Buying a motorcycle, what should i look out for when inspecting one?

Question

I might be going to look at a Suzuki RGV 250 soon, just wondering what things i should look out for / ask about when i do? I havent bought a bike before so im not too sure. The owner says the bike was in the process of being completely rebuilt, it looks that way definently from the pictures. The bike is immaculately clean, new rims, tires, everything shiny and supposed to be completely rebuilt engine. The only thing is that the fairings are a bit old, not cracked but could do with some paint however does come with 2 spare sets of fairings, unpainted.

so what should i look for this bike? it is currently registered and has a current road worthy certificate.

cheers

james

Answer 1

some good advice there. dont worry if the rgv smokes its normal.check the brackets to the fairings ,bent ,broken, repaired?swingarm, forks ,brake rotors ,radiator ,the idle tells a lot for an rgv is it smooth?  is it quiet ?no grumbles in the bottom end .good luck  

Answer 2

First, actually inspect the bike with your own eyes.  It is not a good idea to buy a used motorcycle over the Internet sight unseen.

Bring a friend.  If you do not have your motorcycle license yet, bring a friend with a motorcycle license.  Bring two helmets.

First, check some of the obvious items.  It will give you an idea of how the bike was maintained.

Look at the chain.  Is it rusty?  Is it adjusted to near its limit?

If it has adjustable brakes, are they adjusted to their limit?  If it has disk brakes, are the disks rusty, pitted or grooved?

If the bike has a center stand, put it on the center stand.  Have your friend hold the bike steady.  Pull on the rear wheel from side to side.  Is there any play in the swing arm?

Look at the tires.  Is there good tread?  Is there any weather checking?

Look at the oil.  Does it look black and neglected or does it look like it had a recent change?

Look at the overall appearance.  Is there lots of rust?  Are pieces missing or broken?  Are there any bad scratches or dents that you are unwilling to accept?  Is the seat ripped?

Does the bike have excessive miles?  Bikes from the south will tend to have more miles than bikes in the north because of the shorter riding season in the north.  This is a judgment call depending where you live.

Start the engine.  Did the owner warm it up before you got there or was the engine cold?  Was it easy to start?  Did it turn over well or did the battery sound weak?  Did it smoke when it started?  Any unusual sounds?  Is there excessive valve clatter?

Take it for a ride.  How does the engine run?  Does it smoke?  Is there excessive valve train clatter?  Are the muffler(s) in good condition?  Does the transmission shift smoothly?  Does the clutch slip?  Are the brakes firm?  Do the brakes squeal?  Are there any unusual rattles?  Does the suspension work well or easily bottom out?

Any defects you find are something that you may need to deal with in the future.  Some items can be inexpensive to repair.  However, some motorcycle parts can be surprisingly expensive.  If it is an older bike, spare parts may not be readily available.  Once you buy it, any repairs required to keep it on the road will be your responsibility.

It helps to know at what price bikes of similar size and age sell for in your local area.  This will help you judge if the bike is priced correctly.  Watch the classifieds.

If you decide to buy it, get yourself a maintenance manual.  I got a Clymer manual for my bike on eBay for about $25.  It will pay for itself the first time you use it. Even if you do not make your own repairs, you will understand your bike better and know what it needs when you bring it to the repair shop.

Answer 3

if it has new everything, then check the frame closely, it was probably dumped or skidded.  you want to look at the swingarm on the rear to make sure the tire lines up properly, check the forks and triple trees, check the tabs the mounts go onto for stress, make sure the vin isn't painted over

Answer 4

Only buy new. Who knows what happened to a used motorcycle.

Answer 5

Check the tires

Check the brakes

Check the chain and sprockets

Ask why they are selling it