GimPin Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 I am looking at a 97 bird on CL with 58k on it ... I owned a 97 several years ago with about 1/2 as many miles. What should I be aware of ... I know the cam chain tensioner was an issue ... anything else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero Knievel Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Other than the CCT and the R/R being an issue, I'd look it over real good for wear issues not dealt with like fork oil/seal changes...likely may need a new/rebuilt rear shock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GimPin Posted February 23, 2012 Author Share Posted February 23, 2012 Sorry ... I am not familiar with the "R/R Issue" can you un-abrievieate that for me? As far as the shocks go ... what should I look for as far as tell tales of failure Edit: found that R/R is rectifier/regulator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warp11XX Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 R/R = Regulator/Rectifier - These are the weak point of the early (and late) model charging systems. It should be steadily putting out +14.5 +/- .3 VDC measured at the battery terminals when running at 4k RPM and above. The stator harness plug connecting to the R/R is also a common trouble spot and should be inspected for melting, burnt appearance, and solid connections. Rear shock should be firm and rebound without noticeable bounce. Excessive wear would be most indicated by soft compression resistance and any obvious visible mechanical flaws ie: fluid leakage, significant corrosion, broken parts, etc. 58K is not an issue if the bike was cared for well and serviced regularly. If not or no record available, you should probably consider valve lash check, all fluids flushed and replaced, air filter replace or service, and then ride the wheels off it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianmacza Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 The tool strap breaks without warning as well... Honda's reliability has truly gone downhill. My '97 is on 110k miles and the only things that have gone wrong with it relate to my lack of talent and the earth's unfortunate gravity habit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72norton Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 I am looking at a 97 bird on CL with 58k on it ... I owned a 97 several years ago with about 1/2 as many miles. What should I be aware of ... I know the cam chain tensioner was an issue ... anything else? Hi, Is this the 97 currently for sale @ National Power Sports in NH? I just put a deposit on the Ol' Bird pending inspection - Anything I should know? http://www.nationalpowersports.net/itemDet...spx?itemID=7310 Thanks! -kjo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72norton Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 I am looking at a 97 bird on CL with 58k on it ... I owned a 97 several years ago with about 1/2 as many miles. What should I be aware of ... I know the cam chain tensioner was an issue ... anything else? Hi, Is this the 97 currently for sale @ National Power Sports in NH? I just put a deposit on the Ol' Bird pending inspection - Anything I should know? http://www.nationalpowersports.net/itemDet...spx?itemID=7310 Thanks! -kjo I see these are 2 different birds - coincidence on the mileage ;-) Any advice for a "soon to be" Blackbird owner? I'll be using it about 2-4k this summer and fall, so it's a perfect "low-cost for a big sport bike" solution - I am a 20 year veteran of sport bikes, and a Dad - so no more kid stuff or stupidity - just some good rides to clear the head and enjoy the view... Thanks, -kjo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 I would think that the most telling thing would be taking it for a test ride. Can you do that? Other than that, you just have to look over the bike to see of any signs of it being dropped. Look for any leaks or strange wear patterns on the tires and listen to the motor run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveK Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 Great price on that bike. Congrats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RXX Posted March 11, 2012 Share Posted March 11, 2012 I am starting out this season at 61,000 miles on my '99. I am planning to go to several meets this year, no 10K road trips unless something changes. Here is what I would look for, am currently looking at on my bike: Money you will probably have to spend right away: Chain + sprockets: what, $250? F/R tires: What, $300 Air filter: $35 Oil & Filter change, $15-65, depending on oil SPARE R/R + wiring kit from BartonMD: around $100 (it makes a R1 rectifier plug & play) Stator replacement: Shit I forget how much, not much. Hobi gets a good deal. Maybe $100 Yeah, and of course the suspension may be a little tired. Depending on where you are, find a racetech guy in your area and see what he will do, $500-700 for a rebuild of front forks, I am not sure what they can do to the rear shock, I bought a used BB rear shock that had been rebuilt by racetech. F/R pads, new brake fluid: $diddly squat Splurge and get an AGM battery from that place in PA. USA made. You do that to the bike and I guarantee it will take you as far as you want to go, no problems. You don't do it, you will sooner than later probably, unless the seller can give you details on when any of the above has been done. Good luck, they are wonderful motorcycles OH, before anyone pipes in, I could be WAAAAYYY off on some of the prices. Not pulling them out of my ass, but Wifey got me this coupon, see..... I have never bought a "growler" and shit, that's a LOT of beer that has to be drunk in one sitting! So I am not in "research Mode" right now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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