What to look for when buying used

[obiwan]

Hello BCF! I'm sure there are many of these threads already going around the New Bikers page, But I can't find any and really need some help, so I don't end up with a piece of junk.

I passed my cbt last week and have saved and saved so I can finally buy a bike, I am deciding between a Honda cbr or Honda xr or possibly a ybr (all 125)

I have some knowledge of what to look for, eg scuffs on fairings/indicators imply it has been dropped, but I want to know more on what I should look for on a used bike and how to look for it, eg oil, what colour should it be? How do I check the brakes? There must be so many things to check, Sorry for the long post! Thanks for any help you can offer

[J.M.]

Not great in this department, so hopefully someone better than me will post.

Before you hand over any cash to the guy make sure to do your HPI check on the bike.. do that after you're happy that it's the bike you want just to make sure.

As for things to check: Yes check the fairings and for body damage, but in all honest it's a 125, many 125s have been dropped or have had their riders fall off - so consequently you're probably not going to find one (cheaply) that's in mint condition.

I'd say that your most important thing to do is take the bike on a test ride and see how it feels - check the brakes that way (could also do an e-stop). You'll also be testing the starter motor/kick start this way. If you can take someone with you who's experienced with bikes then do that too
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[obiwan]

Cheers Jordan, I forgot about HPI checks, and I'm sure whatever I end up getting will have a few scrapes and bruises. I care more about whether it is going to run once I get home, than how much paint is left on it

[Quornholio]

Check play and condition of chain and sprockets. It can give an idea as to how well the bike has been maintained.

[obiwan]

[Quornholio]

Lift the chain in the middle of the bottom run, see how much play there is. Also, see if the chain is loose enough to pull back off the rear sprocket.

[mcfcbiker]

HPI checks will tell if the bike has ever been written off or stolen, if there is finance still owed on the vehicle etc but I read there are some simple checks we can do when looking at a used bike.

Tyre tread and any damage to the tyre wall.
Check for any oil leaks or fluids from any of the hoses.
Check for any damaged cables (brake and clutch).
When the engine is running make sure the bike isnt spewing out white smoke
Holes in the exhaust can or down pipe.
You already mentioned checking for damage but then there is the lights, instruments (electrics)
And if you are serious about buying it, get a test ride to check the brakes and clutch, gears etc, although most people will want money up front before you test ride there bike
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Current Bike = 2011 Triumph Street Triple R
Previous Bikes = Yamaha YBR 125, Honda CBF 125, SYM XS 125K

[Quornholio]

[obiwan]

how much slack should there be in a chain when I test it, should it be tight and give only a couple of cm? Orrr...

[Quornholio]

I don't know off the top of my head, and I've never owned one, but I would imagine about 15-20mm? Google for it.

[J.M.]

[passifid]

just sayin. YBR125, CG125, CBF125 are MUCH cheaper to insure then the CBR, XT, XR. it is probably worth getting one of the first if you can get a couple of hundred less insurance

[Nope.]

Just to add in to the above points:

1) Check that the bikes straight! Look down the line of the bike and see if it looks straight or if its slightly off to one side. It should be straight.

2) Make sure the engine is cold when you get there. If its hot ask the seller why and ask to come back later that day so you can start it yourself from cold. You'd be surprised how many problems a hot engine can mask.
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Former: Derbi GP1 50, Sachs XTC 125, Suzuki GSXR 400 GK73A, Kawasaki ZX7R, Suzuki DR250, Yamaha RD350
Current: 2011 Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré, 2003 Yamaha YZR-R1 5PW (In Build), 2009 Kawasaki ZZR1400

[Microcut]

I'm going for a slightly differenttake on this....
Biggest thing i look at when buying second hand is the seller. Motorcyclists make up a minoirty and you'd like to think that no one in their right mind would be low enough to sell on a dud...but ofc it happens.

If you get a bad feeling about the seller, i.e. an eagerness to transfer cash quickly, giving excuses and simply shrugging off questions by telling you how 'you're not going to fin any thing cheaper'. then walk away. A good seller will have all the service history, manuals, spare keys, extras of the bike etc laid out.fact. They should have the bike in a presentable condition and do not go there if it's an outdoor affair and it happens to be dark. If it rains, change the date...who wants to be rushed into a sale based on how wet you are.

Don't just read off a load of questions without understanding the question to begin with. Therefore, look at what the lads have suggested and go and swat up a little. Be a bit bashful and tell the seller you've got a list, that way he or she will know they really need to clarify the condition of the bike to justify its amount.

But remember, you're the one holding the money and if they cant 'sell' the bike then say thank you and walk away.

[Bomberman]