Topic: tips on buying a used bike

[knottedknickers]

Not that it probably matters much for many here--when you want a certain kind of bike, you do what needs to be done to get it (AND get it running)--but I thought this guy had some good points to make when it comes to buying a used bike: http://www.thumpertalk.com/blog/7/entry-93-tips-on-buying-used-bikes/?utm_source=emailcampaign213&utm_medium=phplist&utm_content=htmlemail&utm_campaign=trail%20side%20disasters,%20used%20bike%20buyers%20guide. There are different tips for street bikes and dirt bikes. Just to let you know they guy is on the same page as many here, take a look at the 1975 Kawasaki H2 he restored: https://www.diymotofix.com/blog/from-rust-bucket-to-beauty-queen.

For what it's worth,

Paul

[faux fiddy]

Link to the h-2 doesn't work. Sometimes it's my server. Other link works, so maybe not.

[dave500]

my tip #1 is never believe what the seller is telling you!

[70CB750]

my tip #1 is never believe what the seller is telling you!

Yup!

[dhall57]

Proceed with caution when the seller gives you this favorite saying that all of us here have at one time or another heard:  It ran fine when it was parked

[Johnie]

Looking at a used bike can sometimes get you a bit excited and flustered. So I made a check list to follow to keep me on track. Feel free to add to the list below:

Honda CB750K questions:

When purchased –
Mileage –
Title – 
When was it run last –
Why selling –
Last oil change
Last filter change
Last plugs / points
Original parts –
Muffler rust or holes –
Gauge condition and working –
Chain age –
Sprocket age –
Carb work –
Sync –
Oil filter bolt condition -
Oil drain bolt condition -
Chrome condition –
Rims and spoke condition –
Dents / scratches –
Rust on bike -
Gas tank rust -
Any new gaskets –
Oil leaks –
Starter work –
Electricals work (blinkers, brake light, horn, lights)
Fork seals / leaks –
Ever dumped –
Headlight bucket cracked –
Fork ears bent –
Stator scratches -
Side cover condition / cracks and tabs in place -
Tire age and condition -
Battery –
Air cleaner -
Extra parts –
Wheel bearings –
Seat condition –
Steering head grease –
Brakes – front / back work –
Brakes ever replaced –
Brake fluid leaks –
Master cylinder rebuilt -
Compression test –
Any parts missing -
Tool kit –
Owners manual –
Service manual –
Parts manual –
Any work done by you I did not cover –

[vfourfreak]

Do your research first, so you know exactly what to look out for. And most importantly, know when to walk away.

Kev

[grcamna2]

Hi Johnie,
That's a great list to use as a guide for me or others to check when going to look at a prospective cycle purchase...or after the purchase.... The best deals I've found are Present Owners who might know only a few of those things but it's up to me to REALLY eye up the bike face to face and possibly get permission to "pull off a few parts just to inspect.." sometimes the seller will let me  I think most sellers where you can get a 'smokin' deal from tend to have just 'dumped' the bike in their own perspective but try to make it sound like they've cared for it  . I just hope that the OP takes a close inspection of the bike and the things you mentioned,maybe even carry that 'list' of items on a sheet of paper w/ him while he checks out a prospective cycle.I know that those things are things that'll cost him $ if they haven't been done right in the past.
The only other thing I would add to that list would be to get underneath the bike (flat on the ground  make sure to take about a 6' x 3' piece of rug,etc. w/ you)and inspect the lower frame/engine cases for crash damage or rust.

[grcamna2]

Do your research first, so you know exactly what to look out for. And most importantly, know when to walk away.

Kev

+10 ! There's always a good one you missed because you can't wait    ,only I've found for myself that sometimes I decide to 'Liberate' a cycle from a seller if I think I might enjoy working on & improving it,but that sure can get $ expensive in the long run         ... still it can be fun 

[knottedknickers]

Link to the h-2 doesn't work. Sometimes it's my server. Other link works, so maybe not.

Hmmm... The H2 link is working for me in Firefox. You could also try https://www.diymotofix.com/; the H2 blog entry is about 2/3 of the way down the page. Hope you can get there.

[Stev-o]

I take a little different approach when buying bikes, I look at pics and talk to the seller via phone, often the bikes are hundreds of miles away.  The bottom line is the bike is what it is, however the price can be negotiated.
If I only bought bikes within 3 hours of me, I would only have 1 bike. The 4 bikes in my garage have come from MN, SC, MI and MO.

I think I did ok with this one...



[didnt look like this when I got it]

Now to find an H2!  I found a nice one on CL in Florida....

[ekpent]

Two other things with a 750. Pull the sprocket cover off if possible to look for chain damage, present owner may not even be aware and feel or look under the tank to make sure frame tubes are still there and have not been cut. Don't even ask how I know to check   

[sangyo soichiro]

I think in the future I will avoid modified bikes, bikes where the PO was turning it into a cafe racer or some such.  Just seen too many jury-rigged things and don't feel like fixing things that were purposely messed up.  At least that's been my experience.

[grcamna2]

I take a little different approach when buying bikes, I look at pics and talk to the seller via phone, often the bikes are hundreds of miles away.  The bottom line is the bike is what it is, however the price can be negotiated.
If I only bought bikes within 3 hours of me, I would only have 1 bike. The 4 bikes in my garage have come from MN, SC, MI and MO.

I think I did ok with this one...



[didnt look like this when I got it]

Now to find an H2!  I found a nice one on CL in Florida....

Stev-o,are you turning that Z1 into a Time Capsule  ? She looks GOOD sitting there in the sun

[Stev-o]

I take a little different approach when buying bikes, I look at pics and talk to the seller via phone, often the bikes are hundreds of miles away.  The bottom line is the bike is what it is, however the price can be negotiated.
If I only bought bikes within 3 hours of me, I would only have 1 bike. The 4 bikes in my garage have come from MN, SC, MI and MO.

I think I did ok with this one...



[didnt look like this when I got it]

Now to find an H2!  I found a nice one on CL in Florida....

Stev-o,are you turning that Z1 into a Time Capsule  ? She looks GOOD sitting there in the sun

Thanks, but she ain't a a Time Capsule, more like a rocket ship!

[dave500]

or the tardis?

[Retro Rocket]

Buy with your head, not your heart...

[Stev-o]

Buy with your head, not your heart...

Ha!   Have you followed this advice, Mick?  I surely haven't...

[Retro Rocket]

Buy with your head, not your heart...

Ha!   Have you followed this advice, Mick?  I surely haven't...

Actually Steve, I've been doing this for some time, been lucky enough to have never bought a lemon. I'm usually the one that gets called up to go check out a vehicle that one of my family/friends wants to buy, did this again recently in New Zealand when my brother in law bought his new 1250 Suzuki bandit. Never been rich mate, being careful saves you money {OCD helps too }...

[Stev-o]

Buy with your head, not your heart...

Ha!   Have you followed this advice, Mick?  I surely haven't...

Actually Steve, I've been doing this for some time, been lucky enough to have never bought a lemon.

I've been lucky too.  I think it's a little different here since the bike prices are so much cheaper than Oz. 
Not much risk in buying a running CB for $700.   

[Retro Rocket]

Buy with your head, not your heart...

Ha!   Have you followed this advice, Mick?  I surely haven't...

Actually Steve, I've been doing this for some time, been lucky enough to have never bought a lemon.

I've been lucky too.  I think it's a little different here since the bike prices are so much cheaper than Oz. 
Not much risk in buying a running CB for $700.

You got that right....

[grcamna2]

I hate to turn down a good deal;if I had the $ I'd have a barn full