motovert24
Well-Known Member
Not sure if there already one of these but hopefully this will help some people with "does this bike look ok, is it worth buying" and lower the amount of threads asking the same questions.
when buying a new bike that's 2nd hand first thing you should do is ask the owner of the bikes history and if its had any rebuild or serious crashes.
Also if they have any receipts of the rebuild.
Afew major points to check out on the bike.
1.Frame- if the frame doesn't come up to your standard, you should walk away and look for another bike. theres always heaps more out there that sometimes can be better then the last bike. check the frame for any cracks, stress fractures or for any chips in the frame, mainly around the headstem. also make sure to check anything on the bottom of the frame that could get worse.
2. Air filter- if the air filter is dirty/dusty and brown its one dead giveaway the guy never knew how to look after the bike and it could be suffering.
3. Subframe- look directly behind the bike and try to line up the subframe with the rear fender in comparison to the rear wheel, if its bent its likely to have been flipped in a crash
if it looks like this.. then its been flipped and landed on the tail
4. Swingarm - Grab the rear wheel and rock it side to side and up and down and listen carefully for any knocking or grinding or anything other un natural sounds or any sloppy movement, if so it proberly needs either new linkage bearings or swingarm bearings.
5. Chain and sprockets - A quick and easy inspection and a good indication of how well the bike is looked after. if the chain is really loose or really tight or rusted, or the sprockets have worn teeth, it's a sign the current owner doesn't care for his bike as much as he should. to check if the chain and sprockets are worn pull the chain back on the sprocket is a way to tell if they are worn aswell.
6. Engine - start the motor and listen to how it's running. listen for any knocking noises or funny ping noises or if it feels boggy with reduced power. if you hear any of that it's proberly due for a rebuild which aren't always cheap.
7. wheels - spin the wheels while the bike is on a stand and check to see if it has a wobble or any flat spots, also give the spokes a good check over to see if any are seized or missing or loose. also check the tyres to see if there flat or worn out
8. overall check all the plastics seat bars suspention for any wear or cracks. if the bike seems to be in good condition and its at a reasonable price should be a great bike to buy. remember to also check if its stolen and check the pricing of the model of the bike on Research Motorbike
hope that helps some of you buying a new 2nd hand bike
when buying a new bike that's 2nd hand first thing you should do is ask the owner of the bikes history and if its had any rebuild or serious crashes.
Also if they have any receipts of the rebuild.
Afew major points to check out on the bike.
1.Frame- if the frame doesn't come up to your standard, you should walk away and look for another bike. theres always heaps more out there that sometimes can be better then the last bike. check the frame for any cracks, stress fractures or for any chips in the frame, mainly around the headstem. also make sure to check anything on the bottom of the frame that could get worse.
2. Air filter- if the air filter is dirty/dusty and brown its one dead giveaway the guy never knew how to look after the bike and it could be suffering.
3. Subframe- look directly behind the bike and try to line up the subframe with the rear fender in comparison to the rear wheel, if its bent its likely to have been flipped in a crash
if it looks like this.. then its been flipped and landed on the tail
4. Swingarm - Grab the rear wheel and rock it side to side and up and down and listen carefully for any knocking or grinding or anything other un natural sounds or any sloppy movement, if so it proberly needs either new linkage bearings or swingarm bearings.
5. Chain and sprockets - A quick and easy inspection and a good indication of how well the bike is looked after. if the chain is really loose or really tight or rusted, or the sprockets have worn teeth, it's a sign the current owner doesn't care for his bike as much as he should. to check if the chain and sprockets are worn pull the chain back on the sprocket is a way to tell if they are worn aswell.
6. Engine - start the motor and listen to how it's running. listen for any knocking noises or funny ping noises or if it feels boggy with reduced power. if you hear any of that it's proberly due for a rebuild which aren't always cheap.
7. wheels - spin the wheels while the bike is on a stand and check to see if it has a wobble or any flat spots, also give the spokes a good check over to see if any are seized or missing or loose. also check the tyres to see if there flat or worn out
8. overall check all the plastics seat bars suspention for any wear or cracks. if the bike seems to be in good condition and its at a reasonable price should be a great bike to buy. remember to also check if its stolen and check the pricing of the model of the bike on Research Motorbike
hope that helps some of you buying a new 2nd hand bike
Last edited by a moderator:
but yeah nice thread
