What do i need to know when considering buying a used motorcycle?

Question

i checked craigslist.com for used motorcycles that i could afford. when i found one i emailed the people and told them i was interested. im really scared shitless because i don't know the people or anything about motorcycles. i don't want to be duped or be a dummy for passing up such a good deal. their offering a kawasaki 750 for 1,500. i asked them if they could let me know the year and any problems it has. Please if anyone knows anything about bikes, explain any common problems with this particular model or any information. i need really good advice so just people who really know what their talking about please. 10 points for best answer.

Answer 1

miles on bike,age of rider,how many owners,service records,insurance claims,good look over bike(dents,scratches in paint or chrome)if motor upgrades who did it

Answer 2

Ask them how many miles it has,

Ask them if they have service records for it,

Don't buy it without test-riding it

How many miles the tires have on them

Take it to a Kawasaki dealership and have them check out the engine/transmission. They should find any problems it has

good luck : )

Answer 3

I sold my Kawasaki 750 six months ago for $2500.  Few things you can see right away...

- Look at the engine case.  You don't need to remove anything but look if you see a lot of oil seeping out from between the seams (a little is normal) if its excessive stay away from it.

- Look at the chain.  If it looks in pretty good shape/well maintained chances are they took pretty good care of the bike.

- Ask if you can test ride it.  Most people won't let you (I didn't when I sold mine), some might let you ride it up and down the street a couple times.  At the very least have them start it for you.

- Look at the tires.  

- Ask if its been in an accident or layed down.  If it has, ask what was damaged/replaced.  If they're not specific and/or can't remember, they're lying about something... walk away.  

That's the basics and like I said I owned one, if you have any other questions email me.

Answer 4

Take a friend who ride motorcycle with you, that person should know a few things about motorcycle.  He may even get to test ride it for you or ride it home for you!

I would also ask if new clutch have been replace, vale adjustment done or brakes replace, sprockets (if not belt), or the condition of the both front and rear tires.  

Check for any oil leak or unusual noise from the engine, how old is the original rider?  I would stay away from younger rider who willing to show you how to pop a wheelie or prove to you the bike could go 100+mph with ease!  Have the bike been in an accident or drop at any point?  All those are great questions..

Good luck and hope it is a good match for you!

Answer 5

its always a good idea to check the oil

evn tho it sounds goofy make sure that the vin #s match up

make sure all cylinders run good