New here, thinking about buying a connie

[Lerchr]

Hello everybody! Im in between bikes right now and have been looking at getting a C10 that seems well cared for. However, it is an 87 with 108,000 miles. I was wondering if there were any "problem spots" i could check on the bike when I go to test drive it? Thanks in advance for the advice!

[mvjr1904]

Going to upgrade to a 87? What did you get off of?
Hate to ask what type of cell phone you're using?  Assuming you have one.
An older bike is a nice collector item but a high mileage older bike is not something I would consider.

I know personal finances influence a purchase, but get the newest model you can comfortably afford.
Get a C14!

[gPink]

Welcome to the forum, Lerchr. There are a lot of high mileage connies still on the road. I can't address your questions as I have a c14 but stick around and you will get the info you need.

[Lerchr]

I'm using an iphone ( just upgraded to IOS 7? ). Also my last bike was a 97 BMW "Funduro" which I got rid of for several reasons, (financial, as I'm a college student, but mostly the VIBRATIONS and I never took it off road). Here is the ad for the bike I'm looking at http://scranton.craigslist.org/mcy/4053936199.html . I don't mind if I have to do some work on it this winter ( carbs, valve adjustments , seals/gaskets) but I just want to make sure connie's this age don't all need major stuff. I will still keep an eye out for newer ones though.

[mvjr1904]

Nice phone, nice BMW, and it looks like a good C10.
Not a bad deal since you have "skills" to do your own maintenance, and the upcoming winter time to give the bike a good once over.

I agree, welcome to the forum and it does have a wealth of good information.
Either way good luck with your future purchase but don't go back to the dark side.

[turbojoe78]

It's got a newer style seat, fender extender, tank bra, mounting plate for a top box and maybe an aftermarket windshield.

Also looks very clean.  If it sounds ok, runs ok, and rides ok for that kind of money it looks like a good deal.

Look in the belly pan for signs of oil leaks, there are lots of places that can have small oil leaks, most of which are easy to fix.

When reasonably taken care of these motors will run far past 108,000 miles.

Also, lift up on the front of the faring under the headlight to see if it has any up and down motion. Where the faring support bolts to the frame at the steering tube is a known week spot if the bolt that holds it hasn't been kept tight over the years.

[JDM]

I would check it for bent rod. You should find a lot of info on how to check this. Do a search on Hydrolock.

[Furbo]

If it's been well cared for, I wouldnt worry about the mileage too much. If the engine has had regular oil changes and valve adjustments, it should be good for a long time yet. Other than  those  mentioned I'd check:

Suspension - likely past its prime...ok, you can prolly deal with that. Just make sure you've got some damping in the shock. If it's toast, there are many original C-10 shocks around as alotta folks replace'em.

Bearings - the C-10's F wheel bearings are too small for their load. They often require replacement around 25-30K miles. This bike should be on it's 3rd set. They arent expensive, and are pretty easy to replace. Dont wait for them to fail completely - they'll strand you somewhere garanteed.

Steering head bearings - check'em. They really arent so much affected by mileage as time. 24yrs of service & weather, with no lube, they're prolly done. Replacement isn't hard, just takes alotta time

Cam Chain. C-10's have an automatic cam chain adjustor which sometimes doesnt. Chain makes a hell of a racket at idle if it's loose.

Waterpump - prone to leak/fail on high mileage bikes

If the bike is in as nice a shape as the pic would indicate, I think it's a great deal.

My plan iwth my own C-10 is to run it another 50K miles to 100, then sell it cheap to a soldier or student who can use it.   

[wahrsuul]

I agree with all of the above - offer him $800 for it.

[cmoore]

Maybe the owner is just tired of it and wants to unload it. It is definitely worth a look and test ride. Keep us posted.

[SteveJ.]

If it's been well cared for, I wouldnt worry about the mileage too much. If the engine has had regular oil changes and valve adjustments, it should be good for a long time yet. Other than  those  mentioned I'd check:

Suspension - likely past its prime...ok, you can prolly deal with that. Just make sure you've got some damping in the shock. If it's toast, there are many original C-10 shocks around as alotta folks replace'em.

Bearings - the C-10's F wheel bearings are too small for their load. They often require replacement around 25-30K miles. This bike should be on it's 3rd set. They arent expensive, and are pretty easy to replace. Dont wait for them to fail completely - they'll strand you somewhere garanteed.

Steering head bearings - check'em. They really arent so much affected by mileage as time. 24yrs of service & weather, with no lube, they're prolly done. Replacement isn't hard, just takes alotta time

Cam Chain. C-10's have an automatic cam chain adjustor which sometimes doesnt. Chain makes a hell of a racket at idle if it's loose.

Waterpump - prone to leak/fail on high mileage bikes

If the bike is in as nice a shape as the pic would indicate, I think it's a great deal.

My plan iwth my own C-10 is to run it another 50K miles to 100, then sell it cheap to a soldier or student who can use it.

Nice list. I will add do a hydrolock or compression test.

Also, the pre '94 C-10 front wheel bearings are much more robust than the new and "improved" style of '94 and later. (Although my '99 front wheel bearings are still the factory originals.)

As part of winter work after purchasing, figure on a re-bush of the forks, and maybe a cam and alternator chain.

[hmans3]

Hey, I'm the guy with the 87 for sale. I have it 21 years. I'm a member of COG for 20 years. The bike has been well  maintained and has upgrades. It runs and looks good for a 26 year old bike with no issues. Just trying to find the old girl a good home. I bought a Yamaha FJR1300 and don't use the Kaw. hmans3

[SteveJ.]

I just looked at the ad. That's really a lot of bike for a really right price. Just check for bent rods and start peeling off $100 bills.

Good Luck.

[connie_rider]

Hey, I'm the guy with the 87 for sale. I have it 21 years. I'm a member of COG for 20 years. The bike has been well  maintained and has upgrades. It runs and looks good for a 26 year old bike with no issues. Just trying to find the old girl a good home. I bought a Yamaha FJR1300 and don't use the Kaw. hmans3

Lerchr,,, the owner is a COG Member. So I'm certain he knows what hydrolock is and can answer your questions.
Bike looks good....
Talk to owner (hmans3)  then,,,,,  assuming you like what he say's....  Buy it!!

Ride safe, Ted