What to look for when buying a used dirt bike?

**Riding LockedDown** · 27th May 2009, 16:13

I'm viewing a 2002 yamaha yzf250 tomorrow. I have basic knowledge from my road bike. What should I look at in this bike?

I'm not paying much for this bike thats why im getting a 2002, it a real cheap deal so needa know what to look at.

cheers my brothers and sisters!

**Armitage Shanks** · 27th May 2009, 18:36

Originally Posted by Riding LockedDown

I'm viewing a 2002 yamaha yzf250 tomorrow. I have basic knowledge from my road bike. What should I look at in this bike?

I'm not paying much for this bike thats why im getting a 2002, it a real cheap deal so needa know what to look at.

cheers my brothers and sisters!

Fundamentals, check the airfilter and ask if it's had the oil changed frequently , if both are clean, then that's a good start ....tyres and chain ...that's about my bit as I can't say I'm familiar with the YZ250f ...has it been maintained and receipts kept are a good start .... 5 cents

**noobi** · 27th May 2009, 18:48

wheel bearings and fork seals, cables arnt frayed, check that theres no obvious leaks from the cases. sprockets and chain. check radiators for dents or bends. test ride it to check for any obvious faults while riding it, like that it steers straight brakes work ok, suspension works ok etc.

**kezzafish** · 27th May 2009, 19:04

try the search function on here. This subject has been well covered. Someone a while ago made up a huge and comprehensive checklist. See if you can find it.

Anyone else remember this list or how ya might find it? who wrote it could be handy

**cave weta** · 27th May 2009, 19:11

Gently rock the bike on its side stand to take weight on and off the suspension while you touch the shock linkages. You are feeling for free play.
Also same for swingarm bushes and wheel bearings. feel discs for wear. ask to see what he uses to clean and oil the filter. If he cant find it- then slowly step away.....

**vr4king** · 27th May 2009, 19:13

Originally Posted by cave weta

Gently rock the bike on its side stand to take weight on and off the suspension while you touch the shock linkages. You are feeling for free play.
Also same for swingarm bushes and wheel bearings. feel discs for wear. ask to see what he uses to clean and oil the filter. If he cant find it- then slowly step away.....

Nice idea on the filter cleaning i'll use that as im looking for new bike too

**theblacksmith** · 29th May 2009, 12:25

Originally Posted by kezzafish

try the search function on here. This subject has been well covered. Someone a while ago made up a huge and comprehensive checklist. See if you can find it.

Anyone else remember this list or how ya might find it? who wrote it could be handy

That was me - looking for it in pc now
Here it is.
What to check when buying a second-hand bike.

VISUAL - ON STAND

Plastics, tank, seat :- splits , repairs, tyre rub, seat foam deformed or hard.

Frame :- dents under frame rails, repairs, alignments, tightness of footpegs.

Pipe / silencer:- dents, leaks, repairs.

Engine / gear oil :- level, colour.

Radiators :- bent , repaired , evidence of leaks, coolant level / colour.

Controls :- light smooth action on cables, sponge in brakes,

Handlebars :- straight, tight, rubber into top yoke, grip ends, slack in levers.

Seals :- fork legs, rear shock, output shaft, gear shift, any oil leaks / repairs around sump plug.

General :- heavy spannering, replaced nuts / bolts, fuel tap, oil leaks.

Chainset :- wear, alignment.

MECHANICAL - ON STAND

Wheels :- dents/ repairs, spoke tension, spin to check rim, tyre, disc alignments, pad/disc wear.

Front end :- wheel bearings, fork bushes, headset- wear and roughness.

Rear end :- wheel bearings, swing arm bushes, slop in linkage.

Suspension :- do all adjusters move.

Seat off and check air filter for fit, holes and cleanness.

Gear shift lever / kickstart tight on shafts.

OFF STAND

Feel suspension, ride position.

START AND RUN ENGINE

Compression, ease of start.

Noise :- tick over, clutch in/out, rev up, exhaust note.

Electrics :- On /off/kill, lights Hi/ low, brake light switches, indicators, horn, neutral light.

Can you get neutral with engine running.

TAKE FOR A RIDE

Does speedo work /odometer move.

All gears up and down and smoothness of change.

Try for clutch slip, test brakes, suspension.

Flat spots , hot restart.

PAPERWORK

Proof of ownership, MOT cert, Tax disc, V5, previous owners.

proof of year, work done receipts, handbook.

DECISION

Yes:- cash, receipt, means of transport.

No :- justify

Maybe :- names and phone numbers, set time for yes or no.