Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Is 72,000 miles worn-out?

I bought a 2002 Bonneville America a year or two ago out of western Florida with 72000 miles on the clock. The mileage didn't concern me all that much as personally, I don't think it's too much. The bike afterall, runs great and doesn't smoke at all. The clutch doesn't slip either. It came with fresh tires and chain, and it was obvious the previous owner took good care of it. I'm assuming that the valves have been shimmed as the motor runs strong.

I used the bike to prototype a few parts and well as putting a few hundred miles on it. And now it's time to sell it. I placed an ad on Craigslist but failed to mention the mileage.

I'm getting plenty inquires and even had a fellow come out to test ride it. But this 72K miles is scaring off potential buyers like the engine is going to hand grenade at any moment.

So I'm turning to you knowledgeable TBA and SM riders who have logged some serious mileage to get your feedback about engine/powertrain lifespan, reliability, rebuild points and such that I can direct potential buyers to.

With appreciation.

/Mike

mine has 72 000 miles at the moment and no issues had changed clutch and springs for heavy duty ones only because big bore and after looking at clutch plates,changing springs would be enough
big bore was done about 11000 miles ago and there was no sign of wear on cylinders and stock pistons

Well if its in decent shape just buy a used speedo with less miles on it...haha

Is 72,000 miles worn-out?
Is 54 yrs old worn-out? (like me)
Guess it ALL depends on how well it's been maintained.
(but you know what the odds are)

I guess it depends on your target audience. People who aren't familiar with the bike or engine would probably be a little scared of the mileage. But among most of the diehard members here, 72k is just fine as long as it's been cared for.

There's been some discussion here in the past, and the general word is that Triumph envisions 200 K for these motors. A few of the fella's here have 100k on theirs. Still, even after owning one with 34k on it now, I would probably be a little concerned if I was looking to buy one with higher miles. Maintenence is everything, so I would play up that angle if you know about it.

Print this for the skeptics:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=242818416&blogId=494380869

People should not be worried about high miles on the america/speedmaster as the engine is never under much load or strain through high revs. Plus this parallel twin design is a tried and tested engine and as such is pretty much bomb-proof. I would target the bike at experienced triumph owners who would be knowledgeable about this type of bike and engine.

How much you trying to get for it? How about a link to the ad.

Yep. To those who ride hardleys. For those who ride these, nope. However high mileage is buyer's leverage, no way around it. Were you the buyer, well you are selling. You should be able to sell it for what you paid for it. And that should have been around $2,899.95! or not...

Don't ya just LOVE IT when some a-hole finds some artical that just happens to back up their own belief!
(Ya, I'm not perfect.You could probably tell that by my forehead)

Thanks for the honest feedback guys (and gals?). I decided to remove the solo seat, mini apes w/SS cables and turnout mufflers and return it to near stock. I'm going to re-list it for a grand less.

https://post.craigslist.org/manage/1799551644/q2pqj

/Mike

Mike, FYI, the link you posted is to edit or delete the posting. Try this link which is outside your account.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/mcy/1799551644.html

After re-reading my post, I thought I'd clarify that the A-hole I was refering to was myself and my favorite tire.
(Hey, If ya can't make fun of yourself, WHO CAN?)