Test ride advice

FLrider · Sep 21, 2015

I have come to a price agreement on buying a 2014 hyper with a dealership about 2 hours away. I am going this weekend to test ride and then hopefully finalize the purchase of the bike.

The bike has ~5 miles on it, and I have ridden one before and know I like the way the bike rides. Before I go, I figured it can't hurt to post here and see if there are any common issues with the bikes that I should look for while doing my test ride. I assume not, but figured better safe than sorry.

If you can think of anything I should keep an eye out for please let me know.

gatdammit · Sep 21, 2015

Check the side bags. If the bike sat outside for display with the bags on they probably have faded.

Considerable amount of recalls: head bearing seal and throttle being the most important.

The brake disc bobbins get sticky and will cause noisy brakes. They just need a spot of lube on the bobbins.

Understand you're getting the low model. I guess they all became low in 2014+

porkrind · Sep 21, 2015

Definitely make sure your up to date on the throttle TSB. I had the old throttle, and now have the new one. It's so much better it's like I got a new bike.

FLrider · Sep 21, 2015

gatdammit said:
Check the side bags. If the bike sat outside for display with the bags on they probably have faded.

Considerable amount of recalls: head bearing seal and throttle being the most important.

The brake disc bobbins get sticky and will cause noisy brakes. They just need a spot of lube on the bobbins.

Understand you're getting the low model. I guess they all became low in 2014+

Is there a way to verify the throttle and head bearing have been done other than them saying so?

By low do you mean the one that is 20mm shorter?

zippy49 · Sep 21, 2015

Yes that's what he means, but I'm pretty sure that both were still available until this year. Mine is standard height (150mm travel F&R), and I can get the pegs down pretty easily so the low model might not be as good on the track or if you ride fast on twisty roads.

There has to be a way to find out if those updates were done (they were not "recalls," which would involve reporting to NHTSA). The dealer should have done these already, or before he hands it over. The rubber cover over the top steering head bearing is plainly visible, if it's there you'll know.

And set aside a few bucks to fix the forks. Just sayin'...

appliance821 · Sep 21, 2015

FLrider said:
Is there a way to verify the throttle and head bearing have been done other than them saying so?

By low do you mean the one that is 20mm shorter?

For my throttle they had to go to the computer and check specifically for my bike. They may have had to get the serial number of the part itself - not sure. It's a case by case basis and more obscure than it should be. Have them double check.

If they're honest/detail oriented dealers, they should have records of all the work done - and you should get a copy of the paperwork for future buyers (although that'll never happen

)

FLrider · Sep 21, 2015

zippy49 said:
And set aside a few bucks to fix the forks. Just sayin'...

What about them needs fixing?

FLrider · Sep 21, 2015

appliance821 said:
For my throttle they had to go to the computer and check specifically for my bike. They may have had to get the serial number of the part itself - not sure. It's a case by case basis and more obscure than it should be. Have them double check.

If they're honest/detail oriented dealers, they should have records of all the work done - and you should get a copy of the paperwork for future buyers (although that'll never happen)

With it not being an official recall are they obligated to do it?

appliance821 · Sep 21, 2015

FLrider said:
With it not being an official recall are they obligated to do it?

Yes - once they determined my bike was on the list, there was no question. It is a safety related item - it's the throttle.

Regarding the forks: they could be better but they're not bad - I think for a bike at this price they could be better, and maybe should be better, but I've never had the bike step out on me and I've ridden rain and shine, fully loaded on bad twisty roads. They can be harsh at low speeds, but seem to smooth out the faster you go. I'm referring the strada here.

I'd say live with them, and decide for yourself.

gatdammit · Sep 22, 2015

The proper term would be "Technical Service Bulletin", vice recall. Manufacturers have always honored these in my experience, cars or bikes.

Test ride advice

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