hey, what's up everyone? I'm VERY new to the bike world and I'm completely obsessed. I just found a 94 seca II for very cheap but the catch is that it's wrecked. From the pics online, it doesn't look too bad, but would it be worth trying to fix? And what about the safety factor of buying a wrecked bike? Should I just wait till I have enough $ for a decent bike that has no probs?
Would u guys buy a wrecked bike?
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thanks for the advice guys. I guess I'm just really excited about the whole thing. I want to take the MSF course but I think it's filled up this year. It's sort of upsetting but I'm definately without a doubt gonna do it next year. Or actually< I think I can take it in October but the place is 5 hours away! haha, it will be worth it thoughHams51 said:
All depends on the damage, price, your mechanical know-how and all that. If it's all superficial and the price is right, go for it. I bought mine wrecked (plastic damage only) and am happy I did it. I paid 1/4 the price of a new bike and I have no complaints. All depends on what you want man, the choice is ultimately yours anyway.
Take MSF before buying a bike. Then you wont have any issues test riding bikes, and will be less likely to drop your brand new wheels. MSF will make selecting and buying a bike much easier
As far as buying wrecked, depends on the wreck. Cosmetic damage...if the price is right (CHEAP), get it...more than likely you will drop the bike in the first year anyways. Just take it for a test ride (this is where MSF experience comes into play) and really put it through it's paces. If they dont let you test ride...walk. Check for obvious frame damage, crooked wheels, the like. Fork damage. Just make sure it runs and rides straight, a first bike shouldnt be a shop project.. you should be on it learning as much as possible.
As far as buying wrecked, depends on the wreck. Cosmetic damage...if the price is right (CHEAP), get it...more than likely you will drop the bike in the first year anyways. Just take it for a test ride (this is where MSF experience comes into play) and really put it through it's paces. If they dont let you test ride...walk. Check for obvious frame damage, crooked wheels, the like. Fork damage. Just make sure it runs and rides straight, a first bike shouldnt be a shop project.. you should be on it learning as much as possible.
Buying a wrecked bike without knowing its history and exactly what was done to fix it is really risky. It could just be plastic damage or it could be bad frame damage that's hidden.
Regarding MSF, many class locations allow you to show up "stand-by" for the first session. They'll let you in if there are any no-shows which happens often. Ask around. Obviously if it is a 5 hour drive, it might not be worth it, but I imagine there are several class locations around Chicago.
Regarding MSF, many class locations allow you to show up "stand-by" for the first session. They'll let you in if there are any no-shows which happens often. Ask around. Obviously if it is a 5 hour drive, it might not be worth it, but I imagine there are several class locations around Chicago.
yeah, I'm starting to lean against getting it but I can't really say for sure till I see it. I'll check it out next week and let u guys know what's up w/ it. I talked to the guy on the phone today and he really didn't know anything. He seeemd pretty oblivious. I asked if it ran and he said he didn't want to start it b/c it was leaking gas (from where? I don't know).RayOSV said:
And I found some open spots for MSF but the place is 1.5 hours away which isn't too bad. I can't wait.
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Eh- depends on your level of technical know-how. I'm one of those guys that can fix anything. My last bike was in poor shape when i got it. Within a month i had it looking like brand new, all for about 400 bucks.
I bought my current bike as a TOTAL heap, and am still gathering parts for it. I'm very close to having it together. But if you dont have experience with bikes.... and the bike is doing something a bike isnt supposed to do, you'll never realize it until it's too late.
I would advise against it as a first bike. And especially at this point in the season. You want to ride a lot right now, before it gets too hot. The weather has been PERFECT down here.... and i just stare at my pile of parts.... not fun.
Not that i regret doing it.... because it's my dream bike, i got it from a reliable person that everyone on this board knows, and it'll be all said and done for extremely cheap. But i have much more ability to do this than the average person. Like, i bought a service manual, and havent even needed to open it yet. Hell, i could even write the damn thing if i wanted to. I'm actually considering a position at a company that writes technical manuals...
So to sum up: no- not the greatest idea. Nobody dreams of owning a Seca II someday....
I bought my current bike as a TOTAL heap, and am still gathering parts for it. I'm very close to having it together. But if you dont have experience with bikes.... and the bike is doing something a bike isnt supposed to do, you'll never realize it until it's too late.
I would advise against it as a first bike. And especially at this point in the season. You want to ride a lot right now, before it gets too hot. The weather has been PERFECT down here.... and i just stare at my pile of parts.... not fun.
Not that i regret doing it.... because it's my dream bike, i got it from a reliable person that everyone on this board knows, and it'll be all said and done for extremely cheap. But i have much more ability to do this than the average person. Like, i bought a service manual, and havent even needed to open it yet. Hell, i could even write the damn thing if i wanted to. I'm actually considering a position at a company that writes technical manuals...
So to sum up: no- not the greatest idea. Nobody dreams of owning a Seca II someday....
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Short answer? No.
Long answer:
If I were looking for a second bike that would have limited street use, and more track beating and horseplay, I'd consider it. But only after verifying that it would be worth the money to fix.
In your case, keep looking. You don't need a wrecked bike as your first. I'll second kevinwilly - nobody dreams of owning a Seca II. But then again, he's probably going to say the same thing about my bike.
Long answer:
If I were looking for a second bike that would have limited street use, and more track beating and horseplay, I'd consider it. But only after verifying that it would be worth the money to fix.
In your case, keep looking. You don't need a wrecked bike as your first. I'll second kevinwilly - nobody dreams of owning a Seca II. But then again, he's probably going to say the same thing about my bike.
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