Found this one for sale,appreciate the experts first impressions,anything obviously wrong?

Looks OK..the very last colour scheme they did. Ive got a sneaky feeling this guy had an SP4 before..I recognise the house from a pic (how sad is that ??!).

Immediate thoughts;

- Ask if hes got all the standard bits (screen. cans, rear indicators). With a bike like this its essential to have all the right bits to anble it to keep its value (remember you cant really get any new bits now).

- Those agip decals are huge. If I were you i'd ask him to remove them before the sale just to check there not hiding anything - he shouldnt have an objection to this if he sees your serious.

- Are the rear numberboards fablon or sprayed ? if there fablon, again check there not hiding anything.

How much is he asking..?

Nat

[Edited on 4-8-2005 by Nattyboy]

Asking for £3700,its a 94 model on an L plate with 26k miles,recent service by a Honda dealer though?.

Id look to get him down to low 3's then mate, depending on its history..and I wouldnt be confident riding a duke round thats been serviced by a honda dealer..theyve probably just changed the oil and kicked the tyres..!!

A good indicactor is if the guy is an enthusiast - which I suspect he isnt if he had a honda dealer service it !!!

Some other things to check..and ways of getting the price down..!

- Does the fuel pump prime easily when you turn the key ?
- Have a look at the rose joints at the bottom of the suspension hoop..if they are corrdoded/tatty, theyll probably be seized and be a night mare to get out.
- Check the bodywork very carefully for cracks. 888 fairings are a bugger to get lined up ands ive seen a few that have stress fractures due to the impatience of the owner !
- Has anything else been done to compliment the pipes ? Lift the tank up..see if the airbox lid has been sliced off and/or a performance filter fitted.
- Is the tool kit there? (quite comprehensive on the 888!)
- Have a good sniff round the swingarm...its unlikely but a few have cracked around the welds.
- If its done 26k then the shocks probably very tired, and out of adjustment ! It may also squeak a bit due to the bushes !! If it does - tell him it needs a new shock (youd be surprised what you can get away with !! !!)

Good luck!

Nat

What Nat said and when you're looking at the swingarm, chack the cahain hasn't been run too loose and cut a slot on the pinch bolt.

Good luck. Rob

Kills me every time I read a thread like this! Knowing that my own Strada is sitting unused for most of the time - and would probably find better use with another real enthusiast. (I looked long and hard for a good 888, so I know how frustrating it can be). They're out there, Eric, you just have to be patient).

Steve