What to check when buying a second-hand bike.

VISUAL - ON STAND 

Plastics, tank, seat :- splits , repairs, tyre rub, seat foam deformed or hard.

Frame :- dents under frame rails, repairs, alignments, tightness of footpegs.

Pipe / silencer:- dents, leaks, repairs.

Engine / gear oil :- level, colour.

Radiators :- bent , repaired , evidence of leaks, coolant level / colour.

Controls :- light smooth action on cables, sponge in brakes,

Handlebars :- straight, tight, rubber into top yoke, grip ends, slack in levers.

Seals :- fork legs, rear shock, output shaft, gear shift, any oil leaks / repairs around sump plug.

General :- heavy spannering, replaced nuts / bolts, fuel tap, oil leaks.

Chainset :- wear, alignment.

MECHANICAL - ON STAND

Wheels :- dents/ repairs, spoke tension, spin to check rim, tyre, disc alignments, pad/disc wear.

Front end :- wheel bearings, fork bushes, headset- wear and roughness.

Rear end :- wheel bearings, swing arm bushes, slop in linkage.

Suspension :- do all adjusters move.

Seat off and check air filter for fit, holes and cleanness.

Gear shift lever / kickstart tight on shafts.

OFF STAND

Feel suspension, ride position.

START AND RUN ENGINE

Compression, ease of start.

Noise :- tick over, clutch in/out, rev up, exhaust note.

Electrics :- On /off/kill, lights Hi/ low, brake light switches, indicators, horn, neutral light.

Can you get neutral with engine running.

TAKE FOR A RIDE

Does speedo work /odometer move.

All gears up and down and smoothness of change.

Try for clutch slip, test brakes, suspension.

Flat spots , hot restart.

PAPERWORK

Proof of ownership, MOT cert, Tax disc, V5, previous owners.

proof of year, work done receipts, handbook.

DECISION

Yes:- cash, receipt, means of transport.

No :- justify

Maybe :- names and phone numbers, set time for yes or no.

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