General Buying Guide

[D_T_W]

Done a quick search and nowt came up, so thought i'd ask!

I'm hoping to get my licence in the next couple of months, and to prepare me for the future hunt for a bike, was wondering what things i should be looking out for? Not looking for anything model specfic, more a kind of general buying guide that numpties like me can use to try and avoid buying a right crapper. Stuff like :
How to spot if its been crashed/dropped?
How to spot serious track day work?
What to check mechanical wise?
What kind of mileage for what age?
Anything else to look out for?

I'm aware this may seem like a bit of a daft question, but owing to the fact that right now i don't know an awful ot about them i'd like to try and get a bit of knowledge before going on the hunt!

Cheers

[The Tramp]

[quote=D_T_W]
How to spot if its been crashed/dropped?
quote]

It'll have ether mine on Chilli's name on the V5!!!

[m3psm]

Assuming you know a bit about cars or bikes (otherwise take a mechanic with you) the level of checking is up to you and would depend on how much you’re spending. If you’re buying privately and on a budget that brings you into the realms of potential hounds (like me), then cover the expensive stuff first;
Engine
• Feel it’s cold before even starting it. If it’s not, try that as the very last thing. This will highlight any cold starting problems.
• Does it need any choke to start and idle (in the summer)? It shouldn’t in the warmer months
• Are there any nasty rattles or knocks
• Does it leak oil
• Does it smoke
• Can you see any signs of instant gasket (blue or orange silicone type stuff) on any joints
• Are any of the engine casing bolts/screws worn (indicating that it’s been apart a few times)
• Check engine number is the same as on the log book

Gearbox
• Does it go into and out of every gear
• In 2nd gear with the front brake on, let the clutch out slowly. It should stall. If not the clutch is slipping

Frame
• Check the frame at the headraces for any cracks or signs of twisting. These may be hidden by new paint so check the paint against other parts of the frame
• Check chassis number is the same as the log book

Suspension
• Same as a car really. It should go down, up and settle
• Check forks for any pitting and look under the fork seal covers in case they’re stuffed with tissue to hide a leak
• Check rear swing arm for side to side movement (meaning swing arm bushes are worn)
• If the bike has a centre stand see if the back wheel has any up and down free play
• On centre stand move steering side to side to feel for any notchiness
• On centre stand see if front wheel has any movement backwards and forwards

General
• See if you can pull the chain off the rear sprocket. It should fit snugly. Alternatively, roll the rear wheel backwards and listen for crunching
• Check sports bikes for drilled sumps indicating ex race engines
• Look for obvious scuffs and scratches as well as brand new pegs and levers

There are lots of other things to check for but the items above should spot anything glaringly obvious unless it’s well masked.

Good luck

Paul

[shot2bits]

Checking for a previous crash can often by difficult as damage could be hidden behind the fairing. Try to make sure the bike has mostly original parts - track day bikes often have track kit on made to adapt to road fairing when not being tracked. Have a real good look over the paint work and check for scuffs which would show signs of a drop or something similar. Also, check the tryres for melting around the edges as this would point to track use. Most sports bikes will have had some track use but as most people don't ride like Rossi, I shouldn't worry too much.

Good luck...

[D_T_W]

The Tramp said:

D_T_W said:

How to spot if its been crashed/dropped?

It'll have ether mine on Chilli's name on the V5!!!

I'll try to remember that one

m3psm said:

Lots of very useful stuff

Thanks for that, exactly what i was looking for. I'm not too bad with cars, just bikes worry me a bit as i don't know a lot about then, hence my chances of buying a wrong'un increase.

Cheers

[rsv gone!]

I would just, check the front disks as the are pricey. If they have a ridge around the outside edge then they are pretty worn. Normal recommendation is to change them at about 4mm thick. Maybe take some calipers?