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Full check of used motorcycle before purchase?

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ziCk_
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 16 May 2016
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PostPosted: 01:12 - 16 May 2016    Post subject: Full check of used motorcycle before purchase? Reply with quote

Hi,

I know there are many topics about choosing first bike and what to look out for, however I can't seem to find answer to (presumably) basic question. It may sound stupid but I'm not familiar with mechanics at all.

I plan on getting 125cc motorcycle after passing CBT as my only means of transport so given docile characteristics and plenty of luggage space I will go with Honda Varadero 125 (if I manage to get 2007 or younger one due to fuel injection) or Yamaha XVS 125 Drag Star. The problem I find with 125cc motorcycles though is that a lot of young people take absolutely no effort with maintenance of the machine, just use it recklessly and dump it short after they get their A1/A2/A license. I will go for full A license (I'm 24) if I have some spare funds in the following months but I won't need bigger machine than 125cc regardless, I just need a vehicle to comfortably and economically move arround my closest area. And oh boy 3-3.5L/100km is GREAT.

So, having said that back to my main reason of starting this topic. Do mechanics offer full inspection (not MOT crap, I mean literally checking every single screw) of the motorcycle and what the cost would be? I know there's such service for a car but I can't seem to find one regarding motorcycles (might be due to my lack of English vocabulary in that area so search engine doesn't give me any useful answers). Basically before I buy used motorcycle I'd like to go with the seller to proper mechanic and pay for checking thoroughly the engine and gearbox inside-out and other potentially expensive to repair elements of the machine. Getting a nice and shiny Drag Star just to find out the engine is in urgent need of replacement is a big no-no considering the costs. Or a drive shaft failing half-way home...

Yeah, I know what to check for when buying pre-owned machine but that doesn't exactly tell you much about the state of those expensive mechanical parts until you crack them open.

I apologize if question is dumb, I just can't afford to step into endless spiral of unexpected expenses as I'm moving away from my workplace and need reliable transport.

Thank you in advance
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Ichy
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PostPosted: 05:26 - 16 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote

Never heard of anything like it. The closest, and it's not that close, would be to buy from a dealer and make sure it has a decent warranty. I'd almost suggest that you'd have to buy new.

No one is going to accept a complete strip down of their bike before you decide to buy.
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ziCk_
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 16 May 2016
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PostPosted: 06:48 - 16 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ichy wrote:
Never heard of anything like it. The closest, and it's not that close, would be to buy from a dealer and make sure it has a decent warranty. I'd almost suggest that you'd have to buy new.

No one is going to accept a complete strip down of their bike before you decide to buy.

That seem surpsising - there's no such problem back in Poland, unless seller has something to hide. All costs of examination are on buyer's wallet.

Oh well, thanks for answer anyway! Gonna have to play Russian roulette then Neutral
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davebike
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PostPosted: 06:50 - 16 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote

As A pro we would do a inspection but would offer no garentee
A though look over not at out workshop would cost at least an hour + travailing time & costs we charge £50per hour so at least £50 probably £100 and we want to do it working hours in the week

If you want a known good bike find one from a trader offering a garentee or buy new !
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arry
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PostPosted: 07:05 - 16 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote

davebike wrote:


If you want a known good bike find one from a trader offering a garentee


Aka a piece of paper with false promises on it.
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ziCk_
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PostPosted: 18:51 - 17 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ichy wrote:
I'd almost suggest that you'd have to buy new.


The whole motorcycle gig in my case is based on need of cheap transport. If I had to pay full price for brand new machine I could just aswell spent funds on getting some casual 1.2 Corsa (and get completely financially raped by insurance companies with riddiculous quotes based on imaginary problems). The only brand new motorcycle I could afford at the moment (and I don't have luxury of waiting few more months) would be Hyosung 125 Aquila. However then price is getting dangerously close to used 2007+ Varadero 125, which supposedly is indestructible as far as random mechanical issues go (yet everything can be easily ruined by inproper or lack of maintenance). I'm sure there are other motorcycles I could choose from but I'm going with ease of handling and luggage capacity (I need to visit grocery store once in a while). And yes while prices are inflated due to recent changes in law, it has to be 125 - so I can get some experience on the road without hopefully killing myself, and then passing it to my father that doesn't intend on doing A license. Hopefully two years down the road I will be able to afford full blown Varadero 1000 or Africa Twin.

arry wrote:

Aka a piece of paper with false promises on it.


Pretty much my impression. But then again I come from a country where that's happening on daily basis:

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/12030319_1004014052963819_6974133155382827018_o.jpg

(explanation - wreck that gets imported for cheap, cut in pieces and mashed together with few other cheap wrecks and advertised as "used by old gent going church and shopping once a week, in excellent condition" - that's happening all the time and getting used car that has genuine history is nearly impossible... imagine what happens when you have an accident in that welded together Frankenstein)
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Hefty
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Joined: 25 Jun 2013
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PostPosted: 19:50 - 17 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you go to a stealership you might get a month or two's warranty if your lucky, covering anything mechanical & electrical. Whatever they decide that means. Expect to pay a good few hundred quid over the odds at least for the priveledge though. Buying used can be a bit of a minEfield, just arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible & ask shitloads of questions Thumbs Up

Last edited by Hefty on 20:37 - 17 May 2016; edited 1 time in total
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wristjob
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PostPosted: 19:55 - 17 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote

mindfield?
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Hefty
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PostPosted: 20:37 - 17 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote

wristjob wrote:
mindfield?


Totally what I meant. Do try & keep up Razz
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ziCk_
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PostPosted: 20:59 - 21 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm going with my friend rider and a trailer in the first half of June to look up 2012 Hyosung GV125 Aquila, supposedly only one rider, 8799 miles and mint condition, allways garaged, not riden on rain, blah blah blah - we will see if there's any truth about that one. Externally it looks good and comes with extras (side paniers, front pouch, sissy bar) and 1 year MOT. We will see if it's up to desirable standard - fingers crossed.
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Cronik
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PostPosted: 23:39 - 21 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote

If he has a questionable moustache, knock him down 30%.
If she has a questionabke moustache, knock her down.
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