My Car 4 Sale | Used Cars For Sale Bloemfontein South Africa | Private Cars For Sale | Used Cars South Africa | Sell Your Car

Appearance

• View the bike at all angles and examine it with a sharp eye.
• Take note of the paint job. Is it cracked and dull?
• If there are scuffed marks on the body and paint, probably it has been dropped or has figured in an accident.
• Look for rusty parts and corroded alloy.
• Ask the dealer if any modifications have been made and that you have to know about.

Engine

• The condition of the engine is a vital aspect of the machine. Try to start it cold. Minus points if the machine does not start.
• Give it a few revs, making sure it responds to the throttle easily and listen for any peculiar sounds in the engine.
• See if it settles down to its idle speed (usually 1,000-1,2000 rpm).
• Keep it running for around five minutes and shut down the engine. After a few seconds, start it again.
• The bike should be able to start on the first try.
• Check the odometer for the mileage. Look under the machine. If there is oil leaking, that's normally considered a danger sign.
• Some oil spilling from the top of the engine should be safe.
• Water and coolant leaks indicate a probable problem with the cooling system.
• Don't be afraid to ask the dealer or the owner the bike's service history.

Fit

• Mount the bike and check if you can reach the ground with your feet flat or semi-flat on the ground.
• Check also if you can handle the weight of the bike.
• Make sure you are comfortable with your riding position.

Tires

• The tire is probably the most important part of the bike since this is what makes contact with the road.
• Deep groves on the tire are a good sign. Well-worn and cracked tires are dangerous and may cause spills.
• Take a look at the whole circumference of the wheel. Check the rims for any gashes.

Chain & Sprockets

• Look at the condition of the rear sprocket. Nice, fat and rounded teeth are good.
• Sharp, shark-like teeth are bad. Put your finger on the chain and check the slack.
• The slack should be around one inch.

Handlebars

• Try to swing the handlebars from side to side. The transition should be smooth.
• Try the clutch and brake levers. They should depress in a smooth manner.

Brake Pads

• For disc brakes, look along the disc and see if there is at least 2 mm of brake material left. Deep grooves are bad.

Electrical

• Check all the lights like headlights, turning signals and brake lights and the horn while the engine is running.
• To check if the electrical's are charging nicely, keep the engine running and turn on the headlight.
• Give the engine a few revs. You should see the light brighten as you rev the bike.

• Mount the bike and try to bounce yourself on the machine.
• Squeaks from the rear may indicate age in the bushings. Oil on the forks indicates worn-out fork seals.

Test Ride

• If you will be allowed, take a test ride. A warning though: some owners and dealers adopt a "you drop it, you pay for it" policy.
• Drop the bike into first gear. Did the bike drop into gear without any problems? Are the brakes jerky?
• Check again on the response of the throttle and try to listen in on the gears.
• They should be running and shifting smoothly. Take note also of how well or how bad the bike accelerates.
• Make sure it drops easily into idle speed. Look at the gauges to make sure the speedometer and tachometer are working.

The Papers

• Ask the dealer or owner to produce the bike's documents and examine them carefully.
• These papers should include custom papers, original certificates of registration with original receipts.
• Xerox copies should send alarm bells ringing in your head.
• Check the engine and chassis number on the documents if they match with those on the bike.