I'm going to look over a motorcycle tonight, what sort of things should I look for and ask about?

Question

I am going to go look at this bike

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/mcy/822103680.html

What kinds of things should I look for before I purchase it?

Answer 1

Checking it out at night? This guys sucking you in already. lol You would be better off looking at it at daytime. Even though im probably too late now. Good luck.  

Answer 2

Scratches, gouges, rust, anything that feels "loose", brake pads, tires, seat condition, lights (broken or don't work) battery age, tire age,

Ask for maintenance records.

Answer 3

Firstoff.

Try to look at this bike in the light of day. This is an old bike, and you need to see all its warts in the daytime. I would at least do these things:

1. Make sure all the electrical stuff work... lights, signals, etc...

2. Check all wires, wireharnesses, cables and brake lines. See if they're in good shape.

3. Check the engine oil and the bottom to see if there's any oil leaking.

4. Look inside the gas tank for any rust.

5. See if all the controls and suspension appears tight.

6. Check the brake pads, discs, and tires to see if there's enough life left.

7.Make sure the engine runs well. See if it starts easily, and gently roll the throttle to see if you can control the engine speed easily. You want to see if the carbs are clear.

    ******THIS IS THE DEAL BREAKER.*******

8. Check the exhaust to see that the engine isn't burning a lot of oil.

Just be aware that this is an old bike and it's only $700. Don't look like a douche and ask to bring the bike to get looked over at a shop. Do not expect this to be a pristine bike.There's going to be a bunch of little things wrong with this bike. Bring your friend that knows most about bikes to help you look at it.  Be prepared to spend at least $500 after you buy it to do the full rountine maintenance and fix misc stuff on it.

Answer 4

For a 35+ year old bike, it does look in pretty decent condition and the seller mentions a lot of work he/she put into it.  The seller also mentions leaking fork seals as well so that is something that will require work soon.  

Check for crash/frame damage, check to make sure all the electrical wires and hoses are in good condition.  Start it up and listen for a smooth idle.  Also check the exhaust for either blue ( burning oil ) or black ( out of tune ) smoke.  Push down on the front and the rear of the bike and make sure the suspension rebounds only once.  Check the brakes to make sure they stop the bike and have a progressive feel to them.

If the bike looks and rides decently, ask the seller if they will take the bike to a garage or mechanic of your choosing.  Let them inspect the bike for you before buying just to make sure you don't get stuck with someone else's problem.

Answer 5

DONT look at it at night.