So I went to see my first Wee today: K6, 31k miles, 4 previous owners.
Seller seemed honest and an alright bloke, bike was in good overall condition.
But when I asked to start the bike, nothing. I've never seen anyone so embarrassed in my life haha
We spent an hour of fiddling with the battery charger, jump start cables and even trying to bump start it.... Nothing. Battery supposedly new, all lights, switches and fuel pump working.
He then noticed the sensor from the clutch lever had come off while cleaning. After plugging back in, it start easily with the clutch pulled in neutral.
He said it's always been like that.
So my first QUESTION: Is it normal that a Wee only starts with the clutch pulled in? What could be the issue?
Follow up QUESTION: Should I pull the plug on this deal? Details below
Price: £2175 30'000mi 2006
Condition: Fairly good. Bracket that holds the exhaust tip to the conecting pipes is rusted through, unsure if the pipes are rusted as well, but there's the tiniest amount of wind pressure at the junction when you block the exhaust. Badly rusted around the filler cap. Bent and scrapped handlebar tips with half broken left hand guard (owner not aware of any crashes). Fasteners actually not that rusted. No fairing scratches or obvious distortions.
Extras: scottoiler (not mounted, not verified if functional) top box, center stand, fendaextender+rear hugger, Oxford heated grips, touring screen, phone mount. New tyres, new battery, newish chain and sprockets. Extra oil, filters, plugs included. Haynes service manual. Trickle charger
Service: owned for 8 months, no maintenance done, garaged on trickle charger
Previous owner gave him the extras and service manual for next service which he never got round to do. Owners manual lost, no evidence of service history.
Previous owner said all services up to date, including valve checks.
Oil was blackish on the sighting window, maybe more brownish when I dipped. Brake fluid and coolant looked alright. Front brake was dragging somewhat, only a half turn when I spun the wheel.
There was a lot of condensation and white smoke when it first started, but it cleared after about 30min
Test drive: uneventful, almost locked the back wheel when emergency braking (not used to riding without ABS)
After the engine being well warmed up, had a listen to the motor. There was ticking from the top of the rear piston (clutched didn't change the sound). Probably a loose valve.
What do you blokes think?