Topic: Thoughts on this 1974 K5

[AJK]

That looks like a very decent bike & quite possibly good for a return from Adelaide to Sydney. As long as you have a backup plan (I.e. A mate with a trailer that can help you if you get stuck half way on the return trip).

Try and get more info off the seller in terms of its reliability. I.e. Does it consume oil? last oil & filter change? Any known electrical drama's etc.

Good luck, looks like your a happy man.

[Stev-o]

If it has been sitting, I would not ride it the 700(?) miles home.  Where would you do the service work if you were to go that route? By the time you add up travel expenses, you could surpass the $400 shipping quote. 
On the other hand, the ride home would be an adventure.  Do you have time to spare in case of a break down?

[disco]

Hi Rats, it appears to be a USA imported bike? We didn't get the K5 delivered into Australia. We went from K2 straight to K6. Therefore when the seller says the bike has been "on the road regularly" I would question what that means. How long has he owned it for starters? He may well have just imported it. Does it have a known history of trouble free riding? Getting on an old, unknown bike & riding at 110-120 km/h for 12-14 hours??? Spend the $400 bucks.......

[Schnell]

Go for the adventure! If you want safe and sure, you should stay away from motorcycles.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, oi, oi!

[MikeKato]

Go for the adventure! If you want safe and sure, you should stay away from motorcycles.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, oi, oi!

And if you want a better chance of being around to enjoy the bike for years to come, get it home in a boring way,check every nut and bolt before you start thinking about 700mile pot luck adventures.

Congrats on the nice looking bike.
GL!
Mike

[Johnie]

I guess you have to ask yourself do you feel lucky? MPO is I would not get on an unknown bike and try to bring it home 700 miles without really going through it. I mean, how much time do you have? You could be stranded or you could make it. Again, do you feel lucky? I always change out the wheel bearings on these bikes to be safe. I would hate to have one of those explode on the highway. Bearings are easy enough to change out before you leave. Face it...you are taking a chance. You won't really know unless you do it. Or you could play it safe...your bike - your call. Good luck. She really looks like a great bike.

[Schnell]

Oil change, oil filter, air filter, plugs, valve adjust, check breaks, check tires - replace if cracked. Go forth young man. Stay off the superhighways, no fun anyway.

[754]

I picked up a 750 that had been ridden about three times and 25 .. Spent a halfway. Fixing a few things,then put on  about 700 miles in 26hours, it had a wore out tire and chain..which barely made it that day.
 Do I regret that experience..even for a second..not a chance..
 Wheel bearings?  Do they spin fairly freely?.. Used them them. Can they screw up..yes....more like a slow,  noisy,increasing run out death.. Worry more about tires., and check front caliper, sprockets and chain... Better yet, bring front sprocket, and caliper seal, or working caliper. master cylinder may start weeping.

 Maybe try this..contact shippers a maybe, spend sometime going over it,ride it around town/hiway, then if  checks out..set out.  If not ride to the shipper.

[captain rats]

Thanks for all the advice and opinions.

I am going to Adelaide in a few weeks on works dime so I will take some time to check out properly, give it a test run, maybe take a compression tester and give it a good once over.

I also need to check my work roster and make sure that I can fit a trip like this in allowing for possible dramas. The cost saving is not really a big part of the decision. After my inspection I will be able to get a better idea.

[Johnie]

That sounds like an excellent plan. Good luck and let us know how you come out.

[Stev-o]

That sounds like an excellent plan.

+1.  As much fun as the trip could be, it could easily turn into a nightmare if the seller has misrepresented the bike as road ready.