Hi folks,

Going to check out a 2004 f4i, could use some tips...

-Any recalls?
-has 9000 miles, when is the first valve clearance need to be done or any major service?
-does the can chain tensioner problem still exist on this model year?
-is $4400 a good price?
-anything else I should look for?

Thanks gang!

 

No recalls that i know of, major service at 12k i believe? cct exists up to 2003 not sure about 04. 4400 is decent, check tires, swingarm and frame for scratches, and the chain and you should be good.

 

9000 miles is fine, IIRC 16k is a valve check, although very few actually need adjustments until long past that. good you know about the CCT problem, but its not a big deal, I would imagine they still do have the problem. if they had fixed it, everyone would just buy the new style to put in the older bikes.

look for any scratches or signs that it has been down, or abused. or even just neglected. what kind of condition is the bike in overall? ask about maintenace, did he do his own, if so- then what did he do. if not, then who did?- if anybody. ask him what kind of oil he runs in it, not just if he changed it. ask him when the last time he bled the brakes, when did he last change the airfilter. ask him specifics where he has to identify by name and dates and mileage what he has done. look at the chain, is it nice a clean, or so filled with black crap you cant even see the links? if its real clean, he probably took care of the bike, if its dirty, and he is trying to sell the bike, he's lazy and doesnt care about his bike or do any maintenance on the bike either.

There are no "inherent" problems with these bikes. they are solid, even after some abuse.

IMO, without seeing the bike, or knowing if it comes with anything extra, I think $4,400 is on the highside for a bike with 9k on it. Now I also dont know where you live, if you live where there is snow on the ground 6 months a year, it may not be a bad price, but if you live where they dont even know what snow is, then it is too much.

 

Thanks guys, it helps. He claims to do his own oil changes, that seems to be the only real snag. Also said he has dropped it once from a stand still but has a very minor scratch, barely noticeable. Going to check it out Saturday, hopefully all goes well. Weather is finally getting nice and i've already sold my old ride, can't wait to get out there!

 

Pretty much if your penny wise and can hold a ratchet you do your own oil changes. I wouldnt hold that against him. I wouldnt recommend paying anyone to do it for you, its so easy.

 

yeah, IMO doinghis own oil changes is a good thing rather than paying someone else to do it. It leads you to believe he took some interest and has some knowledge on how to do basic maintenance.

 

Both valid points, but what I meant by "snag", is that there is no actual way of confirming it. Either way, I'm not too worried, sounded like a trust worthy guy on the phone...