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Checklist for Buying Second-hand

How many previous owners are there and what did they use the motorcycle
for?
The overall condition of the motorcycle - a clean machine would suggest
its been maintained.
Does the mileage reflect the condition? well-worn footrests and grips
on a motorbike with 10,000 Kms is suspect
Does it have a service history? If so, is there a record of it and
was it carried out by an authorised dealer?
Did the owner buy the motorbike from a shop or privately?
Tyres - check for wear and damage a new set can be expensive
Chain and sprockets - check wear, damage (if any), tension and if it's
oiled
Worn brake pads? Scored brake discs will be expensive to replace
Brakes work and aren't spongy
Oil leaks both from the engine and fork seals and rear shock absorber
Check oil and water levels - if they are low it would suggest the owner
might have neglected them
Damage - dents, scratches or broken lenses
Cables - throttle moves freely and the clutch is smooth
Has it been re-sprayed? If so, was it crashed?
Was it used on track days? Check underneath footrests for wear
Is there excessive smoke from exhaust even when the motorcycle has
warmed up?
Any sounds from the engine, rattles or anything unusual - then walk
away
Wheel bearings and headstock bearings - rock the rear wheel from left
to right check for looseness also move handlebars from side to side
Is the clutch slipping? Only riding the bike can tell you this put
it into a high gear at low speed and pull the throttle quickly to see
if rev's rise excessivley
Rust - Was it garaged or left outside?
Ignition damage - Was it ever stolen?
Electrics - Are the horn, lights, indicators and brake lights working?
Do the switches move freely?
Are there mirrors on it?
Check that the chassis and frame numbers haven't been tampered with
and that they correspond to the registration document.
No second-hand motorcycle will be perfect so any faults with the bike
should be highlighted.This will affect the overall selling price. Never
buy the first motorbike you see be prepared to walk away. Always ask if
there are any extras but never accept a used crash helmet - not only could
the previous owner have head lice but it may also have damage which is
not visible; this will reduce the level of protection it provides in the
event of an accident. If you are calling a private number always start
the conversation with 'I am calling about the bike' if the reply is 'which
one?' then hang-up as this would suggest it is a dealer posing as a private
seller.