What to look for when buying a used ski.

[msanders84]

Hey guys,

I am looking at buying a 2009 used kawasaki sxr. It has a broken handlepole and thats all that is wrong with it. I was wondering what I should look at to see if there has been any major damage done to the ski?

I wanted him to drive it to a local repair shop that is 30 min form him to have it looked at, at my cost and he would not do it because he says he is too busy. He says there is NOTHING wrong with it other than the handlepole. It runs great every time. He says that he doesn't have the time to fix it.

Lastly,

I currently ride a imited sj and have heard from reliable sources that for my size (6'5" ~230bs) the kawasakis would handle my size a lot better.

Any thoughts?

Thanks - Michael

 

[ger87410]

Get a compression tester and test the compression before buying. Both cylinders should have equal compression.

Check the prop/pump for damage.

Carefully look over the hull for cracks.

Have him start it and run it for you. You should be able to tell if it's running right.

 

[kraqus]

Look really careful UNDER the rails, basically where the hull meets the upper deck. That is a known spot to crack.

Benny

 

[5810]

Look really careful UNDER the rails, basically where the hull meets the upper deck. That is a known spot to crack.

Benny

on sxrs, i thought that was on sj

 

[kraqus]

You are correct.....
SXR's don't crack there?
Could that be because they are not really used for Freestyle but racing instead?
Excuse my ignorance but I am curious....
Are they better built hulls then?

Benny

 

[5810]

i owned one and gave it hell and no cracks, they are built very thick and weigh a ton lol and not of SMC