From: couyant@convex.com (George Couyant)
Subject: Re: Novice again
Organization: CONVEX Computer Pty Limited, Melbourne, Australia
Date: Mon, 09 Nov 1992 07:54:29 GMT
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
              Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
              not necessarily those of CONVEX.

In Article <1992Nov6.200914.8431@ems.psu.edu>, fisler@joltgeosc.psu.edu (Diana Fisler) writes:

> Ok everyone, I found this Honda 200 in the "bargain sheet" again...
> Its an 84 and its 500 bucks.
> Any advice? What should I look for thats different from buying a street bike?
> diana

	Well Diana, it's not really different to looking at a street bike
	but keep in mind what it's intended use is. Look for all the usual
	signs of wear and then some.
	
	Head stem bearings. Jack the front of the bike off the ground and 
	swing the steering from lock to lock. It should be free (not 
	notchy) throughout its motion. Next grab the bottom of the forks 
	and rock them gently forward and back to check for any slack. If 
	there is, the head stem bearing either needs adjustment or 
	replacing.

	Wheel bearings. With the bike on its stand, grab the top of each
	wheel and gently rock the wheel from side to side. If there is any
	movement, you'll need wheel bearings. Remember that you don't need
	to use original equipment bearings as replacements. You can buy
	them from any bearing shop for a fraction of the price. Go for
	sealed bearings.

	Swing arm. Grab the end of the swing arm and rock it from side to
	side. There should be no movement.

	Shock and linkage. with the bike on its side stand, pull the bike 
	over until the rear wheel is off the ground and rock it so that
	the rear wheel hits the ground and up again. You listen for any
	clicking or free play in the wheel travel. If there is any, it
	could simply be the top or bottom shock mount...or it could be 
	more expensive linkage bushes.

	Look at the general condition of the wheels. Tight spokes (missing
	spokes), out of round, flat spots from hitting rocks, wobbles.

	Check out the brakes. Wear etc. Brake linkages and pivots.

	Look for damage to the frame around the head stem and the bottom
	of the engine cradle. Check for cracks around stress points.

	General condition of controls, tyres, foot pegs (and mounts), gear
	lever free play, etc. Chain and sprockets too. A new O-ring chain
	is $80. Also make sure that they haven't welded the primary
	sprocket on to the output shaft. XR200's are a little weak there
	and people have been known to weld instead of changing the shaft.
	Makes changing the sprocket rather challenging...

	Muffler can quickly rust out. If it's noisy, the internal baffles
	may have rusted out.

	Engine wise, the 2 valve XR200's were bullet proof. Be wary of the
	4 valve head model. Check the color and level of the gearbox oil.
	If it's milky, water has got in there from a breather or something
	and will have already started rusting and pitting the gear
	surfaces.

	Finally, after you've done all this, start it from cold. Check for
	engine noises when cold. Specifically any knocking that may
	disapear after several seconds. If it takes a while for the
	knocking to stop, the oil pump may be worn or the oil filter may
	be restricted. When warm, the engine should be very quiet. Any top
	end rattle may be valve adjustment or worn cam chain or bearings.

	If all is ok, take it for a ride and make sure it changes gears
	ok. In every gear, get it into its mid range and back off the
	throttle and snap it on suddenly. It shouldn't jump out of gear.
	Do this a few times. 

	Look at the general condition of the bike, its owner and its
	garage. It'll tell you a lot about how it's been maintained.

	Lastly, make sure you like the look of it. Nothing worse than
	riding an ugly bike....  ;-)

	I've probably missed heaps of other things. Just remember that you
	can't expect it to be perfect for $500. Have a look around at
	dealers etc for a similar model. Check it out too and see what you
	can get for your money. It's sometimes cheaper to pay a couple of
	hundred dollars more for a better bike than going for the cheapie
	and end up spending hundreds more on parts.

> P.S. My local honda shop didnt seem to have a clue about clubs or places 
> for off road.  Hmm.

	Hmm is right Di. I get a shiver when they don't know about
	servicing their clients.. But at least you can post questions
	here. 

	All said, an XR200 gets the nod from me. A couple of ladies we
	used to ride with had XR200's and they went every where we did. I
	must admit that I sometimes wish I was on one (the XR silly..)
	when stalled on the side of a slipery hill.....

	If you're a slightly bigger build, I'd also look at an early
	TT250 (before the current model style). I think pre '85. A bit
	bigger, more power, better suspension and even more bullet proof.
	I think they came in Yamaha orange colour and maybe the last model
	was white. Probably get them really cheap too. Parts for the white
	colour were more expensive than the orange even though they were
	exactly the same otherwise...

	Happy hunting.
	George C.


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