New Member

[puttputt]

Hey, i logged onto this site about a week ago just havnt had time to post anything, I live in Fairmont M.N, and i have been looking for a zl900 since a saw my dads zl1000, I have just not had the money. If anyone knows of any 900's around minnesota or Ohio let me know. Good job on the zl site its new for me but pretty cool thanks. putput

[Southernstyle]

Welcome aboard Putput! Check this site, I think there's a 900 in Ohio, but it needs work. I got mine on eBay.
Later,
SS

[Michael121]

There is one for sale needs rings and head gasket for about 500.00 in Cincinnati

[puttputt]

Hey Michael121... Do you think there is any way i can get a pic or two of the bike for sale, let me know thanks putput

[dude]

theres always a few in eBay!!!!!!!!!

cheers.

[puttputt]

Hey all, just kinda wondering if anyone has any pointers on this bike i found for sale its an 86 zl900 with under 10,000 i dont know exact milage but thats still low to my knowledge but anyway its in good condition the carbs just have to be put back on it needs new tires and handle grips and its red. he is asking $800 i think its a steal but i thought i would try to get a couple more says in it. thanks Putput

[zl900_moab]

If you can perform the mechanical work it sounds like a good deal, I say if the mechanics are solid...Go for it, but, it's all up to you.
:) :) :)
moab...

[zlMark]

Hey all, just kinda wondering if anyone has any pointers on this bike i found for sale its an 86 zl900 with under 10,000 i dont know exact milage but thats still low to my knowledge but anyway its in good condition the carbs just have to be put back on it needs new tires and handle grips and its red. he is asking $800 i think its a steal but i thought i would try to get a couple more says in it. thanks PutputYou better git it while the gittin's good. Wish i could spare the extra$

[Southernstyle]

Where did you see this bike?? :roll: :roll: :roll:
Seriously, you may want to inquire as to why the carbs aren't on the bike now, but it sounds like a good deal as long as it's not a rust bucket. Just check the usual, oil in the rad, water in the crankcase, you know the drill. (I guess, if not ask and we shall tell). Even if it does have a few minor problems, (tires, brakes, tune up) $800 is still pretty cheap for 10k miles. Good luck! :D
Later,
SS

[puttputt]

I heard about this zl900 from a guy at work his buddy has it but is always trucking the carbs are off the bike because his younger brother was always taking it out and burning the tire off he got a copy of the key so he took the battery off and his brother bought a new one and added a few more miles on it and lost some more tire tread lol but yeah i dont really know the drill if you would like to inform me on it thanks putput

[puttputt]

sorry i forgot to mention i was told the bike has no rust and is in great condition always stored in the garage with a cover over it he dosnt have the time to put the carbs back on he said its a pain in the ass to put the carbs on.......... He has 3 Harleys next to it i figured i should get that zl out of that poor garage ha ha sorry for them Harley fans out there. putput

[Southernstyle]

If all of the above is true, (i'll let you decide whether or not to trust your co-worker's buddie's word), and I'm not saying it isn't, then it sounds like a sure deal to me.
The basic "drill" is a lot shorter at 10K miles too. Basically you're looking for what you would look for on any used bike. How's the paint, the chrome, the seat, do all the lights work? How's the rubber, the brakes? Here's the stuff that's often overlooked: Have a helper slowly compress the front fork (front brake on, weight on bars) and release the forks. How does the oil film left behind look? Dirty, contaminated with water, rust colored, or practically invisible? Do the same with the rear and listen for any strange noises such as loose components. Check the coolant in the radiator ( if the owner doesn't mind you removing the tank to do so) Are there brown or black blobs floating around possibly indicating a blown head gasket? Drain a little fuel from the tank (turn the valve to prime) Any evidence of water or rust? And finally, Assuming you've already got the tank off to ckeck the radiator, "read" the plugs and check the compression.
The center electode and insulator of the plug should be, laugh if you like, about the same golden brown as a toasted marshmallow. Dry and black, overfueling.
Wet and black, oil problem or SEVERE overfueling.
White and dry, lean mixture and/or overheating.
Broken or chipped, detonation (bad timing problem or way too much carbon in the chamber).
As far as the compression check goes, the factory spec is 134 - 206 Psi. There is no mention of a variance spec, but a good rule of thumb is the lowest reading cylinder and the highest reading cylinder should within 10 - 15% of each other. Above 206 would indicate excessive carbon or a foriegn object of some type lodged in the cobustion chamber. Below 134 could be anything from misadjusted valves to a cracked cylinder,
One problem with these bikes is the valve seats can pound in over a period of time (ussually above 20k - 30k miles) and cause the valves to be held open, but with mileage that low, you shouldn't have to worry just yet.
Another problem is at about 20k - 25k miles, the cam chain guides have pretty much had it and will need to be replaced.
And most importantly, ASK QUESTIONS. And listen very carefully to the answer. An answer like "Oh that, I forgot all about that small leak. I do have the replacement part though, and I'll include it with the bike." is most likely a sign the guy really did take good care of the machine, but just got busy and needs to let it go. An answer like "Well, the bike is twenty some years old and they don't last forever. So you want it or not?" could (not always) mean that there is more to it, he knows it, but just wants to sell you his problem.
And give some thought as to how much you want to spend on this new found gem down the road. It's really cheap insurance to change every fluid and filter just so you have a reference point to start your maintenance schedule. Yes I do mean every fluid, brake, engine oil, final drive, coolant, all of it. A new set of plugs never hurts either. And it sounds like at least a rear tire is going to be in your near future.
Don't bank on spending $800 for this bike and riding it for years with no problems. It is old, and the price of parts does go up as availability goes down.

The dreaded carburetors. I don't know who in the &*% ##@@#$ #$@ designed the carb and airbox mounting on these bikes, but I do know I would like to plant my foot up his ass! They can be quite difficult to get back on with the stock airbox, but it's not impossible. Another solution would be to just get the stock airbox out of the picture completely and put a jet kit in the carbs since they are already off the bike, and go back with filter pods. It's a lot easier to service, and oh yeah, the power increases :D :D :D

Don't get discouraged, I'm not trying to say that these bikes are junk or anything like that. They are reliable and an absolute blast to ride. But they can get a bit finicky from time to time, like anything mechanical. Just be sure that you know what you are really buying. It's not hard to sink well over two grand in a bike with a blown motor, worn out shocks, damaged carbs and a bent fork.

Hope that helps. Sorry for the long post, but you asked. :lol: :lol: :lol:
Later,
SS

[zl900_moab]

Mmmmmmm...I like toasted marshmallows on my sparkplugs...
moab...

[Southernstyle]

Isn't it past your bedtime Moab? :lol:
Later,
SS

[zlMark]

really putput, just a speedo for a zl900 and a clean title, both showing less than 10k is worth $800

[puttputt]

ok thanks for the info its alright it was a long post didnt know most of that information anyhow that helps just hope i can get the spare cash quick sounds like he can hold it for me if i am interested. I just need to go take a look at it when i get some time to drive up there but if anyone els has anything to say post away thanks alot putput

[Southernstyle]

No problem Putput. Be on the lookout for a new topic middle of next week (hopefully) on buying a used bike. Kind of a list of pointers like on this thread, but with more info.
Later,
SS

[zl900_moab]

Isn't it past your bedtime Moab? :lol:
Later,
SS
I like you more and more everyday, SS, but is that healthy?
moab...

[Southernstyle]

Probably not, but neither are tobacco, alcohol, sugar or salt. What's your point?
Later,
SS

[puttputt]

Ok will do SS, Thanks putput

[zl900_moab]

I still like toasted marshmallows on my sparkplugs, SS, and there's nothin' you can do about it!
moab...