Thanks for your input. My focus is on maximizing the expected value of miles I can ride per dollar I put into it.

Is it currently unlikely that this bike will make it a long distance, and will reboring the engine / replacing piston and rings make it significantly more likely to reach CT? (Will the repair take it from 50% likely to 90%? Or from 85% to 90%?)

I've heard others indicate that it would be no problem to start with the current amount of oil burn, and indeed some who have started an Africa trip with a bike that burns comparable amounts of oil. I'm no expert, but it still is a bit disconcerting to be going through that amount of oil. Repairing it is expensive, but compared to the cost of the entire trip might not be too big of an expense, so I'm still considering it.

Also I would not be shipping this bike home; I'd try to sell in South Africa or en route, but I'm not counting on that. Another reason I'm reluctant to put a lot of money into it.

I realize this perspective ("how far til the wheels fall off?") is discomforting, since we generally put so much care into our bikes. And I am leaning towards fixing it (just feels wrong to not do so), but the expense is hard to justify unless it's very unlikely to survive long.

I also consider that for the cost of the engine repair, I can buy a 125 in west Africa.

Still weighing the benefits... Would be great to get some more perspectives.

Are you even able to source that amont of oil during your trip, in remote places ect?

It can be done, but I think I would look for another bike.... Is the seller firm on the price? Perhaps you could talk him down a few hundred, to make a rebuild easier to swallow...

If this is your only option, just do it.

I've read that decent oil is pretty easy to find, especially at Total gas stations in French speaking countries. It wouldn't be top-of-the-line synthetic oil, but should do. I'd carry a quart or two at a time if I don't get the rebuild.

Yes, at this point another bike looks like a good idea. It's too bad because this bike seems to be a good choice in every other way, and the bike market I'm looking in (Ireland) doesn't have too many options. Perhaps a Transalp or F650GS.

Will reach out to the buyer today on price. Thanks for your input.

Have a read of this thread - there aren't many posts in there.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...too-used-82961

It was common, years ago, to disconnect a bike speedo cable so that the recorded mileage was incorrect. Being polite, this was fraud, but it happened anyway.

Somewhere back in the HUBB there are threads about what to look for when buying a used motorcycle (if not found herein, there is plenty on the web on this theme).
Caveat Emptor.

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Dave

Thanks, there are a lot of good points in that thread. If I get that bike I'll plan on a significant engine servicing.

Regarding the 125, that's probably the best and cheapest way to get the job done. That said, I guess it's not entirely a question of practicality. Would be nice to roll out on a somewhat bad-ass bike, even if that comes at a cost

I would go with the brand new 125 that you identify as an option.

But, there are loads of unknown factors in your questions here (no one herein has seen this bike or knows anything about its history); surely you can get the compression check done and get professional opinion on the problem(s) with the TTR:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...what-can-82965

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Dave