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Old 7 May 2009
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The Pro's & Con's of buying a used Overland bike - Discuss !

Digging deeper into my Africa Twin which has been around Africa (funny enough), it started me thinking about what are the pros and cons of buying a pre-prepped and "Travelled" overland bike.

I've been buying, selling , repairing and rebuilding motorbikes for the last 10 years. Professionally in the trade and privately for pleasure. I've probably owned about 30-40 bikes in the last 10 years and most of these have been "old nails" off Ebay which i've restored and sold on.

My current bike has been around Africa and as I get deaper into it, there are more and more problems caused by the previous "Overlander" owner.

Well... I thought I'd put my thoughts down on this subject as I think its pretty relevant to us all. I've bought some lemons for a lot of money and some peaches for a steal so here's what I think..

Please add your own thoughts on the matter

PROS

  • Price - You can usually pick one up for less than a standard bike and the cost of the mods. The last guy took the depreciation hit on the Touratech and Acerbis goodies. Many people bought it for 1 trip and just want rid when they get home. Overland bikes arn't appealing to 90% of the bike buying community.
  • The right bike for the job - Overland bikes are usually well researched model choices. The legwork and research has been done (Usually).
  • Modifications - Large tank, bashplates and hang guards already there. The preperation, fitting and sourcing of all your parts takes an age which someone else has already done.
  • Spares - It's not uncommon to be handed a bag full of un-used spare parts when you buy one.
  • Previous owner - Was an overlander. The vast majority of us are honest, good people with a common interest. They will usually always tell you what is good and bad with the bike. What mods have been done, what needs doing etc. Buying a dirt bike off Ebay is scary and you can easily end up with a lemon.

(Potential) CONS
  • Bodges - This is probably the worst aspect. When you're stuck out somewhere, you do whatever it takes to get going or keep going. Sprockets welded on, engine oil in the forks, things glued and ziptied together etc.
  • Incorrect parts - When you cant get genuine or quality parts, anything will do. Can be pretty dangerous putting the wrong speed rated tyres on, wrong type of chain and the wrong types of bolts in the wrong places.
  • Hard life - Overland bikes have a hard life. Sand, gravel, crashes, drops, being run on poor fuel and "alternative" lubricants
  • High Mileage - Goes without saying.
  • Lack of maintenance - Just read the technical pages on the hubb. People going 2-3 the distances on oil, valves never checked etc.
  • Paperwork - Where did this bike really come from ????????????? Travel bikes pass hand to hand around the world. Papers are often manufactured. I know this first hand . Could be a big problem if you're caught.
  • Inconsiderate owners - Many people who travel on bikes arn't bikers. They just think "Hey it would be cool to ride A to B then ditch the bike". These are the people who never change oil or care if they destroy the bike. Ride it like you stole it mentality.
Of course, Im not saying this is true of every bike. Just things to look out for which are all too common.


What are your opinions on the matter ??????
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