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What to Look for When Buying a Used Motorcycle

Find The bike
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Kijiji, Craigslist, Classified, Etc.
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Clear pictures: ask is that the bike in the picture? Do you have a picture of the other side?
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Good description
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Ad language: be wary about language like Phat tires, wife made me sell, clearing out, youre bike, sikkest bike, mintest bike in town
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Decent price point
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Shop around
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Research specific issues to that model and year
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Time: Wait, Look around, perfect jewel for cheap
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Effort: TLC, Upgrades, DIY
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Money: How much are you willing to pay for it and to put on it
The inspector Kit (what to bring)
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Multimeter
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Sunglasses
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Flashlight
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Pressure gauge
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Test Strips
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Helmet & riding gear
Connect and check
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Contact Seller
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Mechanical Inspection
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Owners and registration (comparison)
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Set up meeting
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Leave bike cold: watch warning lights, ensure it starts easy, listen for noises as it warms up, warm up all the way
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Verify Title
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Check that Vin # matches
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Check license name against title name
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No title, mismatched documents = take no excuses
Asses Bike
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Fluid leaks/seeps (drips/pooling)
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Fluid quality (oil, coolant, brake)
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Fluid quantity (oil, coolant, brake)
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Bike that is too clean underneath
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Lever ball (crash damage)
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Bar Ends
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Scuffs
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Rashes
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Gas tank condition
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Paint condition (well-waxed shinny is best)
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Seat condition (will tell you if it was protected against the elements)
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Tyres condition (this will tell you the type of rider and how the bike was treated) Burnouts? Track days? Brand new tyres?
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Different colour parts
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Chain condition/ slack
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Rust for hard to see places
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Check voltage (alternator)
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Battery Wires
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Suspension (leaks, alignment, bents)
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Clutch should be smooth & easy gearing
Ask, ask, ask… keep them talking
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When was it last service (service records, receipts, etc.)
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Why are you selling the bike?
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When did you last ride this bike?
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Last Sticker (good indication of when the bike was last on the road)
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Ask for manuals
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Have OEM parts
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Ask about where you rode your bike: trips, etc.
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Do you have any other spare parts?
Test Ride - No Ride= No Buy
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Assess your abilities
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Bring a rider friend
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Negotiate price
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Leave damage deposit (if seller prefer/ brake it you buy it)
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Safety check (tyres, controls, lighting, oil and chassis)
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Take ten deep breaths and relax… write on a piece of paper (cellphone) your maximum.
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Do not go over that maximum; plenty of fish in the sea
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Brake check (pulsating, grinding, slippage)
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Smell for burning
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Hear for clicking, weird noises
Close the deal
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Title signed (give back the plate portion)
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In Ontario, you require a dated & signed bill of sale (you will pay taxes on the price stated on the bill of sale)
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Transfer it to your name
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Insurance
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Transportation home
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Safety certification (certification)
Get her going
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Buy your helmet and gear $$
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Extra parts $$
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Maintenance $
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Storage $
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Unforeseen expenses $
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The bike needs what? $$$$$$$
