8 replies to this topic

[uglyfish TT Member]

I am going to look at an XR 400 and the owner claims that is has low hours an is pretty much mint.  What are the signs of a low hour bike?

- The gold engine cases do have some wear.
- there is also some paint wear down on the frame

This could be from a rider using dirt bike boots right?

Any advice?

[Trailryder42 Get Help Now]

Yes, dirt bike boots.

A few ways to determine low hours is just general overall appearance. Look at wear items, like tires, are they the originals. Look at the chain slider on the swingarm to see how deep the chain has worn grooves in it. If the brake pads are original, look at how much they are worn down. New pad material thickness is about 5mm.

[BuckeyeXR TT Member]

Overall condition, wear, etc...  That said, mud can be very hard on a bikes appearance.  So a low hour bike could still have heavy boot wear and fenders could be fairly scuffed.

[zombiekillr.45 TT Member]

tell tale signs and I'm talkn extremely low hrs , tires still have tits on em, paint lines still on the tires, where your inner feet meet the frame wear on the paint or material. look at the condition of the bolt heads on the body work, radiators are lovely indicators of wear as well, on new 450s efi they have and hr meter on the tuner that's handy.
the warning stickers on the original body work also help age the bike, just like the laugh lines on the cougar eyeing you up from across the bar.
look at the fork tubes lots of scratches ?  one time I went to buy a ktm sx250, buddy said it was mint low hrs, I looked where the front brake line came across from the left to the right side of the handle bar it contacted the bars middle support and had physically worn into the aluminum. low hrs my ass. countershaft seal puking and cracked subframe told me to RUN!!!!! I don't mind paying good dollars for good bikes, to many want top dollar for poop!!  good luck !

[uglyfish TT Member]

I agree, I don't mind pating for a well cared for bike, but there is too much junk out there.  I

[Fishin Scott TT Newbie]

zombiekillr.45, on 16 June 2013 - 01:13 PM, said:

tell tale signs and I'm talkn extremely low hrs , tires still have tits on em, paint lines still on the tires, where your inner feet meet the frame wear on the paint or material. look at the condition of the bolt heads on the body work, radiators are lovely indicators of wear as well, on new 450s efi they have and hr meter on the tuner that's handy.
the warning stickers on the original body work also help age the bike, just like the laugh lines on the cougar eyeing you up from across the bar.
look at the fork tubes lots of scratches ?  one time I went to buy a ktm sx250, buddy said it was mint low hrs, I looked where the front brake line came across from the left to the right side of the handle bar it contacted the bars middle support and had physically worn into the aluminum. low hrs my ass. countershaft seal puking and cracked subframe told me to RUN!!!!! I don't mind paying good dollars for good bikes, to many want top dollar for poop!!  good luck !

Yes all those things (especially the cougar advise)
Pull dipstick look for old oil ,Check air filter,If there are grease nipples look for evidence of
being used.
Rely on your instincts and dont fall in love with it if it aint quite right because there are plenty more mate.
Cheers   And good luck

[Kev_XR Get Help Now]

Plastic is cheap on MX bikes, so that isn't a good sign.   Plastic on XR's is more expensive, so unlikely to get the full replacement set.

The frame and cases are your first clue.   The paint doesn't wear off in a couple of hours.   Chain, sliders, rust, and other bits.

BIGGEST MISTAKE is being all hyped and wanting it to be a great deal.   Go in with eyes wide open. I have bought 3 bikes that were "like new". One had 500 miles (break in was 600).   One had 6800 miles and was like new.   One had 4 to 8 hours on it.  I have gone to look at bikes in "great shape" only to find rusted POS bikes.

Edited by Kev_XR, Yesterday, 04:08 PM.

[I6CJ7 TT Bronze Member]

Check wheels/wheel bearings,  give the back wheel a side to side shake to check the bearing.  I have a buddy who has a ragged out xr250 that he paid 1400$ for...  Rear wheel has 1/8" side to side play in the bearings lol
Its missing spokes,  and the ones that are there are stripped and loose so they can't be tightened.  I paid 1450 for my Xr250r,  it still had the original tires,  chain,  etc..  Now it does have acerbis plastic front and rear fenders,  but its because the guy clearly couldn't stand on 2 legs much less 2 wheels.
Also see if the bike has been modified,  exhaust,  carb,  etc..  Mine was bone stock  and i could tell was ridden less than probably 40 hours if that.  I prefer stock,  then do my own mods,  so i know whats been done right.  Stock bike=higher price.  Modified=stock price or lower depending on how well the mods were done.
Open the airbox and check it out as well,  any mud like it got dunked? Or completely filthy and neglected?

[Kiffer_XR250R TT Silver Member]

Big one with XR's I've seen is the tank decals. Over time, gas vapor put bubbles in them, and riding and rubbing on them causes tham to pop and crack. Paint worn off the frame is a good indicator for light use. Also the degree of dirt baked onto the head fins and header, within reason.