Bubba wrote on 09/09/09 at 09:57:02:My question is...what would be considered a "high mileage" used bike?
I'm looking at a 2006 S40 with 7000 miles on it.
I wouldn't consider an '06 w/7k high miles at all
it's less than 5 yrs old, so rubber should be ok as far as age
7k is after 1st and 2nd service so ask to see records
no records assume the hard stuff wasn't done, more of a talking point than concern. I was quoted $250 by someone who doesn't know savages.
Most likely he's detailed it so it'll be hard to see leaks.
common is in a hole right next to the header, there's a head bolt there, if it's cold you can reach in and feel if it's oily.
Tires, I would deduct price of tires if less than 50% tread. Find out what tire he's got and look it up on the web.
Battery, unless it's brand new, most likely it'll be time for a new one.
noises, tic tic tic, valves standard noises get used to it but it's a talking point (need adjusting or looking into)
If it's knocking, as a newb I wouldn't get it, myself I'd deduct the price of an engine and snap it up.
speedo and headlight are common source of noise, also a talking point.
Brakes, check the front pads, easy to replace, alittle on the thin side when new. 7k should be near the end of the 2nd set maybe you should see a groove in the middle of the pad next to the disk. or 1/16" minimum material. rear brakes are usually not a problem.
High mileage for me would be points that maitenance must be performed to use the bike. 500 miles is 1st service, 4000 2nd, etc.
major break point is 20k, most bike require cam chain service then. At 7k, you should look at it soon to find out where you're at, but not critical.