So I found a decent bike on craigslist
here is the ad: http://eugene.craigslist.org/mcy/1641894807.html
i am going to go check it out tomorrow
i was wondering if some of you could help me on what
i should be looking for when i go and check out the bike
any input would be great thanks

 

ater looking at the add i can tell you that 1) it appears it has been repainted.... looks as though the previous color was red 2) its missing front turn signals 3) its missing the left intake duct 4) its missing both duct covers 5) it looks as though the fairings have been replaced with cheap aftermarket ones

for the price they are asking its not a bike ide buy... unless you can talk them down but for 3k u can get one in much better condition

 

Those look like factory fairings to me. The side fairings may be aftermarket. I don't see a well for the bolts... I'd buy that easily. People need to understand product appreciation. This is a 2006 with 4400 miles. The avg retail on a 2006 is $4600. You can probably talk him down a few hundred on the missing parts and then buy them on ebay. You dont need the turn signals period, he has integrated mirrors. Even though it looks odd but you could put acouple flushmounts in there for $40.

When you go to look at it check the fluid levels. Check the color of the oil/brake fluid. Check the chain/sprockets. The sprockets should have a nice plateau on them. Start her up and make sure she doesnt struggle, indicating a lifeless battery. These are all routine maintenances that can give you a good idea of how the bike was maintained. Make sure all the lights work, brakes, turn signals, low/high beam. When you start it up rev it and hold it around 5-6k and see if it needs a new CCT. While she's running hit the killswitch. Then start it up again and put it in first with the kickstand down. Make sure both kill the bike. Take the handle bars and go full left and full right to make sure they dont hit the screen/upper fairing. Then, if you can, take it for a ride.

 

teko i was looking at the very last picture when i said i thought they may be cheap aftermarket bc the plastic looks very thin... as well the first pic had a bolt hole right in the middle of it which im pretty sure isnt stock?

 

I've never seen a cheap aftermarket fairing to have a hole in the middle of the upper fairing either. All the front fairings were stolen and replaced by the dealer. So obviously that is something they did to it. Just buy some anodized blue bolts and you can barely see it.

 

Thanks for the input guys, greatly appreciated, getting ready to leave soon to go check it out.

 

i agree with zmds, man this guy has an attention to detail. you should have came with me to get my bike, lol.

 

lol hey ur only in chi town... about 2.5 hours from me ha

 

1.5 if i hop on a train in bloomington

 

Thats a frankenstein bike for sure. But so what! It's an F4i and it'll run forever. Looks like a decent buy for the price but i'd still try to negotiate some more. Give it a test ride and make sure it'll pass inspection without a lot of money needed to be put into it.