Buying my first bike soon, thinking about paying for an inspection first...

[GApump]

Hey guys,

I've been lurking on here for a bit reading all the stickies and whatnot, just signed up today. I'm taking my MSF next weekend so in the near future I'll be in the market for a bike. I've taken all the info I've seen on here into consideration and although I won't make my final decision until after my MSF course is complete I'm leaning toward either a Suzuki GS500 or a 500 Ninja. I feel that this will be a good size that will allow me to properly gain experience, but also a bike that I'll be able to keep for a few years.

Anyway, on to my question. I've been perusing various papers and internet sites pricing bikes for several months now. Being that I am a new rider the internet obviously gives me a great tool to research the market and what I should be expecting to pay. The thing I am worried about are the things that an inexperienced rider such as myself might not be able to see or catch and I'm thinking of trying to arrange something where I can have the bike professionally inspected beforehand. I'm sure a lot of folks would just say to take a friend who is more knowledgable, but I really don't know of anyone who is overly savvy when it comes to the mechanics of a bike. Obviously I'll be looking at the big things, but if I did decide to take it to a dealer or a shop how much should I expect to pay?

Thanks in advance.

GA

[Jim Moore]

Probably an hour of shop time. $75 or so. I might so it for a $5000 bike, but I'd probably just use common sense and take my chances on a $2000 bike.

[GApump]

Originally Posted by Jim Moore

Probably an hour of shop time. $75 or so. I might so it for a $5000 bike, but I'd probably just use common sense and take my chances on a $2000 bike.

Yeah, my budget is going to be around 2-3 1/2k, I've seen a lot of nice GS500's and Ninja 500's in that range so I think I'll be able to find something fairly easily. So I guess if it has all the service records I can check out the tires, chain, sprocket pretty easily, but I don't know about the other stuff really. Outside of just riding it, listening to it idle and the things I mentioned above.

[GoIllini]

Originally Posted by Jim Moore

Probably an hour of shop time. $75 or so. I might so it for a $5000 bike, but I'd probably just use common sense and take my chances on a $2000 bike.

Also, at this time of year, most dealers and bike mechanics are totally packed. If you decide to go this route, plan on waiting at least two weeks for an appointment.

[MIKe30]

Originally Posted by GApump

Yeah, my budget is going to be around 2-3 1/2k, I've seen a lot of nice GS500's and Ninja 500's in that range so I think I'll be able to find something fairly easily. So I guess if it has all the service records I can check out the tires, chain, sprocket pretty easily, but I don't know about the other stuff really. Outside of just riding it, listening to it idle and the things I mentioned above.

Here is some of the things I was told to look for when looking at a bike. I am by NO means an expert on bikes, but just throwing this out there and hopefully some of the vets will chime in.

Tell seller to make sure engine is cold when you get there... you want to hear it start when its cold. You can put your hand on the engine block itself to verify... it should be cold, not hot or even warm.

make sure there is no backfiring, or excessive smoke - at idle and on throttle.

just run your hands on the upper portion of the forks, make sure they're not leaking.

check the rubber. If it's a low mileage bike and the rubber is not original (look up what the original was online or ask a buddy), its probably an indicator that the previous owner beat up on the bike pretty good and ate through the tire.

check the chain - make sure its not rusty. sprokets shouldn't be worn.

check the brakes... buddy of mine showed me what brand new brakes looked like on his....they were about the same thickness as the rotor - don't know if that applies to all bikes or not.


umm, also if you're looking at a bike that was claimed to not be dropped or laid down... not only look at the fairings, but check the handle ends, the foot peg ends, mirrors, corner lights if they stick out for scratches/scuffs.

also, i've heard/read take a flashlight with you and check inside the tank - make sure its not rusty... dont know how necessary that is though.

lastly, weigh any of the problems you find. Use them to either help you walk away, or use them as a point of negotiation. Also, I do know this with buying/selling cars - never fall in love with a vehicle before you buy it. It usually leads to bad decisions and/or overlooked problems.


anyway, thats about all that comes to mind at the moment...thats the kind of stuff i looked for when shopping around. hopefully the more experienced will correct me and/or add to the list.

hope that helped.

-mike

[UberGoober]

^^^ That's a pretty good routine. Just so you know though, not all of those things are reasons to avoid buying a bike - they may give you some leverage your negotiations though.

[VermillionX]

I agree a rusty chain could be just lubed and cleaned. And a slight tip over is not a big deal. Also check for oil or other fluids leaking. They might not always be on the ground. So check around the heads.

[ajd187]

Find some way to lift the tires off the ground (center stand probably, jack if the bike doesn't have that) and jiggle them. This will let you know if the wheel bearings are still good.

Turn the wheel and listen for noises. If you hear any the steering head bearings may be going.

[GApump]

great info guys, very helpful. Do you guys think that I would be better off just using these techniques over actually taking it in to a garage to be looked at?

[ajd187]

Originally Posted by GApump

great info guys, very helpful. Do you guys think that I would be better off just using these techniques over actually taking it in to a garage to be looked at?

Yes. You'll save yourself some cash too.

[jimphunpants]

GApump:

I wouldn't worry about the inspection so much. You'll be able to get a good idea by looking at the mileage and physical condition of the bike. I know this isn't a way to see *critical* problems with a bike, but since you're not spending a lot of cash on it and it's going to be a learner bike, I say skip paying $60+ an hour to have someone to tell you need an oil change and new tires. Starting out in the world of sportbikes is very expensive. Put back more than enough money for proper gear. I feel gear is more important than the bike itself, imo.

If it looks like whoever you are looking to buy it from didn't/doesn't really know or give a shit about the bike, chances are it wasn't well maintained. Ask some history about it. When was the oil, plugs, etc last changed? How often did the person ride it? Has it been sitting for an extended period of time? Has it been down, dropped, crashed? IS THE TITLE CLEAN?

Take your time man. You want something affordable but you'll also want something reliable; after all, at 70 mph you're trusting your life with that thing you're siting on.