I have an opportunity to buy a 2000 Night Train with 11k miles. I know the seller, so I'm not concerned about deception. My concern is more towards what might need repair or replacement simply because of age? For example, should I worry about brittle hoses due to inactivity & age? Just looking for any opinions. Thanks.

 

You say it's only done 11k if its done a few hundred or around a 1000 miles a year and had fairly regular oil and filter changes it should be good to go, probably need a new battery and tyres, but if its sat for a few years then as well as tyres and battery things like gaskets and hoses will probably need replacing, also depends if its been garaged or left outside under a canvass outside, Nightrain always a good choice of bike, I've got an 06 model, its an 88 so if you buy it check the Camm tennioners at around 20,000 miles for excess wear.

 

Forgot to say if its sat a few years dump the fuel as well and the carb will probably need cleaning, on the other hand if you've heard it run and ridden it just buy it and ride just keep an eye out for oil leaks due to dried out gaskets.

 

I just got a 2002 Fat Boy with 3200 miles. The tires were all good since it's had 3 sets of in it's 3200 miles, with the latest set put on 6 months ago. I changed the fluid in the engine, primary and tranny and did the 5,000 mile service early. There's a lot of inspect this and that on the 5,000 mile service. This coupled with the fluids change and lubing the cables and I think she's good to go.

 

thorough inspection, change all fluids and I'd likely replace the tires. As long as it was stored properly and indoors, the rest of the stuff will likely be just fine. Too many people think that an older, low mileage bike will have all kinds of parts that need replacement, but in my experience, that is seldom true.

I had a 1984 VF750 Interceptor that I sold in 2009 and even after 25 years, all the brake hoses and similar parts were just fine.

Dave

 

Just change the fluids and go for a ride

 

If the service record is available, I would ask for it. Thats always a good starting point. honestly though, at 11k there will not be that much of a service record. ALWAYS change the oil when you get a used machine. Even if the PO said he changed the oil, I change it again anyway. If you get it from a dealer, most dealers change it anyway.

 

Change the fluids, tires, gas like it's been said but I'd ask your friend for a record of what he's done, just so you'll know.

 

Yes especially the radiator coolant hose

If the tires are original, I would change them. Up here, 10 year old bikes with 10k miles are pretty common

 

Thanks for the input everyone. I appreciate the help!