what to look for when buying 2nd hand

[CraigofScotla...]

I passed my mod 1 and 2 last week and now looking at bikes. (been on the forum a while but just reading until i had my licence, didnt want the added pressure of having a bike in mind).

600 hornet sized, likely naked something. 2nd hand, potentially from 2005 ish seems to be the budget that fits.

Whats classed as high mileage on a bike? the type of miles that even with a service history you start to think hmmm.

Wheels, chains, sprockets, brakes, suspension, engine, electrics.
Any other advice when looking at the bike in the flesh?

[Pete.]

Check out the chain, sprockets, tyres and pads. £500 for good new ones so if (as you'll often find) the tyres only have 2mm, the chain adjusters are near the back of the slots, the sprockets are hooked or badly lubed your '£300-cheaper bargain' might be more expensive than a nicely kept bike with good consumables which is up for more money.

Nice bikes (not just nicely cleaned bikes) are fairly easy to spot, as are the owners of them. Blingy junk like anodised bolts, bar ends, levers, footpegs reduce the value IMO, rather than increase it.
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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

[RhynoCZ]

[Riejufixing]

You could have a look at old MOTs online. Yes, things should have been fixed, but they may give you an idea of whether it's been looked after.

[seeyalater]

I got a 650 bandit great price, low insurance..

Check tyres, forks, brakes and it sounds sweet..

[Ste]

If you stick the registration into https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/ then you can see the MOT history of the bike to get some idea of how the current owner and previous owners have treated it.

The MOT history isn't a definitive answer for how it's been looked after but you'll have some idea of how the bike has been treated when it's not made to look shiny for the purposes of selling it.

[CraigofScotla...]

MOT is a good shout tbf. I will do that.

So many choices of bikes that arnt local Could get delivered but its a bit risky not seeing beforehand.

[Pigeon]

Have there been a lot of owners in a shortish space of time.
Not a bad thing in iitself, could be reasons. But increases the potential number of idiots to a have been custodian. Or could indicate a problem child.

Has the engine been running before you arrive.....not necessarily a bad sign, but make a note.

Is it parked on gravel or grass? If so, try and check for oil leaks, or ask to leave some paper towel down for 15 minutes.

When the bike is running, is the brightness of the lights altered by the revs? If so, would walk away or be aware at least, potential charging fault.

If they talk about DIY maintenance, are there any records? Any empty oil cans lying around (if so what brand). What's their general level of organisation. Any other vehicles there, or the property in general. Do they take care of stuff, are they on top of things.

Not essential, just builds a picture.

[ThatDippyTwat]

[wr6133]

[SmokeMeAKippe...]

Hi guys. New member, lurked here and there on threads when generally googling bike stuff.

Anyways....I’ve been scouring the net for hours regarding a 929 I viewed last night and stumbled across an old thread on here that gave some info. I have just joined and there was a dude that seemed to know these bikes inside out. Signed up and PMd him. However I think putting a post out would help too. Get a collective opinion.

Anyhoos... onto business.

I’ve been offered a swap for a 929 for my 918. I shan’t bore you with the details but basically mines runs fine the 929 has some issues.

The guy reckoned there’s an rattling from clutch basket, fair enough. However on viewing this rattle was more of a knock. The bike idles with a solid knock every 2-3 seconds. Noise vanished when clutch lever is pulled in though. Also this noise took about 2-3 minutes before it started. Seemed to kick in when bike was warmed up. Defo coming from clutch basket/potential gear box area. My old boy reckons the gearbox is shagged. Anyone have any input?

Second, it started up on 2 cylinders, then 3rd cylinder kicked in after a minute or so. 4th didn’t. Thing bloody stank of fuel as well. Like really strong instantly after it was started and continued to smell. Guy says he’s changed over 2 pencil coils and had another 2 going spare but can’t be bothered to get back into bike as it’s too cold in his work shop to be farting about on bikes and he’s just not interested in the bike. He wants an older blade. There was also a hole in the exhaust can right at the bottom.

We had the bike up on a paddock stand to check it was running through the gears and it went through them without any untoward noises. Also the knocking went away under load. Only seemed to be there idling. It did hit a few false neutrals coming up through the gears though.

Other than that the bike looks well looked after. My dad reckoned it was a turkey but then he was talking me out of it before we even seen it. Too good to be true kinda thing which I understand.

The guy swapping says he simply wants an older blade and can’t be bothered fixing the minor faults. I can’t get the bike out my head tbh. So I’ve been researching as much as possible but it’s all rather vague and conflicting.

Obviously if I can justify the punt and these are easy fixes then I’ve won a watch.

The bikes an 01 on a Y plate and has 34k on it. Mines is a 99 on an X plate with 54k and is used all year round so as much as it’s not humped cosmetically it does have some “patina”

Any help would be really appreciated! Like I say I can’t seem to get the bike out my head. I’d just like to get some info on these bikes from folk who know them as my research so far has shown they’re defo a temperamental one and I could have the deal of the year, or a huge headache..

Cheers in advance, [/list]

[CorriganJ]

[SmokeMeAKippe...]

Well ....

If it was a simple enough fix (the problems seem common enough let’s be fair) the bike would be worth more than mine.

The bike was newer and minted cosmetically

I fancied a change and the thought of an easy project enticed me

In between jobs and on a budget

I’m sure a few other reasons but I’m sure you get the jist. I was hoping for some feedback with similar experiences...

Cheers.

[SmokeMeAKippe...]

[Easy-X]

If the bike's your only transport it'd be a bit of a risk! Even so I'd be wary of swapping good bike for bad. If it was just a bargain bike I thought I could get working then it'd probably be the sort of stupid project I'd take on myself

The cylinders not firing is probably something you could chase down - probably an electrical issue given the smell of fuel - but I don't like the sound of that knock so to speak!

If I were to take a guess I would say there's something loose that is stuck in a pool of cold oil and, once the oil warms up a bit, it wakes up and has a stroll around your crank case You'll not know unless you take a peek inside...

Could you say to the guy you'll seriously consider it but you must look inside first and offer him a fresh oil change if you decide against the bike?
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[SmokeMeAKippe...]

[SmokeMeAKippe...]

[Ste]

[SmokeMeAKippe...]

[SmokeMeAKippe...]

[CorriganJ]

[SmokeMeAKippe...]

[Easy-X]

There's no problem that's insurmountable given enough time or money...

If the engine's fucked how do you feel about a complete engine rebuild? If the answer isn't "that sounds like fun!" move along
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[SmokeMeAKippe...]