Steamer buying Checklist / Experience

[Sin_Tiger]

Might be a good idea to have a single resource for those coming new to or looking to buy a Steamer as it's that time of year, help those less experienced to learn from the error of our ways 

Please try to keep the posts limited to actual information and any relevant photos / diagrams / drawings, then I'll edit it as a single post. In your own words, as I tend to be a bit verbose, what it is, how to spot it, likely mileage range and if known what it's likely to cost to get it sorted and any resources / suppliers that can help.

Also things that are different / unexpected but not a concern.

Here's a few just as food for thought:-

DAR (Dreaded Altenator Rattle) Easy-ish fix - 2 monkeys

Spinning tank nuts  Easy-ish fix - 2 monkeys

Modified Carbs / Exhausts If it works, fine;  if it doesn't put it back to standard. Easy-ish fix - 2 monkeys

Corroded Wheel Rims Easy fix - 1 monkey

Cracked sub frame Specialist fix - 5 monkeys

Cracked eccentric swingarm clamps More difficult fix - 4 monkeys

Blocked fuel filler drain Easy fix - 1 monkey

Edits by BB

[ssevy]

Great idea Sin!
Two things immediately come to mind:
1- If you cannot do your own maintenance and repair work, don't buy any older bike, this one included. Although having a great mechanic and deep pockets may keep you on the road, I think you would be wiser to spend that kind of money on a newer model.

2- Of all the potential replacement parts, the one I fear needing the most would be the fuel tank. Most everything else would not be a deal breaker, but if the fuel tank was leaking or badly warped or had lots of stripped or spinning inserts, that would be a big deal. Decent used ones are scarce, and more often nearly as bad as what you've already got.

[nickjtc]

A great idea.

Ask the po if he/she has made ANY modifications to the airbox/air filter, carbs or exhaust, and if so list them comprehensively. If there are modifications but the po cannot tell you exactly what, then take the bike for a LONG test ride before making any commitment to buy.

And as ssevy says, if you are not one to feel comfortable wielding spanners then run (not walk) away.

[Nick Calne]

Coils. Still on the originals?  Most will have needed changing for aftermarket parts by now

[GavD]

Sticky brake calipers Easy fix for an experienced owner  - 3 monkeys
Minor oil leaks around the front sprocket area Easy fix - 1 monkey
Gasless rear shock. Easy-ish fix for an experienced owner - 3 monkeys

[rf9rider]

Corroded exhaust silencers. Easy-ish fix - 2 monkeys

Leaking fuel tap. Easy-ish fix - 2 monkeys

Chain rubbing block. Easy fix - 1 monkey

Chain rubbing strip. Easy fix - 1 monkey

Fork seals. Easy-ish fix for experienced owner - 3 monkeys