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monster2223 · 10-05-2009, 04:17 PM

Hello everyone, new rider, first post. I already have my license and am now looking for a used bike. I found a great kawasaki 250 and am wondering, what are you supposed to inspect for when buying a used bike? Is a rusty chain of any concern?

acecycleins · 10-06-2009, 04:39 AM

Yes, it's a bad sign Mr Monster. If the chain is crap then how would you imagine the motor is?
Find a price you're happy with and search based on that. since you have little experience get the seller to take the bike to a shop of your choice and pay the hour labor charge for a qualified mechanic to look at it.

pushrod · 10-06-2009, 07:19 AM

Details like a rusty chain and tires worn or cracked from being run underinflated indicate a lack of care and/or maintenance.

+1 on Ace's recommendation. Have a qualified wrench (not a squid buddy) have a look at it.

The_AirHawk · 10-06-2009, 12:04 PM

You should just take the Word of the Seller - he looks like a Stand Up Guy(tm).

Princess_9 · 10-17-2009, 01:19 AM

Rust, dings & dents, Rips & tears, Weather worn parts, anything broken, Burnt or emulsified oil, if liquid cooled oil in the water, see if the final drive looks neglected. Just use common sense, if it looks like it was abused, it probably was.

10-05-2009, 04:17 PM	#1
monster2223 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2	What to inspect for when buying a used bike? Hello everyone, new rider, first post. I already have my license and am now looking for a used bike. I found a great kawasaki 250 and am wondering, what are you supposed to inspect for when buying a used bike? Is a rusty chain of any concern?

10-06-2009, 04:39 AM	#2
acecycleins Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: North Georgia Posts: 4,125	Yes, it's a bad sign Mr Monster. If the chain is crap then how would you imagine the motor is? Find a price you're happy with and search based on that. since you have little experience get the seller to take the bike to a shop of your choice and pay the hour labor charge for a qualified mechanic to look at it. __________________ "Slack" - a state of being in which everything flows smoothly.....a frame of mind so at ease that the universe naturally cooperates. Last edited by acecycleins : 10-06-2009 at 09:01 AM.

10-06-2009, 07:19 AM	#3
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,478	Details like a rusty chain and tires worn or cracked from being run underinflated indicate a lack of care and/or maintenance. +1 on Ace's recommendation. Have a qualified wrench (not a squid buddy) have a look at it. __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.

10-06-2009, 12:04 PM	#4
The_AirHawk Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Livin' in a Van: down by the Mariana Trench Posts: 10,891	You should just take the Word of the Seller - he looks like a Stand Up Guy(tm). __________________ *Parfois, on fait pas semblant* Sometimes, it's not pretend Oderint Dum Metuant Let them hate so long as they fear политики предпочитают безоружных крестьян Politicians Prefer Unarmed Peasants Nothing to see here, Citizen. Move along now...

10-17-2009, 01:19 AM	#5
Princess_9 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2	Rust, dings & dents, Rips & tears, Weather worn parts, anything broken, Burnt or emulsified oil, if liquid cooled oil in the water, see if the final drive looks neglected. Just use common sense, if it looks like it was abused, it probably was. __________________ Portland Used Cars Used Car

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