Buying a used dirt bike

JThompson · 08-24-2006, 02:23 AM

From The American Motorcyclist Guide to Buying a Used Bike.

1. Before you head out with cash in hand, know what you want.
2. Do research like asking friends, an Internet search, magazine and Web site reviews.
3. Get an idea of what you should pay from classifieds
4. Remain emotionally unattached. Bike lust can make you do some pretty crazy things, like buy the wrong machine. Never be afraid to pass on a particular bike.

A methodical, hands-on check of your next potential OHV is essential. Depending on your time and mechanical skills, these can be negotiating points or reasons to pass.

1. Check you model’s weak points. Research will usually turn up common problems other riders had with the model you’re considering.

2. Maintenance records. (Usually non-existent in OHVs, you can still ask for a verbal accounting of maintenance history. Hard to confirm.)
3. Examine tire wear. (You may be buying tires right away).
4. Test for excessive bearing play in the triple clamp and front and rear wheels.
5. Check the steering head.
6. Examine the intake tract. Is the air filter clean and properly installed?
7. Check all fluids. Discolored brake fluid, low coolant, and dirty oil are all bad signs that could hint at lazy maintenance or potential damage.
8. Perform a visual once-over. Look for mechanical issues. (Any signs of frame repairs or welds?) Look for loose or missing fasteners, fluid leaks, pitting in fork tubes, properly routed cables, chain play, sprocket condition, cracked wiring, etc.
9. Perform another visual once-over. This time focus on cosmetics. (While crashing on OHVs is almost inevitable, check for major damage. A crash can sometimes be the reason someone is selling anyway. )
10. Operate all controls.
11. Take it for a test ride. (Good luck on this one, most sellers are gun shy of letting anyone test ride their bike, only to watch them crash in the driveway right before their eyes. You may have to be satisfied with starting it and listening for any weird noises.)
12. If you’re not sure of your own diagnostic skills, consider paying a local mechanic to give the bike a once-over.
When buying a used dirt bike (or ATV), there are two areas of special concern. One is obvious: the harsher environment in which dirt bikes operate. The other might not be so obvious: title and registration. (If the bike is stolen or can’t be registered, not only can it be expensive to alleviate, but you may not be able to gain entry to state or federal riding areas.)

Have fun!

08-24-2006, 02:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
JThompson Administrator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bellingham WA Posts: 4,917 iTrader: (6)	Buying a used dirt bike From The American Motorcyclist Guide to Buying a Used Bike. 1. Before you head out with cash in hand, know what you want. 2. Do research like asking friends, an Internet search, magazine and Web site reviews. 3. Get an idea of what you should pay from classifieds 4. Remain emotionally unattached. Bike lust can make you do some pretty crazy things, like buy the wrong machine. Never be afraid to pass on a particular bike. A methodical, hands-on check of your next potential OHV is essential. Depending on your time and mechanical skills, these can be negotiating points or reasons to pass. 1. Check you model’s weak points. Research will usually turn up common problems other riders had with the model you’re considering. 2. Maintenance records. (Usually non-existent in OHVs, you can still ask for a verbal accounting of maintenance history. Hard to confirm.) 3. Examine tire wear. (You may be buying tires right away). 4. Test for excessive bearing play in the triple clamp and front and rear wheels. 5. Check the steering head. 6. Examine the intake tract. Is the air filter clean and properly installed? 7. Check all fluids. Discolored brake fluid, low coolant, and dirty oil are all bad signs that could hint at lazy maintenance or potential damage. 8. Perform a visual once-over. Look for mechanical issues. (Any signs of frame repairs or welds?) Look for loose or missing fasteners, fluid leaks, pitting in fork tubes, properly routed cables, chain play, sprocket condition, cracked wiring, etc. 9. Perform another visual once-over. This time focus on cosmetics. (While crashing on OHVs is almost inevitable, check for major damage. A crash can sometimes be the reason someone is selling anyway. ) 10. Operate all controls. 11. Take it for a test ride. (Good luck on this one, most sellers are gun shy of letting anyone test ride their bike, only to watch them crash in the driveway right before their eyes. You may have to be satisfied with starting it and listening for any weird noises.) 12. If you’re not sure of your own diagnostic skills, consider paying a local mechanic to give the bike a once-over. When buying a used dirt bike (or ATV), there are two areas of special concern. One is obvious: the harsher environment in which dirt bikes operate. The other might not be so obvious: title and registration. (If the bike is stolen or can’t be registered, not only can it be expensive to alleviate, but you may not be able to gain entry to state or federal riding areas.) Have fun! __________________ Tired of ads? Become a member for an almost ad free site! Also we give away monthly prizes just for posting! Register today! Looking for places to ride! Want to review a riding area? Check them out! PRE-ORDER MOTOTIPS Stickers now. Help keep mototips running! Get your order in today! Buy NOW! Special Discounts for members only! Check out our new discount forum for retailers offering to help you save money! Mototips Discounts

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