What to check when buying a bike?

gimpy limp · Nearly there... Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Karma :

What do people on here generally check for and what don't you bother checking?

i've got very little mechanical knowledge when it comes to bikes (know plenty about cars though)

a list of what to keep an eye out for would be nice

This is what i've found out so far:

- sit on it and jump up and down, if you get catapulted off the seat rear suspension is knackered

- push down on the forks, same with those, they should be dampened and not a violent spring

- is chain wear is something to look out for? (not expensive new chains are they?)

- what about when test driving it? what sounds to listen for if any?
metally banging sounds in cars can sometimes mean conrod bearings

- Do you bother to look at the alignment of the front to rear wheel (for bent frame) by looking down the length of the bike, from well in front of the front wheel?

That lot is all i've found out so far - anyone have anything to add?

engine wise what can you check for a healthy engine that isn't on it's way out?
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-=[Sam/b]=- cx500's the only way to travel, we do it in style just like jimmy saville
msn addy - sam.barwick@ntlworld.com
https://pre-auto.com/cx500/rat_and_survival_gallery_2006

DynaMight · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Karma :

Service history, Do a HPI check, Check the tread of the tyres, Let the bike fully warm up and make sure it isnt smoking too much, Check the thing over for rusted bolts, nuts, headerpips anything that may need replacing.

Then kick the tyres, drink the tea then walk away.
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My bikes are at https://www.bikepics.com/members/dynamight/

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

Ask to use the toilet. Thumbs Up

That way you'll know if he actually lives there and hasn't just pushed it up outside the house. Confused

cagiva gezzer · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Mar 2003 Karma :

Might Help
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"because one stroke isnt enough and four strokes waste two"

gimpy limp · Nearly there... Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Karma :

lol

is their anything else you can check engine wise? ask when it last had an oil change, can't think of much else. That's probably the most stress and money wasted if something goes wrong with the engine?

I went to see a bike once and it would start up fine and idle fine but as soon as you put on a small amount of throttle it would cut out!! What could that mean? one person said it meant that the engine was knackered and on it's way out? he wanted too much for that anyway so I left it.
____________________
-=[Sam/b]=- cx500's the only way to travel, we do it in style just like jimmy saville
msn addy - sam.barwick@ntlworld.com
https://pre-auto.com/cx500/rat_and_survival_gallery_2006

dotti · Scooby Slapper Joined: 18 Dec 2004 Karma :

https://www.clarity.net/adam/buying-bike.html

I think I got this from the forum mentioned above, but am not sure. This will tell you everything you need to know. The trick is trying to memorise as much of it as possible, so you look like you really know your stuff when going to view a secondhand bike.
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Dangerous traffic offences spotted on 50-minute trip: Lost count after 100. Number of traffic cops spotted: One, sitting by a speed-trap camera

Gazdaman · I did a trackday!!! Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Karma :

Depends what kind of bike you're buying and how much you're spending.

We bought a £400 XJ600 without even test riding. Just spent a few minutes playing with it, had a cup of tea and signed the V5.

I'd check wheel bearings, this needs 2 people to check. (Put it on the centre stand if there is one, and try and get lateral play in the wheels)

Check for tell tale replaced parts (gear shifters/footpegs/mirrors) for signs it's been down the road.

Steer clear of aftermarket paint jobs without a good reason for it.

Gaz

gimpy limp · Nearly there... Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Karma :

good idea, if theirs no stand and it's not too heavy could get a mate to lift one end spin the wheels listen to the bearings for a gritty feel if there shagged
____________________
-=[Sam/b]=- cx500's the only way to travel, we do it in style just like jimmy saville
msn addy - sam.barwick@ntlworld.com
https://pre-auto.com/cx500/rat_and_survival_gallery_2006

gimpy limp · Nearly there... Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Karma :

at the moment what i'll be looking at are kawasaki EL250's (maybe a 500) until something else catches my eye (very easy for that to happen). Not been to see any yet.
____________________
-=[Sam/b]=- cx500's the only way to travel, we do it in style just like jimmy saville
msn addy - sam.barwick@ntlworld.com
https://pre-auto.com/cx500/rat_and_survival_gallery_2006