Looking for opinions on high mileage Blackbird

FJRkeith

O.k. not really high for a BB, but still high mileage! 50,000 miles on a 99.

Body is in decent shape, looks like a zero speed tipover on the left side, some minor scratches and stator cover scratched.

Appears to be bone stock.

When I started it up, it sounded pretty smooth. Ran for a minutes then started misfiring something horrible. I noticed that the idle was way low (800) so I cranked that up to a little over 1000 and the misfire was almost gone, however, I still heard it a few times.

Definately needs a new chain and sprocket.

Probably needs a new rear shock, it looks like it's the original at 50k!

Dealer says they will give it to me for 3700, what do you think?

I'm just concerned with the misfire more than anything.

DragonXX

50 000 miles in 9 years is nothing to a big-bore, and especially a 'Bird !
If it is an original 50 000 ......... then go for it

I have had mine for 4 months and she's done 10 000 klms (6250 miles).
That is, it will have 30 000 klms (18750 miles) in one year !

I got 196 000 klms out of my ZX9R without any rebuild !!!!

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ironmike

Lower the idle again... Have the dealer standing there when you fire it up and let it warm up... When it starts missing again - it will, because the low idle isn't charging the battery and she's running off the surface charge and it dissipates quickly - get a concerned look on your face and say something like... "I dunno man, she don't sound too good... I can maybe give you $2700..?" Negotiate - he'll try to work you... Try to get it for about 3000-3200... The mileage is nothing to worry about on a 'Bird...

FJRkeith

Ironmike: The dealer was standing right next to me when it was clanking away. He says, "That doesn't sound good, what does that mean?"

I reply, "I don't know, it could be a lot of things."

And that's where the real issue lies. If this thing is misfiring, is that typica for a blackbird? I read another post about a clanking sound upon startup, and the description sounds like what I heard?

A search for misfire doesn't really yield any info?

Anybody know what sort of things would cause a misfire like that?

Leftlaner

The bird isn't supposed to misfire. However, my BB won't idle smoothly unless I adjust it to 1200rpm or so. That is on a carbed version, so it could be that it's time for a carb sync.. Don't have a lot of experience with FI birds though.

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scottsxx

I'd be concerned about the missing. Plugs??? valve to tight??? Dirty injector???

Get that problem resolved first then proceed to negotiate on price.

FJRkeith

Perhaps I will ask them today.

"If you figure out why it's misfiring, and fix it, then we can move on to negotiations. If not, I'm not interested in this motorcycle."

ironmike

Keith, I was serious about the battery being low... a very likely scenario if it's been sitting in a dealership. A low charge battery will manifest all sorts of gremlins and glitches, to include erratic spark... A fully charged battery and the idle set to 1100+ will likely banish the problems you've described. If that doesn't do it, then you can start considering other corrective actions ... Do not tear into anything until you address the simple stuff first.

The only other typical sound the 'Bird makes is the "clutch chatter" at an idle. To test, simply pull the clutch in... if the sound diminishes/goes away, you've identified the source, and it's generally considered normal. There has been at least one occasion wherein damaged plates were found (broken), so an inspection (tear down) of the clutch assembly may be in order, if for no other reason than peace of mind.

If you get the "can of marbles" sound from the right side of the engine, it's likely the cam chain tensioner needs to be replaced (under $50 and fifteen minutes of your time). Do a search on the forum; much info is available... and you can get the CCT from a supporting vendor (John's Bike Bits).

E-mail Link: John@BikeBits.us