Newbie and looking at CBF 1000 tomorrow

[BazzaBingo]

Thanks. Ill check with the seller but I assumed as those advisories disappeared off later Mot's after 2019 they had been done.

[BazzaBingo]

Just an update in case anyone is wondering what happened. Still not had a ride out on that CBF or any CBF for that matter. Seller went a bit quiet but as far as I know its still up for sale. Never got an answer on the advisories.

I was going to try and get a ride out on the one up the road with less than 5000 miles on the clock but the weather and other circumstances have been against me. Probably left it too late now.

Still very much keen to get out on one though.

[BazzaBingo]

Hi all

Just resurrecting this thread. Still waiting for a decent weather window to try a CBF but came across this one and spoke to the dealer.  Its actually slightly cheaper than the one I looked at private but with not so many extras and a few more miles but a year younger.  MOT history checks out perfect and it has a full service history. Valve checks were done at 16000 and the Honda dealer said they would do the 32000 mile valve check as part of the pre delivery service.  Only extra it seems to have is heated grips. No top box but they said they would fit one. Only offered me £1800 for my 2014 Piaggio BV 350 which I paid £3600 for in 2021. I maybe could do better private. Three month warranty of course. 

Any thoughts on this one?  https://www.craigshonda.com/used-bikes/honda/cbf1000/143974.htm

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?registration=Nu09trz

[Art]

Looks tidy enough but it would have been well preped by the dealer.

Originally Posted by BazzaBingo

...the Honda dealer said they would do the 32000 mile valve check as part of the pre delivery service

If I was a gambling man I'd wager the offer was made in the safe knowledge that the valve clearances, having been checked at 16,000 miles, would not need either checking or adjusting at 32,000 miles.

The bottom line is these SC58's are heading into their teenage years. If you're allowed spanners and know what's what its an excellent motorcycle for the home mechanic to maintain without the need for any special tools or diagnostic equipment. If you need to rely on a workshops for servicing and to keep it in a roadworthy condition that's going to come with cost.

[BazzaBingo]

Originally Posted by Art

Looks tidy enough but it would have been well preped by the dealer.

If I was a gambling man I'd wager the offer was made in the safe knowledge that the valve clearances, having been checked at 16,000 miles, would not need either checking or adjusting at 32,000 miles.

The bottom line is these SC58's are heading into their teenage years. If you're allowed spanners and know what's what its an excellent motorcycle for the home mechanic to maintain without the need for any special tools or diagnostic equipment. If you need to rely on a workshops for servicing and to keep it in a roadworthy condition that's going to come with cost.

Im definitely not allowed spanners. Even if I knew how to use them my Arthritis means its a total PIA just for me just to check tyre pressures. I have a local mechanic though that looks after my bikes. I assumed rightly or wrongly it being a big honda tourer it would be reasonably maintenance free as long as its maintenance schedule is adhered to. If its something that needs constant adjustment and maintenance then perhaps I should think again.

[Art]

Its a Honda and its reliable, it's very reliable. My point is your buying a 14 year old motorcycle with 30,000 miles on the clock, and as reliable as the CBF 1000 is how many more miles will you clock up on it?

For example, I've had my 16 year old SC58 since 8,000 miles, it's now past 60,000 miles and has required very little outside of regular servicing, all done by myself and which has included engine oil & filter, spark plugs, air filters, brake & clutch fluid, coolant, front fork oil, valve clearance adjustment etc. Other than that and apart from the usual tyres, brake pads, drive chain & sprockets it has only ever needed:

1x pair of exhaust clamps
1x helicoil repair to gear lever
2x stators
3x replacement bulbs
2x puncture repairs
1x side stand pivot bolt nut
2x front fork oil changes
1x battery
1x fork centre bolts and sealing washers

...and as reliable as that is the cost of motorcycling ain't what it used to be, especially when you're not doing your own spannering.

[BazzaBingo]

Originally Posted by Art

Its a Honda and its reliable, it's very reliable. My point is your buying a 14 year old motorcycle with 30,000 miles on the clock, and as reliable as the CBF 1000 is how many more miles will you clock up on it?

For example, I've had my 16 year old SC58 since 8,000 miles, it's now past 60,000 miles and has required very little outside of regular servicing, all done by myself and which has included engine oil & filter, spark plugs, air filters, brake & clutch fluid, coolant, front fork oil, valve clearance adjustment etc. Other than that and apart from the usual tyres, brake pads, drive chain & sprockets it has only ever needed:

1x pair of exhaust clamps
1x helicoil repair to gear lever
2x stators
3x replacement bulbs
2x puncture repairs
1x side stand pivot bolt nut
2x front fork oil changes
1x battery
1x fork centre bolts and sealing washers

...and as reliable as that is the cost of motorcycling ain't what it used to be, especially when you're not doing your own spannering.

Thanks again. Sounds like you have had an extremely good experience with that bike and its testament to how good it is that you have done so many miles on it.  I'm kind of used to shelling out money for cars, motorhomes and bikes on services and repairs. Ive never been mechanically minded so I am quite prepared to pay servicing cost. My local mechanic charges £25 an hour and has a pretty good reputation (he may have put his prices up now I suppose). I can live with a few hundred a year for someone else keeping on top of it. 

To be honest I would get something newer if I knew what to look for but what?  From my research these old CBF's seem pretty bullet proof and tick a lot of boxes for me such as being able to get on and off it for kick off, good pillion room (Very important) and reliable.

In terms of the miles ill do on it year in year out. Not much I bet. two to three thousand a year I imagine tops. Most of my bike mileage is done on the Honda Vision which hangs off the back of the motorhome. 

[Rev Ken]

I can't think of a better buy for you. It should cover more miles than you'll ever ride as the engine is bullet proof, with only the rotor being a point of weakness, for SOME riders. It is always highlighted as there is nothing else to complain about! 

I rate this bike as the best I've ever had in 68 years riding as it is a great allrounder. I had one for 7 years and only changed it when it got too heavy for my old frame. 

[BazzaBingo]

Originally Posted by Rev Ken

I can't think of a better buy for you. It should cover more miles than you'll ever ride as the engine is bullet proof, with only the rotor being a point of weakness, for SOME riders. It is always highlighted as there is nothing else to complain about! 

I rate this bike as the best I've ever had in 68 years riding as it is a great allrounder. I had one for 7 years and only changed it when it got too heavy for my old frame. 

Thanks.  That last bit is my only concern. My knees are pretty shot.  The only worry is reversing it down our drive into the garage which slopes slightly downwards.  I can manoeuvre the big scooter but its only 170kg.   Will see how I get on with the CBF next week.  Worst comes to the worst ill just buy a cover and leave it at the top of the drive.

[BazzaBingo]

So all being well I am off to view and ride this CBF Tomorrow at the Honda dealership in Shipley. Anything I should look for specifically?  It will have a three month warranty and they have agreed to do the 32000 mile valve check. The only obvious one that springs to mind is to check the service history to see if the Stator has been replaced, preferably with an Electrex one.  I dont think that would put me off though if it hadn't.