 What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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OP
Adjunct
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I have never purchased a used bike. However, a friend of mine is. What should he be looking for in a used bike?
From what I can gather from him, he is likely looking at a 2002-2005 japanese bike.
Ceuls
'07 SM - Ellipse Mirrors, Progressive 412's, Freak, Bub Exhaust, AI Removed, Summer Screen, Low-Pro Saddle
Happy Trails!
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Looks like he may be off on the wrong foot to begin with, he should be looking at a 2002-2005 British bike.  But really, service history record, any signs of being wrecked (or dropped), mileage are the things I can think of off the top of my head. Soren
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Like Soren says service history is worth having, and you should be able to haggle over Chain and sprockets. (If fitted). Tyres. Wheel bearings. Head bearings. ( Particulary if a wheely prone bike  ) Swing arm bearings. Any rattles or smoke from engine. Brake discs for wear and calipers not sticking. Bodywork. I would not be interested in anything that has been messed about with regarding air filters, jets etc, best to start with the standard set up, especialy if you are starting out. and of course that all the paperwork matches up. Good luck.
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Mar 2007
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Mar 2007
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Different bikes bring their own different problems. What kinda bike is he looking at? A sports bike? Cruiser? Tourer? 250 2-stroke race-rep.? The more you (he?) can tell us, the better. And what kinda friend are you that you'll let him even consider Japanese?!!! 
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
Like Soren says service history is worth having, and you should be able to haggle over
Chain and sprockets. (If fitted).
Tyres.
Wheel bearings.
Head bearings. ( Particulary if a wheely prone bike )
Swing arm bearings.
Any rattles or smoke from engine.
Brake discs for wear and calipers not sticking.
Bodywork.
I would not be interested in anything that has been messed about with regarding air filters, jets etc, best to start with the standard set up, especialy if you are starting out.
and of course that all the paperwork matches up.
Good luck.
+1 and I'd add rust and pull the plugs for a look-see. He also wants them to start it cold for him so he can see that tell-tale puff of smoke that a warm bike won't issue. My last four bikes have come to me used, some minor issues but in general they've all been good.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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Unless he is getting a cruiser I always advise against used sport bikes. You have no idea how long they spent on 1 wheel and being over revved. A used sport bike with 10k miles may have the equivalent of 50k in aggressive riding but still look good. They are not cheap to fix by any stretch of the imagination.
Jap cruisers: If it is not smoking and overheating just look at tires, cables, general condition. They run forever, just shop price and style. Most Japan Inc. bikes get their cosmetics abused and the chrome bits seem to fail in the appearance department. In short, the bike falls apart around the motor that never seems to quit, and just starts to look old and worn out.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 820
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2007
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Just be a good friend and tell 'im to get a TBA or SM 
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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$6000 seems a bit high for a four year old bike. Or am i confusing Canadian dollars with US dollars.
Take a long piece of string, fold the string in half and then tie it to the back wheel so that both ends can reach around to the front axle. Now you can check to see if both wheels are in line. This will let you know if the frame is straight.
Check the clutch and brake handle for road rash, also turn signals lights and the foot pegs and handle bars ends. Most people replace the exhaust pipes as soon as they have a spill but forget to change everything else.
Probably find a Triumph for the same or less dollars.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Adjunct
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OP
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I know, I know, Triumph is what he should have. I have beat that fact into him but they just don't fit him very well. Secondly, there are not many used ones for sale in our area. To be honest, thats okay, I would prefer to be the only one in my group with a Triumph.
I thought that was a little high for a bike, but comparably speaking to US prices CDN still seems to be higher.
I will have to check for body damange, forward controls were upgraded as well.
'07 SM - Ellipse Mirrors, Progressive 412's, Freak, Bub Exhaust, AI Removed, Summer Screen, Low-Pro Saddle
Happy Trails!
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jun 2005
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Quote:
From what I can gather from him, he is likely looking at a 2002-2005 japanese bike.
Check for carbonized rice husks in the exhaust. This is a sign on Japanese bikes that the owner has been using cheap fuel. 
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
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Quote:
2004 Suzuki Marauder
Kelly Blue Book puts the value at $3975 here in the lower 48. The seller is adding the cost of his accessories to the asking price, you should immediately cut that by two-thirds. The ad does say OBO so if it's clean let the negotiations commence.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284 |
Quote:
Quote:
From what I can gather from him, he is likely looking at a 2002-2005 japanese bike.
Check for carbonized rice husks in the exhaust. This is a sign on Japanese bikes that the owner has been using cheap fuel.
+1
Strangler
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
He wants me to come with him to see this bike tonight. 2004 Suzuki Marauder.....here is the ad.
http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-2004-Suzuki-Marauder-VZ-800-W0QQAdIdZ39290788
Ceuls
I agree with the other poster that said this bike is priced high. My buddy bought one of these for less than $3k, although it was a 2002 I believe, it was low miles and in perfect condition. I suspect pricing in Canada is different, but wanted to give you my thoughts as well....
Last edited by Radiator; 02/27/2008 1:17 PM.
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 Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Two words, Garage Queen. My 03 Speedy was 3 years old, had 2 previous owners, and had only 1800 miles! 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,226 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,226 Likes: 62 |
Price is too high in my opinion, plus friends don't let friends ride rice.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: What to look for in a used bike?
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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That seems awfully high... On cruisers, you ignore all the added "bling" Folks want them as close to stock as possible. On a touring or sport touring bike, you can add it in... and negotiate. If the cost of all the chrome was counted, used Harleys would be selling for way over list price. Heck, I'll sell him my 2003 Harley... Only $11500. OTD cost was $21000. Don't ask how much I've spent on "stuff"!  The luggage doesn't go with it. Only the saddlebags and shield... Mary 
Krashdagon aka Snappy
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