Problems with buying used bikes?
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From: Memphis, TN, usa
Problems with buying used bikes?
I notice that where I work (in the hood 
) that theres a numerous amounts of bikes for sale, however the ones that I see driving around in this area like to keep it redlined while they cruise, this is a) annoying and b) i would assume bad for the engine. Is there any type of leakdown or similar tests that i can get a mechanic to do to check the inards of the bike? Im kinda at a loss when it comes to motorcycles.
) that theres a numerous amounts of bikes for sale, however the ones that I see driving around in this area like to keep it redlined while they cruise, this is a) annoying and b) i would assume bad for the engine. Is there any type of leakdown or similar tests that i can get a mechanic to do to check the inards of the bike? Im kinda at a loss when it comes to motorcycles.
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From: The Swamp, FL
Re: Problems with buying used bikes? (FritzInTN)
Compression check for one.....are you sure they are redlining them? bikes rev high. 13-14,000 rpm redline for many 600 cc crotch rockets. they have very close gear ratios, so you may just think they are at redline, but only about 7 or 8 k rpms
What is this crap?
Joined: May 2001
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From: Minneapolis, MN
Re: Problems with buying used bikes? (FritzInTN)
i was hesitant to get a used bike as my 1st bike. i am kinda glad i got a new one as a 1st. i knew it didnt have any problems that were hidden by a previous owner. yes a new bike can have probls but they will usually crop up and you can tell somethings not right... a used bike that the owner tried to cover up probs, that can be a headache.
now that i have wrenched on a bike for a while, i dont have any reservations about gettign a used bike as long as i can research it before hand (for common problems) and check it out thoroughly.
now that i have wrenched on a bike for a while, i dont have any reservations about gettign a used bike as long as i can research it before hand (for common problems) and check it out thoroughly.
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Re: Problems with buying used bikes? (falconGSR)
Testing compression is good, and you should have it checked by a mechanic. Type of tire/chain wear will also tell you how the previous owner used the bike.
My first two bikes were used and they were fine overall. The third is new and I had a minor intervention under warranty. BTW all my bikes were hondas for reliability reasons and I have not regretted it so far.
My first two bikes were used and they were fine overall. The third is new and I had a minor intervention under warranty. BTW all my bikes were hondas for reliability reasons and I have not regretted it so far.
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Re: Problems with buying used bikes? (Dropping_By)
Testing compression is good, and you should have it checked by a mechanic. Type of tire/chain wear will also tell you how the previous owner used the bike.
My first two bikes were used and they were fine overall. The third is new and I had a minor intervention under warranty. BTW all my bikes were hondas for reliability reasons and I have not regretted it so far.
Blue smoke on the over-run is a giveaway, alot of bikes burn a bit of oil anyway so dont expect it to be tight. Thrashing the **** of a bike is less of a problem than how it is warmed up.
Check how straight it is, crash damage is not that easy to hide without spending chunks of cash. Finally look for any evidence of racing, lock wires, pitted wheels, worn grips with nice bright bodywork....
My first two bikes were used and they were fine overall. The third is new and I had a minor intervention under warranty. BTW all my bikes were hondas for reliability reasons and I have not regretted it so far.
Blue smoke on the over-run is a giveaway, alot of bikes burn a bit of oil anyway so dont expect it to be tight. Thrashing the **** of a bike is less of a problem than how it is warmed up.
Check how straight it is, crash damage is not that easy to hide without spending chunks of cash. Finally look for any evidence of racing, lock wires, pitted wheels, worn grips with nice bright bodywork....
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: the big brown truck is my daddy
Re: Problems with buying used bikes? (nsxxtreme)
a leakdown is a very effective tool in finding the condition of an engine but other methods can be used to get an idea of an engine's condition. Spark plugs indicate the engine's combustion properties and also give clues on fluid leaks as well as fuel mixture. Compression tests are quick and give a good indication of ring condition. Also various system pressure tests tell you about those specific systems. All these test fall short of a teardown and visual inspection but they all help in their own way. Knowledge of the previous owner and his/her habitsis one of the best tools in diagnosing the condition of a given engine.
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From: San Diego, CA, USA
Re: Problems with buying used bikes? (tonydatyga)
new or used **** happens. i have four biker friends. three of them bought used, one broke down after it got laid. the only one that was brand new (2 miles?) had ignition problems. it would take over 30 seconds to start up every other try. warranty is nice.
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