Buying a bike

[Ruairi]

Hey Guys,

Ive been looking in the autotrader for a bike, my first bike, and I ve some across a few in my price range, Problem is I dont really have enough knowledge to make sure im getting a good deal...or whether the bike is in good nick when buying private.

So the real question is...what kind of questions should I be asking when buying a bike? What should I be looking for..in terms of documentation and condition?

I suppose the best idea would be to bring along an experienced rider already but I dont acutally know any other bikers.


heres a link to the bike in question...thought i'd ask before phoning and making a pratt of myself

Enlarged Image

[Shamblatron]

Hi Ruairi

Nice looking bike, I recently brought a 1991 ZZR 600 and so far it has been a great bike, the one your looking at looks newer tho

Check the following thread as I have asked the same question before

First bike on a budget - ZZR 600 V ???

As for specifics, Check the downpipes as they are prone to corrosion if used in the winter, ask about any problems with 2nd gear (Info on thread above) but the best advice is does it look right for the info available, mileage, service history etc

Hope this helps

PS, It goes like the clappers @8000 revs!

[druidsam]

dont forget to ask about service history, and any recently replaced parts and old mot certificates.



.......................Sam

[Phaelok]

Also check the bike over on a general basis.

Brake pads, tyres etc etc. Basically any of the consumables.

Check for any marks and generally try to haggle the price a little bit. Works a treat and saves you a bit of those shiny pennies.

[Spree]

If it looks right (i.e. all the parts of the bike look as though they match and are of similar age) then check out its history. Does the oil look clean on the dipstick or viewing window. Does it look abused? How many owners? How long has the present owner had it for and why is he selling? That sort of thing.

Also a good tip - when ringing up for the first time always ask about 'the bike you have for sale in xxxx' that way if they respond with "which bike" then they could be a back street dealer. Not always a bad thing but something to be wary of

[Ruairi]

Cheers Sham....that practically covers alot of what I was going to ask. Though this 2nd gear problem sounds a bit dodgy, is it a common problem with the zzr 600's?

That bike i posted is a 1999 model with 8,850 miles on the clock.

Cool guys, keep the questions coming. I ll write all this stuff down n memorise it. Hopefull if I ever get a day off soon and my helmet I ll be able to organise a viewing and insurance for a test drive.

[DaveM]

Lots of good avice so far. Check all the electrics work too, and have a look at the fork seals, just make sure they're not leaking. If it has any service history and/or old MOT advisory notices ask to have a look.

If you haven't already got insurance you may find it difficult to get some just for a test run. I couldn't get that sorted when i tried recently. The seller may have a policy that allows anyone to ride with their permission, but only likely to be on a third party basis. S/he may let you test ride it on that basis, but they may not. Best to ask.

Looks a nice bike anyway. I was looking for one before I got my CBR. ZZRs tend to have a good reputation engine wise.

Hope you get sorted soon.

[jonnywombat]

Get a hpi check, You can get them done on your mobile now!!

Don't rush into things, there are loads of bikes out there, you don't have to buy the first one you see

Be prepared to walk away... any little thing that don't seem quite right then walk.


Of course there have been times when I have not followed this advise myself, and on each occasion I got stung, and should of known better!!

[skodaphil]

Originally Posted by jonnywombat

Be prepared to walk away...

Of course there have been times when I have not followed this advise myself, and on each occasion I got stung, and should of known better!!

kh250!!!! haha never did run right

[skodaphil]

seriously,,
take a look at the bike, asses it yourself ,if unsure take someone along who knows a bit. hpi check a must these days even on a newish bike.test ride , if the seller wont let you ride it ask for a pillion you can get a feel for the bike and listen for any untoward noises. check all docs, you cannot do anything with a machine that you haven't got the v5 for (you cant just pop to the post office and apply for a v5 at the same time as tax these days), above all else remember don't be hasty, if any thing there's too much choice at the moment in the 2nd hand market.