Total Motorcycle Community Forums

So I found a really good deal for a EX500, which is what I've been considering for my first bike. It's almost too good that I'm worried that there's something wrong with the bike. The guy said it went down at 20 mph but everything was fixed, aside from some missing plastic. I don't really care about cosmetics as it's my first bike. But I want to make sure it's safe to ride. Aside from kicking the tires is there anything else i should check? Or if there are any good guides out there on what to look for post the link. Thanks !


Eric

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike-content.html

Google is worth it's weight in digital currency.

i've only bought one bike in my life, but ive bot way way way too many cars, so heres what ive learned.

get a look at the oil. i assume that is a water cooled motor? check for milkiness (coolant) in the oil. also a gasoline smell in oil is a bad sign.

look in the radiator while engine runs (ONLY do this when its cold;just started) if there is a head gasket issue there will be bubbles in the radiator.

naturally things like tread depth on tires and brake pad wear youd want to check. If it has a rear drum there is usually an arrow and mark which show the dead point.

you gotta ride it. hope you know how.... pay attention to brake and shifter feel. and also how it tracks.(wants to pull to either side, or goes straight.)
if i knew you were an experienced rider i would recommend you flog the poop out of it. this will give you an idea of the condition of clutch and shiftgear.
riding it is your best line into how good the bike is. look for clean and brisk engine responce all thru the rpm range, free of ticking or rattling sounds from the mill.
and if anything seems a bit off, use it as leverage to haggle if you still want it or be prepared to bail and look elsewhere.

good luck!

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

found that here before the hack.. a pretty good list

aireq wrote:So I found a really good deal for a EX500, which is what I've been considering for my first bike. It's almost too good that I'm worried that there's something wrong with the bike. The guy said it went down at 20 mph but everything was fixed, aside from some missing plastic. I don't really care about cosmetics as it's my first bike. But I want to make sure it's safe to ride. Aside from kicking the tires is there anything else i should check? Or if there are any good guides out there on what to look for post the link. Thanks !


Eric

yeah that clarity used motorcycle eval guide is pretty detailed...goes down to the specifics in what to look for, even has pics. a good eval to go by. great advice within as well for the most part

Try and talk to others that own the same model, ask them what two things they don't like about their bike and how reliable it's been. Owners always have nice things to say about their own bike, but often find little things that could be better designed, or items that require constant repairs.

Take it the a dealer and have them check it over before buying, unless you know yourself what to look for.

Take my bike for instance, I love everything except the design of the mirrors-can't see directly behind me without struggling-no matter how I adjust and my seat can be a little uncomfortable over very long rides. Still I would highly recommend.