What to look for when buying a second hand bike?

[nigelp]

Am looking at buying a new bike and I was wondering what are they key things to look at/check when purchasing a new bike?

I know that each model has its own wee quirks but what are the main things to check.

I know about things like:
Tyres
WOF
Reg
Chain and cogs
Engine noises

But what else do I need to know?

[scracha]

Am looking at buying a new bike and I was wondering what are they key things to look at/check when purchasing a new bike?

I know that each model has its own wee quirks but what are the main things to check.

I know about things like:
Tyres
WOF
Reg
Chain and cogs
Engine noises

But what else do I need to know?

Over the phone
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Best you do most of this over the phone phone as you can ascertain a lot from their tone of voice or even who initially answers the phone. I don't even bother if a bike owner can't tell me how long they've owned it or even what colour the bike is. Ask owner about service history. If they claim to do it themselves ask them questions about oil change frequency, valve clearances, etc. Ask owner why they're selling it. Ask owner if it has any faults (some will geniuinely tell you some of them) and STRESS you won't be happy to travel 50km to see a dog of a bike that was advertised as "minted". Ask if it can be inspected by AA or if YOU can take it for a WOF before you buy it (even if this is a bluff). If they get snippy or can't be bothered answering your questions then you can't be bothered travelling to see the bike (there are plenty more).


When you see the bike.
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Take a friend who is mechanically able and DOES NOT GET SHINY BIKE SYNDROME. Even if they're not meeting one of these criteria then for your own safety take someone with you if you're going to be carrying cash. There are some dodgy barstewards out there.

Fairing panels matching up. Look for replacement bar ends, grips and footrests (sure sign of a crash or ex-racer). Check sump plug isn't lockwired. Ask owner not to start it before you arrive as you want to hear it starting from cold. Check revs drop when you switch lights on. Check wheel bearings for play. Pay special attention to headstock and swingarm for marks. Check frame and engine numbers. Check for sticky calipers. Check for warped disks. Check for leaking forks. Check paperwork, see if it makes sense (i.e. if the owner is in Northland but gets it wof'd in Invercargill and serviced in Wellington then it's a bit suss).

Most importantly, take it for a test-ride. It's reasonabe for them to ask for cash first before letting you do this (you crash it you buy it). Check it steers straight with hands off the bars. Check whether motor revs out under load and that the clutch doesn't slip (warm it up first though!). Check all the gears, especially 2nd. I personally don't think it's reasonable for sellers to not allow a test ride or at least a "buy it back if you don't like it" (get this in writing).

It's fair enough seller meeting you in a "neutral place" like a garage but once you've agreed on the purchase and shown them the green it's a bit suspicious if they don't go back to their place. At the very least get a look at their driving license or passport for ID.

It's tricky in NZ with the low number of bike here but if at all possible try and compare it to another bike of the same model/age.

It's YOU that's taking the risk buying so if they don't like the questions you ask then just walk away. If anything seems suspect just walk/run away.

[jade]

Just for the above, why do you check that the revs drop when you turn the lights on, I ask because my bike does this, i thought it was because my battery is down a bit, but being a kickstart its sweet, so is it normal ?

[scracha]

Just for the above, why do you check that the revs drop when you turn the lights on, I ask because my bike does this, i thought it was because my battery is down a bit, but being a kickstart its sweet, so is it normal ?

Totally normal AFAIK. More current required to feed the electric gadgets (like lights) so the alternator robs some of the engine power. It's if the idle doesn't drop that you worry.

[kneescraper]

Very good information, as Im in the market for a new bike this is very usefull and makes a lot of commen sense.

Cheers for that!

[nigelp]

Thanks for the info, very useful! Will be something to bear in mind in the near future!