Things to look for when buying a used bike(CHECKLIST) - Page 3

ClassicVW · 01-22-2012, 12:47 PM

Cory touched on what is one of my main considerations, the talk with the seller. Short distance, long distance, email or phone, TALK to the seller. BOTHER HIM. Get a feel for the guy. If you don't get timely or thorough answers, move on. A seller should never think a prospective buyer is a pain in the ass. If he gives you short answers, partial answers, or takes a long time to get back to you, or you almost feel he's avoiding you, then he might be trying to sell something less than ideal, and he believes you are too knowledgable for him to fool.

And don't ever say you'll be there at 3PM to see the bike and arrive at 3PM. ARRIVE AT 2PM and apologize your butt off and say your earlier appointment was cancelled. Arrive when the bike is COLD.

rexmitchell · 02-02-2012, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicVW

And don't ever say you'll be there at 3PM to see the bike and arrive at 3PM. ARRIVE AT 2PM and apologize your butt off and say your earlier appointment was cancelled. Arrive when the bike is COLD.

I can't stress how important this is. Motors do weird things when cold that are otherwise not noticeable when warm.

lexpaul · 02-12-2012, 04:57 PM

Thank you

Art Vandelay · 03-12-2012, 10:32 PM

great checklist! my current bike is lacking in all those departments :S

rexmitchell · 03-12-2012, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art Vandelay

great checklist! my current bike is lacking in all those departments :S

Lol, well sorry you didn't get to the checklist earlier.

grendel · 03-12-2012, 11:25 PM

Yeah, I'm inspired to build up a list to start taking around with me, too. It's amazing how many things you read, sitting in front of your computer, and think "man, that's a great idea, I'll do that"... and then forget all about it in the moment.

Printing out a list like the tips in this thread is a REALLY strong idea.

Art Vandelay · 03-13-2012, 12:23 AM

it was all good until it was hit, in a parking lot, 35 feet from the nearest car.

ironhorsemtb · 03-19-2012, 05:00 PM

Thanks for this!

emmief5 · 04-18-2012, 10:07 AM

Hi,
OK so I've been looking for a bike for a while and I've finally found one along the lines of what I was looking for within my price range. I knew going in that whatever I got would probably need some TLC and be older and I really love the look of this bike. So here is my problem: the bike is a 1978 Kawasaki KE175 and the guy said that it was running great until someone put the wrong gas in it and then it was stored in a barn for a while. What should signs should I look for to see if this bike is worth my time to fix up? I wouldn’t mind doing some repairs but I do not want to have to strip the bike completely and start from scratch. The checklist up top is great, but is there anything specific to look for on an older bike like this? Thanks!

bull_156 · 04-18-2012, 06:42 PM

I would say if you are not willing to risk having to do a major repair you probably shouldn't buy that old bike.

Roman Legion · 05-26-2012, 10:14 PM

Well I haven't the faintest idea of what I'm looking for.. Same when I PMCS a humvee.. No idea under the hood or what anything even is.. Most I figured out was how to take out the stock airbox from my mustang and put in a CAI.. Other than that I have no idea.. Is there a completely clueless morons guide I can follow on this? Pictures or something?

SamSt · 06-05-2012, 12:19 AM

Thank you so much for this post! Helped A LOT!

rexmitchell · 06-05-2012, 11:23 PM

Glad it was useful.

P-BARE · 06-08-2012, 03:42 PM

One other thing that I found out about (fortunately prior to title xfer) is insurance. In CA (only state I can speak for) if you let insurance on a vehicle, they will suspend the registration and it is a $450 fee to reinstate. The owner can hae title in hand and current stickers on the plates, but once you xfer title, the new owner is responsible for the fees AND new registration! This can add several hundred to the cost (not price) of buying a bike from a private seller. CA DMV website has a like that allows you to check the status of a registration online. You need the VIN, Plate # and purchase info. If the seller won't give you the VIN & Plate #, run away fast....

wwilsman · 06-17-2012, 02:45 PM

I'm looking at fixer uppers to buy, as I don't have a lot of money. There is no exact checklist for this because any number of thing could be wrong with a bike that isn't all together yet. So what I'm looking for, is if anyone thinks I should go through with this purchase. It's a '91 cbr600 that was taken apart by the previous owner, apparently to make mods. It is mostly put back together and the current owner says that "for it to run it just needs it's carbs cleaned." I'm going to look at it tomorrow, and he wants $700 for it. I was considering offering $400. Is his price more accurate? Or should I go lower? I don't want to feel like I am lowballing him, but I don't want to spend more than necessary. I don't have a problem with buying parts I need, so long as I get it cheap enough. Please help, as I have no experience buying fixer uppers. Thanks in advance.

bullfinchgold · 06-20-2012, 02:44 AM

great checklist! it is awesome , I learn a lot from here . Thank you too much , you guy.

bobberrl · 06-24-2012, 02:37 PM

Great checklist. How come no one offers a used bike checkout as a service?
When I buy a used car I take it to my mech who gives me a thumbs up or down.
Never seen anyone do that for bikes.

Just a thought

rexmitchell · 06-30-2012, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobberrl

Great checklist. How come no one offers a used bike checkout as a service?
When I buy a used car I take it to my mech who gives me a thumbs up or down.
Never seen anyone do that for bikes.

Just a thought

I'm sure there is a inspection operation out there but not in every city.

WhiskyDevil · 07-04-2012, 01:32 PM

Great information. Thanks. So you finally find a used bike from a private seller and you are ready to buy. How do you legally ride the bike home if you just purchased it? You only have the title and hopefully a bill of sale. Can you get insurance over the phone and ride without plates? I realize the answer may depend on your state. I'm in NJ.

Tailwag · 08-05-2012, 06:29 AM

How am I supposed to know what the oil levels must be?

Dodsfall · 08-05-2012, 07:09 AM

Motorcycles usually use either a sight glass or a dip stick like a car.

Tailwag · 08-05-2012, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodsfall

Motorcycles usually use either a sight glass or a dip stick like a car.

The same with brake fluid?

Thanks btw

Dodsfall · 08-05-2012, 09:29 AM

The brake fluid level can be read by removing the cover of the reservoir.

Sometimes there is a sight glass, but since the bars can often be at different angles, it's best to just open it up.

If the fluid isn't reasonably clear and turning brown, it needs to be flushed.

jordanwalker1531 · 08-17-2012, 05:46 PM

Thanks! I will use this in my search!!

hogcowboy · 08-22-2012, 09:29 AM

Someone might want to put this with list.

Belt Drive bikes - Check for loose or missing teeth. Move the bike and check in more than one place. Check how tight the belt is. Not too tight and not too loose. Over tight causes problems than a little loose.

beliali · 09-13-2012, 07:29 PM

Awesome checklist

Gonna bring it on my phone since I'm currently hunting for for my 2nd bike.

Also, I'd prolly add checking the front suspension (forks).. You can try sitting up on a bike like you would ride and checking if you try to lift the handlebars if the forks actually go up alot (which it shouldn't). Also, try pushing the handlebars down and see if they go back up to the original position. If they dont, it would indicate that perhaps some fluids are missing from them and you might need shock repairs or replacement.

Oh and back on Page 1 of this thread people mentioned colored exhaust pipes and what that actually means. As far as I know, metal (chrome especially) would do that when it get's wet when hot. So even riding in the rain or through puddles of water can cause that over time, doesn't mean that it's bad. Just looks damaged

Edwheels · 09-17-2012, 07:52 PM

Wow. Thanks guys. This will be an invaluable resource for me, and anyone else new to bikes.

Swe · 09-18-2012, 08:34 PM

This is a great check list for anyone even if you've been wheeling and dealing for a long time you always forget to check something.

rexmitchell · 09-19-2012, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beliali

Awesome checklist

Gonna bring it on my phone since I'm currently hunting for for my 2nd bike.

Also, I'd prolly add checking the front suspension (forks).. You can try sitting up on a bike like you would ride and checking if you try to lift the handlebars if the forks actually go up alot (which it shouldn't). Also, try pushing the handlebars down and see if they go back up to the original position. If they dont, it would indicate that perhaps some fluids are missing from them and you might need shock repairs or replacement.

Oh and back on Page 1 of this thread people mentioned colored exhaust pipes and what that actually means. As far as I know, metal (chrome especially) would do that when it get's wet when hot. So even riding in the rain or through puddles of water can cause that over time, doesn't mean that it's bad. Just looks damaged

Yes you can check the condition of the shocks (which are probably one of the most neglected things on a bike other than chains) by checking the rebound. Also, just asking when the last time the fluid has been replaced would be helpful, most of the time you will get a blank stare.

mikkel · 11-10-2012, 02:45 AM

nice and good work !

Reynoldj · 11-20-2012, 01:04 PM

Great Checklist

boogerp · 11-20-2012, 01:35 PM

Copieand pasted to Word.... gonna make several copies of this since I start bike "shopping" this weekend

rexmitchell · 11-20-2012, 10:18 PM

Good hunting on the new bike

Critter · 12-09-2012, 07:32 PM

Just found this site. I am getting reaty to retire and start riding again. I quit 20+ years when I moved to this madhouse called the Baltimore/Washington corridor. 3 days commuting between Alexandria and Baltimore convinced me I didn't want to ride in the area. I had been riding for over 20 years before I quit cold turkey.

I have always had the itch and now it is going to get scratched. I plan on taking the BRC and have been looking at bikes for the last month or so. The info on the list here is great and I will be taking it with me.

Thanks guys, John

worlddrifter · 02-10-2013, 06:37 AM

These are all great tips on buying a used bike. I used them and ended up with a great bike. I would add that even a little knowledge can go a long way. Once I narrowed down my choices to a couple of bikes that passed most of my checklist stuff I then went on-line and with a little help from google was able to find and download copies of the factory owners manuals of the bikes I was interested in. I actually read and took them with me for my final inspection of each bike. With the manuals in hand I had tons of info and diagrams to be able to find and verify loads of stuff on the bike. Everything from simple tire pressure and turn signals to more telling things like chain tension and sprocket wear. I am a newbie to the cycle arts but with the manual in hand I felt much more confident checking out the bikes which made me more confident negotiating price. The book actually saved me from making a huge mistake on one bike because of something missing that I wouldn't have even known was missing till it was too late.
Thanks to all of you for the advice on this thread it was very helpful to me and I hope this may help some other clueless soul like myself in their search.

dpage · 03-24-2013, 08:53 AM

Great resource, thanks!

sewerrat · 03-24-2013, 11:13 AM

What a great site,going to start looking for my first bike soon,Great list of info.

Another good thing might be if the owner took good care of the bike he would save all repair bills, ask if he has them as well.

Oldman47 · 03-25-2013, 12:41 AM

I am going to disagree with the list I have seen here. Yes, that is right. If you are going to buy a bike, the critical items will depend to a huge amount on what you intend to do with your ride. If you are a person that seldom rides and not too far, the checklist item about tire wear will be meaningful. If you ride as much as I do, tire wear will be a very minor factor because you will replace tires at least once a year anyway. Every rider must first start by asking themselves how they intend to use that bike. Once that is known, the important factors for a used bike can be sorted out and appropriate factors can be assigned to each one based on that use.

BikeVision · 03-30-2013, 10:15 PM

This may be a weird question, but I am new so I am rolling with it.

1.) Does carfax track motorcycles too ( I know it has car in the title, but I have no idea if they have expanded)?
2.) If motorcycles have VIN numbers, where would those be?

Thanks.

Dodsfall · 03-31-2013, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikeVision

This may be a weird question, but I am new so I am rolling with it.

1.) Does carfax track motorcycles too ( I know it has car in the title, but I have no idea if they have expanded)?
2.) If motorcycles have VIN numbers, where would those be?

Thanks.

1) Not that I know of

2) Located on or near the fork tube of the frame, usually readable from the right side

01-22-2012, 12:47 PM	#81
ClassicVW Master At Arms Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: New Jersey USA Posts: 138	Cory touched on what is one of my main considerations, the talk with the seller. Short distance, long distance, email or phone, TALK to the seller. BOTHER HIM. Get a feel for the guy. If you don't get timely or thorough answers, move on. A seller should never think a prospective buyer is a pain in the ass. If he gives you short answers, partial answers, or takes a long time to get back to you, or you almost feel he's avoiding you, then he might be trying to sell something less than ideal, and he believes you are too knowledgable for him to fool. And don't ever say you'll be there at 3PM to see the bike and arrive at 3PM. ARRIVE AT 2PM and apologize your butt off and say your earlier appointment was cancelled. Arrive when the bike is COLD. Last edited by ClassicVW; 01-22-2012 at 12:50 PM..

02-12-2012, 04:57 PM	#83
lexpaul Newbie Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 6	Excellent advice Thank you

06-05-2012, 11:23 PM	#93
rexmitchell Administrator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: THE ATX Posts: 14,552	Glad it was useful. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas. - Davy Crockett

07-04-2012, 01:32 PM	#99
WhiskyDevil Motorcyclist Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 10	Insurance & Getting The Bike Home Great information. Thanks. So you finally find a used bike from a private seller and you are ready to buy. How do you legally ride the bike home if you just purchased it? You only have the title and hopefully a bill of sale. Can you get insurance over the phone and ride without plates? I realize the answer may depend on your state. I'm in NJ.

08-05-2012, 07:09 AM	#101
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 16,356	Motorcycles usually use either a sight glass or a dip stick like a car. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

03-12-2012, 10:32 PM	#84
Art Vandelay Motorcyclist Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: home Posts: 10	great checklist! my current bike is lacking in all those departments :S

03-12-2012, 11:25 PM	#86
grendel Verified Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 53	Yeah, I'm inspired to build up a list to start taking around with me, too. It's amazing how many things you read, sitting in front of your computer, and think "man, that's a great idea, I'll do that"... and then forget all about it in the moment. Printing out a list like the tips in this thread is a REALLY strong idea.

03-13-2012, 12:23 AM	#87
Art Vandelay Motorcyclist Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: home Posts: 10	it was all good until it was hit, in a parking lot, 35 feet from the nearest car.

03-19-2012, 05:00 PM	#88
ironhorsemtb Newbie Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 4	Thanks for this!

04-18-2012, 10:07 AM	#89
emmief5 Registered Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2	Hi, OK so I've been looking for a bike for a while and I've finally found one along the lines of what I was looking for within my price range. I knew going in that whatever I got would probably need some TLC and be older and I really love the look of this bike. So here is my problem: the bike is a 1978 Kawasaki KE175 and the guy said that it was running great until someone put the wrong gas in it and then it was stored in a barn for a while. What should signs should I look for to see if this bike is worth my time to fix up? I wouldn’t mind doing some repairs but I do not want to have to strip the bike completely and start from scratch. The checklist up top is great, but is there anything specific to look for on an older bike like this? Thanks!

04-18-2012, 06:42 PM	#90
bull_156 Master At Arms Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 192	I would say if you are not willing to risk having to do a major repair you probably shouldn't buy that old bike.

05-26-2012, 10:14 PM	#91
Roman Legion Banned Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 126	Well I haven't the faintest idea of what I'm looking for.. Same when I PMCS a humvee.. No idea under the hood or what anything even is.. Most I figured out was how to take out the stock airbox from my mustang and put in a CAI.. Other than that I have no idea.. Is there a completely clueless morons guide I can follow on this? Pictures or something?

06-05-2012, 12:19 AM	#92
SamSt Motorcyclist Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 10	Thank you so much for this post! Helped A LOT!

06-08-2012, 03:42 PM	#94
P-BARE Verified Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 19	One other thing that I found out about (fortunately prior to title xfer) is insurance. In CA (only state I can speak for) if you let insurance on a vehicle, they will suspend the registration and it is a $450 fee to reinstate. The owner can hae title in hand and current stickers on the plates, but once you xfer title, the new owner is responsible for the fees AND new registration! This can add several hundred to the cost (not price) of buying a bike from a private seller. CA DMV website has a like that allows you to check the status of a registration online. You need the VIN, Plate # and purchase info. If the seller won't give you the VIN & Plate #, run away fast....

06-17-2012, 02:45 PM	#95
wwilsman Registered Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1	I'm looking at fixer uppers to buy, as I don't have a lot of money. There is no exact checklist for this because any number of thing could be wrong with a bike that isn't all together yet. So what I'm looking for, is if anyone thinks I should go through with this purchase. It's a '91 cbr600 that was taken apart by the previous owner, apparently to make mods. It is mostly put back together and the current owner says that "for it to run it just needs it's carbs cleaned." I'm going to look at it tomorrow, and he wants $700 for it. I was considering offering $400. Is his price more accurate? Or should I go lower? I don't want to feel like I am lowballing him, but I don't want to spend more than necessary. I don't have a problem with buying parts I need, so long as I get it cheap enough. Please help, as I have no experience buying fixer uppers. Thanks in advance.

06-20-2012, 02:44 AM	#96
bullfinchgold Banned Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 14	great checklist! it is awesome , I learn a lot from here . Thank you too much , you guy.

06-24-2012, 02:37 PM	#97
bobberrl Motorcyclist Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Denver Posts: 14	Great checklist. How come no one offers a used bike checkout as a service? When I buy a used car I take it to my mech who gives me a thumbs up or down. Never seen anyone do that for bikes. Just a thought

08-05-2012, 06:29 AM	#100
Tailwag Motorcyclist Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 14	How am I supposed to know what the oil levels must be?

08-05-2012, 09:29 AM	#103
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 16,356	The brake fluid level can be read by removing the cover of the reservoir. Sometimes there is a sight glass, but since the bars can often be at different angles, it's best to just open it up. If the fluid isn't reasonably clear and turning brown, it needs to be flushed. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-17-2012, 05:46 PM	#104
jordanwalker1531 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 5	Thanks! I will use this in my search!!

08-22-2012, 09:29 AM	#105
hogcowboy Crash Dummy Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls Posts: 1,043	Someone might want to put this with list. Belt Drive bikes - Check for loose or missing teeth. Move the bike and check in more than one place. Check how tight the belt is. Not too tight and not too loose. Over tight causes problems than a little loose. __________________ 2007 Electra Glide Ultra Patriot Guard Rider

09-13-2012, 07:29 PM	#106
beliali Motorcyclist Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Home Posts: 8	Awesome checklist Gonna bring it on my phone since I'm currently hunting for for my 2nd bike. Also, I'd prolly add checking the front suspension (forks).. You can try sitting up on a bike like you would ride and checking if you try to lift the handlebars if the forks actually go up alot (which it shouldn't). Also, try pushing the handlebars down and see if they go back up to the original position. If they dont, it would indicate that perhaps some fluids are missing from them and you might need shock repairs or replacement. Oh and back on Page 1 of this thread people mentioned colored exhaust pipes and what that actually means. As far as I know, metal (chrome especially) would do that when it get's wet when hot. So even riding in the rain or through puddles of water can cause that over time, doesn't mean that it's bad. Just looks damaged

09-17-2012, 07:52 PM	#107
Edwheels Motorcyclist Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Clarmont, Florida Posts: 10	Wow. Thanks guys. This will be an invaluable resource for me, and anyone else new to bikes.

09-18-2012, 08:34 PM	#108
Swe Verified Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 21	This is a great check list for anyone even if you've been wheeling and dealing for a long time you always forget to check something.

11-10-2012, 02:45 AM	#110
mikkel Motorcyclist Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 15	nice and good work !

11-20-2012, 01:04 PM	#111
Reynoldj Motorcyclist Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Griswold, IA Posts: 12	Great Checklist

11-20-2012, 01:35 PM	#112
boogerp Motorcyclist Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: TN Posts: 9	Copieand pasted to Word.... gonna make several copies of this since I start bike "shopping" this weekend

11-20-2012, 10:18 PM	#113
rexmitchell Administrator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: THE ATX Posts: 14,552	Good hunting on the new bike __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas. - Davy Crockett

12-09-2012, 07:32 PM	#114
Critter Cruising the retirement highway Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Baltimore Washington Corridor Posts: 975	Just found this site. I am getting reaty to retire and start riding again. I quit 20+ years when I moved to this madhouse called the Baltimore/Washington corridor. 3 days commuting between Alexandria and Baltimore convinced me I didn't want to ride in the area. I had been riding for over 20 years before I quit cold turkey. I have always had the itch and now it is going to get scratched. I plan on taking the BRC and have been looking at bikes for the last month or so. The info on the list here is great and I will be taking it with me. Thanks guys, John

02-10-2013, 06:37 AM	#115
worlddrifter Newbie Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Pitt. Pa. suburbs Posts: 3	Factory Owners Manuals These are all great tips on buying a used bike. I used them and ended up with a great bike. I would add that even a little knowledge can go a long way. Once I narrowed down my choices to a couple of bikes that passed most of my checklist stuff I then went on-line and with a little help from google was able to find and download copies of the factory owners manuals of the bikes I was interested in. I actually read and took them with me for my final inspection of each bike. With the manuals in hand I had tons of info and diagrams to be able to find and verify loads of stuff on the bike. Everything from simple tire pressure and turn signals to more telling things like chain tension and sprocket wear. I am a newbie to the cycle arts but with the manual in hand I felt much more confident checking out the bikes which made me more confident negotiating price. The book actually saved me from making a huge mistake on one bike because of something missing that I wouldn't have even known was missing till it was too late. Thanks to all of you for the advice on this thread it was very helpful to me and I hope this may help some other clueless soul like myself in their search.

03-24-2013, 08:53 AM	#116
dpage Verified Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: W. MI Posts: 26	Great resource, thanks!

03-24-2013, 11:13 AM	#117
sewerrat Verified Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 17	What a great site,going to start looking for my first bike soon,Great list of info. Another good thing might be if the owner took good care of the bike he would save all repair bills, ask if he has them as well.

03-25-2013, 12:41 AM	#118
Oldman47 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Forsyth, Illinois Posts: 447	I am going to disagree with the list I have seen here. Yes, that is right. If you are going to buy a bike, the critical items will depend to a huge amount on what you intend to do with your ride. If you are a person that seldom rides and not too far, the checklist item about tire wear will be meaningful. If you ride as much as I do, tire wear will be a very minor factor because you will replace tires at least once a year anyway. Every rider must first start by asking themselves how they intend to use that bike. Once that is known, the important factors for a used bike can be sorted out and appropriate factors can be assigned to each one based on that use.

03-30-2013, 10:15 PM	#119
BikeVision Verified Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 31	This may be a weird question, but I am new so I am rolling with it. 1.) Does carfax track motorcycles too ( I know it has car in the title, but I have no idea if they have expanded)? 2.) If motorcycles have VIN numbers, where would those be? Thanks.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search