before I buy one?

This one has allegedly had the speedometer/odometer replaced which makes me suspicious but otherwise it looks pretty clean. Were there any common electronic/electrical issues that would make the speedo/odometer go bad randomly? It doesn't look like it was crashed unless it was totally rebuilt. Is there an easy way to tell OEM plastics from aftermarket?

 

The speedometer cluster being replaced is a bit suspicious. They get damaged pretty easy when the fairing stay gets bent from crashing. Not the end of the world, but what's the true mileage? The speed sensor that sends the signal to the cluster can fail. Perhaps the cluster got replaced for something like that or sun damage...

Look at the case at the stator cover. When they go down, the case gets damaged. Big no way if it's broken there. Other than that, use your best judgement on the condition.

Aftermarket fairings are a different kind of plastic. ABS usually which is stiffer and thinner. Stock fairings are more flexible. If you saw them side by side, the difference is pretty obvious.

 

It doesn't appear to be a high mileage bike. The aluminum on the engine doesn't look stained from oil and dirt yet. Owner says the odo reads 40k but actual mileage is about 7k.

Are you talking about the actual engine cases getting damaged or just the stator cover? Looks like the engine is a big structural member on this bike. Are you talking about down by the swingarm pivot?

 

When they fall over in the left side, they land on the stator cover. The cover is not a big deal, but a hard enough hit will ruin the case where the cover bolts to. Jb weld or silicone sealer are a common attempt at a half assed fix, and some have them welded.
You don't want a bike with a broken case.

 

Yeah I'm pretty sure it had been down at some point because the fairings looked aftermarket to me. All the designs seemed to be vinyl stickers instead of painted on smoothly. I went ahead and bought it anyway since $2550 wasn't too bad of a price and I couldn't find any mechanical issues.

Then I hit a deer on the way home and broke my leg and screwed up the bike. It was fun for the 2 hours while it lasted.