BuckeyeGuy

Hey everyone! Brand new to this forum, but ive been checking it out for most of the day. I am going to check out a 98 Hawk tomorrow, 21k miles, Jardine exhaust, new tires, new chain and sprocket (this is what Im told anyway). Ive negotiated the price down to $2,000, which sounds like a great deal.

So what should I really look for tomorrow? Ive heard "cct" and "r/r" mentioned several times, but to be honest I dont even know what those are and how to "check" them. Can anyone provide me any tips on how i could do this tomorrow without looking like a complete idiot?

My riding history:
82 Virago 750
2004 Vstar 1100 Classic
2006 GSXR 600
2005 Vstar 1100 Custom

zmaniv

RR is under the tail fairing. Not any way to visual inspect it. Same as CCt's unless they are aftermarket.
You getting the bike in El Cajon? If you want to give me a shout im in Spring valley also know a great guy that gives excelent prices on tires

FL02SupaHawk996

Ride it first, if you can. If the jetted is sorted properly the torque will put a smile on your face. If it sputters and skips you will need to have the carbs jetted for the Jardines, so you may have another tool for negotiations.

Also, the aftermkt manual CCTs are red, so you can spot the rear one near the header on the rear head.

Good luck & welcome!
RC

lukenukem47

Make the ower show you. Also look at his body language. Question anything that may worry you. I find the seller body lang. will tell you more then the bike. If he gets nervous about something, ask more about it. If he can't make eye contact and gets upset explaining things then it's best to walk away. I had trouble with a seller of a car for my girlfriend and after several conversations with the ower I got the impression that he was hiding something. After looking into the car deeper. I found a the head gasket was blown. I remembered early on he said he changed it but that was a lie. This car was super clean too.

Old Yeller

There's really not anything on this bike that should be checked any different from any other sporty bike. Ask the guy if the Rectifier has ever been replaced and if the charging system (including the battery) is working well. You can ask about the cam chain tensioner, but don't be surprised if he says they have not been replaced. Not all people think changing them is necessary. From your list of bikes, it looks like you've got some experience, so just check as you would for any bike.