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Buying private advice please.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 2011-11-17 13:20:05

Hey guys, I'm viewing a bike tomorrow but have never bought privately, or secondhand. What should I be looking in the guy I'm buying from?. I'm mechanically competent so that won't be an issue, and I've had the bike reg checked - it comes back as not stolen and matches the bike. Any other hints please?.

17-11-2011 1:20pm

#1

arybvtcw0eolkf

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Hey guys,

I'm viewing a bike tomorrow but have never bought privately, or secondhand.

What should I be looking in the guy I'm buying from?.

I'm mechanically competent so that won't be an issue, and I've had the bike reg checked - it comes back as not stolen and matches the bike.

Any other hints please?.

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#2 17-11-2011 1:24pm

KamiKazi

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Check frame & engine numbers match the logbook if they're on it.

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#3 17-11-2011 1:28pm

Paparazzo

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Have you looked at this thread:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056198864

Obviously it's cars, but a lot of the same thing apply to bikes. Or will give you ideas on things to look out for.

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#4 17-11-2011 1:54pm

bladespin

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A few thinks I look at, I always buy private and have been pretty ok so far.

Check the frame around the headstock, look for warping, cracks etc.
Look for scuffing on the crank etc.
Open the filler cap and have a look at the oil, should be a nice caramel colour, run if you see anything floating on/in it.
Take a look at the oil filter, if it looks like it's never been changed I'd be wary.
Stuff like nuts and bolts should all be similar, if they're all different colours, types etc then I'd suspect bodging.
Always make sure you see the bike in clear light, it's amazing how many things you can miss in poor light.
Best of luck.

MasteryDarts Ireland - Master your game!

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#5 17-11-2011 2:33pm

Oryx

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This might help with checking the vin number, it doesnt just have to match the log book, it has to be kosher.
http://www.mcrg.org/dealer.html

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#6 17-11-2011 2:41pm

tiernanobrien

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bladespin wrote: »

A few thinks I look at, I always buy private and have been pretty ok so far.

Check the frame around the headstock, look for warping, cracks etc.
Look for scuffing on the crank etc.
Open the filler cap and have a look at the oil, should be a nice caramel colour, run if you see anything floating on/in it.
Take a look at the oil filter, if it looks like it's never been changed I'd be wary.
Stuff like nuts and bolts should all be similar, if they're all different colours, types etc then I'd suspect bodging.
Always make sure you see the bike in clear light, it's amazing how many things you can miss in poor light.
Best of luck.

This. I've bought a few bikes through the years but the last one I bought turned out to be a bogey. Bike itself was very clean with low mileage but it had been crashed at some stage and the frame restraightened. Its only at speed you notice it though! just be careful!!

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#7 17-11-2011 3:41pm

Please Kill Me

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bladespin wrote: »

A few thinks I look at, I always buy private and have been pretty ok so far.

Check the frame around the headstock, look for warping, cracks etc.
Look for scuffing on the crank etc.
Open the filler cap and have a look at the oil, should be a nice caramel colour, run if you see anything floating on/in it.
Take a look at the oil filter, if it looks like it's never been changed I'd be wary.
Stuff like nuts and bolts should all be similar, if they're all different colours, types etc then I'd suspect bodging.
Always make sure you see the bike in clear light, it's amazing how many things you can miss in poor light.
Best of luck.

Yep, this will pretty much cover it. Especially around the headstock area, as this will show possible signs of hooliganism. If lads are messing on their bikes (wheelies etc.) you'll see signs of it and the headstock will be knackered. Also check the chain & sprockets for wear/damage. See what kind of condition the headers are in. If they're rusted to bits, it could be costly.

Best of luck with it!!

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#8 18-11-2011 11:49am

RosieJoe

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This will keep you busy!

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#9 18-11-2011 6:37pm

arybvtcw0eolkf

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Hey guys,

Thanks for all the help.

Met the lad in Portloaise today, he brought me to his house (which I was happy about) and we closed the deal.

Nice bike, tbh its a minter.

It has a misfire issue to be sorted, can be fiddly to fix, and it needs new front brake pads.

But I got it for a great price and I'm happy enough to look after the misfire myself, and even if it costs me a few bob (fingers crossed it won't) the price I got the bike for more than makes up for any repairs.

Photos in the photos thread tomorrow

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#10 18-11-2011 7:33pm

Please Kill Me

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Juniper Tasty Vase wrote: »

Photos in the photos thread tomorrow

Good stuff, can't wait to see it!!

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#11 18-11-2011 7:39pm

Jonybgud

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What d'u get, what d'u get?

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#12 18-11-2011 7:47pm

P.C.

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Jonybgud wrote: »

What d'u get, what d'u get?

Ah, sure - we are going to be kept waiting till tomorrow.

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#13 18-11-2011 8:08pm

arybvtcw0eolkf

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Oh sorry.

A Kawasaki Zephyr 750.

I was originally tempted to go for an old Z1, then came across this and took it.

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#14 18-11-2011 8:14pm

Please Kill Me

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Juniper Tasty Vase wrote: »

Oh sorry.

A Kawasaki Zephyr 750.

I was originally tempted to go for an old Z1, then came across this and took it.

Savage, good on ya. I have a soft spot for the older Kwackers!!

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#15 18-11-2011 8:54pm

arybvtcw0eolkf

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Posts: 23837

Please Kill Me wrote: »

Savage, good on ya. I have a soft spot for the older Kwackers!!

Yup, I fell in love with the Z1's after seeing Mad Max

Now to find a decent site for custom parts and do something with this.

I'd be tempted to go Cafe Racer, but I love the tail on the Z's - so I'm thinking more aggessive street fighter (maybe).

Anyway, just to sort the misfire out first.

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