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MOTORCYCLE CHECKLIST LISTED BELOW:
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Don't buy the first bike you see. Bring a friend & a flashlight.
Do a couple of practice inspections on friends' bikes, discuss the results.
OVERALL APPEARANCE
Is the bike clean and straight? Sight down centerline, and down forks.
HAS IT BEEN CRASHED?
Check for bends or scrapes on bars, exhaust, plastic, and levers.
Short/shallow/non-parallel scratches/chips ~= tip-over.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE IS DOES NOT INVLUANCE THE QUALITY OF THE FRAME
Long/deep/parallel scratches and cracks ~= crash.
HAS IT BEEN RACED/ABUSED?
Check for small (1/16") safety-wire holes in bolts. (Particularly caliper mounting bolts, exhaust bolts, etc.)
BIKE-SPECIFIC
Know the characteristic flaws of the models you're going to see.
BRAKES
Check for smooth operation, no pulsing, pad material remaining, etc.
CLUTCH
Check lever effort, and whether the clutch releases when squeezed.
GAS TANK
Look for rust or a milky paint-like coating on the inside.
Dark gas (tea colored) is an indication of old gas that needs changing.
SEAT
Look for cracks/tears/etc.
TIRES
Check: remaining tread depth, dry rot, profile (round? squared-off?), date code.
ELECTRICAL & BATTERY
Test all lights and switches to make sure they work.
The sound of the starter cranking is a decent meter of the battery's condition.
SUSPENSION
Check forks for seal leaks, scratches/nicks/bends/twists in legs.
WHEELS
Check both sides of both wheels for dents/cracks.
CHAIN/SPROCKETS
Check for chain/sprocket wear (hooked teeth, stretched chain).
EXHAUST
Scratches/rust/damage. Exhaust pressure equal on both sides?
ENGINE/FLUIDS/CARBURATORS
Check starting and operation of engine and carbs. Check for leaks.
CENTERSTAND CHECKS
Get wheels in air and check wheel bearings, brake operation, etc.
DIRT BIKES
Special concerns when inspecting dirt bikes.
QUIZZING THE SELLER
Questions to ask the seller to determine the condition of the bike.
ACCESSORIES, PRICE, and DEALING
Are you willing to pay more for add-ons?
HELMETS
Used helmets are worthless. Don't use 'em, don't pay more for 'em.
TITLES & PAPERWORK
Make sure it's clean & that the VIN numbers match up.
TEST RIDE
Go on one if you can -- you can learn a lot about a bike this way!
Make sure you give it a pre-ride check to make sure it's safe to ride!