Hello from a new member and a question about buying used.

[otisxmike]

Hello from a new member and a question about buying used.

I'm getting ready to do the MSF class sometime in the near future and then I'm planning on looking for a used gs500.  I've never ridden and know next to nothing nothing about motorcycles.  I know that "test drives" are rare when you're checking out a used bike, and I have no idea of everything to look for when buying.  I've seen lists of what to look for when inspecting it... but not knowing anything about bikes I doubt that list would even do me much good.

When buying your first bike... how can you know that the bike you are buying is in good condition and safe, especially if you don't get a test ride?

Thanks,
Mike

[The Buddha]

Have the PO ride it first with you walking along or drinving along in a car. Then usually you can get them to let you ride it if you pay for it with the condition that you dont like it cash comes back, you drop it, they keep the $$ and you keep the bike. BTW you can argue the $$ and then pay and then test ride it.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Villager]

There are things you can usefully check without knowing much about bikes:

- Are the tyres and chain in good condition? You want plenty of tread on the tyres and a clean chain. Plan on paying for new ones if not. This needn't stop you buying the bike, but does affect it's value. Use poor chain/tyres as bargaining points.
- Check that all lights work correctly. If not, you will probably only have to pay for new ones - but there *could* be something more serious.
- Is there any surface damage to the sides of the engine (the part that sticks out)? This would be evidence of the bike having had some kind of crash. It might still work fine, but I'd walk away just in case.
- A healthy bike will normally start and run first time from cold. Check that the engine hasn't been pre-warmed by putting your hand NEAR not ON it, and start it up. If it struggles to start, or runs erratically when it does, I, personally, would walk away.
- Ask about service history. I wouldn't buy a bike that didn't have at least some, or strong evidence of owner-servicing.

None of these things are deal breakers. You could use any or all of them to negotiate a lower price, and attend to the issues yourself. Personally, I'd rather buy a bike in good condition and go from there. You can still get a good bike, even a bargain, that has a few minor issues (especialy if you're willing to get your hands dirty and DIY), but if there are lots then it indicates that the owner hasn't taken particularly good care of it. There are lots of well-maintained bikes out there, you're paying good money, be picky.

If the owner is insured to do so, he could take you for a ride as a passenger.

Good luck finding what you want.

[frankieG]

if you can have a friend that is motorcycle savvy to tag along with you.   welcome to the board and you are doing the right thing by asking questions first.  i hope we can be of some help to you.

Frankie

[Villager]

Oh, one other thing - I would only look at bikes that have at least 6 months, preferably more, of their MOT to run (what's the U.S. equivalent?). I'm not sure what checks are done when it has this, I'm sure others here will know, but the more recently this was done the better.

[frankieG]

good point...what is your budget?

Oh, one other thing - I would only look at bikes that have at least 6 months, preferably more, of their MOT to run (what's the U.S. equivalent?). I'm not sure what checks are done when it has this, I'm sure others here will know, but the more recently this was done the better.

[pbureau69]

MOT in england is a road tax based on size /age of vehicle isnt it ?

We dont really have a "equivalent" per say, but in Texas state we have registration and inspection tags (which comes out approximatly to the same as the MOT.)

Things to check, if the engine is hot/warm awhen shown, someone is hiding something (unless he drove 50+ miles to meet you somwhere to view the bike)...

Run it listen to the exhaust, popping sound means its running lean, ask if ther were modifications to the Air filter or look for a non-OEM exhaust on it, running an engine for an extended time on a "lean" mix can be hiding problems on the carburators.

Sit on bike, grab handlebar, they should feel "even" as in one arm doesnt feel more forward or backwards to the other one, this could indicate "dropping bike" at one point (possible handlebars are bent)

stand to the side of the front wheel looking from top triple tree to wheel axle, the line draw should be a straight line (if it is bent inwards, this could indicate bad forks in the front - ie: accident patched up not fixed)

picture below shows what I mean by the line of known bad forks (how I bought the bike from a girl that planted herself ino something) if you look at the forks you can see a bend/slight bend/dimple on the fork, this also is another indicator something is going on .... (notice the plastic damage is a dead giveaway of "frontal damage on an F model")



Same idea when you stand behind the bike and have it standing on center stand placing front wheel straight ahead, you can draw an imaginary line and visualize if the body looks uneven (more of body showing on one side of imaginary line) this would indicate issue with sub frame being bent..

Looking at each side of the bike you will notice the usual "S" from Suzuki on the engine round ends, if that area has scrappings, again can indicate an accident in the pass, superficial scrapes are nothign to worry about, while your looking at that look at the engine for "oil leaks"

Mileage on these bike is not a big thing.. mine is an 05 and I have 26,000 miles on it...

This is all I can think about that other have not inputted so far.

You could take numerous digital picture of possible bike your inetrested, and post them here and we can take a close look at it for obvious issues. (if you dont know how to post email me the pictures Ill put them up)

[Villager]

MOT in england is a road tax based on size /age of vehicle isnt it ?

No, it's the annual road-worthiness inspection. Our road tax is commonly known as "road tax" 

[Jay_wolf]

A new bike or car wont need one for 3 years , then every year after that , u cant tax a bike with out mot and Insuance , and if u drive with out tax , they keep ur bike unless u pay like 300 pounds , otherwise u sign ownership away , and they keep it to sell or Crush

[pbureau69]

MOT in england is a road tax based on size /age of vehicle isnt it ?

No, it's the annual road-worthiness inspection. Our road tax is commonly known as "road tax" 

be nice.... so its the same as our yearly inspection .. which are a joke... lights, horn flasher, tires... brakes... 5 mins 19.99$

A new bike or car wont need one for 3 years , then every year after that , u cant tax a bike with out mot and Insuance , and if u drive with out tax , they keep ur bike unless u pay like 300 pounds , otherwise u sign ownership away , and they keep it to sell or Crush

yeah if we failed we just go back home and fix what we need and try again... (having this issue with a stupid vaccum  leak on my jeep throwing codes..).. inspection due on 12/7... here we are 4/8 still trying to get it to pass inspection, and I drive lately every day with it.
cops already issued a ticket for it the other day at a light he noticed it... 65$ no biggie.. and off I went on my merry way....lol...

Its only a treal issue when you renew the license for the vehicle IF they ask for inspection..
wont have to worry about it until 11/8 when my license is renewed. lol

[otisxmike]

wow... lots of replys!!  Thanks guys.  I've had a few  , so I'll read more in depth later... price point... @ $2500.

Thanks again!  This forum seems awesome!

I'm in south florida if there are any of you around

[frankieG]

this forum is my life blood...not just bikes but personally too.  i think you will find the people here great...except terry 

[GeeP]

Welcome!

Everyone else has pretty well covered it.  Ohgood is down in Florida, you might PM him and see if you're nearby.  Any member from 'twins would be more than happy to help you check out your first bike.  All it takes is an excuse to go for a ride and maybe lunch.   

Beyond that, check the general condition.  The chain can be a good indication of the maintenance practices of the owner.  If it is well lubricated and rust-free, it tends to indicate that the owner is serious about maintaining their ride.  If it's dry and covered in rust, check things out more thoroughly.

[otisxmike]

good info and advice... Thanks!  Gotta do the MSF and then I'll get serious about looking for a ride.  Thanks again.

[dgyver]

I have always let a buyer test ride the bike... but only when I have the cash in hand. If they do not want it then I will give the money back. If they crash it, they just bought a wrecked bike. I do the same for the seller when I am buying a bike.