What to check when buying a second-hand bike.
VISUAL - ON STAND
Plastics, tank, seat :- splits , repairs, tyre rub, seat foam deformed or hard.
Frame :- dents under frame rails, repairs, alignments, tightness of footpegs.
Pipe / silencer:- dents, leaks, repairs.
Engine / gear oil :- level, colour.
Radiators :- bent , repaired , evidence of leaks, coolant level / colour.
Controls :- light smooth action on cables, sponge in brakes,
Handlebars :- straight, tight, rubber into top yoke, grip ends, slack in levers.
Seals :- fork legs, rear shock, output shaft, gear shift, any oil leaks / repairs around sump plug.
General :- heavy spannering, replaced nuts / bolts, fuel tap, oil leaks.
Chainset :- wear, alignment.
MECHANICAL - ON STAND
Wheels :- dents/ repairs, spoke tension, spin to check rim, tyre, disc alignments, pad/disc wear.
Front end :- wheel bearings, fork bushes, headset- wear and roughness.
Rear end :- wheel bearings, swing arm bushes, slop in linkage.
Suspension :- do all adjusters move.
Seat off and check air filter for fit, holes and cleanness.
Gear shift lever / kickstart tight on shafts.
OFF STAND
Feel suspension, ride position.
START AND RUN ENGINE
Compression, ease of start.
Noise :- tick over, clutch in/out, rev up, exhaust note.
Electrics :- On /off/kill, lights Hi/ low, brake light switches, indicators, horn, neutral light.
Can you get neutral with engine running.
TAKE FOR A RIDE
Does speedo work /odometer move.
All gears up and down and smoothness of change.
Try for clutch slip, test brakes, suspension.
Flat spots , hot restart.
PAPERWORK
Proof of ownership, MOT cert, Tax disc, V5, previous owners.
proof of year, work done receipts, handbook.
DECISION
Yes:- cash, receipt, means of transport.
No :- justify
Maybe :- names and phone numbers, set time for yes or no.
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