Buying at auction?

nikeeric86 · June 2nd, 2017, 07:31 AM

What are some visual things to look for when buying Salvaged bikes at auction? Looking at a Rc390 that looks like it had a minor low side - small rash to the fairings, slight bend at the handle bar, broken turn signal and mirror. Is there a quick trick to tell if the frame or forks are bent?

CC Cowboy · June 2nd, 2017, 07:36 AM

If you are not going to use it as a track bike, make sure you can register a salvage bike for the road.

nikeeric86 · June 2nd, 2017, 07:38 AM

Forgot to mention it will be a track bike.

jkv45 · June 2nd, 2017, 10:21 AM

Look for any signs of flaking paint of the frame around the welds. The RC's frame may be powder coated, in which case it would flex and not crack-away like paint does, so it may be hard to see any signs of stress.

It doesn't sound like it's too bad, but you could also bounce the forks to check for sticking. See if there is any misalignment of the handle bars to the front wheel when pointed straight. There may be some, but it could be an issue if it's significant.

June 2nd, 2017, 07:31 AM	#1
nikeeric86 ninjette.org member Name: eric Location: lompoc, ca Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 1992 fzr600 2010 ninja 250 2006 cbr600rr Posts: 71	Buying at auction? What are some visual things to look for when buying Salvaged bikes at auction? Looking at a Rc390 that looks like it had a minor low side - small rash to the fairings, slight bend at the handle bar, broken turn signal and mirror. Is there a quick trick to tell if the frame or forks are bent? __________________________________________________

June 2nd, 2017, 07:36 AM	#2
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	If you are not going to use it as a track bike, make sure you can register a salvage bike for the road. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

June 2nd, 2017, 07:38 AM	#3
nikeeric86 ninjette.org member Name: eric Location: lompoc, ca Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): 1992 fzr600 2010 ninja 250 2006 cbr600rr Posts: 71	Forgot to mention it will be a track bike. __________________________________________________

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
What to look for when buying used?	Madman44	General Motorcycling Discussion	16	July 30th, 2012 08:19 PM
New and Need help buying...	PistolPete93	New Members	10	July 7th, 2012 09:57 PM
Buying Used.	MotoED	General Motorcycling Discussion	2	September 1st, 2011 12:46 PM
buying a bike	misscupcake	General Motorcycling Discussion	21	May 15th, 2011 06:32 PM
So I might be buying a ZX-6R...	Xoulrath	General Motorcycling Discussion	7	April 4th, 2011 03:22 PM

June 2nd, 2017, 10:21 AM	#4
jkv45 Rev Limiter Name: Jay Location: WI Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 SV650n, '00 Derbi GPR, '64 CA77 Dream 305, '70 CL450 Scrambler, numerous dirt bikes Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jun '18, Oct '16	Look for any signs of flaking paint of the frame around the welds. The RC's frame may be powder coated, in which case it would flex and not crack-away like paint does, so it may be hard to see any signs of stress. It doesn't sound like it's too bad, but you could also bounce the forks to check for sticking. See if there is any misalignment of the handle bars to the front wheel when pointed straight. There may be some, but it could be an issue if it's significant.