Don't buy these motorcycles. Used motorcycles to avoid.

We often feature motorcycles that are worth buying. Now it's time for some items that we don't recommend. You shouldn’t spend money on them, because your wallet is not bottomless. Don't buy motorcycles

Used Motorcycles to Avoid, Don't Buy Motorcycles

In turn, there is nothing worse than a cheap repair that leaves the workshop in worse condition than when it arrived. The used motorcycles we warn against are 10, 20 or more years old, older motorcycles, and may be damaged because they were not designed or manufactured properly. Time also takes its toll. But you need to spend a little time to buy a worthwhile motorcycle

Japanese motorcycle Honda VF 750

don't buy Honda VF 750 motorcycles

Honda has always experimented with engines and different cylinder layouts. The first usable V-four was the VF 750 (there are also much less common capacitive versions). In 1982 there was a naked S called Saber, a soft chopper C-Magna, and a year later the F, or Interceptor, appeared.

Biggest disadvantages

Poor camshaft lubrication in the head . Honda tried to improve it by using additional cables routed externally and attached to the heads using a banjo bolt system. However, this has little effect - the camshafts are washed out and the levers are worn out. Here the situation (in the short term) can only be saved by replacement.

Honda motorcycle parts

The terrible synchronization of carburetors , even in the new VF 750s, drove mechanics to despair. To carry it out, you need to make three approaches, in accordance with the sequence of cylinders 1-2-3-4, and the adjustment of the next cylinder affects the previous one. The regulators are bad, so the mechanic - despite wearing gloves - could not avoid burning his hands from the engine warming up to operating temperature.

In an older motorcycle, the throttle control system will certainly already have large gaps, and even a professional who knows what is going on will not be able to synchronize the carburetors correctly. The engine will fail, run unevenly, with interruptions in the carburetors and shots in the pipes.

Riveted wheels . Some VF-y 750 Fs had cast wheels, but wide flat "spokes" were attached to the wheels. After several years of use, the rims broke at the riveting points.

Customs clearance of motorcycles from Japan

Customs clearance of motorcycles differs from customs clearance of cars in that bikes undergo customs clearance as goods. And therefore the whole process is simpler, and the prices are cheaper. If you can drive your equipment to Russia on your own or bring it on a trailer, you can only pay a flat rate payment. But this is convenient for motorcycles from European countries. Japanese motorcycles must cross the sea.

To understand how much it costs to clear a motorcycle from Japan through customs, you need to know that customs officials calculate the customs value of motorcycles using their catalogs. Motorcycles from Japan undergo customs clearance according to the Nadaguides catalog. The cost of your motorcycle may differ from their prices. Therefore, prepare all the necessary documents in advance.

Japanese manufacturers produce such motorcycles that all their consumers are completely satisfied with their quality and purpose. And if you are determined to buy a Japanese motorcycle, you will find a showroom that sells Japanese bikes, or a company that will help you select and buy a motorcycle directly from Japan.

Table. Customs duty for importing a motorcycle.

Japanese motorcycle Suzuki TL 1000

do not buy Suzuki TL 1000 motorcycles

The sporting success of the V2 Ducati Superbos forced the Japanese to act. In 1997 they introduced two V-twins - the successful Honda VTR 1000 liter motorcycle and the troublesome Suzuki TL 1000 S liter motorcycle (which was joined a year later by the same-flawed TL 1000 R).

Biggest Disadvantages

The TL was scary - it had a tendency to vibrate, which even caused fatal accidents. Therefore, a year after the premiere, the company installed steering shock absorbers not only for new, but also for sold motorcycles. Unfortunately, the tendency for the steering wheel to turn over continued; the shock absorber only extinguished it.

Result? On rough roads it is scary to exceed 140 km/h.

The engine also had shortcomings - through leaking pistons/rings, it pumped oil into the air filter - under warranty there was a replacement (depending on the mileage) either on the piston rings themselves or on the pistons.

Another problem was the electronics . The engine could jerk and stall at idle. It was necessary to ensure that the idle speed was set correctly (1300–1400 rpm), after which the ECM was modified.

Oil dilution by fuel is another disadvantage. The thermostat was replaced under warranty. The engine was “too cold” and was trying to take too long to suck. This condition also caused high fuel consumption.

Suzuki spare parts (Suzuki), online order

Cracks on the tank , which was not properly secured.

The frame of the eye, which protrudes from the vane damper due to the non-standard shock absorber (such were, for example, on GAZ cars) with which the TL was equipped. The quality of its damping, despite the possibility of adjustment, was not the best.

Cracked frames on the head . At first they argued that this was due to frequent driving, but then it turned out that this was not the case - the frames were breaking.

So you will never know which bike you will get or how many defects have been fixed on it, because all the improvements and repairs were done on a regular basis. Which doesn't change the fact that some of them are indelible.

Sportbike Kawasaki VN 750

don't buy Kawasaki VN 750 motorcycles

This motorcycle can be called “the designer’s revenge.” Kawasaki's 750 V2 was designed as a sports bike designed to take down Harley in American racing. Only the rules were changed (deliberately to keep the Japanese out) and Akashi had to do something with the new engine. It was placed in 1985 on a rather slender chopper chassis. That same year, the Kawasaki sportbike was sold in the United States as the 700, but a year later it was sold there as the 750.

The biggest disadvantages - motorcycle review

The engine is technically very complex , and today it would be difficult to find a mechanic who would consciously undertake to do something with it. The V2 engine has up to four (!) timing chains and eight sliders (not counting the two top covers). Sliding shuttles (four) have four tensioners.

Automatic tensioners are used for the two long top chains, while the bottom two, leading from the shaft to the idler wheels, are usually extension springs.

Timing belt replacement cost . All this works quite reliably when the motorcycle is new, and even when it is 10 years old (which is why the VN 750 has been produced for as long as 22 years). But eventually it has to wear out. And replacing the entire valve timing in this engine is a very difficult (and expensive) step.

Kawasaki spare parts (Kawasaki), online order

Emergency oil regulators . Valve clearance is adjusted hydraulically - oil adjusters are located in the heads where the levers are supported. They are not very durable and require replacement after a few years.

Complex Keihin CVK 34 carburetors have additional mixture enrichment systems, which after a while stop working, and their dismantling borders on a miracle. On a 20 year old bike, even if the throttle bellows aren't cracked and the throttle bodies don't have too much clearance, the carburetors are rusty and loose, which can cause the injectors to break.

Lack of factory materials . Only with the injectors and the factory book in hand will you know which version of the motorcycle you are dealing with. And there were 12 of them. For example, the VN 750 for the Canadian market had 68 hp, for the European market 66 hp. and for the Swiss 37 hp. Without knowing the version, it is impossible to properly tune the motorcycle.

Aprilia RSV Mille

don't buy Aprilia RSV Mille motorcycles

Troy Corser rode this bike to the World Superbike Championship. In 2000 he won the title of II vice-champion. The “civilian” motorcycle has a brutal “kick in the ass”. It rides on rubber in all seasons, which has its consequences in durability. The Mille was revised in 2001, but many defects remained.

The biggest disadvantages - motorcycle review

The biggest problem will be the service . Few workshops will undertake to do everything they want in it.

So what to do? The Rotax engine in the chassis is terribly technically complex: suffice it to say that in the rear cylinder head, in addition to two camshafts, there is also a shaft that balances these rollers. The engine has a fundamental flaw in the lubrication system.

The oil tire in the crankshaft is poorly made, and the connecting rod is rubbing . And this smells like a major overhaul, and the mechanic who takes it on will be faced with a serious problem - there are no marks on the timing wheels. The system is so complex that after disassembly, a disassembled motorcycle has no chance of putting it back together. Experienced mechanics cope with this problem by making special stencils.

Aprilia spare parts, online order

In any case, repairs are a big waste of money and the availability of spare parts is poor, so some people buy a used but functional engine. I'm sure any Mille lover will give up this bike after purchasing the third engine.

The next harmful part - the clutch has a vacuum booster, in which the diaphragm cracks and the device does not work.

An aluminum frame manufactured before 2000 has a serious drawback: the base of the upper bearing of the frame head is located there. The matter is irreparable. Mille also doesn't have very good electrics. Charging failure is a common problem.

In addition, the RSV engine vibrates very strongly , which leads to cracking of various chassis parts. Aprilia dealt with this problem in 2001 by repositioning the engine in a new frame.

Purchase method

There are three main ways to purchase a used motorcycle.

Method number 1. By advertisement

The advantage of the method: you can find a very cheap option.

Disadvantage: there is a high probability of spending the same amount of money on repairs a month later.

Method No. 2. Through an intermediary company

Advantage: everything is done for you - you just come and choose the model you like from the options presented.

Disadvantage: the most expensive method - you have to pay for mediation.

Method number 3. At a Japanese auction

Advantage: the opportunity to purchase a high-quality motorcycle with minimal wear and tear.

Disadvantage: having to wait several months for delivery. The price depends on the exchange rate.

For more information on how to order a car or motorcycle at a Japanese auction, read the article: “Buying a car at an auction in Japan. Step-by-step instruction".

Kawasaki KLX 650R

don't buy Kawasaki KLX 650 R motorcycles

First there was the mild enduro KLX 650, but after three years of poor sales in 1996, Kawasaki replaced it with the more off-road KLX-em 650 R. Throughout production, they tried to improve the bike, but there was always something wrong.

Biggest disadvantages

A large single-cylinder engine consumes oil , even if it has low mileage. Even changing the piston and rings in 2000 did not help.

The engine is difficult to start , especially after a wet night (mostly a carburetor malfunction). Starting is not easy, the basic and most popular version of the motorcycle only has a kickstarter and is quite expensive. In order for the engine to start, sometimes you need to kick it for quite a long time and vigorously. It's difficult to convey this through compression, even if it has an automatic decompressor.

The decompressor often fails . It works centrifugally, opening one of the exhaust valves. The moving elements of the decompressor are connected by a rivet, which can be loosened, and then a knocking noise can be heard when the engine is running. You can take the engine apart and press on the rivet, but after a while it will loosen again. Then the only salvation is to replace the exhaust camshaft along with the decompressor.

Damage to the timing chain tensioner is very common . The bar has cut grooves that secure the latch after installing the tensioner in the engine to eliminate chain slack. The grooves are too shallow and the tensioner bounces back, weakening the chain.

If the RPM is high and the driver does not react in time to the increased timing noise, the chain can jump onto the sprockets, causing the piston to collide with the valves and damage the engine. Kawasaki did not deal with this problem until the end of production of the KLX, so replacing the tensioner will not help.

The valve system is also bad . Valves quickly fail and lose clearance.

Japanese motorcycle Yamaha FZ 750

don't buy Yamaha FZ 750 motorcycles

This would be a great bike - it has excellent suspension, ride and ride - if not for a defect that practically disqualifies it. This was the first time Yamaha used a 20-valve head. Each tank had two outlet valves and three suction valves to improve filling.

Biggest disadvantages

The spread in the initial period was greatly underdeveloped . The factory provided for adjusting the valve clearance (not very complicated) every 42,000 km, but models with support valves (i.e. without clearance) ended up with thirty and several thousand km. After adjusting the clearance, the gaps erased even faster. The only solution is to replace the valves and wait for the problem to reoccur.

But this is completely unprofitable - the cost of replacement is extremely expensive (12 suction valves, plus a cylinder head gasket). It's more than the price of a motorcycle. If you're a risk taker and want to buy a Yamaha FZ 750, first measure the compression pressure on site (especially if the engine has low mid-speed power and is emitting exhaust gases). You will immediately understand that repairs will come to you immediately after purchase.

Yamaha spare parts, online order

The 20-valve valve timing also has another important drawback . To adjust the valves, check the clearances, unscrew the camshaft caps (half-bushes) and remove the shafts. After replacing the plates and assembly, as well as control measurements, it may be necessary to correct the tiles and re-disassemble the nozzles, which may not work. Lack of factory materials.

Only with the injectors and the factory book in your hands will you know which version of the motorcycle you are dealing with . And there were 12 of them. For example, the VN 750 for the Canadian market had 68 hp, for the European market 66 hp. and for the Swiss 37 hp. Without knowing the version, it is impossible to properly tune the motorcycle. After reassembly, shafts may not rotate in clamped half-shells despite being tightened in the correct sequence. It's just that the lids are too delicate.

If after the first adjustment of the valves the rollers rotate, they are secured on the second or third . Interestingly, the same flaws were found in the FZR and even in the first YZF 750. Only later did Yamaha deal with this problem.

Choosing a motorcycle for the city in 2021

So, the 2021 motorcycle season has ended, and despite the absence of a normal winter, motorcyclists tied up their gasoline horses in garages, put their equipment and helmet in boxes, exhaled and became ordinary pedestrians or motorists until spring.

And as famous classics wrote: everyone who does not have a car dreams of buying one, and every owner dreams of selling it. At least in secret from everyone and even from myself.

Every year I get this itch in the fall, what should I do for the new motorcycle season? Can I exchange the motorcycle for a new one? I’m starting to look for the 100,500th time, what can I buy? What's new? How much will you have to pay extra for this? For the last three years I have realized that within the given parameters I cannot change my bike. My main selection criteria were:

1. I need a modern urban motorcycle for every day of driving around the city and squeezing through traffic jams, not big, not heavy, with a cubic capacity of 600 to 900 cm3 and that, being 170 cm tall, I can confidently reach the ground with both feet. And definitely not a sports bike or chopper.
2. Ideally, the drive to the wheel is either a belt or a cardan. I have become very lazy and don’t want to take care of the chain. Maybe my last mot spoiled me, and of course the chain will do, too, but still...
3. It would be very desirable to have a fairing (i.e. not a bare naked bike without any wind protection) and a standard central case of 30-40 liters. Why regular? All non-standard developments can be both more functional and reliable, but with them the bike is almost always not so harmonious. And if you are on a long-distance trip and need a spacious luggage compartment, then yes, you can put what you need. And if you move around the city, then a small trunk for a raincoat, a warm lining, documents and other little things is enough.

That is, these parameters greatly narrow the range of motorcycles. I immediately threw away the Harleys (not my ideology yet), threw away all the Chinese (CFmoto and other brands), threw away rare brands like APRILIA and Husqvarna, threw away the Ducatti because it’s not normal to put a case on them and the following picture came together:

1. BMW F800GT. 798 cm3/90hp price from 900,000 rub. I've been going for the last 3 years. There are all the necessary options including a belt, wind protection, panniers, etc.

2. F750GS 850 cm3/77 hp from 920,000 rubles - a good bike, you can travel both in the city and across the field to the river, you can drive along the side of the road or even along the steps. Among the disadvantages is the high center of gravity (in the city you can’t afford it), I can’t reach the ground confidently with my feet, there is still a lack of power and the lack of normal wind protection.
3. F850GS 850 cm3/95 hp from 1,050,000r. Cons are similar to the younger brother, with the exception of the engine. Here it is already normal in terms of power.

4. XR900 893cm3/105 hp from 1150 000 rub. New for 2019/2020. I was waiting for him. It has all the new technologies, is convenient for the city and can even travel 500 kilometers along the highway to the neighboring city. Of the minuses: a little high, no normal fairing, no standard panniers yet, still a chain (although I don’t care) and high price + risk of theft.

5. Honda NC 750X. 745 cm3/55hp Price from 730,000 rubles (similar to Honda NC 700X, NC 750S). Not a bad workhorse. There were still options even on the machine. Everything is convenient, reliable, reasonable for the money, both purchase and maintenance. Less loss in value, convenient glove compartments. Of the minuses, probably only a boring sluggish engine, just like a pensioner. A mot without emotions, like all Hondas.

6. KTM 790 Duke 799cc and 105hp from RUB 770,000 When considering city motorcycles, you can’t ignore the KTM Duke. This is one of the most urban motorcycles. Super short in length, aggressive, daring, fast, maneuverable. With a normal, adequate price, a fleet of spare parts, etc. Among the minuses: there are no fairings, a chain, no space for a trunk, the bike is bare without any nice features like keyless entry, normal tidy, etc. But in general, the device can be considered.
7. Kawasaki Ninja 650 (and Z650) 649cm3/68hp from 590,000 rubles an inexpensive motorcycle, with an original design, an old weak 4-cylinder engine. For the city this is a normal option. There are no goodies, but the price is great.

8. Kawasaki Versys 650 649 cm3/69 hp from 720,000 rubles (2 cylinders) Another representative of the Japanese manufacturer. The average model between the city and the highway. And maybe even some off-roading. Boring weak models. In 2021, you don’t want pensioner stability, but charisma and car comfort.
9. Triumph Tiger 800 800cm3/95 hp from RUB 890,000 Very interesting model. An excellent compromise between the city, the highway and even off-road. I really want to take it for a long test. It should be considered as a good purchase today if you are not looking for speed and need a universal motorcycle for reasonable money.

10. YamahaTracer 900 847cm3/115 hp from 900,000r. For me, this is the best that Yamaha has today. The only downsides that can be noted are the high seating position and still not the city dimensions and the chain. And it is still more for country roads and highways. But he is a worthy competitor for the prizes of this rating.

11. Yamaha Niken 847cm3/115 hp New, no price yet. A very interesting three-wheeled motorcycle with the width of a regular motorcycle i.e. 85 cm along the handlebars. It looks a little ugly, but retains its sporty character, as well as maneuverability. A huge advantage is that you don’t have to stick your feet out in traffic jams or at traffic lights, and therefore don’t care about its height. But you wear three tires at once, and two steering forks. Those. in operation it will be 20-30 percent more expensive. But the mot is cool, I’m considering buying it. Let's see what happens to its price.
12. Yamaha MT 09 SP 847 cm3/115 hp from 850,000 rub. Old remanufactured motor. Boring design for the money and lack of technological improvements. It's like it's a motorcycle from the early 2000s. The dashboard is ancient, no innovative solutions, etc. Like all Japanese manufacturers, they are spinning old units and solutions in circles, changing the design a little. No fairing, chain. You can also look at the MT-10, but it’s already a bit heavy with a liter engine, the design is very controversial, and 160 horses in the city is too much!

13. Suzuki GSX-S750A 749 cm3/114 hp 650,000 rub. An excellent budget motorcycle, with a lot of power, and handles well. The downside is the lack of panniers, a chain, lack of wind protection, and no modern advanced features. In general, you can take it with confidence, it won’t be boring.

14. Suzuki V-STROM 650 ABS 645 cm3/71 hp 630-670 000 rub. A motorcycle with a fairing, the ability to install a case, but with a high center of gravity. Not exactly suitable for the city, but you can drive on the side of the road and on paths. Also good for short distances. If you drive often, it is better to take it with a liter engine. Remember that motorcycles with the XT index are much wider than their counterparts without the index (like the 650 HT width is 910 mm, and for 650 it is 835 mm!). This is important for the city!

15. Strange motorcycle Kawasaki W 800 733 cm3/48hp from 770,000 rubles Weak, clumsy, uncomfortable in landing and taxiing. This is just for retro lovers. I drove a couple of kilometers on it and will never ride it again! But my colleague drove it for 2 years and was very pleased. So to each his own.

Looking through all the motorcycles, of course it begs to be said that the most suitable vehicle on 2 wheels for my parameters is a maxi scooter. And yes, there are only two main contenders: BMW and Yamaha. And of course (despite the completely inconvenient and blind rear-view mirrors) I am leaning towards my favorite European brand! Well, excuse me, I’ve cooled down on the Japanese! (and there are questions about mounting the rear wheel in the latest generation of T-max, etc.)

True, I cannot but agree that the Japanese, and in particular Yamaha, are leaders in many industries, and if I were choosing a boat engine or a gas generator, I would definitely choose a Japanese brand. That's what I did when I bought a digital piano from Yamaha. But with a scooter you need to think about it.

So, for myself, the bottom line is that I see the following actions for the winter period of 2020 :

1. Of all the motorcycles, I already own one of the most successful (even rather ideal) motorcycle for my needs. It’s clear that I’m a little bored with it and just want to update it. You can buy a fresher one or a new one (it’s strange, of course, to pay an extra 2-3 hundred to stay on the same bike). You can do airbrushing on it, for example (there will be a separate article). In short, think about it. If not, then move on
2. View the new BMW 650 Sport scooter. It is ideal for the city and surrounding area. Among the disadvantages of all scooters: they still lose in drive to motorcycles, the seating is stool-like and it is difficult to return from their comfort to drive. On the plus side, there is a huge built-in trunk, heating of everything, excellent wind protection and protection from rain. In general, this has been a huge temptation for several years now. It is still possible to test competitors .
3. See the new BMW XR900 motorcycles, the three-wheeled Yamaha Niken, YamahaTracer 900 Suzuki again (take it for a ride for the season). The only bad thing is that Japanese brands have been poorly represented lately, you can’t touch them properly or drive them. Piss in pokes, unlike the same BMW, for example...at least an hour-long test drive would give a much greater understanding of these motorcycles for real buyers. Eh, a flaw in the representative offices, a flaw!

I wish everyone who is looking for something to decide and buy exactly what suits them best. And let no marketing gimmicks touch you!

PS And one of these days I’ll get ready to write my thoughts on Ekip. I also always want to update it over the winter, replace something and see what useful new items there are. In short, there will be a separate article.

Ducati 748

don't buy Ducati 748 motorcycles

The 748 is a smaller version of the Ducati 916. This is a very beautiful motorcycle, once purchased, it is most suitable for placing in the living room or for commuting around the next block of the city. The Ducatists will be outraged, but they know what it is. The high-tech Ducati 748, even when new, cannot be considered a typical Japanese, German or English motorcycle.

Biggest disadvantages

Poor, dry clutch . It can be processed even after several tens of kilometers and jostling in city traffic jams. If it's a hot day, the oil-free clutch discs may start to slip and need to be replaced. This happens to motorcyclists with extensive experience driving “Japanese”.

Too rare maintenance . Timing belts should be checked during maintenance and replaced after 20,000 km. If you ride a lot or take part in track workouts, you should do this more often. There were timing belt breaks, although the motorcycle was serviced after mileage in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. This destruction of belts, especially at high rotation speeds, leads to engine malfunction.

Dukati spare parts, online order

Large variation in quality terms . There have been cases where camshafts have become stuck by a roller for no apparent reason, even in brand new cars that have valve clearance taken into account. After replacement the failure did not recur. This also applies to other engine components.

Troublesome and expensive service . It is a mistake to give the motor to a workshop where there is no factory documentation. For example, there is a known case of destruction of a water pump when an attempt was made to squeeze the shaft out of it. It was simply secured with an almost invisible thick bristled wire brush.

The state of the components cannot be determined . This equipment is complex and emergency, even when it is new. When a motorcycle is 10 years or more old, it will not be able to be used properly, unless you want to top up the ATM with a workshop amount that is several times the cost of the motorcycle, because parts are not cheap.

Suzuki Marauder 800

don't buy Suzuki Marauder 800 motorcycles

Some people are in love with this bike and will probably remain loyal to it forever. But the Suzuki VZ 800 Marauder conquered the world market only with its price. In 1997 (the model's premiere) it cost 298 thousand rubles, and the competing Yamaha XVS 650 Drag Star cost 385. However, it soon turned out that the Marauder had many shortcomings; it was simply carelessly made.

Biggest disadvantages

Poor lubrication of one of the crankshaft journals . The Japanese increased the oil level in the crankcase in subsequent years. This may support the theory that even if the engine had more oil after running on the sidestand for a long time, the joint may not be sufficiently lubricated. The subsequent eradication was only a matter of time, but it already smelled like repairing the main engine. When buying a used Marauder, you'll never know if the previous owner liked to warm up the engine on the kickstand.

There were also problems with the swingarm bearing , which had become snagged. The tightening only works in the short term, so a repair kit had to be installed.

There were also problems with the main wiring harness . The thing is that these ailments can occur only after a few years.

Some Marauders could burn oil after a mileage of 15 thousand. km .

Carburetors were breaking and they were impossible to adjust and synchronize.

Corrosion of steel elements.

The Marauder doesn't drive very well . At low speeds it likes to wobble and flex from side to side.

Yamaha

Yamaha began by creating musical instruments in 1897, and eventually expanded its product range to include motorcycles and sports equipment. In 1955, the first motorcycle of this brand was produced - Yamaha YA-1 in 125 copies. This model won the race at the foot of Fuji, which added to the manufacturer’s popularity.

In 2021, the most popular model of this brand is the Yamaha YBR 125.

Neoclassical variation of the Yamaha YBR 125

The production of this model began in 2004, and since then this motorcycle has remained the most popular in its class.

The Yamaha YBR 125 is a small-capacity and compact motorcycle, but at the same time has a higher cost compared to its analogues. This is justified by the high quality that the YBR 125 boasts - these motorcycles can be considered real oriental centenarians.

Suzuki VX 800

don't buy Suzuki VX 800 motorcycles

Anyone who bought a new VX 800 in the 90's probably didn't have too many problems with it, although there have been cases of crank showing (rod failure). We can say that Suzuki made this motorcycle based on the Intruder, that is, a chopper, dressing almost its entire chassis with engine and tank in naked plastic. Thus, the VX 800 did not behave in the best way then, knocking on corners and swaying at speed in ruts.

Biggest disadvantages

The bike was poorly made and maintenance is a chore . The nozzles are rusty, the chokes are knocked out. It often happens that the floats lose buoyancy and it is impossible to set the correct fuel level. Thus, carburetors often deliver mixtures of different compositions to each of the cylinders. Synchronizing both cylinders with worn carburetors is almost impossible.

Broken connecting rods - desynchronization of carburetors has serious consequences. When, with each addition of gas, one cylinder is already pulling, and the other is still braking (plus a mixture of a different composition) - in this V-twin it ends with a rupture of the connecting rod. Such situations most often occur during rougher driving.

The VX 800 is one of the most rusty motorcycles . Rust eats away not only the entire exhaust system, but also the frame and fuel tank (inside and out).

Typical damage also includes loss of damping in the rear shock absorber . It's hard to find a dozen VXs with overwhelming reverse.

Mechanics don't like this bike because (like the Intrude) it's difficult to access various parts .

Honda Hornet CB 600 FA – an impeccable classic

Among the twenty best-selling in Europe. Despite the fact that the model is positioned as a classic, it is also popular among racers. An average engine volume of 599 cm3 allows you to reach speeds of up to 230 km/h with a fuel consumption of 5.5 liters per 100 km. This naked motorcycle, without a plastic engine body kit, is suitable for riders of different riding levels and satisfies everyone's desire to ride a practical and comfortable bike.

Since the model's first launch in 1998, the fuel tank capacity has been increased to 17 liters

Kawasaki GPZ 600R

do not buy Kawasaki GPZ 600 R motorcycles

One of the first supersports motorcycles and the first Ninja, introduced in 1984, there were many defects that developed over long periods of use. When production began, it was a sports bike, but when they tried to sell it in the early 90s, it no longer deserved such a title.

Biggest disadvantages

Poor synchronization quality . The valves and their seats were too soft, which caused the valves to quickly poke and disappear the clearances. If a warm engine has to be run for a long time (a cold one even longer), this means that the leaking edges of the plugs already resemble thin plates. When the engine ran for a long time with little play, the valve wells burned out. In 1989, the GPZ received the engine from the GPX 600R (identical design, some parts corrected) - this engine was already a little better.

Imprecise carburetors can never be perfectly tuned. For example, the engine speed is too high or too low. When carburetors are old and rusty in the middle and the throttle bodies are clogged, proper alignment will be impossible.

A bad solution is to operate the clutch with a multi-row chain , which must be replaced in an old motorcycle (you will know this from the loud noise coming from the body), and to do this you must disassemble the engine. In fact, the engine must be removed to replace the timing chain, but a chain can be installed as a last resort.

The misunderstanding is the wheels with a diameter of 16 inches , for which it is difficult to choose tires. The motorcycle does not perform well at high speeds.

Emergency plug . The innovative front suspension with adjustment and air pumping turned out to be very unstable. The front shins may leak oil quickly even after replacement.

Not the best performance . Frame cracks have developed on 600cc SUVs, and rust inside the gas tank is a common occurrence.

Brake caliper corrosion . If the brakes perform poorly and after the pads rub against the discs, the pistons in the clamps wear out. Disassembly, cleaning and new gaskets will do nothing because the clamps will no longer fit tightly.