Find The bike
Kijiji, Craigslist, Classified,Facebook 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, the wife made me sell, clearing out, youre bike, sikkest bike, mintest bike in town
Decent price point
Shop around
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 meetingLeave 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)
A 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
The suspension (leaks, alignment, bents)
The clutch should be smooth & easy gearing
Ask, ask, ask… keep them talking
When was its last service (service records, receipts, etc.)
Why are you selling the bike?
When did you last ride this bike?
Last Sticker (a 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? $$$$$$$
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