Hi guys, who here has experience with high mileage bikes?

I'm going to look at a 2007 ZX-14 tomorrow and am very interested in buying it. It looks well kept in the photos and description, the only thing is that it has 56,000 miles on the clock.

The bike has been maintained since new at a well regarded shop; the owner never missed a scheduled service. I spoke with the mechanic, and he says there are no obvious issues with the bike.

How many more miles do you guys think could be expected from a bike with this history? What are the common problems with higher mileage bikes, and what should I look for when I see it in person tomorrow?

I can't wait to take this out for a test ride tomorrow. It seems that everyone loves it.

Welcome...

When buying used I look at a few things.

1. I want to walk up to a cold morning engine. Why? I let the seller start the bike while I am at the exhaust side waiting for any puff of smoke>>> I walk from the bike. Why? I just wasted the money on the bike, now repair the smoke. I could have... walked away with a later model, less miles, seeing how I spent all this for the price of the bike, the repair, etc., says, No Puff I broke even with a late-low- miler!

2. I next have the owner/seller having the heads up, 'I am coming over with the intention we no longer ride the bike' [tell them] is the only way you will even consider the bike with this high a mileage so do not start the bike, we will tow it to the shop [I have tools for this] so do you agree?

3. I have now placed the bike up against the wall. Why? It's not the owner, it's just... 'How healthy am I against this engine with so many miles', yes I trust your service work, but I am here with thousands that could wind up with, just lets cut to the chase is no compression test, I am willing to offer said price no check. Why? This puts you in the whatever price you walk away with, it's less shelled out at the problem bike is the potential.... Is how I think used... high miler.

... With that said, you were willing to have the dealer read the compression against the book and have a second opinion. You were willing to pay to check the health of the engine. This still says not too much is wrong with the bike, it's so bulletproof is just my opinion you see 50k. So, expect another 50 if the air cleaner was new each 7,500mi is question each cylinder against the wallet no matter WOT!!!

* Last updated by: Hub on 6/5/2015 @ 8:32 PM *

Welcome to the forum elSueco, that all depends on how it is used, stock bike with regular scheduled maintenance you can get over 100,000, read one forum he has 154,000. Good luck with your decicion Here's a link to help you out:
Buying a Used Motorcycle

What color is it?

I've asked for a cold start in the morning. Won't be able to drag it in for a compression test, but will have an experienced friend with me to check it out.

The bike is gloss black with gold wheels; strangely not my first choice of colors. It looks pretty tame in the photos. Since I've been researching this, I think I'd prefer the black with green grill style, matte black or blue.

Despite the high mileage, the bike looks brand new in the photos. I can't see any wear in the normal places such as knees rubbing against the tank. The bike also has loads of upgrades. I expect it will be a blast to ride!

If it's a used bike, I don't see what the problem is with doing a hot compression test. Change the oil for them if they are worried bout not having fresh oil in the bike. Infact, they could do a cold compression test just turning the motor on the starter. It already has 50,000 miles on it, no harm will come from turning the motor over a few times. I would expect it to be in great shape if it was so well maintained but I'd be a lot less willing to pay asking price without a compression test. There are other 14s out there and you should be able to get one with 30,000 miles for $2000. If the seller is motivated, these things go cheap in a private sale.

* Last updated by: Rook on 6/5/2015 @ 11:04 PM *

This is a private sale. I wouldn't know where to take it for a compression test at short notice.

The seller says that the compression has been steady at 235 psi cold when tested at each 15k service.

The seller no longer is credible. That's another key point you have going in as a buyer. Not promising asking about the bike and its service I hear that kind of stuff let alone the number breaking the deal.

You are going to learn the hard way is watch me walk from that bike and you don't... I am done and off looking for another. And wouldn't you know it, less miles, better deal is wait... Time flies is there is another showing up, keep looking... My hands are washed from this round. Next bike.

Signed,

NOLTT

This is a private sale. I wouldn't know where to take it for a compression test at short notice.
The seller says that the compression has been steady at 235 psi cold when tested at each 15k service.

Check with a local shop. Ask to view the test. If the seller won't ride it there, to let you pay for a compression test, walk. Is there documentation of the previous compression test? If so, ask to bring a copy into the shop and ask them to authenticate it. At least test ride the bike. Pay the guy $50 for that. You still might not know if the compression was low by riding the bike. If that's not a problem and the price is low enough, maybe you own a bike with low compression. If it matters to you, you can always fix that. It might be costly but that's where getting a good deal on the bike comes in. I'd be just as careful about buying a used bike with lower miles. I have an 08 with 43k miles and it's loaded down with mods. I don't expect I would be able to get more that $3000. If I want to sell fast, $2000. I would not expect most people would even consider most of the mods in their offer. Many might consider the mods something that was undesirable. A lot would be scared off by a modded bike thinking it must have been run excessively hard.

Be one of those guys. ^^^^ Lowball if no compression test. There will always be another.

My 06 has 58000 miles, runs like a top. If it's been maintained
I wouldn't worry about it. These motors aren't working hard
at street pace.

Mad

High mileage + regular maintenance>Low mileage and abuse. If you do not know history, checks such as compression check are the only way to know if there has been abuse. Chains, tires, brakes=easily replaceable. Engine, not so much.

Seems like the OP is mia, maybe he wised up and passed? But, curious on the outcome.

Crude, OP decided to talk to a couple race engine builders who echoed Maddevill and Danno's opinions that for a well maintained bike, 56k is no problem. Also spoke with the shop that has been doing all scheduled maintenance, and they confirmed that the bike has no known issues.

I bought it 2 weeks ago.

I've put 2,200 miles on it in 2 weeks including a track day, and the bike works great. It looked more worn in person than it did in the seller's photos, but after a full day of buffing, polishing, and waxing all the plastics, it's being mistaken for new.

After the polish job, the bike looks as good in person as it does in the seller's photos. The only difference is that the chicken strips aren't there after my track day.

Seller's Photos On Imgur

You got some nice mods! Have fun.

Thanks, Rook. I think it was a pretty good buy. I'm too cheap to have put all those extras on myself, so it will be nice to experience then. I'll be relying on your tutorials for my future wrenching.

Just found that I put a couple nails in the rear tire on yesterday's 350 mile ride. I'm going to plug this one, and order a new Power 3 before the next track day.

It's always something!