What else should I look for on a bike?

Question

I am going to be looking at a 2002 cbr 600 f4i hopefully within the next few days, I know the basics of what to look for, and make sure is in good condition, but not to sure if I should be checking like spark plugs and little stuff like that in the engine and around the bike itself. Thanks

Answer 1

I am sure there are check lists on the web you can use. But I would look all over the bike to see if there are any scrape marks where the bike has been down, ask when the last time the bike was serviced (oil change, valve adjustment, etc) and was it by a certified mechanic or did the seller do his/her on maintenance. Check to see if the tires look like they are in good in condition or not and if not you may spend $400-500 on getting new tires and also make sure the bike has a current state inspection sticker. I would also look at the front fork real closely to see if they are bent from a crash and whether fork seals are leaking (cost to fix $200) where there is slight oil residue on the shinny fork tube, Good luck and these are typically pretty tough bikes and good used bikes.

Answer 2

The header is a good indicator of what the bike has seen. If it's rusty, it's been ridden in the rain, etc.

If the bike has been painted it could have been dropped.

Chicken strips on the tires. Does the tire have more life on the outside than top? If there's specks of rubber everywhere he just did a brake-stand.

Random things you can't check with the owner in front of you:

Anything like pine needles, dust, etc. in the airbox. Did he maintain it well?

Any oil or gas leaks.

Answer 3

Look for worn chain and sprockets inparticular,how worn the tyres are and if possible,get down and look at the condition of the brake pads too. Check head bearings for loosness. start the engine from cold and listen for any rattles or unfamiliar noises. Definatly have a test drive if at all possible.

Answer 4

Hopefully it is not your first road bike, otherwise we will see you in the obituaries!

Outside of that, make sure it hasn't been down, CBRs are not a good bike to drop, they tend to have underlying problems when they have been down.

Make sure your engine and drivetrain (sprockets, and chain) are perfect, your life may depend on them.  You throw a chain at 60MPH, you are going down!

Answer 5

most of us look for women!!!