I have to disagree with this statement. Some guys buy them to ride them and for that reason they maintain them for dependability. They don't really care if they are a showpiece or not.

I've seen countless guys beating the hell out of bikes that look like they just came off the showroom floor. Try going to any decent sized event that has a burnout pit/competition and take a look at the "pretty bikes" that are being trashed in the name of a little attention.

 

"Cosmetic condition usually gives you a good idea about how well the owner took care of it."

IA--You're an intelligent and experienced guy, like me. We'll have to disagree, on this. What would you advise a buyer to do? Look for an abused bike? No.

 

I tend to disagree about me being "intelligent" but that's a subject for another time.

Of course I don't advise he look for an abused bike. As I stated in my earlier post, I wouldn't base my decision on appearance. Regardless of whether the bike is cosmetically appealing I would still do a thorough inspection to determine if it is in good mechanical condition and has been maintained.

Plenty of guys spend hours washing, polishing, and waxing their bikes and don't even take the time to check the oil much less change it. They will tell you they don't bother because the bike only has 1,000 miles on it. But...the thing is 3 years old! They are like my ex, put gas in it, have it cleaned once a week and drive the hell out of it. As long as it looks good, that's all that matters.

Not saying everyone is like that but enough are that looks doesn't figure into the mix for me anyway when shopping for a bike or car. It sure does not indicate that a vehicle has been well maintained beyond the paint and chrome.

 

02's actually have the Dephi EFI on them.