Ok,
This question comes up time and time again. I came across this awhile ago on another board and have sent it to a few people. I figure I might as well go ahead and make this a sticky, so everyone can see it. It's a great guiide to go by when purchasing a used motorcycle. It's one of the most indepth guides i've seen so far.
http://www.clarity.net/adam/buying-bike.html

 

thats good info for a first time buyer

 

Excellent.

 

Thanks for the link, I'll use that when it comes time to get a bike here pretty soon.

 

TEST RIDE
Most sellers probably won't give you a test ride for liability reasons, but bring riding gear just in case. You can learn a lot about a bike from a quick test ride, things you'd never notice by even the most thorough inspection. Sometimes sellers that won't give you a test ride will let you ride the bike once you've purchased it, with a money-back guarantee if you don't like it. In Massachusetts, riding a bike that you just purchased is illegal (unless somehow you already have insurance & plates for the thing), but if you're willing to break the law, you can learn a lot from a quick, clandestine spin around the block.

i love that part, i'll remember not to test-drive a bike when i'm buying from a cop haha.. nice guide tho, wish i knew half of that for my first bike.

 

Thanks, for posting this, I am getting into buying a bike and I would have missed alot without this guide.

 

Well hell I never it made it past the first step......bought the first one I saw......

 

Thanks for the good info

 

I just buy new! but good info

 

This is an extremely helpful guide. I suggest every rider buying new or used read it. You'll definitely learn a thing or two.