Circling in for the purchase

[kammersangerin]

I decided that as tempting as yet another new bike might be with the discount on 2012, I had best just do a used bike swap out with the Vespa. I am looking at 2, both have between 2 and 3k on them. Normally this does not botehr me, as had I been able to ride the Vepsa as planned, that's about where I would be. Is there any real reason to be concerned about this, or things to check for on a C5 with those miles?

[Arizoni]

If they were broken in properly they should be fine.

Expect the chain to be about worn out with quite a bit of side to side movement but that is par for the course.
Even though the chain does wear fairly rapidly, the rear sprocket teeth should be in excellent condition without any bent or hooked teeth if the previous owner did his job and kept the original chain oiled and adjusted.

[GlennF]

Potential issues to check ...
- chain and sprockets
- condition of wiring including cables to battery
- loose bolts and fasteners including the rear of tank
- electric start. no weird noises

[Ducati Scotty]

The original batteries (Exide) rarely last more than two years.

Scott

[kammersangerin]

Thanks everyone. I had heard the chains were rubbish. Do you have recommendations on a replacement? Or just a good chain from your local bike shop? Both bikes are 2012 bikes so they shouldn't really have suffered much in terms of break down in the last 6 months or since they were purchased from their repsective dealers.

[motorat]

i put a tsubaki omega o-ring on mine.
102 links....if i remember right.

[Bulletman]

Goodluck on your purchase, the C5's are awesome bikes. follows a link on all you might need to know on chains.
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,15464.0.html
Cheers

[1 Thump]

Also, search for 'high speed wobble' in the search box. It is not so uncommon issue with C5's that are not set up properly. Not to scare you, it can be easily fixed but you need to know.

[barenekd]

Change the fork oil, the sludge that comes in them is pretty bad. If it hasn't been done, change the sparkplug to an NGK BPR6ES. 
There should really be no issues with the bike at that mileage. They're just barely broken in!
Bare

[Ducati Scotty]

Also, search for 'high speed wobble' in the search box. It is not so uncommon issue with C5's that are not set up properly. Not to scare you, it can be easily fixed but you need to know.

Most often this is excessive tire pressure.  Make sure it's set to 18# front, 24# rear to start.

Scott

[squire]

I haven't done anything to my C5 except change oil and lower the tire pressure to 18-24 and it runs like a Swiss watch. Original chain and battery......so far.

[barenekd]

Do those bikes have the leading axle forks (old style), or the ones with the axle at the bottom center of the fork tubes (new version)? 18 or 19" wheels?
If it's 19" wheels with Avon SkidMasters, I'd get rid of those!
Bare

[kammersangerin]

I can't really answer the fork question for sure, but it looks like the new style. As it's a 2012, I would think it has to be the new style. They are 18 inch wheels. I would not go for the bigger becuase it would be too tall.

However, I bought the black 2012 after a friend went to check it out for me. The bike had been meticulously maintained at the dealer, and a long time cusomter had owned it. He was recorded as being particular with his bikes so there is a good chance it was broken in correctly. It didn't sit around as it has 2k and was bought in August of last year. I had debated a NOS 2011 with a lowred seat, but I would have to have it shipped. I also have been burned on NOS oin an insurance claim, so...I bought the used on in my preferred colour of..black.

It will have to be inspected for my state. What's the chance I need new breaks, etc?
 

[Ducati Scotty]

I think the US C5s seem to have gotten the new fork but have kept the 18" wheels.

I doubt it will need new brakes or anything like that.  The only thing I'd attend to right away is getting a new chain and even that should be good for a few thousand at least.  Make sure your dealer aims the headlight properly since you'll be going for an inspection.  The aiming hardware isn't the greatest, it may need a little tinkering.

Scott