01-04-2018, 11:51 AM
When I was doing garage queen restorations, I learned that buying a non-runner for anything more than salvage value is a risk.
Fortunately, I learned that lesson cheap from a friend of mine (he learned the hard way). He bought a non-running KZ900 for a great price. Previous owner said it only needed the usual carb cleaning, new rubber, etc... That was all fine until my buddy replaced/cleaned everything up and started the bike for the first time. That's when the hidden crack in the crankcase made itself known. The bike was (expensive) junk and the previous owner was off the hook, as virtually all used vehicle sales are "as-is".
Not trying to pee on your Cheerios, just saying that you have to be really careful about buying a non-runner. There are things that can't be checked if the the bike can't be started and run.
Fortunately, I learned that lesson cheap from a friend of mine (he learned the hard way). He bought a non-running KZ900 for a great price. Previous owner said it only needed the usual carb cleaning, new rubber, etc... That was all fine until my buddy replaced/cleaned everything up and started the bike for the first time. That's when the hidden crack in the crankcase made itself known. The bike was (expensive) junk and the previous owner was off the hook, as virtually all used vehicle sales are "as-is".
Not trying to pee on your Cheerios, just saying that you have to be really careful about buying a non-runner. There are things that can't be checked if the the bike can't be started and run.