How to inspect a bike as a newb

S

Sunny87

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I've been having a hard time trying to judge whether the bike is in good condition or not.

Give me a car and I'll be able to tell you whether its a good buy or not, but when i'm trying to shop for bikes... I am absolutely lost. I've checked out a few guides on what I should be looking out for, but I feel like it's still foreign to me.

Sadly, I don't know anyone who rides and/or knows their way around a motorcycle. Also taking it to a mechanic seems like a really ineffective (time and cost) way for every bike i'm looking at since i'm not well educated enough in judging the ones worthwhile and those that aren't.

Suggestions?

Much appreciated,
Sunny
 
Where are you located? There might be somebody willing to go with you.

I put together an inspection list for used bikes. If you want it message me your email and I'll send it over.
 
+1 on where are you located, there might be someone who can lend a hand.
 
I live in Markham, but have been looking at bikes as far as vaughn / maple / sauga.

The next 2 on my list of bikes to check out are going to be in scarborough and vaughn/maple area.

My main focus has been looking for sv650s, but have been open to looking @ older 250ccs bikes also.
 
Well this list may be a bit exhaustive but I don't like surprises...

ask about service records and if/when scheduled maintenance was done. (More than just oil changes)

check:
-all lights, signals, safety switches (kickstand in gear & engine kill etc.) and neutral indicator
-if the bike is cold and start it up, check for oil leaks on engine/gearbox/clutch and stator cover
-bar ends, levers, pedal and shifter for damage
-Tires for uneven wear, crowning and scalloping. I would check tire pressure, it's a good indication if the bike has been cared for.
-Brake pads and fluid colour(ask when it was last changed), front and rear
-forks and rear shock for leaks
-chain and sprocket for wear and if they've ever been cleaned, another good indication of maintenance
-check if the gears engage and disengage smoothly, and if its a sportbike give special attention to 2nd, see if its pops out while riding (wheelies)
-see if it rides straight or wanders or pulls to the side
-raise the front end and check steering head bearings for notches (wheelies)
-check steering stops for damage, very good indication of a crash
-I would check the voltage with the bike revving to see if its charging, if you have an amp clamp throw that on too.

That's all I can think of right now, I'm sure it's more than most people would do
 
phil_si said:
Well this list may be a bit exhaustive but I don't like surprises...

ask about service records and if/when scheduled maintenance was done. (More than just oil changes)

check:
-all lights, signals, safety switches (kickstand in gear & engine kill etc.) and neutral indicator
-if the bike is cold and start it up, check for oil leaks on engine/gearbox/clutch and stator cover
-bar ends, levers, pedal and shifter for damage
-Tires for uneven wear, crowning and scalloping. I would check tire pressure, it's a good indication if the bike has been cared for.
-Brake pads and fluid colour(ask when it was last changed), front and rear
-forks and rear shock for leaks
-chain and sprocket for wear and if they've ever been cleaned, another good indication of maintenance
-check if the gears engage and disengage smoothly, and if its a sportbike give special attention to 2nd, see if its pops out while riding (wheelies)
-see if it rides straight or wanders or pulls to the side
-raise the front end and check steering head bearings for notches (wheelies)
-check steering stops for damage, very good indication of a crash
-I would check the voltage with the bike revving to see if its charging, if you have an amp clamp throw that on too.

That's all I can think of right now, I'm sure it's more than most people would do
Click to expand...

Thanks for list. I've been following the guide from this website at the moment: http://www.clarity.net/adam/buying-bike.html
 
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