What to look out for when buying.

[Navigator194]

I'm about to negotiate the purchase of a Mk2 CBF1000 with 40k+ miles. I'm not concerned with the mileage - it is a Honda after all - but would like guidance on specific points to check. 

[marky99925]

Hi Navigator
If you're experienced in buying secondhand then its the usual stuff,if not i'd take someone experienced along, especially if it's a private sale, with a dealer at least you can go back and argue the toss, you might even get some sort of warranty for what its worth.
I've had my mk1 9 years and after 47 years on bikes it's the best bike ive ever owned pound for pound. There's a lot of history around charging problems, stator and reg rec, if you have access to a multimeter i'd take it along and do a basic check on the charging system which is well documented elsewhere on the forum and very simple. The stator and reg/rec are neither massively expensive or difficult to change if it comes to it, i've done both myself without killing myself or blowing up the kitchen and i'm very average mechanically, but might be a useful bargaining chip.
As ever, the service history, the environment the bike is kept in, the owner, all contribute to forming an opinion.If you read around the forum i think you'll find there is very little in the way of serious endemic problems and the bike is easy to work on with no radar guided cruise control to go wrong.
Art is a major contributor to the forum and a pro bike mechanic and i'm sure he'll have some good advice. He's saved me a number of times (usually from my own stupidity!).
Let us know how it goes.

[Art]

 

As above, it is what it is. Apply the same inspections you would any other 10 to 13 year old motorcycle and look out for any evidence of fettling by 'folk not allowed spanners'. Don't expect to see a full service history, the 16,000 and 32,000 mile valve clearance inspections are often missed off or carried out by ear using a mechanics stethoscope even when serviced by a Honda dealers. Assuming there's no untoward clanging banging or rattles missed off or neglected valve clearance inspections shouldn't be a problem, however, they'll most likely need tending to on the 48,000 mile service which if you're not competent enough to carry out yourself can be an expensive service especially if any clearances are found to be out of specification and requiring adjustment.

On age be aware of late registered new old stock motorcycles and SC58's being priced and/or palmed off as SC64's. Be mindful that SC64's were manufactured/assembled between 2010 and 2013 which means that any motorcycles registered later than 2013 will be older than they first appear. To be sure, to be sure check the VIN which should show 'SC64' as the 4th to 7th digit and an A (2010) or B (2012) or C (2013) as the 10th (year) digit.

If you want panniers get a motorcycle that comes with panniers, new panniers and frames for the SC64 will cost £1,000 plus and used panniers and frames are almost as rare as hens teeth.