What is your advice for buying a used motor bike?

Question

What is your advice for buying a used motor bike?

Answer 1

1. check the chain and sprockets

2. check tires for wear and dry-rot

3. run through all the gears with a load on it (ride it)

4. check brake wear

5. listen closely for any engine noises

6. take someone with you that knows and rides bikes

Answer 2

make sure the pipes that come out of the manifold are not rainbow color.  it means that the prior owner took first gear and revved it until the bike nearly blew up.

Answer 3

When taking it for a test drive, be sure to take your time with it.  You want to make sure it's not too much for you to handle, but not so small that you'll want something bigger within a few months.

Look over the bike carefully for any parts that look broken or unsafe.

Check the tires and brakes.  If they need to be replaced, bring that up when talking about cost.

Use your judgment, and don't let your excitement over getting a "new" bike get in the way of good decisions..

Answer 4

Make sure you know it's history and if it is more than 10 years old check for parts availability.

Low mileage more important on bikes than on cars.

To me second hand bikes look like they are overpriced compared to new ones.

Answer 5

bring along a well experienced mechanic to have a look

Answer 6

buying a used bike, less then 3 or 4 years old is a great deal, if you get it for a good price

most people sell their current bike cause they want to get a different model, meaning there's nothing wrong with it

but many people want more for a used bike than what the same model sales for new