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Guide to buying a used motorcycle.


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Posted (edited)

Deleted by OP.

Edited by Anonymous
Posted

Great thread! :D


The only additions I can think of is keeping track of service history and previous MOT's.


Checking the servicing is key to make sure the bike has had the right work done on it at the right time or within reason. Do they all tell the tale of a bike being generally used? Are there any odd features in the history? Do the MOT certificates show the bike doing the right sort of mileage for the wear and tear it should have gone through?


Does the mileage add up?


Are all new parts accounted for with reciepts?


With 2-strokes the condition of how well it will run the course is when the engine was last rebuilt and there are no problems with the electrics. The more recent the rebuild the better.

  • 3 months later...
  • 3 months later...
Posted

I can suggest the addition of: Check the steering head bearings and wheel bearings too.


Head bearings check:

Pop the bike on its centre stand (assuming it has one - if it doesn't have one you need paddock stands or will just have to skip it).

Get someone to put their weight down on the back, which will lift the front wheel slightly off the ground. Ensure that they keep their weight on it, otherwise it'll be very difficult to feel any play!

Turn the wheel from side to side slowly (do it a few times to be sure) - if your head bearings are done then then you'll feel a small notch in the middle (most travelled bit) - almost like it's slipping into a comfty spot (in actuality it's a groove worn into place by constant rubbing). It could also feel notchy on the turn. If either of these are the case, they need attention (and are probably MOT fail, unless the MOT is hooky :? )

Obviously ideal/good is when it moves smoothly through the entire travel.

This is up to a couple of hours labour, and up to £70 for a set of brand new official Honda head bearings (you can get cheaper ones elsewhere, but i don't know if they'll last as well or not).


Not sure exactly how to describe the wheel bearings check in a way that's going to be easy for a newbie to do...

  • 2 months later...
  • 4 months later...
Posted

Thanks for that, very informative :cheers:

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