What to look out for on a 2nd hand bike?

[skithepowder]

I'm new to biking and should be looking at buying my first bike soon. From reading mags, reading this forum and chatting to bikers I know a few things to look for when buying a bike but I know there must be a lot more. Aside from things such as these what other big things should I look out for...

- are the wheels aligned
- are the forks straight
- any oil on the forks
- engine start ok from cold
- engine sound clean
- bearings in the suspension
- steering bearings
- signs of the bike having been used as a race bike/thrashed (wear on pegs and hero blobs etc)
-amount of life left on tyres/brake pads
-state of bodywork indicating it's been dropped etc
- any tampering with chassis number
- smooth controls winding onthrittle /clutch /brake do any cables have wear/fray in them

what else should I be thinking of and checking? Are there any good questions I should be asking prior to going and viewing the bike?

Cheers!

[L-Jam]

You left out 'whether the bike has aids'.

It's called an STI check.
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[st3v3]

[ms51ves3]

Check the V5. If the previous owner's name is Steve Briddon, run away

[Paddy Blake]

It depends on how old or milage the bike is.

Pegs and disc's hand grips.
Service history.

[ThoughtContro...]

What's the chain like? Bone dry? Any seized links? At the end of adjustment and slacker than a slack thing? The sprockets worn down, chipped or shark toothed?

What's the head bearings like? Pull it back on the sidestand and feel the front end. Notchy?

What's the exhaust downpipes or collector box like? Any holes in the rust or nor far off? Any blowing when the engine is running?

Is there any pitting on the forks?

Check the electrics. Run the engine at idle with the headlights on. Give it a rev. Do they go a bit brighter? Hurray the alternator works!

Is the seller a moron? Is he Billy Bullshit? Or is he some scally who nicks bikes for a living. Use your gut instinct.
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"In a world of universal deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act" - George Orwell

[27cows]

Major things to look out for - is the bike advertised for significantly below the going rate. If so, why? And does the level of ageing match the mileage - does the mileage appear too low.

If a seller will lie about one thing, who knows what else you might find later.

Always pay very close attention to the headstock for signs of a previous, repaired, frontal impact. I've seen some bikes cunningly tarted up but which were, effectively, right offs.
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[st3v3]

[RussG]

get it on the back wheel with the engine running and turn the handlebars and check it doesnt rev by itself, and check if the steering is notchy while its up there
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[The Tot]

Take an experienced mate. He'll act to question your better judgement. 2 pairs of eyes are better than one... and having that extra person puts pressure on the buyer to knock the price down especially if two of you pick up on any of the points raised above. 2 of you (one of which will be knowledgable) will put a healthy unease for the seller.

More importantly get a test ride if you are able to or are insured to ride other bikes (not that it stopped me when I test rode my ZXR250!). If you can't do that, get a mate to take it for a test ride. It will uncover a multitude of sins (such as a dicky rectifier, warped discs etc. Beware any bikes with warm engines. DO THEY ALWAYS start fine from cold? When I sold my 250, I had to bloody bump start it and warm it up for 10 minutes! I was glad to see the back of that since it was starting to cost me £££!
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[njd27]