Quote:
Originally Posted by 1Sportscargrl
I’ve been looking for a bike for WHILE. I really don’t want to spend a lot on something new because it’s going to get dropped and scratched. However, I’m also wary of buying used because, as a novice and as someone with NO knowledge about bikes, I could end up buying something that needs a lot of work is potentially unsafe. I don’t know anybody who can help me and I have tried desperately to find someone I could pay, if necessary, to look at something for me but no takers.
|
Hi, what you're looking for is PPI - Pre-Purchase Inspection, which is a service many motorcycle-repair shops offer. Here's what I usually do if I'm not familiar with a certain bike or car model:
1. Go to Yelp.com and entre "motorcycle shop" in city between you and seller.
2. Look for shops with good ratings and
read the actual reviews (sort most recent). Look for character issues like honesty and customer-service. For example, in Cherry Hill area, I found this shop may be worth going to.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/keystone-st...t_by=date_desc
3. Call up shop and ask if they can do PPI for you and how much? usually $30-50 to inspect:
- condition of tyres
- wheel-bearings
- brakes: rotor, pads, fluid-condition
- suspension: fork-leaking? Loose bolts, firm-damping. Alignment - bike tracks straight.
- all lights, turn-signals, brake-lights work
- engine-condition, good mechanic can hear if valves need adjusting. This is most expensive repair right-away if valves need adjusting.
4. Arrange for seller to meet you at shop to have it inspected. If they have complete service-records going back 10+years, that's bonus showing bike is in good condition. Have them bring records and shop can use that with their inspection and do it quicker, saving you some money.
Another possibility is shout-out here. Can anyone in S. Jersey help Elle check out some bikes? ta