Looking for a used starters motorcycle, any tips on what to look out for?

Question

Looking for a used starters motorcycle, any tips on what to look out for?

Answer 1

well if  u want a nice yet cheap bike look for a GSX-R 600 because u can learn on it and once u get better u can start putting upgrades and stunt with it

Answer 2

You should be able to sit on the bike with both feet flat on the ground and your knees bent.  When your hands are on the grips your elbows should not be locked,  your arms should be loose ( I heard an instructor call it having "spaghetti arms").

If you are tall and  looking at a smaller bike, be sure you knees don't interfere with the handlebars.  See if your seating position is comfortable.

Check the oil for metal flakes, check under the engine for oil that has leaked.  Check the area of the forks where the front fender bolts up for oil that may have leaked from the fork seals.

Check  to see if the chain is rusty and if the tires are in good condition.

Don't buy a motorcycle painted green.

Answer 3

ebay, salvage yards, craigslist.com, 4 salavage yards in oklahoma that have acers of bikes on hand

Answer 4

Dont go to small, many dealers will try to sell you a 250cc bike because they know you will come back for  a new one in a couple months, I would reccomend a 400-650 cc bike, it will have a enough power, but not be to big to learn on. Also, go for a standard bike to start with, crotch- rockets are hard to learn on so leave that til later.

Answer 5

Motorcycle wrecking yards have starters that are cheap, and you can knock over and not lose anything

Answer 6

As a begineer who just bought his first bike, I can tell you to just keep reading.  The more you know about the bike models themselves, the more you will know when it comes time to look at the thing in person.  You can find some great things on craigslist.com despite what people might tell you.  

When looking you have to decide on two main factors.

Stye: Cruiser, Sportbike, Standard

Engine: 250cc up to 500cc.  If your in the 180lb+ range a 250cc bike is not recommended.

(The only bike recommended for a first time over 500cc is the SV650)

There are plenty of cruisers out there in between 250 and 500, but not nearly as many sportbikes, as today its either a 250 or a 600+.  

When you are looking at buying a bike look for these factors:

Cosmetic (if it has alot of dents its been dropped alot)

Tires ( You want a good amount of tread left)

Engine ( Ask for recent service records)

Check www.kbb.com to get a price quote on the bike

Ask (if you have experience) if you could ride it around the block to feel how it rides.

Also don't forget about gear when you are budgeting money for the bike

The bike I got was a 97 Ninja EX500.  

Recent tune up w/ carbs new exhahust, and tires with minor cosmetic dmg for $2100.

I couldn't be happier with it.