OP
@grognard49 avatar
UTC

Member
MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 26
Location: Michigan
 
Member
@grognard49 avatar
MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 26
Location: Michigan
UTC quote
Greetings from a newbie who's been lurking here since last summer. That's when my wife started hinting at getting a smaller bike than the Beemer she's riding now. When she saw an MP3 500, she fell in love.

So now I've found a 2009 400 with just over 1000 miles and will be looking at it Thursday. I've learned a lot about steering notches, belts, sliders, and a lot more here, but I'd like some advice about what to check out when looking at a prospective new bike. What should I shake, probe, poke, wiggle, and bounce when I look at the 400? Other than the normal stuff like oil, coolant, tires, etc., what other things should I look at? Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks in advance.
@hollybry avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2007 Piaggio MP3 250 (sold) and 2009 MP3 400 (sold) 2011 CanAm Spyder RSS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1843
Location: Floyds Knobs IN
 
Molto Verboso
@hollybry avatar
2007 Piaggio MP3 250 (sold) and 2009 MP3 400 (sold) 2011 CanAm Spyder RSS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1843
Location: Floyds Knobs IN
UTC quote
Really, I think it sounds like you pretty much have it covered.
I can't think if anything else.
Good luck!
Post pics of your new ride!
@roadster avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Kymco AK550
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1163
Location: UK
 
Molto Verboso
@roadster avatar
Kymco AK550
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1163
Location: UK
UTC quote
Battery condition is something you might also consider. If its the original it could be due for replacement. With mileage that low the condition of the oil might also be a concern. A lot of short journeys might mean that its contaminated with water or fuel. On the other hand if its just been unridden for long periods probably OK. People occasionally make the mistake of running the engine every few weeks without going anywhere which is definitely not good.

Regards Roadster
@tidwillow avatar
UTC

Hooked
GILERA FUOCO II & GTS 300 SUPER
Joined: UTC
Posts: 485
Location: Brownfields
 
Hooked
@tidwillow avatar
GILERA FUOCO II & GTS 300 SUPER
Joined: UTC
Posts: 485
Location: Brownfields
UTC quote
The steering notch is a tricky thing to judge for beginners. I bought a pre-owned 400 with low miles and it had play in the steering which i assumed was the notch. I got it home and got the headset off and it was just wallowed out. Replaced the back tire, aired up the fronts, a new head set and i was good to go. Obviously if you have an outlet to give it a once over from somebody it would be good. Good luck on your purchase and i hope it all works out for you....
@dooglas avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13508
Location: Oregon City, OR
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@dooglas avatar
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 13508
Location: Oregon City, OR
UTC quote
TIDWILLOW wrote:
I got it home and got the headset off and it was just wallowed out.....
Ah, evidently a little used technical term . The headset bearings should be lubed and torqued to spec. If they have already developed the "notch" (many descriptions on this site of the effect of wear marks on the bearing race), then the "Gonzo tweak" can buy you quite a bit of additional life before it is time to change out the steering bearings.
@tidwillow avatar
UTC

Hooked
GILERA FUOCO II & GTS 300 SUPER
Joined: UTC
Posts: 485
Location: Brownfields
 
Hooked
@tidwillow avatar
GILERA FUOCO II & GTS 300 SUPER
Joined: UTC
Posts: 485
Location: Brownfields
UTC quote
I lucked up. The steering bearings were good and greased still. The headset was just way outta whack. I also couldn't believe how bad low tire pressure and back bald tire could cause steering issues. But just changing the tire and adding air to the others helped before headset change....
OP
@grognard49 avatar
UTC

Member
MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 26
Location: Michigan
 
Member
@grognard49 avatar
MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 26
Location: Michigan
UTC quote
A dark blue MP3 400 is the newest resident of my garage. It has 1035 miles and just got back from the dealer for the annual spring service plus a new battery.

The previous owner seems to have taken good care of it and gave me the service records from the dealer. He only laid it over once and it has some scratches on the black tupperware around the left front wheel and the end of the left brake lever. Other than this it's in great shape.

Been reading the book and trying to figure out where everything is and how it works. It's a lot different than our old Beemers. Only got in a little riding since the weather here in this part of Michigan isn't very good yet.

And the best part of all this is that MY WIFE LOVES IT!!!
@carolan avatar
UTC

Addicted
MP3 400 "Orion"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 972
Location: Northwest Ohio
 
Addicted
@carolan avatar
MP3 400 "Orion"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 972
Location: Northwest Ohio
UTC quote
Grognard49 wrote:
A dark blue MP3 400 is the newest resident of my garage. It has 1035 miles and just got back from the dealer for the annual spring service plus a new battery.

The previous owner seems to have taken good care of it and gave me the service records from the dealer. He only laid it over once and it has some scratches on the black tupperware around the left front wheel and the end of the left brake lever. Other than this it's in great shape.

Been reading the book and trying to figure out where everything is and how it works. It's a lot different than our old Beemers. Only got in a little riding since the weather here in this part of Michigan isn't very good yet.

And the best part of all this is that MY WIFE LOVES IT!!!
Congratulations!!
@maksor avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Gilera Fuoco 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4554
Location: Netherlands Olst
 
Ossessionato
@maksor avatar
Gilera Fuoco 500ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4554
Location: Netherlands Olst
UTC quote
Congrats
OP
@grognard49 avatar
UTC

Member
MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 26
Location: Michigan
 
Member
@grognard49 avatar
MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 26
Location: Michigan
UTC quote
Judging from the smile on my wife's face when she rides the bike, I think we'll be putting a lot more miles on our bikes this summer.

And a special thanks to FunkyMonkey for the spreadsheet with all the MP3 thread info.
@carolan avatar
UTC

Addicted
MP3 400 "Orion"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 972
Location: Northwest Ohio
 
Addicted
@carolan avatar
MP3 400 "Orion"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 972
Location: Northwest Ohio
UTC quote
Grognard49 wrote:
Judging from the smile on my wife's face when she rides the bike, I think we'll be putting a lot more miles on our bikes this summer.

And a special thanks to FunkyMonkey for the spreadsheet with all the MP3 thread info.


Post some pictures!
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