www.zxrworld.co.uk

Hi,

I'm buying a ZXR400 soon, and I've read the buyers guide on the main site. The thing I'm wondering is what do I do if I find the problems that I'm being told to look for? Obviously 2 options - dont buy the bike, or buy it but work out how much each problem devalues it.

In order to do that I need to know roughly what the following things would costs to sort out. (quoted from the guide)

1) "any notchyness at the lever when pulled in slowly shows the pistons are corroded, only a strip clean and possible replacement of pistons to cure."

2) "Check the exhaust pipes (under the engine) as the original pipework is mild steel and hence prone to rotting."

3) "At about 20,000 miles she'll need a new cam chain "

4) "Also around 16-20,000 miles the head hasket usually goes so check for signs, very fine bubbles in the rad cap is usually the first sign."

Thanks a lot

hey there and welcome to the forum!

Its difficult to say really, if you plan to do the work yourself then it only costs you in parts and your own time. Pay for a garage and its depends where you go.

The cam chain and head gasket i think are about 20 quid each. and to fit both your probably looking at two days work too as you have to drop the motor to do the headgasket and the cam chain is easier while the motor is out too. But these are likely not definate to be done, so theres a chance they could go on for alot longer if you get a bike near that kind of mileage.

The exhaust is about 200 -300 quid for an aftermarket stainless steel job, if your feeling particularly rich and can find one theres always the micron full system which usually go between 350 and 450 quid. And if your feeling richer than that then you can get a full titanium system for about 1200 quid from Beet.

As for the brakes a strip and clean could sort them but then it depends on how badly corroded they are. If they need a clean then its only the price of a few tins of brake cleaner and maybe a toothbrush Otherwise if your looking a replacing the pistons that isnt cheap, i cant remember off the top of my head tho, they arent cheap i know that!

why not go for an oem exhaust @ £586 each ?

you can do the headgasket and camchain in the bike, just remove all the engine bolts minus the bottom back one (by the shock mount) and using your drive chain and adjusters pivot the engine forward, it misses the front wheel aswell so enough room to take the head off. if you've got the head off check all your rockers carefully for signs of the hardening going and check for scoring on your camshafts, also do the valve clearances, if you take the casings off don't tighten the generator cover too tight though as it can make put strain on the starter motor spindle meaning it cranks slow and doesnt like starting.
cheers
dan