Posted by Witch Doctor on June 15, 2000 at 03:47:12:
In Reply to: Should I buy it? posted by Sad Wings on June 15, 2000 at 03:12:17:
Your best bet is to check the valve settings before you spend any cash on it. It may be as simple as that, or, the fuel tank has a very small amount of fuel in it, which does amplify the normal sounds of the valve train.
$800 for a 13 year old bike with 39000 miles on it is a bit pricey. Try to get the seller to come down on the price if at all possible.
If you are in the southeastern USA, I recommend you not buy it if you want a good bike right from the get go. I look at used bikes in this part of the country (I'm in the Memphis area) as projects only, not as viable bikes right from the word go. I have found it to be very difficult to get parts here in Dixieland, however, I can highly recommend Suzuki City in Biloxi MS if your local shop is of no help. The owner (Mike) is a certified bike nut. He went out of his way to help when mine was acting up, even after it was out of warranty. He also has a good selection of New-Old-Stock parts for the 86 and up four speed Savages. For anyone who needs it, the shop number for Suzuki City is (228)374-3423.
If you are elsewhere in the country, it should be alright, provided the top end is sound. The heat/humodoty combination isn't quite so severe, and the bikes hold up better.
-WD