redbarron77 Posted November 5, 2009 Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 ...I ran through OR's search for tips on buying used bikes, but wanted to know if anyone had a quick checklist for what to look for when buying used.Help a Brother out here!I am considering a simple 700cc(ish) cruiser. My back can't handle a sports bike, and my budget can't handle a new bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disclaimer Posted November 5, 2009 Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 This is a good very general common sense overview:http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/740/4893/Motorcycle-Article/How-to-Buy-a-Motorcycle.aspxBut, I assume you're talking more about looking the bike over. Basically, nothing beats research into the specific bike you're looking to buy. Research the common issues, the market prices, ask a TON of questions to the seller, make them confirm the things they wrote to you in an e-mail, ad, over the phone convo...I know I've written this before in another thread, but when buying a used bike, the most important thing is to get a feel for the type of person the seller is... if you come in knowing your shit, you should be able to get a better read on them as a person to know whether they're worth the time dealing with - are they honest? shifty? How good do they bullshit? Ask questions you already know the answer to, to see if they're honest and knowledgeable about the bike.It's a tough 'skill' to explain on how to bullshit with someone to get a read on them... but that's really what you're doing when you buy a used bike. It's one thing to get taken by an honest guy that was legitimately unaware of any issues the bike may've had, it's another to get taken to the cleaners by a guy knowing he intentionally is selling a lemon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max power Posted November 5, 2009 Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 ^ What he said. Otherwise, you want to check all wear parts, ALWAYS check the oil. Does it look fresh, smell like gas? Check other fluids. Brake fluid look burnt and dark? Antifreeze up to snuff? Look underneath for evidence of leaks, is it all nasty, or has it been kept clean.Check axle nuts and other parts for evidence that its been downed. Check chain and sprockets for proper tension and wear. Check fork tubes for oil leaks, blown seals. Look at tires. Are they wearing funny? If they are, it could be a sign of a bent frame.Start it and listen to it. Does it rattle and clang? By all means, ride it. Put cash in his hand and test ride it (always take a buddy to wait with the money). Does it ride straight? Stop straight and properly? Shift correctly?Also, look at the seller and where he keeps the bike. Is he meticulous? If he is sloppy, he was probably sloppy about maintenance. Ask what oils and cleaning products he uses, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zach Posted November 5, 2009 Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 It's best to take someone who does know what they're looking at.Or there's the option of paying a mechanic to give it the once over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buildit Posted November 5, 2009 Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 Always start off by telling them the bike looked better in the photo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
that dude Posted November 5, 2009 Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 one that has an engine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RVTPilot Posted November 5, 2009 Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 one that has an engine+1. Also, if the forks are different colors, you might wanna find out why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBWalker Posted November 6, 2009 Report Share Posted November 6, 2009 (edited) beware of older bikes with low mileage. bike probably hasnt had maintenance. Edited November 6, 2009 by JBWalker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buildit Posted November 6, 2009 Report Share Posted November 6, 2009 (edited) beware of older bikes with low mileage. bike probably hasnt had any maintenance.fixed:rolleyes: Edited November 6, 2009 by buildit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
that dude Posted November 6, 2009 Report Share Posted November 6, 2009 is it a suzuki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbarron77 Posted November 6, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2009 I've been doing my homework, and like the feel of a cruiser. Sports bikes just kill my back....love the performance, and cornering, but my body just says no. If I were to have the time to hit a track, I'd be all over a Ducati, but life keeps getting in the way.I've found lots of good reliability reviews(non-sponsored) on Honda engines and drive trains. A larger engine isn't a big deal, so the 750 range with a non-chain final drive, since I live on a 1 mile long dirt road.The tips about checking the area where they kept the bike is a good one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
35RFTW Posted November 10, 2009 Report Share Posted November 10, 2009 If looking at Honda's, 750cc's is enough, and you need shaft drive, the Shadow 750 Aero is your choice. Excellent smaller cc cruiser, with little to take care of even in dirt road conditions. If you got something with a chain, you would need to clean it weekly, if not more often. We do not currently have any of those in stock currently, but I will shoot you a PM if anything pops up. We do have some shaft drive Suzuki's and Yamaha's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbarron77 Posted November 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2009 That's what my research was pointing out. Dirt road=no chain.As far as getting something in your inventory, that's really nice of you, but I live in Texas, so shipping might be cost prohibitive..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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