Simple for those who know aobut motorcycles....I am looking into buying a small engined motorcycle (250cc) to begin with. I have used motorcycles in the past but never bought a used one, and I would not consider myself an expert at all.
So I have been looking at a few motorcycles like the honda rebel and yamaha virago...
What kind of questions should I ask the seller regarding the bike to know if the bike is in good condition?
Thanks for all your input ...
2006-08-23 11:07:11 · 7 answers · asked by wylien 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Read this motorcycle evaluation guide.
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html
2006-08-23 11:36:07 · answer #1 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I sold motorcycles for a while and i can tell you a couple of things that will definitely help in buying a used bike. First of all I would be skeptical about buying something under 250cc if you want to ride it for more than a season, it is something that you will quickly outgrow. I would recommend something closer to 500 or 650cc because it will not be too much power but enough to last a little while. Other than that, when you go to look at a bike, if it is private party, you should find out where they got their service work done and if it is not a reputable dealer then walk away. Also, when you are sitting on the bike make sure that it doesn't feel sloppy, the throttle is tight, the clutch doesn't have a lot of play and the brake lever doesn't come more than half way to the grip. IF POSSIBLE I would recommend that you go to a dealership to buy a used bike. Some people think that they are over priced but if you go to a good one they are not, also if something would go wrong with the bike shortly after buying it the dealership will usually take care of it and they usually do some sort of 10 point inspection before selling a used bike. If you buy from a private party and your clutch is fried in a week, you're out of luck. Good luck and safe riding.
4 wheels moves the body, 2 wheels moves the soul.
2006-08-23 13:24:20 · answer #2 · answered by helmsgrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
#1 Does it run?
#2 Show me.
#3 What does not work? Why?
If it comes with an aftermarket repair manual, beware.
Ask what comes to mind, just as if it were a car or truck.
Don't worry about the tires, unless the wear is uneven or abnormal. You'll probably get new anyway.
2006-08-23 11:37:21 · answer #3 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The things mentioned already are good things to work off of. Also, look at the forks and bars, make sure they aren't bent, are alined correctly. Stick your finger in the exhaust and see if the residue is oily or dry, looking for dry, means it isn't burning oil. Check brake pads and tires for wear.
2006-08-24 08:13:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must ask if its ever been lain down, aka dropped.
Look for scuff marks in odd places, basically anywhere on the sides.
Also when pulling out the dipstick, smell it too. If it smells really burnt its leaking into a cylinder.
Good luck
2006-08-23 13:14:42 · answer #5 · answered by Bigdaddymine 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. the bike should be in good condition
2. the bike should not be repaired . if it is repaired then there might be chance of met with an accident
3. it should provide smooth ride
4. it must not shake when you increase its speed
2006-08-27 09:53:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you are lookin @ one, reach down & pull out the oil stick & look @ the color & feel it for grit. if it's dark & grity it's got lots of wear, but you can't tell every thing by just this, it's may have lots of good things about it,.
2006-08-23 11:14:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ride it before you buy it , take someone with you that is an exsperienced rider ,let them take it for a ride . happy riding
2006-08-23 12:09:52 · answer #8 · answered by Terry S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
good to websites that have the bike you are lookjng for. it will teel the someof the things that go wrongon this type of bike. and take it to a good mecanic
2006-08-23 13:22:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋