ok another "is this a good first bike" question

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BigChickenStrips · Sun Apr 09, 2006 12:10 am

1979 honda CM400T. New rear tire and inner tube
New front tire (has not been put on)
New drive chain
New battery
New tach cable
New rear brake
New spark plugs
Just changed oil and replaced oil filter
Valves just checked and adjusted
Gas tank has no dents and has original cap and locking cover with gasket
Side covers are good and are not cracked or broken
Original tailpipes, but are pretty much hollowed out
All lights work
Horn and horn button works
Starter works
Kick start works
A bit cold natured, but runs strong after a few minutes of warming up
Original seat
Has luggage rack and sissy bar (OEM Honda)
Clymer service manual and original owners manual
a hare below 20,000 miles on it.
its posted for $1000. please let me know what you think?

MattL · #2 Unread post by **MattL** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:42 am

I would be weary of that bike due to the mialage. Looks like it may be a decent starter bike. I would personally grab somthing a bit newer.

#3 Unread post by **Sev** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 5:00 am

20 000 miles is nothing, but on a bike that old it might have actually rolled over and have 120 000 miles on it. Due to the age I'd check it out in person and go over it very very carefully. If it's an honest sale then the owner won't mind you being picky.

See if you can ride it, and run it up through the gears to make sure everything works. Or at least watch him ride it.

#4 Unread post by **zarakand** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 5:25 am

If you know someone who's a long time rider, or experianced mechanically take them with you. They'll be a great help in your deciding factor. Several riders here have early 80's bikes with more than 20k miles on them and no issues. So the mileage isn't necessarily a problem.

moto_hanki · Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:21 am

I think for a first bike, this would be perfect. Ride it for the summer then sell it before it needs something else.
I would by it in a heart beat, age and miles mean nothing if it is well cared for.

My first bike was an 85' Rebel with 45,000 miles. It never even hic'upped, sold it to a guy who wanted it for commuting.

MattL · #6 Unread post by **MattL** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:40 am

Sevulturus wrote:20 000 miles is nothing, but on a bike that old it might have actually rolled over and have 120 000 miles on it. Due to the age I'd check it out in person and go over it very very carefully. If it's an honest sale then the owner won't mind you being picky.

What i was attempting to get across in more words. A bike that old should have more than 20,000 miles on it.

DivideOverflow · Mon Apr 10, 2006 2:10 am

I'd pay 700 or 800 for that. Sounds like it is in good shape, but I would check it out.

Those old bikes are very coldblooded to start up... my 79 KZ650 takes a couple minutes to warm up.. in FLORIDA!