"Rebuilt engine" - Good thing, or something to avoid?

[Dragunov-21]

I'm looking at buying my first bike, and something I've always steered clear of anything advertising a rebuilt or reconditioned engine, simply because I figure they'll be less reliable that what comes out of the factory.

I'm not basing this on any knowledge or experience (just personal superstition), and I just wanted to ask whether having a rebuilt engine was a good or a bad thing.

I'm also wondering (given that I'll be getting a relatively cheap slow bike until my learner's restrictions are lifted) what is the maximum number of kilometres/miles I should consider on a used bike? (Regular/sports bike, not cruiser, dunno if that makes a difference). The kind of bike I'm looking at now is a ~'90 Honda CB-500 or a suzuki GS-500.

Thanks guys

[Ericthejet]

I would take a pass on the rebuilt tag, unless you know the person who did the work or it comes with a warranty. Loads of bikes out there, buy one from the little old lady.

Milage, yeah well my 1984 Ninja 900 has 110,000kms. Compression is good and no oil leaks, good bike right?

Find the bike you want, without a rebuilt engine and with the lowest milage possible If the bike is well taken care of then milage is less of an issue.

[StarGate]

Originally Posted by Ericthejet

If the bike is well taken care of then milage is less of an issue.

I agree 100%. High mileage is not really a problem if the bike is taken care of. You could get a very low mileage bike but if it was owned by a drag racing wheelie popping stunter, that never did any maintenance or upkeep on the bike it's, going to be a piece of crap with low miles.

[Saleenguy]

It totally depends on the parts used, and the person doing the work.

Myself, I think any engine I rebuild is better than it was new.

I have rebuilt many, many engines, and take care to do it right, using high quality parts though.

Some just do not care, and/or use junk parts.

As for mileage, if it was not ridden like an idiot, as in say WOT while cold etc.
And had regualr maintenance, do not worry about the mileage too much.

[jbsmd]

In general, a rebuild should bring it back to like new.

[elr658]

Given the general nature of the ham fisted morons who ask questions on motorcycle forums about rebuilding motors, I'd run myself into cardiac arrythmia running away.

[Dragunov-21]

Thanks for the replies, guys. So I take it that perhaps what I should take away from this is to ask straight up who did the rebuild, do some checking, and if it desn't seem like a reputable place, run?

Also, I'd imagine the age of the bike would make a difference?

Like, a rebuild on an '85 might be reasonable, but a rebuilt 00' might make you wonder exactly what the seller was doing to it to require a rebuild?

[Saleenguy]

Originally Posted by Dragunov-21

Thanks for the replies, guys. So I take it that perhaps what I should take away from this is to ask straight up who did the rebuild, do some checking, and if it desn't seem like a reputable place, run?

Also, I'd imagine the age of the bike would make a difference?

Like, a rebuild on an '85 might be reasonable, but a rebuilt 00' might make you wonder exactly what the seller was doing to it to require a rebuild?

A test ride, compression check, and oil sample will tell you what you have pretty well.

if it fails, do not buy, or negotiate knowing it needs another rebuild done properly.