does anybody have any tips on inspecting a used bike? particularly a '90 kawasaki ninja 500? how do i check for frame damage? i was sent some pretty detailed pics, what should i look for visually? im thinking of picking up this bike maybe tomorrow, since its only costing me a few hundred dollars, but i want to make sure i wont be dumping thousands into it to make it run. TIA

 

If the frame is straight and the engine is running then you can pretty much build the rest of the bike for under 1k. There is a good used bike buying guide. It was linked in here a long time ago but if you search the web you'll find it.

 

check the frame and swingarm for deep scratches, also run a VIN check...

 

If you know how to check a car, do the same... also check the frame and swingarm, and drive it. Even if someone tells you their bike is perfect, you will notice probs driving it that you can't find from just looking... for me its no drive, no buy