2nd Hand Bikes

[Jayne]

Coming up to the time when I'm buying my first bike.

Wondered if anyone had any tips for buying 2nd hand bikes... the questions to ask, things to look for and the like.

Cheers in advance

[EddyJones]

It sometimes depends on the bike, every bike has its know problems so tis better to post here before you go, find out any specific problems the bike normaly has and then ask these to the seller when you go.

Where abouts are you from? Think im rather close to you!

Not that id be any use

[FreshAL]

First of all have a thing about what kind of bike you're after
Which Bike Should I Buy?

Know what to look for buying a 2nd hand bike
Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide

Basics stuff to check when buying a bike...

Guide to buying a secondhand bike


Check guiode prices before you part with cash
Used motorbike prices

[Diggs]

Estimate how much you think you could get for it if you had to sell it again the following day...
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Now - Speed Triple, old ratty GS550, GSXR750M
Gone (in order of ownership) - Raleigh Runabout, AP50, KH125, GP125, KH250, CBX550, Z400, CB750FII, 250LC, GS550, ZXR750H1, Guzzi Targa, GSX750F, KH250 x2, Bimota SB6R and counting...

[Jayne]

thanks guys.

And I'm from Boro Eddy, what about you?

[EddyJones]

Same

Acklam, yourself?

[Jayne]

Technically not IN Boro... Guisborough so like... 5 miles down the road

[EddyJones]

8 if you wanna be picky ;p

I go to prior, if your thinking of getting into biking id be fine with taking you pillion/letting you have a ride?

Add me if your interested, eddy-jonesSPAM@hotmail.co.uk

Obviously removing the spam

[m_hill19]

hey jayne. im also from boro, eddy and I are both learning tomgether and were gonna go on a fair few rides together so if oyu get a bike your welcome to join us. the more the merrier.

[Jayne]

Awesome.

I'm coming up to prior this year. Just left school.

would be pretty good if i could come along with you guys sometimes. Once I'm rid of the old ped

[Graprilia]

Buy an Biketrader magazine in the front of it , it tells you all the questions to ask what things to avoid. I found very useful.

hope that helps

[gixasix]

Take someone with you who knows what to look for in a used bike the more cynical they are the better!This was the best advice i ever got it's saved me cash off bikes that i would have paid the asking price for and it's saved me from buying a couple of shiny heaps!

Even if you know roughly what to look out for the other person is much less likely to fall in love with the shiny bike in front of you as they aren't the one who wants the bike.They will pick up on things you won't even think to look at because you want to see the best in the bike because you want a bike, they want to look for the worst parts to make sure you don't end up parting with your cash for a donkey!


If you decide to buy the bike get a HPI check to make sure it's not stolen or still under finance it usually costs about £20. Check the frame/engine/reg numbers match the V5 document.


Good luck with your bike hunt!

[Dazbo666]

My first (current) bike was bought locally from a fellow BCF member!
The owner provided all the info, pics and contacts, and other BCF members gave valuable advice on what to look out for before going to view it

BCF has been my one stop shop for buying my first bike... and 8 months on, I'm still commuting daily without any major problems
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1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

[Bishbash]

Just out of interest, where would one go to get a HPI check done for your bike?


BB
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My current bikes are - YZF-R1 & GS 500 E

Trackday videos - https://www.youtube.com/user/bishbash13

[Dazbo666]

[st3v3]

ask your local area's bike shops, one near me offers bike vehicle HPI's @ £20 a go as for buying bikes, make sure it starts ok(prefereably cold) and the frame/engine no's match the v5 other stuff can be fixed
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Roger wrote: Women don't get damp for clingy puppies. Get some better happy pills, hit the gym & buy a medallion the size of a dinner plate. Job done

[Bishbash]

Ah, ok google....Of course....My god there are loads!

Cheers pal!

BB
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My current bikes are - YZF-R1 & GS 500 E

Trackday videos - https://www.youtube.com/user/bishbash13

[akaDAVE]

[akaDAVE]

[Bishbash]

What sort of bike are you after Jayne?
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My current bikes are - YZF-R1 & GS 500 E

Trackday videos - https://www.youtube.com/user/bishbash13

[JBurrows88]

A thing i've learnt the hard way (3months of waiting for parts and a £500 repair bill)

If the guy drops 250 quid in 5seconds, theres probably a reason!Also if it was cheap, theres usually a reason! Nothings a bargain!


I wouldn't buy Cagiva (especially if its a make which is not in production)!
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Dave
XJR400 Kenney Roberts Paint Job

[Pete.]

Gixasix has the best advice - ecide on the type of bike your are after, figure out your budget then go looking at bikes slightly over your budget and take someone who knows what they are looking at. Don't go-it-alone, you could get quite badly stung.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Jayne]

thanks guys it's all sound advice and very much appreciated.

i am hoping for a sportsbike style effort...

nakeds never really strike me i don't know why

[Deansvl125]

Check somewhere like ebay have a look at a bike you like then get a couple of quotes for insurance before you buy, it can be abit of shock especially if you go for something like an aprilia.

Just a word of warning i had my heart set on a rs125 untill i saw the insurance prices and sat on it and relised that one day i may want to have kids. (i am quite short tho) Good luck
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Feel the wind feel the rain feel the sun but god it hurts when you feel tarmac

[colin1]

id suggest watching ebay for a while and see what prices bikes go for.

Test ride a few bikes to see what you like.
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colin1 is officially faster than god