Wilsons Sandbox

>A dealer near me has an A9 that shows just over 100 miles. They say the >prior owner found it too tall, let it sit several years, then traded for >a cruiser. Visually this bike is near perfect, but I have a few reservations >and seek your collective wisdom. >1) Fluids. Easy to toss the old for new, but should I worry about >combustion byproducts having turned the ancient break-in oil into a >corrosive soup? >2) I'm assuming every fluid and rubber bit (tires/fork seals/chain O-rings) >will need replacing in the very near future. Dried out gaskets, too? >Would you consider this bike a find, or a beautiful collection of headaches? >3) The saleman mentioned 2000 models "...going for $3900 now". Is there >a clearance in the works, or did he only let invoice price slip out. I

called

>a few other dealers but they couldn't confirm any Factory-Sponsored >incentives. >Thanks. >Jim in LA

A9 was probably made in '94. A 6 year old bike could never be considered new, even with the best of preservation techniques and especially if it it's owner left it adrift after only 100 miles. Aside from deteriorating rubber, I'd wonder if the top end had rusted, (unless it was occasionally run over the years to circulate oil). I would consider any model year KLR a find though _for the right price_. What if you decide next year to buy a new KLR or even a different model? It's a 6 or 7 year old bike. Check some of the online prices and you'll see what kind of depreciation happens in that amount of time. If this bike is right for you, here's another chip to to use bargaining with the dealer; during the next model year, (A10) the bike was upgraded with a stronger clutch and transmission. Me? I'd say that $3900 for a A14 was a good find and ride off on the brand new one. YMMV John T. Oldepus - A10 converted to A14 with Dual Star Y2K body kit