Mudbogger wrote:
I got to admit I love the full documentation on this Pilot. I would have several questions/reservations as to a purchase of it.
#1- Engine. In the description it is noted the
Engine has 1 hr ride time, and it has been started over it's years of storage. Has the Engine had a compression check and air leak down test performed on it since the recent purchase? Improper lubrication from lack of running time on the bearings will cause pitting in some case scenarios. These Engine seals will go bad as well from sitting for extended periods, and if that Engine was not broken in those rings may have never seated at all, or due to non use they may have rusted on the wall of the cylinder between starts. Since the previous owner is not here to give a detailed account of where the pilot was stored one could bring up these questions when purchasing. At the current price tag I think they are reasonable to be asked.
#2-CLEAN TITLE? Huge for a guy like me. Not to be rude but for 10,000.00 I'll need a title for sure.
#3-Fluids. Again the non use of the Pilot the brake fluid will go bad, and there is potential for the coolant if not properly mixed to freeze if not stored in a heated garage or area. These are unknown elements that a purchaser would need to look into, if that jug has a hairline crack internally a potential client would be steaming mad if he had to invest any other monies.
#4 -Storage. Was the Pilot in a cold storage area, or heated? Garage? Rodents will get into the exhaust and make a new home, they can chew areas of harnesses that perhaps a purchaser does not or inadvertently overlooks.
These of coarse are all scenarios and may not be factors with this particular Pilot, but 1 might be compelled to ask. Now from personal experiences with my trailer queens to drain the gas each and every time after starting the Engine does not happen and if this did happen with the previous owner of this Pilot it might be a stretch. I fill just the carb and run it out each and every time and it is time consuming to say the least. Most would not do so and IMHO just leave the fuel in the tank. In these times people just do not have the time. I know I for sure do not!
As to making a profit off the sale of the Pilot that is not my place to serve judgement. There have been worse things happen.Good luck with the sale.
All valid questions and I would like to have them answered myself.
1. I have not had the Pilot tested for compression or leak down. I'm assuming I should have that done prior to starting and running the Pilot just to be safe. I don't have the equipment to do this but I'm assuming it wouldn't cost too much to have a Honda dealer check this.
2. I'm not sure if OH generates titles for offroad vehicles like this. I'll email the original owner and see what he has. I'm confident it's been paid off after almost 20 years though.
3 & 4. I do have a good feel for these. The Pilot was kept in his attached, insulated garage at his house. The address on the invoice matches where I picked it up, so I'm pretty sure it was always kept there. This guy was an insane neat freek; his garage was completely clean. I'm going to change all the fluids prior to doing anything with it. He said that he would mix enough gas to start it and then let it run itself out. He said he did this once a year and it was last done back in January of this year. He only had about 2 acres and thus he really didn't have anywhere to ride.
Again thanks for the advice and the input. I'll post a thread in the tech section as to recommended fluids and pre-mix ratio.