PDA

View Full Version : What to look for?



ridered1991
11-18-2008, 05:46 PM
Tomorrow I am going to look at an 04' Z400 for $1700 in my hometown. That seems really cheap to me so I think there may be something wrong with it. I was wondering what I should look for. Things like blue smoke... valve's ticking? anything like that that I should be aware of.

Here's the article if anyone wants to take a look.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/898219255.html

2004 isn't old for a Z is it? I know my friends have 400ex's that still run fine from over a decade ago

Also lastly any problems on those models I should know about. I can't find much info but I heard lots of frame cracks on 04's

kellymi
11-18-2008, 06:33 PM
One thing to look at is the front top shock mounts for cracks.

jonboy
11-18-2008, 07:12 PM
Check everything. Check the oil to see if it is low or dark, it should be a clear golden color. Check the coolant level, look for leaks around the water pump cover at the weep hole. Check inside the airbox look at the filter and to see if inside the box is clean. You'll see what kind of condition the owner kept the bike in. Look the frame over to see if it is cracked anywhere. See if the plastics are stressed that will tell you if it has been rolled. Of course the typical stuff to look for. Be sure to run it for 3 mins before checking the oil this will give you a chance to hear it run if it makes odd noises. And ride it like you plan to ride it if you bought it to see if it is going hold up to your riding style.

airmobile101
11-19-2008, 02:12 AM
Just to let yea know, if he has Hotcams installed, its gonna tick. Nothing bad, but it will tick. I would make him or her pull out the cam chain tensioner and check it. Just to be on the safe side.

slinkydog
11-24-2008, 09:59 PM
Cracks!!!! look for cracks!!! i have a 03 and i just replaced the sub-frame and had the upper shock mounts welded and gusseted...beware:eek2:

knoxville9
11-26-2008, 06:59 AM
haha my 2005 KFX400 is posted under pittsburgh craigslist its green and I've seen that one it seems nice. BUT MINES BETTER

ridered1991
11-27-2008, 08:46 AM
Originally posted by knoxville9
haha my 2005 KFX400 is posted under pittsburgh craigslist its green and I've seen that one it seems nice. BUT MINES BETTER

Yeah yours definatly is haha but I don't have the money for it

knoxville9
11-27-2008, 08:59 AM
yea money's tight SUCKS bad