What to check for when buying used?

[Paulgello]

Alright guys, I'm going to pick up a used 300 on Sunday and I need some help. My first bike purchase, an 07' 250 I had a friend come along and give it the once over to make sure I wasn't buying a death trap. He isn't available this weekend so I'm hoping you guys could offer me some tips and ideas on what to check on once I get there. Oil color, chain tension/condition, fluid levels, leaking/twisted forks, etc are all things I've read about but don't necessarily have knowledge on checking for.

Thanks in advance guys!

[cadd]

Test ride. If you've been riding for more than a few months, if something feels off, you'll notice it right away.

Ask for maintenance records. If he/she did the maintenance himself, ask for receipts for oil, filter, air filter, brake fluid, chain cleaner, chain lube, etc.

I personally don't have receipts. But I do take pics each time I do an oil change or some other maintained.

Also, my garage is full of chain lube, motor oil (moto type), extra filters, etc. So if you see his garage and he has absolutely no tools and he claims he did all the maintenance, start firing friendly questions. Ask basic stuff like "how many quarts did you have to buy for your last oil change" or how did you measure chain slack. Or "did you turn those adjuster nuts clockwise or counterclockwise to tighten the chain".

If you're worried about a dropped bike, check mirrors, bar ends and peg feelers for rough patches. Those usually hit first on drops.

[Flying]

Originally Posted by cadd

Also, my garage is full of chain lube, motor oil (moto type), extra filters, etc. So if you see his garage and he has absolutely no tools and he claims he did all the maintenance, start firing friendly questions. Ask basic stuff like "how many quarts did you have to buy for your last oil change" or how did you measure chain slack. Or "did you turn those adjuster nuts clockwise or counterclockwise to tighten the chain".

I do my own maintenance and I don't remember any of those details.

[adouglas]

me neither.

But an organized workspace and good tools -- yeah, a very good indication of proper maintenance. Factory maintenance manual on the shelf? Perhaps the best indication of all.

Also, people who maintain their bikes keep 'em reasonably clean and tidy. If the thing looks like it's been rode hard and put away wet, as the saying goes, then it probably has.

If it feels funky, it is funky.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by cadd

"did you turn those adjuster nuts clockwise or counterclockwise to tighten the chain".

That one isn't a fair question. I have no idea which way to go. I have to think it through every time. I don't have tiny little details like that commited to memory!

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by Paulgello

.......... My first bike purchase, an 07' 250 I had a friend come along and give it the once over to make sure I wasn't buying a death trap. He isn't available this weekend..........

Wait until the next weekend

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=64673

[dcj13]

How does it look?
Does it idle nicely?
How does it ride?
Does it ride smoothly (no flat spots in accelerating)?
Do all the instruments and lights work?
Do the brakes work nicely?
Are the rotors in nice shape?
Is there meat on the brake pads?
Is the brake fluid nice and clear (or ever-so-slightly pale yellow?
When coasting, let go of the handlebars: does it go straight?
Any funny wobbles?
Any oil leaks?
Can you smell antifreeze? (not a good thing).
Any dents or dings?
How are the wheels?
How are the tires? (a negotiating point)

[cadd]

Fair enough guys. Perhaps those are all too detailed questions. But even if he can't remember.....he may say something like "hmmm, I'm not sure, but let's take a quick look at the rear adjustors and see which way it should go" or "let me take a look at the owner's manual to see how many quarts is required" and if he takes out the owners manual and it has some dirty marks with oil and finger prints, you know he's telling the truth.

But I agree with adouglas, if he has a nice tool chest....chances are, he did the wrenching.