OT: Question about a motorcycle I might buy

[nitekrawler]

This neighbor (actually a few blocks away) has a 1980 Suzuki 125 for sale. Looks old. Needs a chain, seat. Does run. He wanted $700, I laughed after looking at local paper and seen some for half that. I called back and offered a few hundred. Knowing it needs work. It will NOT start by kicker, he had to push it to get it to start. What does it need? I currently own a ATC OF COURSE and this isnt my experty. Can someone help? He also said he replaced piston too.

[TRI-Zbrian]

what is it 2 stroke or 4 it prolly needs to be rebuilt is it an induro or an all off raod bike? a little bit more info and i may be able to help you out.

[nitekrawler]

Sorry. Yes, its a 2 stroke. All off road. After he pushed it, started right up no problem.

[TRI-Zbrian]

is it an RM? if i were you id go do a compression test on it. it prolly just needs to be rebuilt and being its 2 stroke it can be done for real cheap.

[nitekrawler]

Not sure if its a RM. But, looks like a RM http://www.suzukicycles.org/RM-RMX-series/RM125_1975-1980.shtml When he replaced the piston, thats not a rebuilt? Needing a rebuilt keeps it from kick starting?
NOW! I just thought about it...it had a radiator! So, its 4 stroke, correct?

[hondatrikesrule22]

What did it sound like? was it a low end grunt or a wing-ping sound?Wing-ping is the almighty 2-stroke.If it had a radiator it is a 2-stroke.When you say it doesn't start with the kick-start,does it not turn the motor,or does it just not start with the kick start?

[nitekrawler]

It didnt sound like my atc. Although, engine looked like it did. Starting to feel dumb. He just said it wont start with kicker, and pushed it (not far) and it started right up. The exhaust pipe looked fat like a 2 cycle pipe

Also, the $$$ question. Whats it worth? :-D

Thanks for all your help

[hondatrikesrule22]

Just depends on what it looks like.If it needs a chain and seat,and looks old,I'd say $450-$500. ;)

[nitekrawler]

What about the kick start problem? What does it need to fix that?
He also has no title, although has previous bill of sale. So, I would have to get it registered. I offered a lot less :) Well see if he calls. I did this cause wasnt sure about the kick start problem. Whats an estimated price to fix that??

TIA

[TRI-Zbrian]

if its got a radiater in 1980 thats one on me because im pretty sure that the RMs were not liquid cooled till like 83 i may be rong though.

is the pipe on it a big roundish one coming out of the engine if yes then u prolly have a 2 stroke. also ask him if you mix the gas on it if he tells u yes or that u have to put oil in it under the seat in an injection tank it is also prolly a 2 stroke.

[hondatrikesrule22]

I would ask him what its doing...If it turns the motor or not,or does it just not start with a kick start.If it is internal you can try e-bay or the classified forums on here.New OEM parts from the dealer can be kinda pricey,so I really can't give a solid esimate.

[TRI-Zbrian]

he meens it will start by push starting it but wont if you kick it over i still say the top end needs to be rebuilt id bet its runing realy low compression i had an old 1978 ts 125 that had the same problem

[nitekrawler]

How much to rebuild it? Approx is fine, just so I have ideas. Thanks so much guys. Just dont want to get screwed you know. Low compression, maybe thats why he put a new piston in there?

The pipe is fat like my atc pipe. So, I assume its a 2 stroke then.

[TRI-Zbrian]

piston and rings 80$

top end gasket kit 25-30$

boreing out to fresh bore 25-50 $

[nitekrawler]

Thanks. I'll see if he accepts my offer 8)
PS. Could he have messed something up with the piston replace?

[TRI-Zbrian]

do a compression test. does it seem easy to kick over like it has weak compression or is it hard to kick over a compression test is going to help u answer this alot faster if it does have good compression then id say it was a carb problem or lol needs a new plug.

[nitekrawler]

Thanks. He says its a carb problem. Well see 8) Thanks for tip!

[nitekrawler]

He turned my offer down. Although, bought a '82 250r for $300 last night :-D