What To Check When Buying A Used Bike?

[beta bodger]

I may be changing mine for a sherco and was wondering what i should check?

Thanks all

[chris]

Suspension, play in the swingarm, scratches on the stanchions, leaky seals.

Wheels, play in bearings, rusty/loose spokes, tyre condition, rims for dints and general trueness of the wheel.

Brakes, pads or lack of them, look for bent discs and check they actually work.

Chain and sprockets, check for wear and also check for worn out rubber slider blocks on the tensioner and on the swingarm.

Frame, check for dints, scratches and any cracks, if it's been used on rocks a lot check the sump plate and brackets near the footpegs for bending.

Engine, check the air filter if it's mucky it probably doesn't get cleaned and oil frequently so may have cause damage to the engine, check for noises while it's running, ride the bike make sure all the gears can be selected and the clutch works i.e no dragging or slipping when warm. If you want to be fastidious you could ask the owner if you can remove the exhaust header pipe so you can have a look at the condition of the piston and barrel.

Exhaust, look for dints and scratches in the pipe, is it very loud it may be bunged up with oily carbon deposits.

Hope that helps

Chris

[beta bodger]

Thanks Chris I bear those tips in mind