Find The bike

 

• Kijiji, Craigslist, Classified, Etc.

• Clear pictures: ask is that the bike in the picture? Do you have a picture of the other side?

• Good description

• Ad language: be wary about language like Phat tires, wife made me sell, clearing out, youre bike, sikkest bike, mintest bike in town 

• Decent price point

• Shop around

• Research specific issues to that model and year

• Time: Wait, Look around, perfect jewel for cheap

• Effort: TLC, Upgrades, DIY

• Money: How much are you willing to pay for it and to put on it

 

The inspector Kit (what to bring)

 

• Multimeter

• Sunglasses

• Flashlight

• Pressure gauge

• Test Strips

• Helmet & riding gear

 

Connect and check

•  Contact Seller

• Mechanical Inspection

• Owners and registration (comparison)

• Set up meeting

• Leave bike cold: watch warning lights, ensure it starts easy, listen for noises as it warms up, warm up all the way

• Verify Title

• Check that Vin # matches

• Check license name against title name

• No title, mismatched documents = take no excuses

 

Asses Bike

• Fluid leaks/seeps (drips/pooling)

• Fluid quality (oil, coolant, brake)

• Fluid quantity (oil, coolant, brake)

• Bike that is too clean underneath

• Lever ball (crash damage)

• Bar Ends

• Scuffs

• Rashes

• Gas tank condition

• Paint condition (well-waxed shinny is best)

• Seat condition (will tell you if it was protected against the elements)

• Tyres condition (this will tell you the type of rider and how the bike was treated) Burnouts? Track days? Brand new tyres?

• Different colour parts

• Chain condition/ slack  

• Rust for hard to see places

• Check voltage (alternator)

• Battery Wires

• Suspension (leaks, alignment, bents)

• Clutch should be smooth & easy gearing

 

Ask, ask, ask… keep them talking

• When was it last service (service records, receipts, etc.)

• Why are you selling the bike?

• When did you last ride this bike?

• Last Sticker (good indication of when the bike was last on the road)

• Ask for manuals

• Have OEM parts

• Ask about where you rode your bike: trips, etc.

• Do you have any other spare parts?

 

Test Ride - No Ride= No Buy

• Assess your abilities

• Bring a rider friend

• Negotiate price

• Leave damage deposit (if seller prefer/ brake it you buy it)

• Safety check (tyres, controls, lighting, oil and chassis)

• Take ten deep breaths and relax… write on a piece of paper (cellphone) your maximum.

• Do not go over that maximum; plenty of fish in the sea

• Brake check (pulsating, grinding, slippage)

• Smell for burning

• Hear for clicking, weird noises

 

Close the deal

• Title signed (give back the plate portion)

• In Ontario, you require a dated & signed bill of sale (you will pay taxes on the price stated on the bill of sale)

• Transfer it to your name

• Insurance

• Transportation home

• Safety certification (certification)

 

Get her going

• Buy your helmet and gear $$

• Extra parts $$

• Maintenance $

• Storage $

• Unforeseen expenses $

• The bike needs what? $$$$$$$