What to look for when buying a used motorcycle!

What to look for when buying a second hand motorcycle!
Here I will show you what i would check when looking to buy a second hand motorcycle.

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----------------Bikes----------------

Suzuki DRZ400SM 2008 AKA "Derek"

440 cc Big bore kit
FMF Powerbomb header
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Yamaha XJ6 S Diversion 2010 AKA "DIVI"


Both Bought from Haslemere Motorcycles

[Sickofit]

I was always told if you can't test ride it .. stand it on the centre stand or paddock stand if available and run it up and down through the gears with the back wheel off the floor.

[Zajcwpl]

don't go alone, I would be robbed once if I did, bastards tried anyway but 2on2 they had no chance.

[ignition]

Very helpful indeed! When I bought my first bike, we took it to the garage for a service the day after purchase and there was tons of work that needed doing... Should always have someone with you that knows what to look for!

[TomBartram-bc]

If there's no's history because "I do it all myself" ask how you get at the air filter. Then watch the Bull shitter who hasn't a clue!! Above all, walk away if the fork chrome is pitted because the seals will just keep popping and that's an expensive job!! Great review, thanks.

[dory]

Great tips…. Another good one is look down the front forks, good way of knowing if it’s hit anything..

[ethanhughes]

That bike is beautiful. I'm About to do my CBT so I'm looking at buying my first bike and this video has really helped 👍🏻

[elliotbrown]

if cold remove the radiator cap to make sure no oil is in the water (looks like milkshake) possible head gasket

[WightRockRider]

With the large number of bike thefts in the region at the moment its a good idea to make sure their are 2 sets of keys with the manufacturers name or logo on both of them (genuine keys).

[ignition]

Its also worth checking the tyre valves/ dust caps.... It turns out that on my first bike, they were melted/ welded onto the rubber -.- Meaning that I had to get new tyres...

[dave-rnzd]

the two tips i would give.
1. if there is a owners forum look on there most known problems your find.
2. if you know your mot inspector ask them they see the good & bad of all bikes.

[Jonesykins]

One thing I forgot to do when I viewed my "new" bike...

View it in BRIGHT light, outside.
It was late evening when I went to look at it, so we did it indoors (Private trader warehouse). Artificial lighting does not do it any justice.

Got the bike home, discovered marks that looked like the bike had scraped something at some point, not dropped, but something caught the side of it.
Someone made a half arsed attempt at covering it up by painting over the scrape then putting a sticker over it.

Not easily noticeable, but easy to spot if you are really looking for it...

But hey, what can ya do?
Plan on getting it resprayed at some point anyway.

[TrooperR]

Things I learned after buying my first bike (the hard way) are make sure the brakes are both working smoothly and not sticking, levers moving and returning smoothly, and all electrics working as they should be. If I'm looking at much older bikes I check to make sure they're not burning oil and blowing blue smoke out the exhaust

[ANGRYPRTE]

Long time lurker, loving these recent videos, especially the how to vids. Keep up the great content :)

[ChristopherWares]

If you arrange to meet someone make sure it's at their home, if it's a roadside or car park then don't even turn up. Good one Spicy on doing a dvla check, was that before you even turned up to look at the bike? Ask for the reg via message or phone them? Also just thought, when ringing someone up, if it is meant to be a private sale then say that you're ringing up re the bike they have for sale, if they ask which bike then it's not a private seller.

[GG-rheo]

My fist bike on the road was a proper lemon.

See/feel if the handlebars line up with the front wheel, this could be a sign that the bike has been dropped or crashed.
If the bike has a metal fuel tank take a look inside with a flashlight too see if there is any rust forming inside the tank.
Feel for loose wheel spokes if it has that type of wheels.

[AmamMcMam]

One of the things I was told is if you have a rag, just dip it in the exhaust, ideally when it's not in operation otherwise ouch, and just see whats there. If its a bit black it's relatively fine, but if it's blue or anything, don't buy it. The engine's gone and especially if you're going for something cheap it isn't worth the expenses.

[TheDiabeticBiker]

I know you were saying Spicy about the rear wheel being straight, one thing to remember folks if it's a shaft drive bike the rear wheel will be off set.

[FaithPixel]

If you havnt done already could you make a video on general care for your bike? For plebs like me that don't know enough but dont want their bike to get damaged.

[danceswithtraffic]

If you're new, buy from a dealer with a warranty.. likely cheaper in the long run

[paulwuk]

check the dates on tyres, there on the tyre...all be it small, tyres go hard after time!