Viewing a bike, what checks?

[McfcChris94]

Can someone give me a little guide? Like i know to put my full weight on the front of the bike to check forks or oil, but what else?
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CBT Passed; 13/05/2012

Current; Honda CG 125

[J4mes]

check fluids - coolant, brake (both ends), oil

check pads for meat, discs for cracks

check chain for lube, adjustment and the sprockets for wear/hooking

check your lights, indicators, horn, kill switch.

rub finger around tops of forks to check for oil

check steering operates smoothly, headstock bearings aren't loose, no wires or cables get trapped.

check wheel bearings aren't loose if you can get it in the air

check calipers for leaks/ weeps.

Check tyre pressures if you can (guy I bought mine off claimed to look after it properly but front tyre was about 15PSi and rear 27)

These really are the basics, mostly weekly/monthly checks that I certainly make, as does my old man. I'd be concerned that if it failed on any of these things (unless declared beforehand) what other maintenance/repair work had been avoided or ignored.

Look for rot on the exhausts, panel damage, wheel damage (chunks and flat spots), tyre damage (cuts/eggs in sidewall)

when test riding, try and get though all the gears and all the revs (within reason, 6th at 11K RPM is gonna be hard) listen for noises, misfires, overheating, clunks, bangs, smells (clutch or brakes binding) any funny handling characteristics which could indicate worn suspension components if it's not the tyre pressures.

[map]

As above plus...

If this for buying check V5 present and the numbers for frame and engine match.

Check if last MOT (and any before) and use that to check mileage. Check if has service history (don't expect for older bikes) and any receipts for work done (although I don't always keep these myself).

Check if it's already warm (may indicate starting problems so seller has started it first). Check starts ok. Check if ignition key matches any other locks (if not ignition may be replaced so maybe stolen/recovered).

Ask direct questions, e.g. has it had an accident.

If a dealer sale see what they can throw in if not lowering the price (luggage, clothes, 1st service, etc.)


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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[Rogerborg]

I thought you bought a CG 2 weeks ago?

Post a link to the ad, we're not going to snipe it out from under you.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[McfcChris94]

[The Shaggy D.A.]

Let the seller do the talking. I looked at a bike at the weekend, and kept the conversation to just what I wanted to know - during a "too long" silence whilst I was looking at the front disc, he blurted that the MOT guy had said that the front bearings sounded rough, but it might just be the sticking caliper. He didn't have to tell me that as I hadn't directly asked him, and it's another string to the bow when knocking the price down.

Also, use your ears. If you know someone who has the same model bike that you know has been maintained well, have a listen to what the idle sounds like, and what revving it sounds like. Then when a seller says "they all sound like that", you're better informed. One man's "bag of spanners" is another man's "well oiled timepiece", and vice versa.
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Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[Rogerborg]

I'd be astonished if a decent 125 has been on sale at a reasonable price for the past 2 weeks without anyone buying it. I hope to be astonished, but it's a big ask.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[TheSmiler]

[vt6]

Similar points to what's already been said to be honest.

A hpi check before I get in the car, a good look over the panels to make sure they're matched, original, un marked etc. A check over fluids and consumables where possible, play in any items.

Start up from cold and just listen, I like my toys and different bikes so I've gone through a few, some of the ones I've viewed are blatently talking bollox. My view is don't give anyone the benefit of the doubt, check for yourself, if necessary ask for 10 mins with it just to check it over with peace and quiet.

I always remember going to see a GSXR, the chap claimed no mechanical knowledge, never tracked etc. The engine was ropey, the front end had a shed load of play in it and I couldn't figure out where from and a lot of items were lock wired. Upon opening his garage about 6 bikes in bits were stacked up. My verdict it had been thrashed and crashed and cobbled back together.

That said I've come across some of the most genuine people and had no problem's at all owning their bike. Luck of the draw I guess.