Shopping around for a new to me bike, some listed with super low mileage but then state how it has brand new tires.

Is that a red flag?

If a bike has 3,800 miles, would it already need a new set?


Thanks

 

Ummm, if they ran them under or over inflated...or maybe did a lot of burn outs. I have stock Dunlops on my '07 FatBoy and I have over 7,000 miles on them and am just now starting to shop around for a set.

 

if it's an older bike might be age of tire not miles. I'm not sure but I think they say after about 8 years you should replace them, maybe 6.

 

older tires that have not seen payment and proper care tend to dry rot and crack, especially along the sidewalls.....which will warrant premature replacement if needed.

And when selling any vehicle, not just a bike.....new tires, new battery, and new tune up are always good selling features to get rid of the vehicle quickly. You may not get your full investment back out of it, but if your in a pinch and gotta unload a vehicle for whatever reason, its sometimes worth it to spend a couple hundred to pull in several thousand that much quicker.


I would be more concerned with maintenance of the bike, record upkeep, aftermarket mods and parts, as well as proper cleaning and care over a new set of tires.....but thats just me.

 

Thanks for the input.

Not very many service records on a bike with "3,800" miles. So many bikes with almost NEGATIVE number of miles.

Rolling back miles was the concern, not the tires themselves. Was wondering if new tires on a new bike was a give away.

 

Another consideration is two up riding. My Heritage eats stock dunlops ever 5K in the rear but I get about 15K up front.

 

Actually I would be a bit skeptical about "New Tires" with less than at least 7,000 miles on the odometer. At the very least I'd ask the seller why they replaced them, and see what kind of answer they give you. As others have said it could be an innocent sales incentive, there was a flat tire that couldn't be patched, the seller thinks the buyers won't be able to tell the difference between a tire with few thousand miles on them and an "almost new" tire -or- the bike might have been in an accident that damaged one or both tires, or the speedometer was replaced 3,800 miles ago and the old mileage wasn't recorded anywhere or programed into the new speedometer.

You can also look for other things. The oil, even if it hasn't been changed in 3,800 miles on a new bike should look almost as clear and honey colored in all three holes as new oil does. The bottom of the frame, the engine and transmission should be practically spotless, remove the fuel tank cap, the area just inside where the cap goes should be without to many (if any) marks from filling the bike just 20 times or so. You can also get real ****, like removing a front caliper and checking the thickness of the pads as compared to new pads. In 3,800 miles there shouldn't be much wear. Look at the air cleaner. In 3,800 miles the filter elemnet should either be the original or a replacement, but either way it should be darn near spotless. Look at the insides of the fenders. In 3,800 miles, even if the seller didn't think to clean here, it should be fairly clean and the paint which while somewhat lightly scratched down the middle should be fairly shiny along the sides.

Anyhow, you get the idea . . .

 

Your right, didn't even make the 5K service. But your bike is no different than a car. You still need to change oil and fluids if it sits for a long extended period of time.

No use.....check for leaks. Gaskets may be worn and dry rotted as well....which will only create more issues for you as a new owner.

Fuel stabilizer used? If, not....injectors gummed up?



A lot to think about. Before you buy it, maybe take it to a local Indy shop and have em give it a one over. I got a local Indy dealer that will do a full 10K service for about $300. If you can find one like that, I would have the bike serviced before putting many miles on it. Be sure to subtract that cost from your offer.....just to be fair to both you and the seller.

 

yes, a new setting

 

Maybe that meant tires look brand new. Which is a little deceptive but probably not trying to be. My tires look very good like new at 3500 and then what has happened at 7500. What is strange is as the back wore the running patch got wider which makes it handle funny in turns as it rolls off the flat and you would think slow down wearing but it actual appeared to wear faster. Harley's Lops are rather soft and they stick well but the wear like a 1st graders #2 eraser. I would rather have them sticking as sliding.