2nd hand bike

[TheShadow]

Hi,

I'm considering buying a 2nd hand bike, probably from a dealership like Honda Cayenne or similar.
Is there any advice anyone can provide on what to look out for? This is going to be my first bike and although I know lots about cars and what to check for, bikes are a new animal to me.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[g1xx3rb0y]

Check the basics like FSH, tyres, brake pads, chain, sprockets, shocks, headlight condition, lights etc working..... Then look at a new one if available and spot the difference in terms of fairings, pipes etc - if it had a spray job other custom stickers etc etc. Many guys dont like spray jobs if there was any damage on the scooters original panels.

Check the side panels and foot pegs for damage (scrapes, bent etc). Check for any oil leakage from the engine, And another important one is call backs - dunno what bike you getting, but research online for any callbacks on the specific bike. Lot of dealerships (skip/dont know) about the callbacks. If you look at the K7 1000 Suz - had 2 callbacks if i remember correctly...had to phone the dealer and tell them...no one phoned me, lol.
Start the bike - if the dealer REVs the bike cold like a mofo dont buy it hehe

Join a biking forum and maybe post pictures of the bike - the other guys online will most probably give other good advice.

Goodluck and be SAFE!

 

[TheShadow]

Thanks so much for the info.

I'm pretty much going into this blind so I won't risk a private buy.

 

[momo786]

Have a look at thinkbike.co.za. Awesome info on their forums for first time buyers