hey guys (and gals) im buying my first bike in 2 weeks, been browsing this site for the past couple months getting my knowledge up. I was wondering if anybody had any tips for me for when i go looking at bikes, ill be buuying used so im just wondering any mecanical things i should look out for other then signs of it being dropped and what not, thanks

 

welcome to CBRF, i'd try to take someone with you that knows motorcycles.

always be thorough and be willing to walk away. a better deal will ALWAYS come.




o, and always check the VIN on the bike against the VIN on the title. and make sure it's clean. i had a friend that didn't do that in college. frame swaps before your first ride aren't the most fun.

 

Welcome to the forum.

As suggested, take someone with you that knows bikes. Sometimes a neutral eye sees things that get overlooked in the excitement.

Otherwise, have a shop do a pre-purchase inspection on it. Know what you're buying.

Good luck.

 

Things to look for:
- Tires: should be in good shape with no sidewall cracking. Should be good tread left. If the tires need replaced, budget $200 for new ones.
- Chain/sprockets: Make sure they look visually good. No excessively rounded/missing teeth. Look for rust or kinks in the chain. About $200 for a good quality chain and sprocket.
- Brakes: Run your fingers on the rotors. IF they feel wavy, they will need turned or replaced. Try to look at the pads too. Depending on what you get, prices can vary (but you guessed it, around $200).
- Depending on the year, if its carbed, check to make sure it runs thru the rev band well and doesn't hesitate. Check for smoke
- Make sure all the lights work.
- Check the front forks for leaky seals. The area of the fork where the seals are should not look oily
- Lots of Hondas have problems with their cam chain tensioners. If the bike sounds rattly at low rpms but smooths out at higher rpms, its probably the CCT. A replacement is about $50.

Couple general notes. When you first look a the bike, check if the exhaust headers are warm. If they are, the bike has been running shortly before. Some sellers will try to hide a tough starting bike by warming it up before you get there. Also, check the general condition/cleanliness of the thing. If it looks like its been neglected or is dirty, its doubtful the owner would have put the necessary time, money, and attention into maintaining it.

Edit: As demon said, you should also have a shop take a look at it. They will have an eye for these things. Checking all the stuff I listed is pretty easy, but its definitely recommended to have a pro look at it. If the seller drags his feet on this - just walk away. Lots of bikes out there.

 

Welcome to the CBR Forum Casanova,

I can't add to the excellent advice given above. Just make sure you're comfortable with the deal and do post photos of your new ride when you get it!

Cheers, SB

 

Welcome to the forum....

 

hi and welcome
take someone who knows about bikes with you